Local MP Tom Tugendhat has issued a forceful response regarding the area’s new housing targets and the Government’s controversial “grey belt” planning changes, warning that they pose an existential threat to the green spaces surrounding Tonbridge and its neighbouring villages.
The MP for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and North Downs has highlighted the challenging position faced by local authorities, as both Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Sevenoaks District Council begin consultations on their Local Plans.
Housing Targets and Council’s ‘Impossible Position’
According to Mr. Tugendhat, the councils are being forced to deliver over 2,000 new homes each year collectively due to housing targets imposed by the Government.
“Our Councils, against their will, have been put in an impossible position by the Government,” Mr. Tugendhat stated. “Our Councils have been placed in a near impossible position by Government changes to planning policies.”
The Controversial ‘Grey Belt’ Redefinition
Central to the MP’s criticism is the introduction and definition of “grey belt” land. While this term was originally touted during the 2024 General Election as referring to disused sites like old petrol stations, the MP claims the reality is far broader.
“I am afraid, it doesn’t,” the MP said regarding the limited definition. “They have effectively made all land immediately adjacent to towns and villages grey belt. Essentially this gives the green light for developers to put forward proposals to expand all our towns and villages, without communities being able to rely on any previous protection the greenbelt provided.”
He stressed the critical nature of the greenbelt: “Our green spaces are an invaluable part of the national inheritance for our children, and our children’s children – when it’s gone, it’s gone.“
Parliamentary Defeat on Merger Protection
Mr. Tugendhat pointed to a key vote in Parliament on Thursday, June 9, 2025, during the passing of the latest Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which he says cemented these changes.
He and fellow Conservatives put forward a specific amendment intended to protect the existing shape of towns and villages by preventing them from merging into one another, which would have rendered the new ‘grey belt’ definition redundant.
“Sadly, we were defeated with our amendment. Not just by the Labour Party, but also by the Green Party too,” the MP revealed.
He concluded that the vote demonstrated a clear intention from both the Labour and Green parties to convert as much Greenbelt land as possible into the development-friendly ‘grey belt’.
Call to Action for Tonbridge Residents
With the Local Plan consultations underway, the MP is urging local residents to actively support his campaign to protect local green spaces.
“Put simply, sign my petition found below to show your support for my campaign!” he said, encouraging constituents to make their voices heard.
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