Current position
We are preparing a new Local Plan, which looks ahead to 2042. It sets out a vision and objectives for the borough and a spatial strategy for growth, that identifies the locations where development will take place. It sets out both strategic and non-strategic policies that will guide development across the borough, that will contribute towards achieving the desired social, environmental, and economic outcomes.
Once adopted, the Local Plan will form part of the Development Plan for the borough, replacing all existing development plan documents and will be used to assess and make decisions on planning applications, as well as to inform investment decisions and the provision of infrastructure.
The timetable for Local Plan preparation can be found in our revised - Local Development Scheme (LDS).
How to have your say
Explore the draft Local Plan, read supporting information, and view our virtual exhibition. This consultation is being hosted on Commonplace, a platform designed to make it easy for you to explore the proposals and share your views.
Have your say on the Draft Local Plan
This consultation is open from 10 November 2025 to midnight 2 January 2026.
If someone you know does not have access to the internet, paper copies of the Local Plan and supporting documents can be inspected at locations across the borough.
We are also holding ‘drop in’ sessions where you can view our exhibition boards in person and find out more about the consultation, here you will also find public meetings organised by parish and town councils.
Following a vote by Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee, it has recommended to the council’s cabinet that the next stage of the draft Local Plan moves forward, paving the way for an extensive public consultation that will open on 10 November 2025.
What’s in the plan?
The Local Plan sets out how we will meet the government’s objectively assessed housing need requirement to deliver 19,746 new homes, 1097 per year. Crucially, it also provides greater control over where development can take place.
We’ve carefully reviewed around 500 potential development sites and have proposed to allocate those sites that are considered suitable and deliverable to best meet the needs of our communities while protecting what makes Tonbridge and Malling special. These sites are included in the draft plan.
Our aim is to:
- Maximise development on suitable previously developed land/brownfield sites
- Release greenfield land in sustainable locations
- Protect the character of our towns and villages
- Deliver environmental improvements
- Ensure the right infrastructure is in place
