Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review Scoping Consultation

TW Borough Local Plan 2020-2038 (adopted December 2025) includes a commitment to starting a Local Plan review within six months of adoption of the Plan (set out within Policy STR1: The Development Strategy).

TWBC is now beginning a review of the TW Borough Local Plan setting the framework for how the borough will grow and prosper over the coming years. The Local Plan Review will cover the period 2029-2044 and its preparation will be undertaken in accordance with the Government’s new plan-making Regulations.

The Scoping Consultation is the first public consultation in the preparation of the new Local Plan and seeks early views from different people, stakeholders, statutory bodies and other organisations on what the plan should contain and how future engagement should be carried out in preparing the Local Plan at each stage. This is as required by Regulation 20 of the new plan-making Regulations. The different stages of Local Plan preparation and related timings can be viewed : Local Plan Review Timetable.

Notice of Scoping Consultation view here

What is being consulted on?

Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review Scoping Document July 2026

This document incorporates a set of questions to help provide feedback on: What the Local Plan Review should cover? And How should we engage with you about the Local Plan Review throughout the process?

Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report July 2026

Alongside the scoping consultation, there is a separate consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report which evaluates the potential environmental, economic and social impacts of the Local Plan review. You are also able to make comments on this document.

When is the consultation taking Place?

Consultation on the Scoping Consultation document and the SEA Scoping document runs for a period of four weeks from 14 July 2026 until midnight 11 August 2026, and we would like to hear from you.

Where can I view the consultation documents?

Online

The consultation documents can be viewed here or on the consultation portal here.

Paper copies

In addition, paper copies of the consultation documents will be made available at:

• The Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RS, which is open 9am-5pm (Monday to Friday) excluding Bank Holidays (Telephone 01892 526121).
• The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1AW, which is open from 9am-6pm (Monday to Wednesday and on Friday), 9am-8pm on Thursday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on a Sunday (Telephone 01892 526121).
• The Town Council Offices at Paddock Wood and Parish Council Offices at Cranbrook; you can view the more details on our website Parish and Town Councils - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Paper copies can be made available and purchased upon request, for those unable to view documents online or at the above locations.

Representations can be submitted as follows:

Online preferred option is to submit response online here.

Other ways to comment If you are unable to complete an online submission then you can contact us for a copy of the submission form at LocalPlan@tunbridgewells.gov.uk and return the form to the same email address or returning by post to: Planning Policy, TWBC, Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS.