Planning Background
The aspiration to improve facilities is a longstanding one. Planning permission was granted by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in 2011 for the delivery of a new 130 bed hotel, 20 staff bedrooms, spa, restaurant, ballroom and conference facilities.
In March 2013, planning permission was granted by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to relocate the driving range to the eastern side of Ash Lane with a new access/underpass providing direct access, a 9-hole golf course and diversion of the public right of way.
Some limited works were undertaken in relation to both planning permissions, but they were not constructed. The new proposals significantly improve on the consented proposals ensuring they meet the latest needs and provide state of the art facilities.
Whilst the site is located within the Green Belt, meaning there are restrictions in place, we consider that there is a strong case, or ‘very special circumstances’ in planning terminology for this development in the Green Belt, particularly in light of the existing planning consents for a new hotel, driving range and underpass.
