Plans Unveiled for 125 New Homes in Tunbridge Wells Green Belt

Plans have been submitted to construct 125 homes on a 40-acre section of Green Belt countryside in Tunbridge Wells, specifically at Spratsbrook Farm. The proposed development would occupy farmland located to the west of the A26 Eridge Road, adjacent to the back gardens of residences on Ramslye Road. The developer, Dandara South East Ltd, has filed a request for an Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, seeking clarity on whether a comprehensive assessment is required for their planning application.

The site in question is surrounded by significant natural features, including Friezland Wood, Ramslye Wood, and Three Acre Woods. Notably, it overlaps with the High Rocks Hill Fort, a scheduled ancient monument from the Iron Age, and is identified as a ‘site of special scientific interest’. Additionally, part of the land falls within the High Weald National Landscape, which adds further ecological significance to the area.

Community Opposition and Planning History

Previously, plans for the site included a much larger development of 270 homes and a seven-form secondary school, which faced considerable resistance from local residents, resulting in a petition against the project. The current draft of the Local Plan allocates the area for 120 homes, reflecting a shift in development strategy following community feedback.

Dandara’s 23-page report prepared by consultants DHA explains, “The site is currently located within the Green Belt. However, the eastern part of the site is proposed to be released from the Green Belt upon adoption of the emerging Tunbridge Wells Local Plan, anticipated towards the end of 2025.” This indicates a potential change in land use that could pave the way for future development.

The report also provides traffic data, forecasting that the new homes would contribute to about 5 percent more vehicle trips during peak morning and evening hours on the A26 Eridge Road. Concerns about flooding were addressed, with the Environment Agency’s flood mapping indicating that the site is classified as flood zone 1, posing a low risk of flooding. While surrounding areas may experience minor surface water flooding, the site itself is not deemed at risk.

Ecological Considerations and Future Steps

DHA further mentioned that a full ecological appraisal, including surveys for protected species, is currently ongoing, with results yet to be determined. The evolving landscape of local planning has seen nearly 15 acres of Spratsbrook Farm losing its Green Belt status as part of the emerging Local Plan, with a total of 536 acres of Green Belt land across eleven sites in Tunbridge Wells set to be affected.

In prior reports, it was noted that 176 acres of Green Belt farmland at Spratsbrook Farm was initially proposed for residential development as part of the council’s Local Plan in 2017. This proposal, which included 1,271 new homes across various sites in Tunbridge Wells, reflects ongoing changes in local housing policies. The council had previously allocated the site for residential development, but following public consultations and stakeholder discussions, the proposal was revised to exclude the secondary school and reduce the number of homes.

As Tunbridge Wells Borough Council continues to review and consider the implications of these developments, the local community remains engaged, with varying perspectives on the balance between housing needs and environmental preservation. The outcome of the planning application and subsequent assessments will play a critical role in shaping the future of this Green Belt area.