Enforcement Notice Issued Following Structural Concerns
The Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council building control team has issued a strict seven-day deadline to the owners of the Rose and Crown hotel on the High Street. The order requires immediate safety works to the building’s portico to address risks identified in a recent structural report.
The report, which was commissioned by the hotel owners and shared with local authorities, highlighted several areas of the historic building that require urgent attention. Most notably, the portico has been flagged as a potential risk to public safety if the structural issues are not rectified immediately.
Community Concerns Validated
The enforcement action follows recent reporting by the Tonbridge Bean regarding the deteriorating state of the landmark. Local residents had already expressed significant worry over the “fading grandeur” of the 16th-century coaching inn, noting visible signs of decay such as crumbling masonry and areas of the portico being held together with tape. Community members have shared fond memories of the building as a central hub for weddings and local traditions, making its current state of neglect a particular point of distress for the town.
Legal Action Looms Under Building Act
The council is exercising its powers under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, which governs dangerous structures. This legislation allows the council to require owners to take action to reduce risks to the public. If the identified repairs are not completed within the one-week timeframe, the council has stated it will apply to the Magistrates Court to intervene.
Beyond the portico, further urgent works have been identified for the flat roof of the columns and the decorative shield and coat of arms. These elements were noted in a recent listed building notice, and the council has expressed its readiness to pursue these repairs through legal channels if necessary.
Preserving a Grade II* Listed Landmark
The Rose and Crown is a Grade II* listed building, marking it as a site of significant architectural and historical importance to Tonbridge. Cllr Adem Mehmet, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration, emphasised the necessity of the enforcement while acknowledging the cooperation received so far.
“The council has been in regular contact with the owners at the Rose and Crown hotel,” Cllr Mehmet said. “We are pleased to see that a report has now been produced that sets out the extent of the work necessary to restore the building to a satisfactory standard.”
However, he added that the urgency of the portico repairs left the council with no choice but to issue the notice. “While we appreciate the efforts that the owners have made, the recent structural report makes it clear that unless something is done urgently to repair the portico, the public could be at risk.”
The council intends to continue offering advice to the hotel team but expects full compliance with listed building legislation to ensure the landmark is maintained and the public remains safe.
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