Major plans could see a commercial plant nursery replaced with 350 homes and 564 car parking spaces.
Alston Properties wants to build a new “sustainable” development at Coblands Nursery in Trench Road, Tonbridge.
The Coblands Nursery site in Tonbridge. Picture: Planning Portal
The site, currently designated as green belt but now considered grey belt under recent planning policy changes, would be made up of 175 affordable homes and 175 market homes if approved.
Proposals include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as houses with two, three, four and five bedrooms, and an independent living block offering additional one and two-bedroom apartments.
Each house will have its own private garden, and all apartments will have dedicated outdoor space, while the later living block will have communal open space, including a green courtyard.
Currently, the 11.54 hectare location, on the north-west edge of Tonbridge, is occupied by a combination of growing areas, polytunnels, and hardstanding but trade at the nursery ceased this December.
The existing access is off Trench Road but a new access from Waveney Road is also proposed.
Alston Properties Ltd wants to build a new development at Coblands Nursery in Trench Road, Tonbridge. Picture: Google Maps
Meanwhile, parking has been provided in line with Kent County Council parking standards and includes 20 dedicated spaces for use during school pick-up and drop-off times for St Mary Clitherow Catholic Primary School which is north of the site.
A public consultation event was held on Monday, November 3, from 3pm until 7pm.
Over the four hours, there were more than 60 visitors, mostly residents from the surrounding estates, including Trench Wood, Bishop’s Oak Ride and Willow Lea.
The applicant wrote: “It was estimated that around 50-60% of those who attended were broadly supportive of development and were positive about the proposed design and green infrastructure.”
Key concerns raised included the impact of more cars on the nearby roads and junctions and the impact this would have on congestion and parking, particularly at peak times.
The site entrance to Coblands Nursery, Trench Road in Tonbridge. Picture: Google Maps
Others mentioned the impact the plans could have on key wildlife in the area, including owls, bats and dormice.
In response, the applicant plans to enhance biodiversity by “safeguarding ancient woodland, creating new habitats, and utilising the existing pond” as part of a sustainable drainage approach.
The design and access statement says: “This development will include landscape features such as field patterns and boundaries, ponds, wetlands, swales and ditches, with planting for mature trees, orchards and hedgerows.”
You can visit the Public Notice Portal for more details and to view the applications in your area.
PWA Planning, which put forward the planning statement on behalf of Alston Properties, wrote: “The council is in urgent need of new housing. The proposed development would deliver up to 350 new homes, 50% of which would affordable, and would result in substantial social, economic and environmental benefits.”
It explained that construction activity would support local jobs “with industry estimates suggesting that 350 homes could sustain more than 1,200 jobs and generate over £9 million in annual tax revenue, including over £700,000 in council tax revenue”.
It continued: “The project would stimulate local spending, strengthen supply chains and contribute to a more stable workforce, particularly through the delivery of affordable housing.”
The outline application for 350 homes with associated access, landscaping, open space, drainage and associated works was submitted on December 19. A decision is awaited.
