RTW Town Forum - Consultation Documents


CONSULTATIONS
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Consultation Portal

2023

TWBC Website - CONSULTATIONS




This section contains documentation for consultations
on which the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum will give comment in due course.



Consultation concerning
Economic Development Strategy 2023-2026
in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the Borough of Tunbridge Wells

1 September 2023
"Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's aim is to support sustainable economic development and create an environment in which existing businesses can flourish and new investment is attracted."
"Working with a wide range of partner organisations, the Council is seeking to focus its available resources to support local businesses - existing and new - as they recover from recent events and build their resilience for the future."
"This Strategy will communicate the myriad ways in which the Economic Development team is doing this."

The consultation ends on 16 October 2023.

LINK to Comment on the Draft Economic Dvelpment Strategy of TWBC



Consultation concerning
Ward Boundaries
in Royal Tunbridge Wells and Borough of Tunbridge Wells

2 August 2022
New boundaries are being proposed for council wards in Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and local organisations think about the proposals.
The 10 week consultation on the proposals ends on 10 October 2022.

Have your say on a new political map for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council



Consultation concerning
the Tunbridge Wells Electoral Review

Tunbridge Wells is currently subject to an electoral review in which the internal ward boundaries are likely to change. This could have implications on who represents the residents/citizens at the borough council. The Boundary Commission has determined that the total number of councillors for Tunbridge Wells Borough should be 39 (currently 48).

The RTW Town Forum hosted a presentation by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
The consultation ends on 21 March 2022.

RTW Town ForumInfo: Tunbridge Wells Electoral Review - consultation



Consultation concerning
the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan - up to 2038

Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum submitted its response to the Planning Inspector's questions under Stage 1 of the Public Examination on 15 February 2022. It is based on RTW TF "Call for Sites response and RTW TF "Reg 19 Consultation" response and deals only with issues concerning Royal Tunbridge Wells.

RTW Town ForumRTW Town Forum Response to the Local Plan (Consultation 2022)

Additional information:
TWBC Local Plan 2021/22 Consultation



Consultation concerning
the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan - up to 2038

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has published the Pre-Submission version of its Local Plan, which sets out proposed planning policies for development in the borough up to 2038.
It can be viewed, together with its Sustainability Appraisal, Statement of Representations Procedure, and other supporting documents:
TWBC Local Plan 2021 Consultation

It is also available for public inspection, by prior appointment only (tel. 01892 554056),
at Tunbridge Wells Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AB
(open Mo-Fri, 9am-5pm)

There is a ten-week period [ 26 March to 4 June 2021, 5pm ] during which time representations may be made:
1. online at https://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/kse/
2. by e-mail to localplan@tunbridgewells.gov.uk (a downloadable form is available)
3. by post to Planning Policy, Planning Services, TWBC, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RS

For further details on the Local Plan and any queries or seeking assistance:
email: localplan@tunbridgewells.gov.uk / tel: 01892 554056.
(Stephen Baughen, TWBC Head of Planning Services 25.3.2021)



Consultation concerning
"The Road Safety Strategy"

Kent County Council has launched a consultation on
"Vision Zero - The Road Safety Strategy for Kent"
27 January 2021 - 15 March 2021

RTW Town ForumInfo: KCC consultation


RTW Town ForumVision Zero - KCC consultation RTW Town Forum comments 12 March 2021


RTW Town ForumVision Zero - KCC consultation Action Vision Zero comments March 2021



Consultation concerning
Permitted Development Rights

Supporting Housing Delivery & Public Service Infrastructure - 27 January 2021

RTW Town ForumRTW Town Forum response to 'Permitted Development Rights'



Consultation concerning
Parking on Pavement

Pavement Parking ban - November 2020

RTW Town ForumRTW Town Forum response to 'Parking on Pavement'



Consultation concerning
the South East's Transport Strategy

Transport for the South East - January 2020

RTW Town ForumRTW Town Forum response to the South East Transport Strategy



Consultation concerning
Kent County Council's Five year Strategic Plan

KCC's 'Your Future, Our Priority' - January 2020

RTW Town ForumRTW Town Forum response to KCC's 5 Year Strategy



Consultation concerning
LOCAL PLAN

On 15 August 2019 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Cabinet released the Draft Local Plan document; public consultation will take place from 20 September to 1 November 2019.
RTW Town Forum members will attend a workshop on 5 September 2019.

