Eight homes at Riding Farm, Hildenborough, Tonbridge

“Demolition of existing buildings and erection of eight residential dwellings together with access, parking, drainage, landscaping, and associated works. Go to: Recommendation…”

“Description of Proposal: This application proposes the demolition of the existing indoor riding arena to the north of the site together with other associated buildings and the erection of eight residential dwellings, together with access, parking, drainage, landscaping and associated works. This supplementary report should be read in conjunction with the original report at Annex 1.”

“Description of Proposal: Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing indoor riding arena to the north of the site together with other associated buildings and the erection of eight residential dwellings, together with access, parking, drainage, landscaping and associated works.”

“The site comprises and large indoor riding arena and other associated buildings, together with hardstanding and a pond. The remaining elements of Riding Farm Equestrian Centre located to the south and west (outside the red line area) are to remain. The site is surrounded by built form to the east, south and west. To the north is woodland, beyond which is linear residential development fronting Vines Lane.”

“Part 1 Public 3.4 Bridleway MT53 runs along Riding Lane and to the east of the site. Public footpath MT24 passes close to the southern part of the site 4. Planning History (relevant): 23/03117 - Approved - 03 June 2024 The construction of a 20m x 50m sand school to be fenced with post and rail fencing together with all engineering operations.”

“21/01571/FL - Approved - 06 September 2021 Provision of a sand school roof.”

“Reason for reporting to Committee: This application was presented to Area 1 committee on 08 January 2026, where Members voted to grant planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement in relation to securing open space contributions and subject to conditions. The S106 agreement is ready for completion.”

“Due to the small scale of the proposal, it is considered that there is sufficient water infrastructure capacity, at the present time for the development proposed and therefore the proposal would accord with policy SQ5.”

“Consultees: Hildenborough Parish Council: Object to the proposed planning application. Summary of Points: - Metropolitan Green Belt and National Planning Policy– The application is neither sympathetic nor appropriate development in the Metropolitan Green Belt. Also, it is not compliant with National or local planning policy.”

“Part 1 Public – If, planning officer is minded to approve the application The Parish Council would suggest several conditions, listed at the end of the detailed comments. - In summary, this is an over development in a rural lane and out of keeping with the setting, sitting very close to local residents' properties and an ever growing riding school facility and sitting in Metropolitan Green Belt.”

“Part 1 Public surface water disposal have been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority in consultation with Southern Water. Kent Highway Services: Having considered the development proposals and the effect on the highway network, raise no objection on behalf of the local highway authority subject to the following conditions Provision of construction vehicle loading/unloading and turning facilities prior to commencement of work on site and…”

“Provision and permanent retention of the vehicle loading/unloading and turning facilities shown on the submitted plans prior to the use of the site commencing. Use of a bound surface for the first 5 metres of the access from the edge of the highway. Provision and permanent retention of the cycle parking facilities shown on the submitted plans prior to the use of the site commencing.”

“Councillor W Palmer (Chair) proposed, seconded by Councillor D Davis, and the Committee unanimously…”

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be GRANTED in accordance with the submitted details, conditions and reasons and informatives as set out in the report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health* on 8 January 2026, subject to the approval of the original section 106 and original conditions.”