Garden settlement proposal found unsound at examination

The Inspector conducting the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Local Plan examination in his initial findings has held that the inclusion of a proposed garden settlement in the Green Belt between Tonbridge and Paddock Wood is, based on the evidence currently available, unsound on Green Belt, sustainability and highways grounds.  The Council has been asked to consider how to proceed in light of these initial findings. Paul Brown KC and James Neill acted for the successful objectors to the scheme, Save Capel, instructed by Knights Solicitors, along with Simon Bell. James Maurici KC and Nick Grant also appeared at the local examination hearings on behalf of Berkeley Homes promoting a separate site allocation (AL/CRS 3 (Turnden)) instructed by Simon Slatford at Litchfields. The Inspector made no comments regarding this site. The report is available here.