Tunbridge Wells groups express concern over possible sale of Commons
Groups with strong connections to the Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons have spoken out against the decision of landowner Targetfollow Group Ltd to market the land for sale.
Norwich-based Targetfollow Group Ltd notified the Council of this latest intention to sell on 26 September 2025.
Protecting the interests of the Commons
The Commons are one of the jewels in the crown of Tunbridge Wells, 256 acres of land filled with diverse flora and fauna, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. This important local asset is very closely managed by the Commons Conservators, a statutory body of 12 people. Alongside the Conservators, working to protect the interests of the Commons are the Council, the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons and the Freehold Tenants.
It is these groups, the Council, Friends and Freehold Tenants, that have expressed their concern about the proposed sale and spoken of their desire to see this important asset brought into community ownership rather than being sold to another commercial organisation.
Asset of Community Value and Village Green land
The Commons are listed as an Asset of Community Value which immediately places restrictions on their sale. If an ACV is offered for sale this triggers a process known as community right to bid. The Friends group who nominated the Asset are expected to confirm with the Council that they wish to be considered a preferred bidder, securing up to six months to raise the necessary funds and submit an offer by 26 March 2026.
In addition, the Commons is some of the most protected land in the country. It has the highest levels of planning protection under both national and local planning policies. And, because the Commons is legally registered as Village Green land it is also afforded statutory protection dating from the mid-nineteenth century. In essence this means it would be almost impossible for any development to take place.
Joy Podbury, Chair of The Friends of the Commons said ‘The Friends see this as an important and exciting opportunity to acquire the Commons. They feel confident that, with community support, they can secure the funding to cover any offer that they make in exercising their right to bid.’
Ian Marshall, Chair of the Freehold Tenants said: ‘We work tirelessly to help protect the Commons and fund projects recommended by the Commons General Manager and Ranger to improve not only the biodiversity of the Commons but also their appeal to the residents and visitors of Tunbridge Wells to appreciate and enjoy them.’
Ben Chapelard, Council Leader said: ‘The Commons are at the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells. They’re one of the things that make our town special – a place residents, businesses and visitors all enjoy and value. The Council cares deeply about their future, and we play an active role through the Conservators that looks after them. People who love the Commons can be reassured: your access to them is not under threat.
The Commons are very well protected. National and local planning rules are in place to safeguard them, and they’ve also been listed for years as an Asset of Community Value. That status means they can’t be sold without the community being told, and it gives local groups the time and right to put forward a bid.
This process has now been triggered after the Commons owner, Targetfollow, told the Council it intends to sell. The Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons have been notified, as required by the Community Right to Bid rules.
It’s unlikely the Council itself would be able to buy the Commons, but we are ready to work with local groups and anyone interested in keeping them safe for the future.’
Manor of Rusthall
In 2008 Targetfollow Group Ltd purchased the title of Manor of Rusthall, which gave them control of the Commons and a large part of The Pantiles. Targetfollow Group Ltd last listed the Commons for sale in 2017, they notified Tunbridge Wells Borough Council of this latest intention to sell on 26 September. The Pantiles is not included in the current sale.
Who are the Commons Conservators?
The Conservator body consists of 12 persons appointed as follows:
- Four by the Lord of the Manor, who may nominate himself and his steward and bailiff or any other person as he may think fit;
- Four by the Freehold Tenants from among persons whose names appear in the Register of Freehold Tenants of Rusthall Manor directed to be kept by the Rusthall Manor Act 1863;
- Four by the Council from among the persons who are members of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for wards comprised within the former borough.
