Update 30/10/2018:
The Parish Council’s Planning Committee met on 23rd October and agreed the Council’s response to this application. In summary our view is that development on this greenfield site will damage the rural character of West Malling. It would harm the setting of the ancient Abbey; disturb the peace of Lavenders Road - a designated ‘Quiet Lane’; and increase the already considerable traffic congestion and hazards on Swan Street.
Additionally, permitting development on this site would undermine the new Local Plan which has been produced following two rounds of public consultation and is shortly to be submitted to the Secretary of State.
Over 120 objections to this application have been lodged on the TMBC planning portal - a demonstration of the strength of local feeling against this proposal and the desire to protect West Malling from further urbanisation.
Development on this site would lead to a loss of “distinctive character” and “sense of place.”
You can read our full response below [PDF download] We would like to thank all those who took the time to register a response with TMBC. Please look out for further updates.
Hear what local people have to say about the proposal to develop this sensitive site:
Update 09/10/2018:
TMBC has informed us that the official deadline for comments on this application is Friday 19th October.
The most important thing you can do if you are concerned about this proposal is to comment on the application via the Council’s online planning page (see link below).
You can also email or write to the Council: Planning, TMBC, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4LZ
TMBC has informed us that the official deadline for comments on this application is Friday 19th October.
The most important thing you can do if you are concerned about this proposal is to comment on the application via the Council’s online planning page (see link below).
You can also email or write to the Council: Planning, TMBC, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4LZ
Update 24/09/18:
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has now received an application for this development. West Malling Parish Council will discuss the application at the next meeting of the planning committee (25/09) but will defer a decision on our formal response until the following meeting on 23/10 in order to gather more feedback from the community.
As usual, members of the public are more than welcome at either of these meetings.
Please let us know your views and be sure to make your comments to TMBC either using the online system or via email/letter.
The reference for the application is TM/18/02093/OA and you can make comments online here https://publicaccess2.tmbc.gov.uk/online-applications/
Simply enter the reference without the TM/ prefix
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has now received an application for this development. West Malling Parish Council will discuss the application at the next meeting of the planning committee (25/09) but will defer a decision on our formal response until the following meeting on 23/10 in order to gather more feedback from the community.
As usual, members of the public are more than welcome at either of these meetings.
Please let us know your views and be sure to make your comments to TMBC either using the online system or via email/letter.
The reference for the application is TM/18/02093/OA and you can make comments online here https://publicaccess2.tmbc.gov.uk/online-applications/
Simply enter the reference without the TM/ prefix
Update 17/8/18
A meeting of those concerned about this proposal was held on Wednesday 15th August. Councillors Richard Byatt and Trudy Dean explained the context of the proposal and the initial response of the parish council (see below). At the time of the meeting 116 responses to the online survey (see link below) had been received, with 90 opposed to development on the site (77.6%) and 26 supporting it (22.4%).
The PC is awaiting an outline application to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council which will be open for public comment for six weeks (minimum). Any application will be considered by the planning committee and our response sent to TMBC. The application may be decided by council planning officers under “delegated authority” or by the area planning committee.
Residents will be encouraged to make representations to the council’s planning team but also to local councillors - contact details here https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0
All those who provided their contact details will be notified when we receive a planning application
Proposed Development - Land East of Lavenders Road, West Malling
Bellway Homes intends to submit an outline planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for the residential redevelopment of land to the east of Lavenders Road, West Malling.
West Malling Parish Council is opposed to development on this land for the following reasons:
A meeting of those concerned about this proposal was held on Wednesday 15th August. Councillors Richard Byatt and Trudy Dean explained the context of the proposal and the initial response of the parish council (see below). At the time of the meeting 116 responses to the online survey (see link below) had been received, with 90 opposed to development on the site (77.6%) and 26 supporting it (22.4%).
The PC is awaiting an outline application to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council which will be open for public comment for six weeks (minimum). Any application will be considered by the planning committee and our response sent to TMBC. The application may be decided by council planning officers under “delegated authority” or by the area planning committee.
Residents will be encouraged to make representations to the council’s planning team but also to local councillors - contact details here https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0
All those who provided their contact details will be notified when we receive a planning application
Proposed Development - Land East of Lavenders Road, West Malling
Bellway Homes intends to submit an outline planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for the residential redevelopment of land to the east of Lavenders Road, West Malling.
West Malling Parish Council is opposed to development on this land for the following reasons:
- it would damage the rural setting, character and approach to the town including Lavenders Road - a designated Quiet Lane
- is on land designated as Green Belt in the emerging Local Plan
- is unnecessary to meet housing need
- the proposed access onto Swan Street would cause congestion and create a traffic hazard
View from Lavenders Road
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View from Station Approach
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View from Swan Street
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You can view Bellway Home’s proposal here http://www.lavendersroad.co.uk/proposal
The proposal is for “up to 90 new homes” with “a new vehicular access off Swan Street”
Be aware that, as explained on the website, “the layout and design is indicative and will be confirmed at a subsequent Reserved Matters stage.” This means that, having secured outline planning permission, the developers could bring forward a different scheme.
When the Parish Council is notified of an outline planning application we will update this information.
If you would like to express a view at this stage please complete our simple poll:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FVL7JP
The proposal is for “up to 90 new homes” with “a new vehicular access off Swan Street”
Be aware that, as explained on the website, “the layout and design is indicative and will be confirmed at a subsequent Reserved Matters stage.” This means that, having secured outline planning permission, the developers could bring forward a different scheme.
When the Parish Council is notified of an outline planning application we will update this information.
If you would like to express a view at this stage please complete our simple poll:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FVL7JP
20th August 2018