RTW Town ForumTWBC Local Plan - Draft - Consultation document (522 pages)
(Section 5) "Place Shaping Policies" for Royal Tunbridge Wells are on pages 65-133.

RTW Town ForumTown Forum Management Group response to the Draft Local Plan Consultation
(54 pages response form)



Consultation concerning
Trintiy Theatre and Tower

A PUBLIC meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 November 2018, 5pm - 7pm @Trinitytheatre (Trinity Gallery) regarding "TRINITY Theatre is considering opening up its clocktower as a public viewing platform .... "
Clocktower as public viewing platform? - Times of Tunbridge Wells



Consultation concerning
Air Quality in RTW

Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) is the process by which local authorities monitor, assess and take action to improve air quality. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is consulting on its air quality strategy and Town Forum members are asked to respond, either directly, or via members of the Town Forum Management Group.
The survey takes no more than 10 minutes to complete and closes on 28 October 2018.
TWBC Air Quality Consultation

RTW Town Forum 11 October 2018 - RTW Town Forum response to 'Air Quality in RTW'



Consultation concerning
Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Kent County Council has a duty to prepare a Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) under Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and to update the plan every 10 years.

RTW Town Forum August 2018 - RTW Town Forum response to 'ROWIP'
(by RTW Town Forum Chair)


MORE INFORMATION:
KCC Rights of Way Improvement Plan (40 pages doc)



Consultation concerning
the relocation of St Peter's Church Primary School

Kent County Council proposes to relocate and expand St Peter's Church of England Primary School, Windmill Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4UU. The Hawkenbury Farm development has planning consent to provide 235 new homes; therefore there will be a future demand for additional places.

RTW Town Forum 20 March 2018 - RTW Town Forum response to "Education Consultation"
(by RTW Town Forum Chair)

RTW Town Forum - Hawkenbury Village Association 3 April 2018 - Hawkenbury Village Association response to "Education Consultation"


MORE INFORMATION:
KCC Information regarding relocation of St. Peter's Primary School



Consultation concerning
Civic Development (NEW Offices/Town hall and NEW Theatre)

RTW Town Forum 13 March 2018 - Comments submitted to Planning Application "Civic Development"
(by RTW Town Forum Management Group)

RTW Town Forum 22 February 2018 - Proposed response to Planning Application "Civic Centre"
(by RTW Town Forum Culture/Leisure/Tourism Working Group)

ALL documents and comments regarding Planning Application "NEW Civic Centre" 18/00076/Full



Consultation concerning
Transport Strategy in RTW

This is the RTW Town Forum's submission for the Transport Plan, a component of the Local Plan. Since 2012, the RTW Town Forum has contributed to consultations about the TWBC Transport Plan 2012-26 and Cycling and Parking strategies and KCC's Active Travel Strategy. It has produced its own Town Centre Transport Plan and proposals for a Green Network of active travel routes.

RTW Town Forum 15 February 2018 - RTW TF proposals 2017/2018: RTW Town Centre Transport Plan
(by RTW Town Forum Transport Working Group)

RTW Town Forum 19 February 2018 - RTW Town Forum Response to Transport Strategy 2018
(by RTW Town Forum Management Group)



Submission of Comments accepted concerning
CULTURE HUB in RTW

On 10 November 2017, Planning Site Notice appeared near the Library/Museum entrance regarding the
"LISTED BUILDING CONSENT, Partial Demolition of the Adult Education Centre, Museum, Library and the removal of two huts in the rear of the site.
Erection of extensions to the side and rear of the Adult Education Centre, Museum, Library to create a unified CULTURAL HUB."

