Proposals by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to provide new housing across the area over the next two decades are to go out to public consultation.
Following its ‘call for sites’ initiative this summer, planners are seeking residents’ views on the key strategic locations that will form the basis of a draft Local Plan.
According to the council’s projections, a total of 6,000 homes are needed in the borough by 2031, with around 2,000 of that figure earmarked for Tonbridge.
The marked upturn in development in and around Tonbridge has met with some criticism from residents who feel it is changing the character of the town.
But the pressure to deliver new housing sites continues as the area’s population keeps rising.
The council’s previous call for sites identified there are more than 15 locations actively being considered for development in Tonbridge.
These include potential for up to 332 homes at Manor Farm and 300 properties at Coblands Nurseries, as well as hundreds more homes in Lower Haysden Lane.
There will be consultation over the next two years before a new Local Plan, covering up until the year 2031, is formally adopted.
Cllr Howard Rogers, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said the views of residents would be fully reflected in its plans.
While he conceded there would be challenges meeting housing demand, he believed the council was in a solid position to meet development requirements that would, wherever possible, be put forward around locations with strong existing infrastructure.
He said: “The council and its communities have a real challenge in how to meet development needs across the borough.
“It is important that we rise to that challenge with some positive planning for the future – that is the way we have approached planning in the past, which has put us in a good place to manage and control development in the borough.
“We are very keen to receive the views of residents and local organisations on the strategic direction our Local Plan should take. All comments will be carefully considered and taken into account and there will be further public consultations as the plan progresses.”
Mr Rogers added that people can download the development strategy from the council’s website, complete an online questionnaire, or attend one of its public exhibitions which will be staged over the next year.
There will be a public exhibition at the Angel Centre on Monday, October 17 between 3-6pm. Comments can also be submitted online at www.tmbc.gov.uk/localplan or email localplan@tmbc.gov.uk
