Tonbridge's New Local Plan: Shaping Future Development 2042

Tonbridge is set to become a focal point in the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s (TMBC) new Local Plan, the crucial document that will shape development across the area until 2042. The latest draft of the plan, released today, outlines how the borough will accommodate a government-mandated target of 19,746 new homes over the next 18 years.

The plan is designed to guide where new homes, jobs, and services will be provided, ensuring that growth is balanced while protecting cherished green spaces and historic areas.

Tonbridge at the Heart of Development

The draft Local Plan identifies several major sites across the borough, with the Tonbridge area, including Hilden Park, highlighted as the largest proposed allocation, expected to accommodate 3,214 units.

This significant number puts the town centre and its immediate surroundings at the very core of the borough’s future growth strategy. The council has stressed that the plan prioritises development on previously used ‘brownfield’ sites and within existing urban areas to help protect the borough’s distinct character and valued green spaces.

The proposed site allocations are informed by a wide range of evidence, including land availability, infrastructure capacity, Green Belt considerations, and sustainability studies.

The numbers for the whole of Tonbridge and Malling & Major Proposed Sites in the Local Plan

Tonbridge, including Hilden Park – 3,214
Borough Green – 2,050
Medway Gap – 1,961
Snodland and Ham Hill – 1,300
Kings Hill – 1,220
Hildenborough – 706
Aylesford Village – 683

Why the Local Plan Matters

Without a robust Local Plan, TMBC risks losing vital control over the location and nature of development. This could open the door to unplanned applications that may not align with community priorities, potentially leading to uncontrolled growth and putting severe pressure on local infrastructure like schools, transport, and healthcare. The plan aims to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with any housing growth.

While the council is gearing up for a major housing push, local readers will note that one of Tonbridge’s most anticipated, and controversial, brownfield redevelopments remains stalled. Despite the massive allocation of new homes, the former Gasworks site off the High Street, which was granted permission for hundreds of flats, still has no construction work underway. As we noted in our previous article, “Does Tonbridge benefit from the explosion of flats being built?”.

Councillors to Review, Public Consultation to Follow

The early draft of the plan will first be reviewed by councillors on the Housing Planning Scrutiny Select Committee on October 21.

This meeting marks a key step toward the launch of a public consultation expected next month. Residents, businesses, community groups, and the public will all be invited to give their views and help shape the borough’s future.

Councillor Mike Taylor, Cabinet Member for Planning, stressed the importance of public involvement. “Scrutiny of the plan by elected councillors is an important first step in delivering a robust roadmap for future development in Tonbridge and Malling,” he said.

“This is the start of a conversation, not a foregone conclusion, with scope to amend the plan before we move to the next stage. So, when the consultation opens, I encourage **everyone o get involved and share their views.**”

Mike Taylor TMBC — *Councillor Mike Taylor, Cabinet Member for Planning*

If new evidence comes forward during the consultation, the council can make adjustments, although any removed sites would need to be replaced elsewhere to meet the government’s mandatory housing numbers.

Further details will be published on the council’s website following the committee meeting. Make sure to keep an eye on the TMBC website for the consultation launch so you can have your say on how Tonbridge will grow.