Deadline for Comments: 8 December 2017, Planning Application No. 17/03642/LBC
TWBC Planning Application Summary: Culture Hub



Survey concerning
Trinity Heritage

Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre are keen to seek people's view about how to take forward their heritage ideas. They are currently working on exciting plans to open up more of their beautiful, Grade II* listed, former church and create a new heritage attraction for Tunbridge Wells for residents and visitors alike.

During November 2017 Trinity would love to have your thoughts to help inform their plans.
Help Trinity Theatre explore its heritage!

(Trinity is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a £1.8m grant.)



Consultation concerning
"Civic Development Planning Framework (SPD)
Supplementary Planning Document"

Town Forum members and everyone in the Borough can submit comments regarding specific areas and sites within the Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre,
1.) Crescent Road/Church Road,
2.) Mount Pleasant Car Park,
3.) Great Hall Car Park.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is hosting a drop-in session on Wednesday 15 November 2017 (2pm - 7pm), in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Consultation runs from Monday 30 October to Monday 11 December 2017 (5pm).
Comments can be posted on the TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Portal or
TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Civic Development



Consultation concerning
new constituencies in the South East

The BOUNDARY COMMISSION for England published its revised proposals on 17 October 2017 and set out the new constituencies in the South East.
Comments can be submitted until 11 December 2017.

The proposed constituency for the town ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS is "Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough"; the Borough of Tunbridge Wells will have 3 MPs !?

The Boundary Commission and the Boundary Review 2018

RTW Town Forum 5 December 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response to Boundary Commission



Consultation concerning
"KCC consultation on Rights of Way Improvement Plan (PROW)"

RTW Town Forum 20 September 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response on PROWs
within the town Royal Tunbridge Wells and their links to PROWs in the surrounding countryside.

KCC Active Travel Strategy



Consultation concerning
"Tunbridge Wells Borough Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study"


TWBC would very much like to hear Town Forum members' and Residents' views on open spaces, sport and recreation facilities.

The study is very wide ranging and covers
parks and recreation grounds;
amenity and informal green spaces (e.g. Trinity Churchyard, Cemeteries);
swimming pools, leisure centres;
play areas and youth facilities;
tennis courts and bowling greens;
allotments;
wildlife areas/nature reserves, natural green spaces;
footpaths, bridleways.

Survey will be open from 10 August 2017 to 8 September 2017.
Additional comments can also be posted.


Statement concerning
"Extension of Crescent Road Car Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells"

RTW Town Forum 21 August 2017 - RTW Town Forum Statement regarding plans to extend the Crescent Road Multi Storey Car Park
TWBC PLANNING and TRANSPORTATION CABINET ADVISORY BOARD meeting



Consultation concerning
"West Kent Homelessness and Housing Strategy 2016-2021"

RTW Town ForumAugust 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding Housing Strategy 2016-2021


Issues like affordability, housing shortage, "No use empty" scheme, assistance with down-sizing are important.


Consultation concerning
"TWBC Draft Five Year Plan 2017-2022"

RTW Town Forum5 June 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding TWBC 5 year plan 2017-2022


The Council's corporate strategy, known as the Five Year Plan, is being reviewed to make sure it stays up-to-date and relevant for the borough. The Five Year Plan is the strategic document which outlines the things that the Council will do in the next five years.

