Tonbridge Bean

• Facebook
• X
• Mail

Higham Lane, Tonbridge – Local residents concerned about the major proposed housing development in the Higham Wood Green Belt area are strongly encouraged to attend a crucial public meeting on Sunday, November 16th, at 7:00 pm at the Methodist Church Hall on Higham Lane.

The meeting is being arranged by the “Save Higham Wood” group as part of their campaign to oppose the proposed development of the valuable Green Belt and agricultural land.

The plans involve the allocation of land for a significant number of new dwellings—estimated at up to 1671 homes on two plots of agricultural land and 3214 new dwellings in and around Tonbridge, accounting for 52% of the borough’s housing allocation in just two fields. The development would see the designation of Green Belt land changed to Grey Belt to allow for a large housing project.

Key Concerns to be Addressed:

The Save Higham Wood group highlights several reasons why the proposed development is considered unacceptable, which will form the basis of the constructive objections discussed at the meeting:

• Loss of Green Belt and Agricultural Land: The development would destroy valuable Grade 1 and 2 agricultural land, which is important for food independence.
• Infrastructure Stress: The addition of thousands of new homes would place extra demands on already overstretched local services, including existing GP practices, and put pressure on an ageing drainage system.
• Traffic and Road Safety: The influx of new residents is expected to cause more delays on already busy local roads like Higham Lane, Cuckoo Lane, Hadlow Road, and Shipbourne Road, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
• Affordable Housing and Overcrowding: The requirement for 50% affordable housing will mean purpose-built blocks of flats, which the group argues will amplify overcrowding issues.
• Flooding Risk: Properties are at greater risk of flooding due to surface run-off water being absorbed by the land at Greentrees, which will be concreted over.
• Loss of Biodiversity: The development is expected to lead to a significant loss of local biodiversity.

How You Can Help:

The Save Higham Wood group is urging the local community to act together to submit well-reasoned objections to the Council. Attendees will be advised on how to register their objections effectively and will have the opportunity to sign a petition.

The group stresses the importance of following the advice given at the meeting rather than submitting ‘knee-jerk’ comments, to ensure the strongest possible case is presented.

Call to Action:

• Attend the Meeting: All local residents are urged to attend the public meeting on Sunday, November 16th, at 7:00 pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Higham Lane.
• Sign Up for Updates: Email savegreentrees@hotmail.com to receive further news and updates on the campaign. When signing up, include your address and the names of all adult occupants of your dwelling.
• Volunteer or Donate: The campaign is also looking for people to distribute leaflets, those with experience in local planning applications, or anyone who can offer help in other ways. Donations are vital to the campaign’s success.

This meeting represents a critical opportunity for the community to come together and protect the Green Belt land from this proposed development.

---

Have you subscribed?

Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.