Devolution in England -
Changes in Kent for the Borough of Tunbridge Wells and
the town Royal Tunbridge Wells
17 January 2025
From the management team of the RTW Town Forum
- NEWSLETTER (2):
News regarding the impact of KCC's 'fast track' for RTW residents.
As well as the likely cancellation of this May's county council elections, this will have a major impact on all our lives...
A single mayor and 4 new Unitary Authorities for Kent and Medway, including a new West Kent Authority covering Tunbridge Wells and neighbouring district councils.
Unless we act fast, power may flow AWAY from Tunbridge Wells.
As KCC leader, Roger Gough said about the KCC decision "...change is coming and the sooner we engage the more scope we have to shape it."
So also for the people of Tunbridge Wells.
Towns with Town Councils will benefit from greater democratic control and influence than those without, such as Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Did you know that, as a town resident, you pay a special levy of around £50 each year for facilities in the town?
A total of £2.5m is raised this way each year.
Unlike residents everywhere else in the Borough, you have no say over how that is spent.
A Town Council would enable you to see how that money is spent.
The Town Forum's management group is clearly calling for a Town Council, but wants to hear from its members.
If you agree, please lobby your councillors to support a Town Council now!
Time for a Change?
- RTW Town Forum was founded nearly 20 years ago (July 2005)
23 December 2024
From the management team of the (nearly new) Town Forum
- an end of year NEWSLETTER:
The main items are:
1) Decision at the AGM (November 2024) to endorse the management team's proposal to revamp the Town Forum in a new format,
with a focus on specific projects, including:
a) how a new Town Council might work;
b) obtaining more detail on Special Expenses (the equivalent of a Parish Precept that we all pay as residents of RTW)
c) forming a CIC to turn the Town Forum into a recognisable legal body
(RTW Town Forum is currently an unincorporated association)
2) How the management team proposes to take that mandate forward in two workstreams:
a) Town Council and Special Expenses/Assets of the town
b) CIC formation
3) New news about how the Government's devolution plan might impact Royal Tunbridge Wells and the Borough of Tunbridge Wells.
In summary,
it seems we need a Town Council pretty quickly, if we are to retain control over our future destiny.
New Plans for the Grot Spot in the town centre of RTW!
The former ABC Cinema site:
Planning Application Ref. No: 22/02304/FULL
19 September 2022
The Strategic Planning Working Group of the RTW Town Forum registers an Objection to this application and
recommends that the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council recognise the grounds for the objection and opt for a rejection.
Forthcoming Borough and County Hustings
hosted by RTW Town Forum (Zoom Webinar)
20 April 2021
Tuesday 20 April, 7.30pm
Hustings for the Borough Council elections hosted by RTW Town Forum
Please register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-jStkFdhT1-hRvxs7JYgdg
Thursday 22 April, 7.30pm
Hustings for the County Council elections hosted by RTW Town Forum
Please register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IfZap-DZSQW74MnAkv3wLQ
Plans regarding the "Town Hall Letting" in RTW
- Points from the Town Forum Management meeting
15 March 2022
The RTW Town Forum and Civic Society are broadly in favour of the proposal to let out the majority of the Town Hall to provide co-working space.
The management groups of both organisations have a number of detailed concerns, about which we request assurance:
1.) Control
a. The control that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is giving up to the co-working provider is limited to changing the internal space that it is leasing from TWBC
b. The provider will not be able to deny members of the public access to TWBC offices
2.) Acess to councillors and officers
a. At least the same opportunity as currently (pre-Covid) for members of the public to meet councillors or officers privately in the Town Hall
b. There will be additional space for similar purposes, in the form of a coffee shop or similar
3.) Lease provides sufficient flexibility to protect future plans, such as:
a. Possible development of the Assembly Hall Theatre - e.g. to expand its food and beverage or other operational needs into adjacent spaces, such as the lightwells
b. Linking the Amelia Scott building with other buildings - AHT, Police Station, Decimus Burton
4.) Confirmation that the proposal generates both cost savings (operational costs, business rates etc) and additional income.
