125-home housing development at Spratsbrook Farm, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Tunbridge Wells Planning Committee on 16 Sept 2026.
The site and its setting
The site is agricultural land partly within the High Weald National Landscape, with ancient woodland, heritage assets, protected trees and retained Green Belt open space.
“The site is an irregularly shaped parcel of agricultural land with an undulating topography and partially within the High Weald National Landscape (HWNL) and with the non-development area remaining in the Metropolitan Green Belt following the adoption of the TWBC Local Plan in 2025.”
“The site lies within the administrative boundaries of TWBC and Wealden District Council (WDC), the majority of it forming 16.25 ha is within TWBC. The south- western site boundary extends into WDC, with this part of the site being used for a continuation of the proposed open space and landscaping, including one of the proposed Sustainable Drainage (SUDS) ponds.”
Officer report
Earlier applications and history
An environmental impact screening opinion found that assessment was not required, while adjoining and related applications remained pending.
“EIA Screening Opinion - Development of up to 125 dwellings, a new access road, internal roads, car parking, landscaping, public open space, and other associated works and infrastructure EIA not required 29/10/25 26/00161/ADJ”
“Adjoining Authority Consultation: Development of 125 dwellings, with cycle and car parking areas, access point from Eridge Road, landscaping, public open space, surface water drainage features and associated works and infrastructure Pending…”
Officer report
Who spoke at the meeting
Ten registered speakers attended, including objectors, supporters, a parish council representative and two borough ward members.
How members voted
Members voted to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation, with five votes in favour and one against.
“Decision/voting – On the basis that members were satisfied that all relevant planning considerations had been covered within the report, a motion was proposed by Councillor Pound, seconded by Councillor Johnson and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”
Minutes
The members' reasons
“The design of the development was viewed to be lacking in imagination and ambition. - KCC Highways’ assessment of the road safety was challenged, as Members felt that the findings that the average speeds of cars were 33 and 34 was not a true reflection of vehicle movements on the A26.”
Minutes
Source: the council's minutes, quoted word for word.
Sources
- Tunbridge Wells Planning Committee minutes, 16 September 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Tunbridge Wells's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Tunbridge Wells Planning Committee
- Council
- Tunbridge Wells
- Date
- Wednesday 16 September 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- View application →
- All decisions
- Tunbridge Wells committee decisions →
This committee's year
31 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.