Agenda and minutes

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the ordinary and extraordinary meetings of Area 2 Planning Committee held on 18 February 2026 and 9 March 2026 respectively.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the Area 2 Planning Committee held on 18 February 2026 and 9 March 2026 respectively be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Glossary of abbreviations used in reports to the Area Planning Committee (attached for information)

Any supplementary matters will be circulated via report in advance of the meeting and published to the website.

Decisions were taken on the following applications subject to the pre-requisites, informatives, conditions or reasons for refusal set out in the report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services or in the variations indicated below.  Any supplementary reports were tabled at the meeting.

Members of the public addressed the meeting where the required notice had been given and their comments were taken into account by the Committee when determining the application.  Speakers are listed under the relevant planning application shown below. 

Redevelopment of student accommodation to provide 17 new homes.

The application was to be determined by officers under delegated authority and was therefore withdrawn from the agenda. 

Section 73 application to vary condition 22 (approved plans) of planning permission TM/18/02268/FL (as amended by ref. TM/23/00661/NMA, TM/23/00915/NMA and TM/25/01464/NMA) for alterations to the approved scheme to comprise of the removal of one home, layout and elevation changes, internal layout changes and confirmation of the final affordable housing mix.

Section 73 application to vary condition 22 (approved plans) of planning permission TM/18/02268/FUL (as amended by ref. TM/23/00661/NMA, TM23/00915/NMA and TM/25/01464/NMA) for alterations to the approved scheme to comprise of the removal of one home, layout and elevation changes, internal layout changes and confirmation of the final affordable housing mix.

Due regard was given to the determining issues, conditions, reasons and informatives detailed in the report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services.  The comments received from Wrotham Parish Council, as summarised in the supplementary report, and the views of public speakers were also taken into account.

Members raised a number of concerns, including previous concern about over-capacity on the site, noting that the application reduced the number of units by one, significant changes to the proposed scheme, especially regarding the retention of properties for the over 55s and loss of shared ownership.  There was discussion about strengthening informatives to encourage representation for the over 55s.

Furthermore, concern was expressed regarding anti-social behaviour, the tenure mix and the percentage of affordable housing in Wrotham Village compared to other areas of the borough, which failed to support balanced, well-designed communities.

Following debate, it was proposed by Councillor R Betts, seconded by Cllr M Taylor, and the Committee

RESOLVED: That the application be REFUSED for the following reason:

1.               The proposed development by reason of the mix of affordable housing tenure would not result in a mixed and balanced community and would be contrary to paragraphs 8(b), 66 and 135(f) of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024.

[Speakers: Councillor P Gillin (on behalf of Wrotham Parish Council), County Councillor H Rayner, Kent County Council Member for Malling West (member of the public) and Mr S Walker (applicant) addressed the Committee in person.]

To receive and note any update in respect of planning appeals, public inquiries and hearings held since the last meeting of the Planning Committee.

It was noted that there had been no planning appeals, public inquiries or hearings since the last meeting of the Planning Committee.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.