It is understood that surplus income might not be sufficient to do more than cover the costs to maintain the building.
5.) There will be a full engagement plan with stakeholders and residents about the proposals
The coming May 2021 election marks an urgent need for a fresh start
in Royal Tunbridge Wells
23 February 2021
After the various lockdowns due to the Coronavirus pandemic "the RTW Town Forum Management Group wish to bring
the attached letter and 'the Vision' (2017) to the attention of the candidates of the different parties and urge them
to commit to working with the community to create a strong future for our town".
Wonderful that Nourish Community Foodbank, Tunbridge Wells, has won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
Congratulations to all the fantastic people that have helped out at Nourish not just during the Volunteers Week 2020,
but last week, last month, last year... and will do so again next week, next month etc.
Keep up the brilliant work, helping those in need of your services.
Future TOWN FORUM Meetings
March/April/May 2020
Due to the on-going situation with Covid-19 / Coronavirus Lockdown
(start Monday 23 March 2020, extended to 7 May 2020)
meetings have been cancelled at the Town Hall and
will be held virtual (Zoom or Telephone).
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
27 November 2019 Presentation at the RTW Town Forum:
"A Year in Royal Tunbridge Wells with BLOOM" (KMB/2019)
RTW in Bloom - Summary of 2018/2019 (achievements for the town and activities in the town)
LOCAL PLAN - Consultation
5 November 2019
The Consulation of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Draft Local Plan
(TWBC's proposed strategy for future development of the borough and proposed site allocations)
is coming to an end on 15 November (start Friday 20 September 2019).
LOCAL PLAN - over the period to 2036
For information:
>>> Calverley Square
Delivery and Funding
Risks reduced or eliminated during Stage 4 and Risks retained by TWBC into Stage 5
Costings and Economic Benefits
>>> Civic Complex
Potential Use and Place-Shaping Options and Wider Impact
"Civic Development"
Independent Panel Report to TWBC Councillors
19 September 2019
At the "All Member Briefing" (TWBC Councillors) in the Council Chamber, on Wednesday 18 September 2019, 5.30pm,
Adrian Berendt presented the "Report of the Independent Panel".
Three Recommendations:
Disaggregate the proposal into its component parts, starting with assessing the future of the Council's existing assets.
Present a clear business case for each individual component.
Undertake full engagement with the public on successive decisions.
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum and Tunbridge Wells Anti Aircraft Noise Group (TWAANG),
submitted a response to the Gatwick Master Plan to expand the airport.
Both organisations are alarmed at the proposals and urge you to join us in protesting against the proposals.
There are serious consequences for Royal Tunbridge Wells, the surrounding villages and wonderful countryside,
with devastating increases in noise, pollution and traffic congestion from an expanding Gatwick.
Town Forum and TWAANG oppose Gatwick's Masterplan
"Calverley Square" - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council update
For information:
Compulsory Purchase Order Decision - "Calverley Square" Royal Tunbridge Wells:
Inquiry commenced on 4 February 2019, site visit on 8 March 2019,
Graham Dudley, Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council LOCAL PLAN - Review Timescales
18 January 2019
Timetable for various Consultations during 2019/2020 regarding the
TWBC Local Plan
"Calverley Square" - The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Compulsory Purchase Order 2018
January 2019
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, James Brokenshire MP,
has instructed one of his Inspectors, to hold a public local inquiry into the proposed Compulsory Purchase Order.
The Inspector appointed is Mr Graham Dudley BA (Hons) Arch Dip Cons AA RIBA FRICS and the Inquiry will open at 10am on Tuesday, 12 February 2019 at the Mercure Hotel, 8 Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Kent TN2 4QL.
Persona Associates has been appointed as the Programme Officers and will assist the Inspector with administrative and programming matters both before the Inquiry and during its sittiing.
