Planning

Review of planning applications is the core of the Society’s work. Through its team of scrutineers, the Planning Committee reviews the list of planning applications from the three Borough Councils which cover the Weald, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford & Maidstone.  Occasionally outright objections are made if the Committee considers that an application does not comply with planning policy or is in some way detrimental to the environment or residents’ interests. Frequently comments are sent in when the application is acceptable in principle but would be improved, for instance, by the use of more appropriate materials or by the development being scaled down.

The Planning Committee’s views and procedures are based on the Scrutineers’ Guide, a set of WKPS guidance notes, which incorporate the latest planning policies and regulations.

Planning Committee meetings are held in different locations often hosted by one of our Village Representatives; members who provide useful information to Scrutineers on cases being considered by the Planning Committee. VRs are a vital link with local opinion in the villages, and can also draw our attention to possible planning contraventions, and to public consultations or meetings on planning applications.

WKPS considers hundreds of planning applications submitted to the borough councils of Ashford, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells every year.