Council response to sale of The Pantiles and Commons
The statement confirms the Council's current position, its continued support for the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, and the legal and planning protections that apply to these important heritage and community assets.
Full statement
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council notes the announcement that the property management company TargetFollow intends to sell its Tunbridge Wells estate, which includes the Pantiles and the Commons.
It is understood that TargetFollow will complete its programme of repairs to the Pantiles over the coming months.
The Pantiles is a much-loved jewel in the crown of Royal Tunbridge Wells and an important heritage site, as well as home to many people and businesses. The Commons are valued green spaces, and a unique part of the borough's natural and historic environment. The Council continues to support the aspirations of the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, who wish to purchase the Commons for the community.
Cllr Justine Rutland, Deputy Leader of the Council "The beautiful and historic Pantiles and Commons are intrinsic parts of what makes Tunbridge Wells such a fantastic borough in which to live, work and visit. I know many residents will be following this news closely and I would like to reassure them that there are strong protections in place for both these valued and cherished assets. We continue to support the bid from the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons to buy the Commons and bring them into community ownership, recognising the significant benefit this could bring future generations. We look forward to working with any future owner or owners, who we trust will care for and protect these special places for many years to come."
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will look very carefully at the terms of the sale of the Pantiles. However, as things currently stand, the Council does not intend to participate in any bidding process, taking account of its existing commitments and the wider context of Local Government Reorganisation.
As the Local Planning Authority, we would like to inform interested parties that the Commons are protected by their own Acts of Parliament and benefit from longstanding public access rights. The RCP car park on Major York’s Road is subject to a range of legal, planning and policy constraints. The site is not allocated for development in the adopted Local Plan 2025, and no development proposals for this area have been considered.
The Council would encourage prospective purchasers to familiarise themselves with the planning and legal frameworks that apply to both the Pantiles and the Commons and looks forward to working constructively with any future owner.
Cllr Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning “There will be understandable questions about what this sale means for the future of the Pantiles and Commons, which are so much part of the vitality of the borough. It’s important to remember that the Pantiles and the Commons are safeguarded by multiple planning and legal protections, both local and national. Prospective purchasers should take the time to understand these, particularly in relation to the Commons. These protections are there for a reason. They have helped preserve these important and beloved places for generations and will continue to do so.”
