Enclosed bin store at The Old Auction House, Royal Tunbridge Wells

What was proposed

The application proposed a fence above an existing wall, with a gate, to create an enclosed bin store.

“The Old Auction House is situated on the northeastern side of Linden Park Road, neighbouring the Pantiles and a public car park. It is also situated within the Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area and there are two listed building to the immediate north. The building was constructed as an auction hall but is now used as a café, bar and restaurant (and also operates as a mixed-use hospitality venue) which was approved under 21/01487/FULL.”

“This application seeks to erect a fence above the existing wall to provide an enclosed bin store, which would include access through a gate.”

Officer report

The site

The site is at the Old Auction House beside the Pantiles and a public car park, within the conservation area and near two listed buildings.

“Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area – Statutory duty to preserve or enhance the significance of the CA under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. • Inside Limits to Built Development. • Grade II Listed buildings to the immediate north (The Sussex Arms and Nos. 51-61 The Pantiles) (statutory duty to preserve or enhance the significance of heritage assets under the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas Act 1990).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered commercial, business and service uses, business-centre uses and a wider mixed development including shops, offices and parking.

“INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF PROPOSAL The following are considered to be material to the application: Contributions (to be secured through Section 106 legal agreement/unilateral undertaking): N/A Net increase in numbers of jobs: N/A Estimated average annual workplace salary spend in Borough through net increase in numbers of jobs: N/A The following are not considered to be material to the application: Estimated annual council tax benefit for Borough: N/A Estimated…”

“18/01928/FULL Proposal: Change of use of ground and first floors from auction house (sui generis use) to business centre comprising open plan offices within use classes B1 (Business) and A2 (Financial and professional services), together with ancillary operation works to facilitate the new uses to include the introduction of new window openings and minor internal works Granted 24/09/2018 84/00342/FUL Proposal: Shops, offices, restaurant, heritage museum, health club, auction…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal would improve the streetscene by enclosing bins, while avoiding harm to heritage, residential amenity and highway safety.

“It Is apparent from the photographs provided that there is no dedicated bin storage area and consequently are being kept on the public highway. Therefore, the proposal is considered to have a positive contribution on the wider conservation area by removing the view of these from the streetscene.”

“Conclusion 10.11 This application seeks the addition of fencing to increase the height of an external wall and create an opening for a gate to create a bin store. This would not cause significant harm to the significance of heritage assets, visual or residential amenity nor highway safety. It would therefore comply with the relevant local and national policies.”

Officer report

Public and consultee response

No comments were received from the public, no consultations were received, and the applicant provided no further supporting comments.

“Site notices were displayed on 09/09/2025 and an advert placed in the Kent Messenger newspaper on 12/09/2025. No comments were received in response.”

“No consultations were received in relation to the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No speakers registered for the application.

The committee vote

Members said the relevant planning considerations had been covered and approved the application in line with the officer recommendation.

“Matters of clarification by Officers and Committee Members’ questions to Officers 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 Kent and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives in the agenda report.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA224/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”

Minutes