Replacement crematorium pavilion at Chapel Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the single-storey crematorium waiting pavilion and toilet block with a slightly larger single-storey structure.

“The subject site relates to the crematorium waiting pavilion and toilet block situated adjacent to the Tunbridge Wells Chapel, a Grade II listed building. The site is within the Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery, located on the southern side of Benhall Mill Road and outside the limits to built development. The site also lies within a local wildlife site.”

“This application is for the replacement of the crematorium waiting pavilion and toilet block. The proposal is a single storey structure, consisting of a rectangular form and flat roof design, with a front canopy, double glazed doors and windows, and white render finish. The existing building is of a similar appearance and height, with an area of hardstanding and ramp access on the western elevation.”

Officer report

The site

The site is in the borough cemetery beside a Grade II listed chapel, outside built-up limits and within a local wildlife site.

“PLANNING CONSTRAINTS • Potential Archaeological Importance • Tunbridge Wells Asset Register • Tunbridge Wells Mortuary Chapel is a Grade II listed building (1281729) (statutory duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses under the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990) • Outside of Limits to Built Development (LBD) • Local…”

Officer report

Earlier site history

A prior notification for demolishing three existing structures was recorded as prior approval not required on 14 January 2026.

“Prior Notification for demolition of 1 x storage shed, 1 x part portal frame structure/part brickwork structure & 1 x single storey part stone walled structure Prior Approval Not Required 14/01/26”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would preserve the listed chapel’s significance, retain the locality’s character and avoid adverse wildlife effects.

“It is established that the existing building forms part of the wider setting of the Grade II listed Mortuary Chapel, however, it is not considered to make a positive contribution to its significance. The proposal retains adequate separation distance with the chapel as the building is located to the south. With regards to materiality, the proposal retains the white render exterior and flat roof design of the existing structure.”

“Conclusion 9.10 Overall, the proposed development is considered to be a modest addition that retains the character of the locality and preserves the significance of the adjacent Grade II listed Mortuary Chapel. The proposal does not or result in any adverse effect on the designated local wildlife site or ecology. As such, the proposed development is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation service found the proposal acceptable, environmental protection raised no objection with a watching brief, and archaeology saw no need for monitoring.

“TWBC Conservation 6.01 The application site lies within the wider setting of a listed building, but the existing outbuilding does not make a positive contribution to the significance of the listed building. It would be preferable for the replacement doors and windows to be constructed of timber. Overall, the proposal is acceptable and would preserve the significance and setting of the Grade II listed Mortuary Chapel.”

“MidKent Environmental Protection 6.02 The site lies within the database of potentially contaminated ground due to its current use as a cemetery. A watching brief should be implemented during development for unexpected contamination and subsequent remediation. No objections…”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Three site notices and a newspaper advertisement were issued, but no local representations were received.

“Three site notices were displayed on 29/06/2026, two by the entrance and one by the subject building. The application was advertised in a local newspaper on 03/07/2026. The consultation period ended on 24/07/2026. No local representations have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the report and visuals, and no registered speakers addressed the committee.

Members’ questions

Members were told that the existing building would be demolished before construction and that the replacement’s external finishes would match the current building.

“Matters of clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ questions to Officers included:”

“- The existing building was planned to be demolished and therefore would not remain in use during construction. - The external finishes to the building would be the same as the current building.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve in line with the officer recommendation was proposed and seconded, and members voted unanimously in favour.

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

Minutes

The final decision

The committee granted permission subject to a three-year limit, approved plans, a contamination watching brief and four informatives.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA355/26 be granted subject to the following conditions (that may be subject to amendment or additional conditions prior to the decision being issued):”

“3-year time condition 2. Approved plans 3. Contamination watching brief…”

Minutes