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Public Consultation on Draft Local Plan to Open November 2025: Tonbridge and Malling Seeks Public Input on Borough’s Future

Tonbridge and Malling is moving forward with its long-term strategy, announcing the date for an extensive public consultation on its draft Local Plan. Following a vote by the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee, the Council’s cabinet has been recommended to advance the blueprint, paving the way for public engagement starting on November 10, 2025.…

Tonbridge Bean

2025-10-24

1–2 minutes

Housing, Local Plan, Planning, TMBC

Tonbridge and Malling is moving forward with its long-term strategy, announcing the date for an extensive public consultation on its draft Local Plan. Following a vote by the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee, the Council’s cabinet has been recommended to advance the blueprint, paving the way for public engagement starting on November 10, 2025.

The Local Plan is a vital document that will shape how the borough develops up to 2042. It will be the central guide for deciding where new homes, jobs, and services are provided, while also enforcing measures for protecting the natural environment, green spaces, and historic areas. Crucially, it aims to ensure that essential infrastructure, such as schools, transport, and healthcare, keeps pace with planned growth.

Addressing Housing Needs and Protecting Character

A core component of the draft plan is addressing the Government-set target of 19,746 new homes, which equates to 1,097 new dwellings per year. To meet this requirement while preserving the area’s distinctiveness, the plan will prioritise development on existing urban areas, aiming to protect the overall character of the borough.

Cllr Mike Taylor, Cabinet Member for Planning, emphasised the importance of public involvement.

“Now that the committee has voted in favour of consulting, we’ll be asking everyone to get involved and share their views from 10 November. This is a crucial opportunity to help shape the future of Tonbridge and Malling,” he said. “The Local Plan is about meeting the needs of our communities, protecting what makes our borough special, and planning for a sustainable future.”

Cllr Taylor also confirmed that the council retains flexibility, noting that if new evidence comes forward during or after the consultation, adjustments can be made before the next stage of the plan is finalised.

Residents, businesses, community groups, and developers are all encouraged to participate and help shape the future of Tonbridge and Malling. Further details, including a breakdown of how to participate in the consultation, will be published on the council’s website: http://www.tmbc.gov.uk/localplan.