Plans to expand a housing development to 400 homes near Tunbridge Wells face opposition due to community and infrastructure worries.
The developer, Esquire Developments, asked about an environment report last year. They asked two councils, Tunbridge Wells and Wealden, as the land is in both areas. Both councils decided no report was needed.
The plan has four land pieces in two districts. Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club would move. The land includes Bayham Road, the rugby club, Chase Farm, and Pinewood Farm. The total land size reaches 86 acres.
The A267 goes through three sites, and Bunny Lane crosses two others. The developer wants to build more houses than first said. The councils know the house number will be higher.
Esquire said they want 40 more homes in a request dated February 4, bringing the total to 400 homes. They say it fits within the earlier review scope and is “designed sensitively” too.
Esquire wants to start this year if they get approval, aiming to finish by 2030. The plan has 400 homes, ten self-build plots, and a care home. There would also be a nursery and office space.
The rugby club would move nearby to Chase Farm off Bunny Lane. Tunbridge Wells Council did not like the land choice. Wealden District Council made that choice.
Tunbridge Wells said the plan expands the town too much. They worry about services like schools and hospitals, also seeing issues with roads and water.
The petition asks the councils to reject the plan. A person named Emma van Rooyen started it, believing it impacts the community greatly. Roads are already busy, she says.