​

​

Good morning! Share your views on the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan by 30th April. Big changes include new homes and less Green Belt. Motown & More is back at Hever Castle on 3rd May with soul and funk classics. Preston Nomads beat Tunbridge Wells by 3 wickets on Saturday.

On to the letter!

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 19°C | 🌧️

Tuesday: 8°C 🌡️ 17°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 5°C 🌡️ 14°C | 🌧️

MAIN STORY

Have Your Say on the Local Plan

People in Tunbridge Wells have until 30th April to give feedback on changes to the Local Plan. The plan affects housing, jobs, parks, and shops. Key changes include dropping plans for a garden village in Tudeley, expanding Paddock Wood, and allowing homes at Royal Victoria Place. Two town centre car parks could become homes or shops. A new sports hub in Hawkenbury is planned, replacing older pitches at other sites. The plan is long, but it will shape life in the borough for years to come.

New Homes and Green Belt Changes

The plan aims to build at least 12,204 homes by 2038. Most will be in Paddock Wood and east Capel. This growth needs better roads, like the Colts Hill Bypass and upgrades at key junctions. To allow this, 217 hectares of Green Belt land will lose protection. Most of this land is near Paddock Wood, but other areas like Pembury and Speldhurst are affected too. The council says the changes are needed to meet housing needs, even though it still values the Green Belt.

THE BRIEF

🐀Infestation: Tunbridge Wells had the fourth biggest rise in rat or mouse call-outs last year, up 73%. Across the UK, rodent call-outs rose by 3%. Bedbug cases jumped 35% and cockroach call-outs rose 13% since 2022. Most councils charge for pest control, with costs ranging from £10 to £283. Only 5% offer it for free, and 24% don’t offer it at all. The average council spends over £125,000 on pest control each year. Experts say pests pose health risks and can cause damage fast. They urge people to act early and hire professionals at the first sign of a problem.

🚸More Houses: Plans to build 120 homes near Capel Primary School have upset many in Five Oak Green. Locals fear more flooding, traffic, and pressure on schools and doctors. The land flooded badly in 2020 and is part of a known flood zone.

The developer, B.Yond Homes, says the homes will help meet housing targets. They promise better drainage, more affordable homes, a cycle path, and parking for the school. But campaigners say the land is not safe to build on and the village cannot handle more people. Many call the plan harmful and reckless.

🚓Burglar Caught: A 39-year-old man from Sevenoaks has been charged after a series of burglaries in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, and Bromley. Between 28th March and 7th April, homes were broken into by smashing windows and doors. Items taken included watches, jewellery, silverware, and cash. Police linked the crimes to a similar break-in in Bromley in January. Officers arrested the suspect on 10th April. He is in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 9th May.

🛝Dad Goes Viral: Matt Dunford, a dad from Tunbridge Wells, has spoken out against parents drinking in children’s playgrounds. During a sunny weekend in Grove Park, he saw many adults with alcohol while pushing their kids on swings. He says this sets a bad example and turns a safe space into a pub garden. His Facebook post, seen by 80,000 people, called for respect and change. Some parents agreed, saying kids' spaces should be alcohol-free. Others said laid-back parenting is fine.

🚕Taxi Driver Loses Again: A taxi driver has lost his second legal bid to get his licence back after Tunbridge Wells Borough Council revoked it over public safety concerns. The council took action in May 2023, but the reasons have not been made public. The driver first appealed at Medway Magistrates’ Court in 2024 and lost. He then took the case to Maidstone Crown Court, which also ruled against him on 9th April and ordered him to pay legal costs. The council said it will always put public safety first.

THIS WEEK

Quiz Night | Club Quantum | Tues, 7:30pm | All proceeds support Taylor Made Dreams | £2​

Naturally Creative | The Amelia | Fri,1:30pm | Create natural watercolours and paint a Georgian-style hand fan | £10​

Wicked: Sing Along | EM Forster Theatre | Thurs, 7pm | Wicked sing-along night - songs, magic, and fundraising fun! | £12​

Day Out With Thomas | Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Celebrate 80 years of Thomas with steam rides and fun | £19.50​

Lambing Weekend | Hadlow College | Sat, 11am | Lambing Weekend: animals, rides, crafts, food, and family fun | £14​

The Critic | Rusthall Community Cinema | Sat, 6:30pm | Ian McKellen stars as a critic caught in deadly intrigue | £5​

Jasper Carrott with Special Guests: Strictly ABBA | Assembly Hall | 27th Apr | Stand-up comedy and ABBA hits in one unforgettable night | £35​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

FURTHER OUT

Community Wellbeing Day | Old Auction House | 13th May | Mental Health Awareness Week: Guest speakers, workshops and chats with charities | Free​

Annie The Musical | Assembly Hall | 28th to 31st May | TWODS brings the heartwarming musical with joy, hope, and catchy tunes | £19​

Leading Ladies | The Queen's Hall | 10th May | Celebration of women in theatre with hit musical numbers | £16​

Craft Day | Crowborough Community Centre | 29th Apr | Craft Day fun with talks, demos, and stash sales | £10​

Mayday Festival | Southborough Cricket Pitch | 5th May | Stalls, food, beer, music, the MAYPOLE and more!! | Free​

Motown & More | Hever Castle | 3rd May | Powerhouse soul, funk, and unforgettable energy | £34.75+​

East 17 | The Forum | 3rd May | The 90's band come to town | £35.50​​​

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

15th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells 0 - 1 Faversham Town

17th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells 2 - 0 Erith & Belvedere

19th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells 1 - 2 Corinthian

Rusthall vs. Whitstable Town

21st Apr:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Rusthall

23rd Apr:

Tunbridge Wells vs. Sutton Athletic

26th Apr:

Holmesdale vs. Tunbridge Wells

Rusthall vs. Faversham Town

🏏 CRICKET

19th Apr:

Preston Nomads beat Tunbridge Wells by 3 wickets

26th Apr:

Tunbridge Wells vs. East Molesey

REFERRAL PROGRAM

I'm sure you know at least 3 other people who'd love this newsletter.

Share your referral link (below) with them to unlock rewards... so we all win together!

Your referral link: [RH REFLINK GOES HERE]

SUPPORT TW LIFE

THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

Are you a local business looking to reach people in and around Tunbridge Wells? Contact us today about our ad options that reach thousands of local people.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it!​