Tonbridge Bean

The Judd Ward Green Party has disclosed that Fernham Homes has submitted a request for an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council regarding their proposal to build between 300 and 350 homes on 15 hectares of agricultural land known as Manor Farm (close to the Nexus School). This land, which has previously been part of the controversial, withdrawn Local Plan, is located within the Green Belt—a designation that affords it strong protection from development.

You can find more info on Fernham Homes here on their website. Ferham Homes claim that their “vision is to be the housebuilder of choice in Kent.”

A Sensitive Location with Multiple Constraints

The land in question is not only Green Belt but also lies within the setting of the High Weald National Landscape area, which has its own set of environmental protections.

There are concerns surrounding this proposed development. Aside from its Green Belt status, the land is subject to other significant constraints that make it unsuitable for large-scale housing development, say local residents.

Local Residents Voice Concerns

One of the most pressing concerns voiced by locals is the issue of flooding. As one local resident put it, “This area floods every winter”.

Residents have also raised worries about the increased traffic and pressure on local infrastructure (traffic) as well as the impact on migratory birds.

Environmental Impact and Planning Challenges

The proposed development site has significant environmental value, and many argue that building such a large number of homes in this location would result in lasting harm to the area’s natural heritage. Locals have expressed concern about the potential loss of the land and the adverse effects the development could have on wildlife habitats.

Given the site’s sensitive nature, Fernham Homes has formally requested that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report be carried out by the council. This report is a crucial first step in determining whether the development will have a significant impact on the environment and whether further assessments are required.

Implications for Local Councillors

Tonbridge Green Party, which had previously opposed the Local Plan that included this site, announced information on their Facebook account about this new proposal on 22nd April. As the planning application progresses, the involvement of local councillors, especially Cllrs Mark Hood and Stacey Pilgrim, is complicated by rules around predetermination which applies to planning cases.

According to a post on the Tonbridge Judd Ward Green Party Facebook account, both councillors are members of the relevant planning committee, and under these rules, they are unable to make any substantial comments on the proposed development at this stage without effectively disqualifying themselves from being able to vote on the matter later on. That said, the Tonbridge Judd Ward Green Party are keen to point out that residents will have a chance to comment:

“It is really important to stress that there will be a full planning application at some point and this will be called in to the planning committee by your councillors. There will be an opportunity for residents to comment and speak at any future planning meeting and your councillors will be working with residents throughout.”

Judd Ward Green Party, Facebook post, 28th April 2025

The Green Belt Debate

The Green Belt designation exists to prevent urban sprawl and to protect the countryside from inappropriate development. However, there are ongoing debates about whether the Green Belt boundaries should be adjusted to accommodate new housing needs, especially in areas where local housing shortages are becoming increasingly apparent. Critics argue that relaxing Green Belt protections undermines the very purpose of this planning tool, leading to the loss of green spaces that are vital for both environmental sustainability and quality of life.

Tonbridge residents, particularly those living in the vicinity of Manor Farm, may be concerned that allowing development on this land could set a dangerous precedent for future encroachments on protected Green Belt areas in the region.

What Happens Next?

At this stage, the proposal is still in its early stages. The council will review Fernham Homes’ request for an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report and make a decision on whether further assessments are necessary. In the meantime, local residents continue to monitor the situation closely, raising awareness about the potential impact of this development on the local environment and community.

If the proposal moves further through the planning process, it will undoubtedly remain a topic of heated debate, with both the need for new housing and the protection of the environment at the forefront of discussions.

For more updates on this development and others in the Tonbridge area, stay tuned to The Tonbridge Bean.

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