Healthcare establishment at Longford House, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What was proposed

The application sought a healthcare use with offices, a mansard roof, courtyard infill, enclosed fire escapes and changes to parking and external features.

“A courtyard infill addition, intended to improve the core of the building, its intended environment and patient and staff circulation/access arrangements; ▪ An extension to the north elevation to accommodate a new external staircase, entrance, stairwell, storage/labs and consulting rooms; • infilling of an underground parking area, with the spaces being re provided in the outdoor car park; • Replacement and enclosure of the external fire escapes, again using zinc standing…”

Officer report

The site

Longford House is a four-storey office building in the town centre and conservation area, with parking, a protected tree and nearby homes.

“This application relates to an office building located on the south side of Mount Ephraim Road and is set over four floors within the Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area and the town centre. The building is subject to an Article 4 Direction, which prevents its change of use from offices to residential uses under permitted development rights.”

“The rear section which appears to date from the 1940s–60s is 3-storey. This part is concrete framed, with cavity brick elevations and pvc double glazed windows. Internally the offices are open plan, with ancillary services. At the rear, the external walls are buff brick and partly rendered, painted to match the original stucco front elevation. The roof to the western block is a hipped, overhanging slate roof with a flat top.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

A healthcare permission was granted in March 2025, while earlier permissions included residential conversion of part of the building and tree works.

“Reference Number Proposal Decision Date 24/03085/FULL Change of use from offices to Use Class C2 (healthcare establishment) with ancillary offices; construction of entrance portico and revised access arrangement Granted (not implemented) 06/03/2025 23/02299/FULL Part change of use from (B1) offices to Residential (C3) to comprise 8 apartments (2 x 3 bed, 4 x 2 bed and 2 x 1 bed), together with a separate entrance canopy and ramped access to the retained offices and…”

“Granted 09/07/2004 99/00888/FUL Proposed siting of 2 No condenser units for air conditioning units within building Granted 12/10/1999 95/10279/FUL Retrospective - air conditioning unit Granted 06/03/2001 88/01586/FUL Extension of car park for Longford estate Granted 04/11/1988 86/00767/FUL Additional lift and alterations Granted 15/07/1986 85/00831/FUL Additional alterations and part change of use to offices. Restoration of forecourt and car parking.”

Officer report

Heritage and design concerns

Conservation officers considered the roof too prominent and incongruous, but officers judged the resulting conservation-area harm very low and outweighed by public benefits.

“The development proposal is considered to dominate and be of detriment to a feature of the CA which makes a positive contribution to its significance, in addition to having a negative impact on important views. In light of this, the development would result in a level of less than substantial harm to the character of the CA, on the lower end of the scale. In line with the NPPF and local policy, this harm will need to be weighed against the public benefits of the scheme.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways had no objection, environmental protection sought a noise condition, Southern Water noted sewage and asset matters, and parking services made no comment.

“KCC Highways (09/02/2026) 6.02 No objection. Planning application, 24/03085/FULL was granted in March 2025. It is understood these consented changes form a large part of the new application and the additional elements do not result in a highway impact. It is noted that patient numbers are not expected to change and the current model for patient and staff trips is to be maintained.”

“Environmental Protection (30/01/26) 6.03 Provided comments for the previous iteration under 24/03085/FULL, where no objections were raised or conditions imposed. The new proposals likewise do not give rise to any further objections, though do point out that any new external plant will first need to be assessed for potential noise impacts under the latest version of BS4142. Noise condition recommended.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

The application was publicised through site notices and a press advert, but no responses were received.

“The application was advertised by 6 site notices posted on 26/01/2026 and by means of a press advert. No responses have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning report was presented by the Development Management Team Leader, and no registered speakers attended.

The vote

A motion to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded, then passed unanimously.

“Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included:”

“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 Neville, seconded by Councillor Darrah and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted the application subject to the reported plans, conditions and informatives, including added advice about noise impacts on nearby residents.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA300/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report, including the informative that where possible, access is gained to Lime Hill Road properties and asking that detailed consideration be taken in terms of noise impact on those residents.”

Minutes