Last day to comment on Hawkenbury Farm Development

Berkeley Homes have submitted their planning application to the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Berkeley Homes are seeking permission the build 235 homes on the Hawkenbury Farm site. We have had 21 days to comment on the development and that time runs out tomorrow, 15 November 2016.

Of primary concern is the spread of social housing throughout the site. It would appear that Berkeley Homes and / or the council prefer to create a cluster of social housing around the two existing properties on Hawkenbury Road. This goes against their stated view of pepper potting the social housing throughout the site. The current outline plan runs the risk of creating a social housing area within the site, surrounding existing homes. It may serve the residents of the social housing element to be integrated better into the community of the estate, rather than to be forgotten on a small corner.

Parking restrictions to follow?

Transportation is also a major concern, How are Hawkenbury Road and Maryland Road to cope with the influx of new vehicles? Not only do the current roads need to deal with the new residents in the estate, but we also need to cater for the needs of the school. Whether it be a Tesco delivery van, an ambulance or a 70-seater luxury coach, how are the local roads going to cope with this influx of new residents and visitors? The short answer is that the current infrastructure will not cope and existing and new residents will be faced with gridlock. There does not seem to be a pro-active plan from the council on how to alleviate the congestion that this development is going to bring. Maryland Road, Forest Way and Hawkenbury Road are going to bear the brunt of the school run and the new residents in the area and the transportation plan does not address the concerns.

Example of a home finished in weatherboard

Lastly, the estate would appear to be a small haven of ‘New England’ within the Hawkenbury Village area. Rather than follow the vernacular of Hawkenbury with it’s red and yellow brick faced property or hung tiles on facing walls, Berkeley Homes have opted for weather boarding creating a ‘New England’ style of home for the development. Rather than being sympathetic to the old brick works that used to occupy the site (don’t mention the rubbish dump – Ed), Berkeley Homes seem set on introducing weatherboard style homes to Hawkenbury.

Time is running out to comment on the development. Please use the links from the Village website to have your say on the development. Whether you object to, or agree with the development, please do participate and comment on the development.

We’ll keep you updated on progress and any changes that may or may not be made.

Please also kindly forward this email to anyone who may be interested. All documentation can be found online at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/appsearch by searching reference – 16/07023/HYBRID. You can also comment on the website.