Persona Associates - Public Inquiries
"Calverley Square" - Proposed Civic Complex/Theatre Development
November 2018
TWBC's (David Candlin, Head of Economic Development)
Update to the Town Forum on 27 September 2018
Calverley Square Development
Information about:
Key Dates, Planning Decision, Judicial Review, Design Development,
Dates of Procurement of Theatre, Office and Car Park, Compulsory Purchase Order,
Traffic Regulation Order, Civic Complex (the old Town Hall/Assembly Hall).
Cultural & Learning Hub - update
9 November 2018
An update report has been produced from TWBC Cabinet and will go to the next communities CAB (TWBC Cabinet Advisory Board) on 14 November 2018.
We have now signed the collaboration agreement with KCC.
We met HLF last month for the formal project start meeting - this means we can now start to draw down funds.
We have agreed RVP as the interim accommodation for Museum & Library.
The Project Board have signed off the RIBA stage 4 design for the building.
We are about to start the tender process for contractors to build the CLH.
We expect to be on site in May 2019.
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
19 October 2018
Results for the National competition in "Britain in Bloom":
Britain in Bloom scores for Royal Tunbridge Wells (Large Town):
Horticultural Achievement - Silver Gilt
Environmental Responsibility - Silver Gilt
Community Participation - Gold
Overall - Silver Gilt
"Calverley Square" - Proposed Civic Complex/Theatre Development
27 September 2018
At the RTW Town Forum a new TWBC website was announced:
Calverley Square
Browse through more information: News / Next Steps / Before-After / FAQs
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
14 September 2018
Results for the regional competition in "South and South-East in Bloom":
Silver Gilt for Barnett's Wood
Silver Gilt & Winner for TW Common ("Commons" category)
Silver Gilt for Calverley Grounds
Gold for Dunorlan Park
Gold for Grosvenor and Hilbert Park
Gold for TW Cemetery & Crematorium
Silver Gilt for Woodbury Park Cemetery
Gold for Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom ("Large Town" category)
The result for BRITIAN IN BLOOM ("large town" category) will be known on 19 October 2018.
The NEW Civic Centre & NEW Theatre Project
TWBC's Planning Application
9 May 2018
Planning permission was granted by the TWBC Planning Committee (11 councillors).
9 councillors were present and voted unanimously.
10 January 2018 and 3 April 2018
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council filed its Planning Application for the NEW Civic Development.
COMMENTS can be submitted until 9 February 2018 (extended to 1 March 2018)
Determination of the decision (deadline) is 13 April 2018.
Civic Development Application 18/00076
A supplementary PLANNING SITE NOTICE (Amendments & Addendum)
for NEW proposed Civic Development
Civic Development Supplementary Application 18/00076 COMMENTS can be submitted until 12 April 2018.
Therefore the date of determination has been postponed.
The NEW Civic Centre & NEW Theatre Project
A further update - Presentation at RTW Town Forum
16 November 2017
At the Town Forum meeting on Thursday 16 November 2017,
Paddy Dillon (the architects Allies and Morrison) together with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council -
David Candlin, Head of Economic Development, and J J Almond, Theatre Director -
presented an update regarding the NEW Offices and NEW Theatre.
The Civic Development Project - RIBA Stage 3 proposed at Calverley Ground (entrance from Mount Pleasant Road).
(132 pages power-point presentation)
A new theatre and office building:
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3 reports have now been completed
and will be the subject of a meeting of the Full Council of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on the evening of 6 December 2017.
On Wednesday 6 December 2017, voting took place at the end of a five hour meeting:
30 in favour, 13 against, 3 abstain.
A planning application will be submitted to the Council in January 2018.
