Local Plan Review
The Tunbridge Wells Local Plan 2020-2038 (adopted by the Council in December 2025) includes a commitment to starting a Local Plan review within six months of adoption of the Plan (set out within Policy STR1 The Development Strategy policy).
The Council is now beginning a review of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan setting the framework for how the borough will grow and prosper over the coming years. The Local Plan Review will cover the period 2029 - 2044 and be undertaken in accordance with the Government’s new plan-making Regulations which came into effect in March 2026. The Plan shall be referred to as the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan Review 2029.
New Local Plan Review Timetable
A new timetable for the Local Plan review was published on 26 June 2026 (following Cabinet approval) and will be regularly updated on the Council’s website. The timetable identifies the key milestones in the new 30 month plan-making process, including examination and adoption and has been prepared in accordance with the regulations and national guidance. Please see the Council’s Tunbridge Wells Local Plan Review Timetable webpage to view the timetable and for more details.
Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation
A Notice of intention to commence preparing the new Local Plan was published on 26 June 2026 (following Cabinet approval). It covers the entire administrative area of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Full details of the notice can be viewed on the Council’s Notice of intention to commence local plan preparation webpage.
Call for Sites
A reminder that we are also currently running a 'Call for Sites’ inviting residents, landowners, developers and other stakeholders to suggest sites for consideration for allocation for development as part of the Local Plan Review until the 3 August 2026. Further details can be found on the Council’s Call for Sites webpage.
Upcoming consultation - Local Plan Review Scoping Consultation
This will be the first public consultation in the preparation of the new Local Plan.
The purpose of the Scoping Consultation is to provide early engagement in the plan-making process by seeking views from different people, stakeholders, statutory bodies and other organisations as to what the Plan should contain and how future engagement should be carried out in preparing the Local Plan at each stage.
The Scoping Consultation is planned to commence in mid-July 2026 for a period of four weeks. Further details will be provided in due course.
If you have any queries or are seeking assistance, please email us at planning.policy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 554056.
