Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) Consultation
Statements of Community Involvement (SCIs) set out the approach Councils take to involve their communities in the preparation of planning policy documents and planning applications.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has prepared a Draft SCI which sets out how the Council will involve and engage with the community in:
- Developing and reviewing planning policy documents such as the Local Plan
- Assisting community groups in the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans
- The planning decision making process including consultations on planning applications, pre- applications and appeals and dealing with unauthorised developments
It is important that SCIs are kept up to date to ensure effective community involvement at all stages of the planning process, and to ensure the community knows how and when they can engage. The Council last updated its SCI in 2020 and therefore a review and update of the document has been undertaken.
There is no statutory duty to undertake public consultation on SCIs however the Council wishes to seek the views of relevant stakeholders and local residents on the updated SCI to ensure inclusivity in the proposed engagement strategies within it. This is an opportunity to have your say.
Consultation Documents
The consultation invites comments on the following document:
Consultation Period
The consultation period runs from 10 April until midnight on 22 May 2026, during which time comments and responses may be made. They must be made in writing and received within the consultation period.
Viewing the consultation documents
Online
The consultation document along with the relevant response form and guidance notes are available to view on the consultation portal or using the relevant links below:
Paper copies
The consultation documents (hard/paper copies) are also available for public inspection during the consultation period at:
- The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1AW, which is open from 9am-6pm (Monday to Wednesday and on Friday), 9am-8pm on Thursday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on a Sunday (Telephone 01892 526121).
- The Town Council Offices at Paddock Wood and Parish Council Offices at Cranbrook; you can view the council office locations for more details.
For those unable to view documents online or unable to visit the above locations, paper copies can be provided upon request.
How to respond
Respond online
The quickest and most efficient way to submit your views is through the Council’s online portal.
Other ways to respond
While the preference is for responses to be submitted electronically via the portal above, you may also respond by:
- E-mail: Send to planning.policy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk (a downloadable form is available)
- Post: Print a form or send a letter to:
Planning Policy
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Town Hall
Mount Pleasant Road
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN1 1RS
Support
If you have any queries or are seeking assistance, please email planning.policy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or telephone 01892 554056.