Rehabilitation facility at Hermes House, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Consultation and local views

Seven representations included support for the brownfield redevelopment and rehabilitation service, alongside concerns about parking, construction, design and heritage features.

“Support re use of brownfield site and job creation; • Better alternative than the previously permitted residential scheme; • Insufficient operational parking and likely parking issues during the construction phase; • 4 spaces will be insufficient for visitors – those who has not booked a space will park in the nearby streets; • Nearby streets suffer parking stress due to commuters and nearby schools; • Scheme is an opportunity to strengthen local physical rehabilitation…”

“A meeting with local ward councillors for St John’s and Culverden wards, with Councillors • Multiple approaches to the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society • The consultation team received feedback from 9 respondents via the website and consultation events. The feedback consisted of 5 written forms and 4 online feedback forms.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Four supporters connected with the applicant’s team spoke, followed by the ward member for St John’s.

What members discussed

Members acknowledged the heritage loss but welcomed the design, parking arrangements, highway position, consultation and potential benefits for rehabilitation provision.

“Committee Member debate and Officer clarification included:”

“- Although the application resulted in losing a building of interest to the area, it was noted that the proposal was a improvement on the previous housing application that included no affordable housing provision. - It was welcomed that the development had been well designed and sympathetic to parking and ambulance bays. - KCC Highways were satisfied that there would not be a highway safety risk as a result of parking.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously voted to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation, adding an informative about retaining internal stained-glass panels.

“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 Pitts, seconded by Councillor Le Page and a vote was taken to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation with the added informative:”

“To consider retaining the internal stained glass panels.” The vote was unanimous.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives in the agenda report.

“RESOLVED – That application PLA285/25 be granted subject to the plans, conditions and informatives as set out in the agenda report.”

Minutes