TMBC Local Plan

Key points from the meeting on 28 September are below and the detailed notes can be viewed here - TMBC Local Plan Reg 19 meeting notes

​

TMBC Local Plan Update Meeting – Key Points

On Monday 28 September, residents attended a meeting at Holborough Lakes Village Hall led by Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, to hear the latest position on the Regulation 19 Local Plan.

​

The Local Plan sets out where development could take place across the borough up to 2042. It includes a proposal for approximately 1,300 new homes on land north of Holborough Lakes, together with a primary school, community hall and convenience store.

​

Why the consultation is going ahead

TMBC councillors voted not to proceed with the Plan because of serious concerns about water supply, foul drainage and transport infrastructure. However, the Government subsequently directed the Council to publish the Plan for consultation and submit it for independent examination by the end of 2026.

​

The Council is expected to argue at the examination that the Plan is not currently “sound”, particularly because South East Water’s published plans indicate that there is insufficient water capacity to support the full housing target.

​

The main issues for Holborough Lakes

The meeting highlighted several areas of particular concern:

• Water supply: Current forecasts indicate a significant shortfall between the available water supply and the level of development proposed across the borough.

• Road capacity: Peters Bridge roundabout and the A228 junction into Snodland are forecast to become heavily over capacity. Further pressure is also expected at Lunsford Lane and Leybourne Way.

• Incomplete transport evidence: Not all affected local junctions have yet been assessed.

• Healthcare: The Plan does not currently include a new GP surgery, despite the additional demand that would be created.

• Secondary school places: There is already a shortage of secondary school capacity in the north of the borough.

• Environmental protection: Residents were encouraged to seek a clearly defined buffer between the existing Holborough Lakes development and the proposed new site, while also raising evidence about the stability of the cliff face.

• Wider development pressure: A separate proposal for approximately 2,000 homes in Medway, close to Holborough Lakes, could place further pressure on the same roads and local services.

​

Why residents should respond

This is the final opportunity to comment before the Local Plan is submitted for independent examination.

At this stage, responses must focus on whether the Plan is legally compliant and “sound”. Comments should therefore be linked to the evidence and explain why the Plan is not justified or effective, rather than simply stating opposition to development.

​

Residents may wish to comment on the water supply shortfall, incomplete highways evidence, road capacity, healthcare and education provision, environmental protections and the specific proposals for land north of Holborough Lakes.

​

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026.

​

Detailed notes from the Meeting on Friday 12 December can be viewed here - TMBC Local Plan Notes