Aylesford Parish Council

23/10/2026

TMBC NEWS RELEASE

Council launches consultation on planning controls for HMOs

A public consultation has been launched on an Immediate Article 4 Direction affecting parts of Tonbridge and Snodland, which makes planning permission a requirement for future proposed conversions of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Following a decision by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet (6th October 2026), an Immediate Article 4 Direction has been made that removes permitted development rights allowing the changes of use from a dwelling to a small HMO (up to 6 people) without the need for planning permission.

The council is now undertaking a public consultation as part of the process of confirming the Direction.

An HMO is a property occupied by several people from multiple households with access to shared facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms or living spaces.

Article 4 Directions are planning tools that allow local planning authorities to remove specific permitted development rights in defined circumstances. This means development that would otherwise not require planning permission, would need to be considered through the planning process.

If confirmed, the Direction would mean that planning permission would be required for future changes of use from a dwelling to an HMO that would previously have been permitted without a planning application.

Councillor Robin Betts, Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy, said:
"Residents have told us that the character of their neighbourhoods matters. This consultation gives people the opportunity to share their views on how future HMO development should be managed and its impact on local communities and its services."

The consultation is open until 27 November 2026. Further information and details on how to submit comments are available at https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/hmo-consultation

All comments received during the consultation period will be considered as part of the Article 4 Direction process.

12/10/2026

TMBC Annual Jobs Fair

06/10/2026

TMBC have arranged five public meetings where Matt Boughton and Councillor Dave Davis will be briefing members of the public on the Regulation 19 Consultation for the TMBC Local Plan.

All residents are welcome to attend any of the meetings, but it should be noted that each meeting will be tailored to that village.

05/10/2026

30/09/2026

📢 Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation Meeting

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) is holding an online meeting about the Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation on Monday 5 October at 7pm.

The meeting will be held online and is open to anyone who would like to attend.

📅 Monday 5 October
🕖 7pm
💻 Online

Please register using the link below:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

28/09/2026

KCC Temporary Road Closure - High Street Aylesford 26th October 2026 to 30th October 2026.

Due to works planned to be undertaken by Titan Restoration & Repairs Ltd, it will be necessary to close part of High Street, Aylesford, from 26th October 2026 with estimated completion by 30th October 2026.

High Street, Aylesford, will be closed for a distance approximately 20 metres in the vicinity of the Chequers Pub. To the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative routes for any through traffic are via:
Diversion 1 - Forstal Road, A229 Running Horse Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, A229 Cobtree Roundabout, A229 Blue Bell Hill, Kits Coty Slip Northbound Off, Rochester Road, Pilgrims Way, Bull Lane, High Street.

Diversion 2 - High Street, Bull Lane, Pilgrims Way, Rochester Road, Kits Coty Slip, Southbound On, A229 Blue Bell Hill, A229 Cobtree Roundabout, A229 Chatham Road, A229 Running Horse Roundabout, Forstal Road.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce to allow for scaffolding to enable building repair works to be carried out, works are undertaken by Titan Restoration & Repairs Ltd.

For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=GB150627544

For information regarding this closure please contact Titan Restoration & Repairs Ltd, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

The Kent County Council Highways Helpline phone number is: 03000 418181

15/09/2026

Kent County Council - Temporary Road Closure - Woodlands Road, Ditton - 15th October 2026.

Due to works planned to be undertaken by Kent County Council, it will be necessary to close part of Woodlands Road, Ditton, from 15th October 2026 with estimated completion by 23rd October 2026.
Woodlands Road, Ditton, will be closed from the junction with Birch Crescent to the junction with Brassey Drive. To the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via Brassey Drive, Holtwood Avenue, Woodlands Road and vice versa.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce to allow drainage improvement works to be carried out, works are undertaken by Kent County Council.

For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=GB152136117

For information regarding this closure please contact Kent County Council, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

The Kent County Council Highways Helpline phone number is: 03000 418181

14/09/2026

MESSAGE FROM TMBC

Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation opens.

