Tonbridge will have its own town council following a decision by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
At a meeting of the Council on 24 February 2026, borough councillors voted to approve recommendations arising from the Community Governance Review, including the creation of Tonbridge Town Council.
Taking account of consultation feedback, councillors agreed that:
- A town council for Tonbridge will be established with first elections due to take place in May 2027
- The town council will have 18 elected councillors
- The town council area will be divided into six wards
- A new ward name of Oast will be applied to the unparished parts of Hildenborough
The recommendation for 18 councillors was put forward to provide flexibility in meeting attendance, ensure effective representation across the six wards and reflect proportional arrangements in other larger parish and town councils.
The decision follows two rounds of public consultation. The most recent consultation, held in December 2025, and asked residents for their views on how a town council could operate. An earlier consultation found that nearly three quarters of respondents supported the creation of a town council in principle.
The next stage is for the borough council to make a Reorganisation of Community Governance Order. This legal step will formally establish the town council, confirm its boundaries, set councillor numbers and establish election arrangements.
Damian Roberts, Electoral Registration Officer at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “Our key objective throughout this review has been to ensure residents had clear information and the opportunity to have their say. The decision taken by the Council reflects the outcome of extensive consultation and careful consideration by the cross-party working group.
“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultations and contributed to the process.”
Further information about the Community Governance Review, including consultation results, is available on the our dedicated wabpages.