Since our last newsletter in October, we have seen the proposal to develop up to 130 homes at Finches Farm added to the Crest and Dandara proposals in East Capel and Whetsted – whilst we await the outcome of the Tunbridge Wells Call for Sites, which closed – after two extensions – on 26 October.
In this period, we have:
- objected to the Finches Farm development proposal, highlighting flooding, scale and location, and highway and infrastructure risks;
- submitted a formal response to Kent County Council consultation on mineral sites, setting out the areas which could make KCC’s plans sound, including (1) the release of evidence to substantiate proposed changes at the Moat Farm allocation, (2.) HGV traffic impacts on Capel, and the cumulative effect of the increase in traffic caused by proposed housing developments at East Capel and land to the west of Paddock Wood, and (3.) the securing of changes made to the Moat Farm plans to mitigate flood risk, consistent with Save Capel’s response to KCC’s 2024 consultation, and
- Responded to the Tonbridge & Malling Local Plan Reg 19 consultation by reserving our position as set out fully in the Reg 18 consultation at the start of 2026, and re-stating our intention to engage fully through T&MBC’s Local Plan process generally, and in particular the proposed development sites at Hadlow, East Peckham, Higham Wood – and anywhere else where development may impact traffic or infrastructure in Capel.
Meanwhile, the Crest development (land west of Queen Street and Mile Oak Road, Paddock Wood – 160 homes, and a potential further 400 homes) remains awaiting decision at Tunbridge Wells, and Dandara’s proposals for Badsell Farm / western Paddock Wood remain reserved for Tunbridge Wells’ Local Plan.
We will continue to monitor each of these developments, responding wherever appropriate.
SAVE CAPEL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
We shall hold our annual general meeting before the end of the year. Whilst there are several developing situations as noted above, the potentially most significant news – the results of the Tunbridge Wells Call for Sites has been delayed. For this reason, the Executive has decided to hold the AGM remotely on this occasion, by video link, to deal with the required business of the re-election of the five current members of the Executive. There will be a short verbal update from the Chair on the several live developments and the opportunity to ask questions. All registered members are entitled to attend, and if you would like to join the meeting, please email savecapel@gmail.com on or before Monday 30 November and we will email a link by return.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
to be held on Wednesday 2 December at 19.30 by video link
Proposed formal business:
- Re-election of Ian Pattenden
- Re-election of Mark Colyer
- Re-election of Maggie Fenton
- Re-election of Jan Mueller
- Re-election of Chris Wise
Looking ahead, the intention will be to hold the 2027 AGM as soon as practicable after the results of the Call For Sites are known, which may only be when the draft Local Plan is released by Tunbridge Wells for its next consultation, scheduled to start on 2 March 2027. This meeting will be in person and focused on the draft Local plan and Save Capel’s response to it.
Opportunity to apply for Save Capel Executive membership
We continue to welcome any approaches to fill either of the two vacancies on our Executive. We are open to any applications, including from non-Capel residents if they are local and have an affinity to and awareness of Capel. Applications from potential Executive members in their 20s or 30s, female or male, would be particularly welcome to ensure a representative spread of views on the Executive. In the meantime, current Executive members are making some direct approaches alongside this wider appeal for applications. If you would like to apply please email us at savecapel@gmail.com
We’ve come a long way in that time. We should all be proud of what we have achieved so far. The battle recommences and we continue to count on your support!
As ever, the Save Capel Executive would like to thank you all for your continuing support.
Please contact us via email to savecapel@gmail.com
Ian, Maggie, Chris, Jan, and Mark