Consultation runs from 25 April 2017 to 5 June 2017.
Comments can be posted on the TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Portal or
TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Five Year Plan


Consultation concerning
"Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan" and "Vision up to 2033"


Town Forum members and everyone in the Borough can submit comments concerning TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN:
- ISSUES AND OPTIONS
- DRAFT LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT Supplementary Planning Documents
- SECOND CALL FOR SITES

The Borough Council is hosting a series of exhibitions during May: Thursday 11 May 4pm-7pm and Saturday 13 May 10am-2pm at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Royal Tunbridge Wells (Unit 9 in Ely Court)

Consultation runs from 2 May 2017 to 12 June 2017.
Comments can be posted on the TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Portal or
TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Local Plan


Consultation concerning
"Civic Complex Draft Planning Framework"

RTW Town Forum26 May 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding "Civic Complex"

RTW Town Forum1 June 2017 - RTW TF - Transport Working Group - Response re: "Civic Complex"


Town Forum members and everyone in the Borough can submit comments concerning TUNBRIDGE WELLS DRAFT PLANNING FRAMEWORK for the

1.) THE CRESCENT ROAD/CHURCH ROAD AREA OF CHANGE,
2.) GREAT HALL CAR PARK
3.) MOUNT PLEASANT CAR PARK
which means - TWBC requests residents' comments in connection with:
1.) EXTENSION of CRESCENT ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK
2.) NEW TOWN HALL (e.g. Council's Offices & Council Chamber)
3.) NEW Theatre

There will be an exhibition of the draft Framework material on display from Thursday 11 May to Thursday 25 May in Unit 3, Ely Court, Royal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
There will also be two days when the exhibition will move opposite to Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, Unit 7. (and staffed drop-in sessions - Saturday 13 May 10am-3pm, Thursday 18 May 2pm-8pm)

Consultation runs from 20 April 2017 to 1 June 2017.
Comments can be posted on the TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Portal or
for TWBC CONSULTATIONS - Civic Centre.


Consultation concerning "South Eastern Rail Franchise"

RTW Town Forum18 May 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding South Eastern Rail Franchise


The RTW Town Forum responds to the government's consultation on the South Eastern Rail Franchise which expires in December 2017. The original documents from the Department for Transport can be found at Department of Transport Consultation ends on 23 May 2017.


Consultation concerning
"Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy"


Town Forum members and everyone in the Borough can submit comments concerning the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. It reviews Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's policy aimed at the "taxi trade" and makes some changes to the existing policy to bring it into line with recent changes in legislation e.g. safeguarding.
Consultation ends on 17th March 2017.
Comments can be posted on the Portal for TWBC CONSULTATIONS.


Response concerning "Expansion of car parking in RTW"

RTW Town Forum16 Jan. 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding Car Parking in RTW
TWBC PLANNING and TRANSPORTATION CABINET ADVISORY BOARD meeting



Consultation concerning "Permit Parking Zones A and C in RTW"

RTW Town Forum6 Jan. 2017 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding Parking Zones A and C


Tunbridge Wells Borough Council proposes alterations to restrictions within Permit Parking Zones A and C: TWBC has announced a public consultation about increasing the amount of time when parking is restricted to PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY in residents parking Zones A and C. Comments can be posted on TWBC CONSULTATIONS
In both zones A and C the restriction will be permit holder only parking, Monday - Saturday from 8am to noon and then from 3pm to either 7pm or 8pm depending on the street.
On Sundays, it will be permit holder only parking from 11am to 3pm.


Consultation concerning "Calls for Sites" (Local Plan 2013-2033)

RTW Town ForumAug. 2016 - RTW Town Forum Response regarding Sites for Future Housing


The Town Forum submitted its response to the Borough Council's call for sites under the Local Plan 2013-2033.
Royal Tunbridge Wells cannot accommodate more new housing than its share of the 300 units annually as agreed in the recent Local Plan.
The Town Forum calls on the Borough Council to seek a different strategic approach and proposes a plan including "Investigating Garden Village sites to relieve pressure on existing settlements".








RTW Town Forum's ARCHIVE of CONSULTATIONS

RTW Town Forum additional CONSULTATIONS 2010-2012RTW Town Forum's CONSULTATIONS: 2010-2012
RTW Town Forum additional CONSULTATIONS 2005-2010RTW Town Forum's CONSULTATIONS: 2005-2010