Artificial badger sett at Calverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells

“The proposal is to construct an artificial badger sett in this corner of the park. The structure would be subterranean and would involve the excavation of a small area, the creation of artificial tunnels and chambers (including a nursery chamber) along with a sub-surface chain link fence to prevent the expansion of the sett in a north/west direction.”

“The background to the application is that there is an existing badger sett running beneath Phillips and Eynsham House, Mount Pleasant Avenue car park and the edge of Calverley Grounds. That existing sett would need to be closed to facilitate any future development on either site.”

“The application site relates to part of Calverley Grounds, within the wider Calverley Park area. The Calverley estate was designed by Decimus Burton from 1828-1839 and the western section of the estate, known as Calverley Grounds, was acquired by TWBC in 1920 for a public park. It is listed as Grade ll on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and sits within the Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area.”

“This application relates to the north-west corner of the grounds, which is a secluded open area bordered by trees and shrubs. This part of Calverley Grounds is bounded by an empty office block (Phillips and Eynsham House) and Hotel du Vin to the north and an unused TWBC-owned car park to the west (Mount Pleasant Avenue car park).”

“The Gardens Trust (11/11/2025) 6.01 At present, this part of the park is comprised of open parkland with some post-war tree planting and largely contributes to the setting of the central areas of the park. The construction of the artificial sett would result in a slight mounding which is considered to have a minimal effect on the RPG.”

“TWBC Landscape & Biodiversity (29/10/25 and 17/11/25) 6.04 Initial comments: • Have been in discussion with applicants, ecological consultants and Parks team regarding this proposal, so the application and the form taken is not unexpected. • The information submitted is generally sufficient and subject to conditions and comments is adequate to support the application.”

“- The badger sett ran predominantly underneath Calverley Grounds and Mount Pleasant Avenue Car Park, with little affecting the ground underneath the AXA site. - The Council had indicated its aspirations to dispose of Mount Pleasant Avenue car park and develop it, therefore Officers clarified that this application was not solely to attempt to facilitate the AXA site development which was currently at appeal stage.”

“- Members were mindful that migration of badgers was a difficult and lengthy process, however it was hoped to be successful. - It was felt that identifying a new location for the badger sett was appropriate as any development coming forward on the existing sett may cause harm and damage. - The identified site for the new sett was noted as originally to be used as a pathway from the proposed development on the AXA site.”

“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 Britcher-Allan and a vote was taken (6 in favour, 3 against) to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.”

“RESOLVED – Delegated Authority be given to the Head of Planning Services to grant planning permission, subject to the resolution of the outstanding archaeological matters to the satisfaction of the Head of Planning Services and the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”