Tunbridge Wells Local Plan Examination - Stage 3 Hearings

Following a recent public consultation on the council’s response to the Inspector’s initial findings, Stage 3 Local Plan examination hearing sessions will be held in June and July 2024.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) submitted its Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination by an appointed Inspector (Matthew Birkinshaw BA(Hons) MSc MRTPI) on 1 November 2021. Examination hearing sessions were subsequently held in the spring/summer of 2022.

Following receipt of the Inspector’s Initial Findings in November 2022, and subsequent consideration of these, TWBC carried out a public consultation on its response to the initial findings (starting 15 January and ending on 12 April 2024). TWBC officers have compiled all the representations received during the public consultation, which have been shared with the Inspector for his consideration.

The Local Plan remains subject to examination and the next steps include Stage 3 Local Plan examination hearing sessions, which are scheduled for the following dates:

Hearing Day 1: Tuesday 18 June 2024 (Morning session 10am to 1pm; afternoon session 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 2: Wednesday 19 June 2024 (Morning session 9.30am to 1pm; afternoon session 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 3: Thursday 20 June 2024 (Morning session 9.30am to 1pm; afternoon session 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 4: Tuesday 16 July 2024 (Morning session 10am to 1pm; afternoon session 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 5: Wednesday 17 July 2024 (Morning session 9.30am to 1pm; afternoon session 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 6: Thursday 18 July 2024 (Morning session 9.30am to 1pm; Reserve session (if needed) afternoon 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 7: Friday 19 July 2024 (Reserve session (if needed) morning 9.30am to 1pm; afternoon 2pm to 5pm)
Hearing Day 8: Wednesday 24 July (Reserve session (if needed) morning 10am to 1pm; afternoon 2pm to 5pm)

Hearing sessions are expected to be held in person at the Town Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1RS and live streamed via the council’s website.

Further details about the Stage 3 hearing session schedule, relevant Matters, Issues and Questions, participation and links to other information can be found on the council’s Examination of the Local Plan webpage.