TW Alliance
18 October 2017
TW Alliance, "an active group of party-neutral residents who love Royal Tunbridge Wells but think it could be better",
announce their website with information regarding the (proposed)
CIVIC COMPLEX (website: http://twalliance.com/category/civic-complex/)
and additionally topics such as:
INFRASTRUCTURE - POLLUTION - DEVELOPMENT - COMMUNITY
Former ABC Cinema Site
- PLANNING APPLICATION submitted and PERMISSION granted
11 August 2017 and 24 October 2017
A new planning application has been made in respect of the former cinema site in the centre of the town.
The deadline date for commenting on this major planning application has been EXTENDED until 31 August 2017.
The reason is because two important documents - relating to the "Design and Access Statement" (in two parts, 126 pages) - were submitted at a later stage.
Cinema Site application 2017 - documents ("Planning Statement", "Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment","Heritage Statement", "Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment")
TWBC Special Planning Committee was held on Wednesday 24 October 2017 concerning the GROT SPOT No.1 "Former ABC Cinema Site Mount Pleasant Road Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1PN"
At the Town Forum meeting on Thursday 20 July 2017, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council -
David Candlin, Head of Economic Development, and J J Almond, Theatre Director -
presented
The Civic Development Project proposed at Calverley Ground (entrance from Mount Pleasant Road).
(65 pages powerpoint presentation)
The Council's NEW website for NEW theatre & NEW civic centre
5 July 2017
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, as part of its draft Planning Framework,
has set out its wider vision for the town centre,
taking the decision to look at the whole rather than bringing forward piecemeal development.
Plans for Royal Tunbridge Wells (website: http://twciviccentre.co.uk/)
Take a look!
WHEN? WHO? WHAT? WHY?
THE BIGGER PICTURE - NOW & FUTURE - MYTHS - NEWS - NEXT STEPS - FAQS
The NEW Civic Centre & NEW Theatre Project
New images of Civic Development Project
4 July 2017
KentLive publishes revised architects' drawings / artist's impressions
The Civic Development Project proposed at Calverley Ground (entrance from Mount Pleasant Road).
(previous article and drawings 25 January 2017)
Debate on Museum Funding
(BBC Radio 4, Thursday 27 April 2017 "FrontRow")
2 May 2017
This BBC R4 programme exposes the fragile nature of funding for arts projects.
What if the Culture and Learning Hub (Tunbridge Wells) is built and fails because of lack of public funding.
Funding for Arts Projects A live programme from the Nereid Gallery in the British Museum, John Wilson
is joined by Hartwig Fischer, director of the British Museum,
Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A,
Sarah Munro, director of Baltic,
Stephen Deuchar, Director of the Art Fund.
After the announcement of the Art Fund Museum of the Year shortlist,
the panel will debate the current and future role for museums and galleries in Britain,
with particular attention to how they are funded,
and how to make them relevant to the people of Britain today.
NEWS concerning PLANNING
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
9 August 2016
A Planning Briefing was held at the Town Hall on 13 July 2016 covering the following subject areas:
How the new in-house Technical Team operates.
(This activity was formerly known as Planning Support - staff who handle the planning application process from an administrative aspect - before it became part of the Mid-Kent Improvement Partnership arrangements in 2013/14.
It returned to being an in-house service from 4 July 2016.)
An update on
- recent legislative changes affecting the Planning Service and
- the implications of reduced grant funding on the delivery of the Planning Service.
An explanation of the key issues and the process of TWBC's review of its Local Plan.
Royal Tunbridge Wells GROT SPOTS
to be revisited in 2013
15 March 2013
While we await the design, planning approval, funding and building of a number of major schemes for the own, the RTWCS is reviving the Bechs’ initiative. We are asking you to nominate the grot spots in the town for a new list. They needn’t be whole buildings or sites but could be as small as items that need cleaning, clearing away or repair.
If you would like to remind yourself of what was in the original list in 2005 they can be found at
Top 10 Grot Spots in 2005 The survey of street clutter grot spots also gives an idea of the kind of things worthy of listing
Highways Grot Spots in 2005