A consultation has launched for Tonbridge and Malling’s Draft Local Plan, known as Regulation 19, following a legal direction from the Government to proceed with the plan-making process.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Councillors had previously voted to pause the local plan at their meeting on 3 September. Whilst recognising the significant work that had been carried out to positively prepare a Regulation 19 Local Plan to meet the Government's requirements, including their prescribed housing target and timescales, councillors did not have confidence in the capacity of South East Water’s infrastructure to support the significant additional housing numbers required.

The Council also had major concerns about wider infrastructure delivery including foul drainage and the sustainability of the ‘vision led’ transport approach required by national planning policy.

The consultation, which it would be unlawful for the Council to not now undertake given the Government’s direction, gives residents, businesses, landowners and organisations the opportunity to make formal representations on the Plan before it is submitted for independent examination.

The draft Local Plan has been prepared using evidence gathered over a number of years and has been informed by comments received during the
Regulation 18 consultation, which took place between November 2025 and January 2026.

The Regulation 19 stage differs from earlier consultations as it focuses on whether the proposed Local Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and whether it is considered "sound". A sound plan is one that is justified by the available evidence, has been positively prepared, is capable of being delivered and is consistent with national planning policy.

Councillor Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said:
"Councillors were firm that we should not pursue the Local Plan until there was clear evidence that a water supply can be provided to every property the Government wishes to see built across the borough. As a result of the Government’s actions, we are lawfully bound to now proceed with this consultation and are inviting residents and interested parties to review the draft Local Plan and submit their comments. Our communities should rest assured however that we are also making the case to Government about the exceptional circumstances that we believe mean the Council should not progress further with the Plan at this time

"The council remains deeply concerned about the availability of water supply and infrastructure capacity to support the level of growth required by Government housing targets. However, it is important that residents take this opportunity to have their say through the formal process."

"This is an important stage, and I would encourage everyone taking part to review the draft Plan and supporting evidence thoroughly before submitting their comments, particularly on the areas that matter most to them. "

Following the consultation, the council is required to review and present the representations received and submit the Local Plan and supporting evidence to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

The consultation will run from Friday 11th September 2026 to 11:59pm on Sunday 25th October 2026.

Details of the consultation, supporting documents and information on how to make representations are available at the council's Local Plan webpages -

Planning - Local Plan Last Updated: 10th October 2018 Introduction - New Local PlanIn response to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework in 2012, Council Members have agreed to the production of a new Local Plan.This new Plan, once adopted, will form part of the Council's Developm...

14/09/2026

10/09/2026

MEDIA RELEASE FROM TMBC

Programme launches to help young people with careers and training

Hundreds of young people across Tonbridge and Malling could benefit from a free skills and employment programme to help them gain confidence, discover career opportunities and build a brighter future.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has teamed up with Runway Training to deliver its new People and Skills Project, which will provide practical, hands-on training sessions focused on three key sectors - agri-tech, construction and social care.

Running until December 2026, the project aims to support local people who are facing barriers to employment or training. It's open to everyone, but there will be a particular focus on young people and those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), as well as residents living in Trench (north Tonbridge), Aylesford, Snodland and East Malling.

The programme builds on the success of the Council's People and Skills Fund, which has supported 15 local initiatives and helped hundreds of residents since 2024.

As part of the project, Runway Training will deliver 21 half-day skills taster sessions across the borough. Designed to be practical, interactive and engaging, the sessions will look at a variety of career pathways and provide insights into sectors where there are strong employment opportunities.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy Cllr Robin Betts said: "This much-needed project aims to give local people the confidence, skills and connections they need to take their next step towards securing employment and training opportunities.

"By building links with growth sectors and existing county-wide programmes, we want to ensure residents across Tonbridge and Malling can access opportunities that improve their future prospects."

Across the country, increasing numbers of people, particularly young people, are finding it difficult to access employment and training opportunities. The new programme aims to address this by helping residents understand local career options, build confidence and access the support that is available through wider initiatives.

And there's follow-up support for participants to help them even further.

Oliver Trailor, Chief Executive Officer of Runway Training, said: "We're excited to be working with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council to provide support and opportunities to young people in the community.

"The programme aims to offer real world insights into sectors which they may not have known about or considered as accessible to them."
Runway Training have extensive experience in delivering high-quality training with strong links to the local area. Anyone interested in taking part in the programme can email [email protected]

Sara Neville
Media and Communications Officer
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council