Phase one
The detail
The proposed development is envisaged to come forward in three phases.
A hybrid planning application has now been submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for the development of Land at Badsell Farm.
The application seeks detailed planning permission for Phase one, comprising 272 homes together with associated infrastructure, public open space, landscaping, drainage features, play areas and access from Badsell Road and Maidstone Road.
Outline planning permission is also being sought for the wider Site, delivering approximately 520 homes in total together with a local centre, healthcare provision, sports facilities, green infrastructure and associated works.
Phases two and three will come forward through subsequent Reserved Matters applications.
- 1Application boundary extended to provide connection to PRoW
- 2Northern area access road looped around for better circulation and emergency access
- 3Homes front on to or have openings to respond positively to the eastern edge
- 4The heart of the village where routes and people meet
- 5Village square integrates with eastwest link providing a pedestrian-friendly environment
- 6Increased enclosure along main street with terraced 2.5 storey homes
- 7Proposed new east-west link incorporated in the shared drive, making space for sustainable drainage
- 8Introduction of a transitional character along Badsell Road – from town to country
The site
Phase one proposals
Phase one has been designed as the first stage in the delivery of the wider development and will provide the principal access points into the Site together with new homes, landscaping and supporting infrastructure.
The submitted proposals for Phase one include:
- 272 new homes.
- New access points from Badsell Road and Maidstone Road.
- Public open space and equipped play areas.
- Sustainable drainage and attenuation features.
- New walking and cycling connections.
- Structural landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.
Shaped by engagement
Design development
The submitted proposals have evolved through ongoing engagement with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, technical consultees, stakeholders and the local community.
The design approach has been informed by the Site’s landscape setting, existing watercourses, ecological features and surrounding character, helping to shape a landscape-led development that responds positively to the edge of Paddock Wood and East Capel.
The appearance of the proposal has also been driven by site analysis and an understanding of the architectural style of the surrounding area.
Design
Design that responds to local character
The appearance of the proposal has been driven by site analysis and an understanding of the architectural style of the surrounding area.
The submitted proposals have continued to evolve through ongoing engagement with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, stakeholders and the local community, helping to shape a landscape-led development that responds positively to the character of Paddock Wood and East Capel.
Phase one has been split into two-character areas – Gravelly Walk and Boardwalk Views.
Gravelly Walk
This character area forms the eastern gateway to the new neighbourhood and a direct extension to Paddock Wood. A mix of red and buff brick together with white weatherboarding helps stitch the development into the existing urban fabric and reflects the surrounding residential character.
Boardwalk Views
A series of attenuation basins provide doorstep visual and recreational amenity, whilst connecting boardwalks create links to the surrounding open countryside and landscape corridors beyond.
Homes front onto the wetland areas and open spaces, with a darker material palette helping to reflect the woodland edge setting and local rural character.
Application process
What happens next
The hybrid planning application is now progressing through the planning process with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
Application documents are available to view on the Council’s planning portal using reference 26/01233/HYBRID.
Updates on the progress of the application will continue to be shared via this website.