A PLAN to convert a former car showroom into a block of 24 flats has been passed by the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Committee, with £641,978.32 worth of developer contributions.
The corner plot, between Quarry Road and St James Road has been vacant since the garage ceased trading in September 2022.
The 24 units will comprise five one-bed flats, seven two-bed flats, nine three-bed flats and three four-bed flats.
There are to be three shared-ownership ‘affordable’ dwellings on site, with a £520,975.20 contribution made to provide five social rent units off-site.
Questioned by committee members, council officers explained the development was on a brownfield site ,so only required 30 per cent affordable units – three on site and five off site – rather than 40 per cent.
Onsite parking will provide 29 spaces, and a secure enclosure offering storage for 24 bicycles.
Council officers had recommended approval subject to the Section 106 agreement, securing the contributions, and subject to recommendations concerning the demolition of the existing building, thus promoting sustainable transport and reducing the impact on the neighbours.
Committee members approved the recommendations by eight to one, with no abstentions.
