TWBC Full Cabinet met on 23rd February, to review the referendum results for Benenden’s Neighbourhood plan.  Their job was to formally ‘make’ the plan.  This means putting your plan on the same legal footing as all the planning rules and guidelines that TWBC must comply with and respect.  This is a simple task for anyRead more about Our Neighbourhood Plan is Made[…]

Thank you! The Benenden NDP referendum votes were counted late last night: Turnout 56% YES 80.5% NO 19.5% The average turnout in the UK for a Neighbourhood Plan referendum is 32%. Nicola Thomas, Chair of the Parish Council, said: I would like to say a huge thank you for all the support we have receivedRead more about The Referendum Result[…]

TWBC Cabinet met on 2nd December to discuss Benenden’s Neighbourhood Development Plan.  They concluded: “Following an independent examination undertaken by written representations and a one day hearing, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) confirmed that the Benenden Neighbourhood Development Plan (BNDP) can proceed to a Neighbourhood Planning Referendum.”  We expect the referendum to take place onRead more about Questions, as the referendum approaches[…]

Benenden’s undulating ridges and valleys, peppered with irregular fields, woodland and characterful houses, create a landscape that is rich in beautiful views.  These can be both far- reaching and panoramic, looking out across the Weald, or of more intimate character, connecting us to the individual features of the landscape and the activities that take place withinRead more about Strong protection for our outstanding views[…]

Following a positive vote at TWBC Planning & Transportation Cabinet Advisory Board, Benenden’s Neighbourhood Plan now moves to full Cabinet.  This will be held on Tuesday 2nd December, from 10:30.  The agenda for Cabinet has just been published, and Cabinet papers are available on the TWBC website here: https://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=118&MId=4957 You can find a copy of theRead more about 2nd December: TWBC Full Cabinet Meeting[…]

Following extensive consultation over and above that required, the BNDP went to Independent Examination. After a thorough examination including an all day public hearing specifically to give people the opportunity to set out any concerns, the Independent Examiner approved the BNDP. The plan has been amended in line with recommendations set out by the IndependentRead more about Here’s our latest Draft Plan[…]

Neighbourhood Plans were conceived by central government to encourage local input to the planning process.They enable communities to set planning policies for the local area, including allocating sites for development. But NDPs go beyond a simple blueprint for housing, they also provide the opportunity for communities to identify and protect important local green spaces. InRead more about The NDP: Important Protection for our Green Spaces[…]

I’m very pleased to announce that after a very thorough process, we have now passed the Independent Examination stage – a review by a fully qualified and accredited independent examiner to ensure our Neighbourhood Development Plan meets Local and National Planning guidelines.  He scrutinised our plan closely and held a public hearing specifically to lookRead more about Examination passed. Now for the referendum[…]

Benenden’s Neighbourhood Development Plan has passed the Examination stage of the process. You can find a copy of the Final Report here: Final version of the Benenden Report After nearly six months considering all the evidence, and including a full day hearing the Independent Examiner has now finished his Examination, and issued his Final Report.Read more about The Independent Examiner’s Report has been published[…]

The Benenden Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) has now moved to the penultimate stage of the process. Some three and a half years after work commenced, our plan is currently subject to the scrutiny of an independent examiner. The examiner was appointed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) with the agreement of the parish council inRead more about Hearing: In Front of the Independent Examiner[…]