Maidstone and West Kent

Tonbridge and Malling

The Tonbridge Central Area Action Plan was adopted in April 2008 with extensive enhancements planned for Tonbridge town centre including: new focal points for mixed use development in the Botany and Southbank ‘Quarters’, development opportunities along the River Medway and improvements to key town centre gateways, notably Tonbridge station.

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells (in conjunction with Tonbridge) has been confirmed as a regional hub in the South East Plan. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has entered into a development partnership with John Laing/Gladedale with an agreement to masterplan and regenerate a number of key town centre sites in Tunbridge Wells, Southborough, Paddock Wood and Cranbrook. The former cinema site in the town centre (Mount Pleasant) has recently been granted planning permission for a mixed use redevelopment for a hotel, offices, shops, financial and professional services and restaurants.

Sevenoaks

A mixed use scheme to the west of Blighs Meadow including 59 dwellings, retail and commercial development will be brought forward for consultation in early 2010.

In Swanley, the council is regenerating the town centre to provide retail, office, residential and community facilities. Other opportunities include commercial development of the Broom Hill site adjoining M25 J3.

In New Ash Green, the council is working with landowners and local community to regenerate the village centre to meet their needs and improve the environment.

Maidstone

Maidstone’s role as a Growth Point and regional hub was confirmed in May 2009. Examination of a major urban extension on the eastern side of the town continues and an initial tranche of Growth Point funding is being used for housing at Armstrong Road and a new depot at Langley Park West.

Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council are working to regenerate and redevelop the High Street Ward area, aiming to achieve high quality mixed use development and improve traffic flows in and out of Maidstone.

A public realm improvement project for Maidstone High Street is being progressed supported by a design competition.

Recent amended proposals for the Kent International Gateway road/rail freight interchange near Maidstone are due to be considered at a public inquiry in October 2009.