People power will shape site
PEOPLE power has decided how far a future block of flats in Tonbridge town centre will stretch into the sky.
The empty Sovereign House site could soon be turned into a two block, 10-storey building, connected by a walkway – if a developer can be found.
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REJECTED: The draft plans for the Sovereign House site
The news comes as a consultation to draw up draft design guidelines comes to an end.
When Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council dismissed Oracle Residential's plans for a 15-storey tower on the site last year, it took the unusual step of throwing open the question of what the public wanted built there.
Councillors were fed up with developers coming forward with proposals unsuitable for such a key site in the town.
They felt it would be better to find out what residents wanted and incorporate that into a set of draft design guidelines.
That way, would-be investors would know where they stood from the outset, and what would be more likely to be approved.
The consultation has now ended and the Courier can reveal that the public wants to see a two-block, 10-storey building on the empty site.
The design concept, although welcomed by the council, will be questioned by some of the 20 residents who submitted ideas.
Some said they "thoroughly approved of the design" whereas another said "five stories for this development is too much".
Tonbridge Civic Society has "welcomed" the guidelines.
Janice Browne, chairman of its planning sub-committee, told the Courier: "We are pleased to see the height of the building will be much more in keeping with what we want to see on that site.
"It's a very important area and we recognise a building there could have a landmark feature, but it doesn't have to be, like before, a massive great tower.
"It could be an elegant and attractive feature. The idea is there will be various roof-lines but not too out of keeping with what we have now."
Cllr Matthew Balfour, cabinet member for planning and transport, said: "The council, supported by local organisations and people, wants to see the best-quality design at an appropriate scale for the development of the Sovereign House site.
"The adoption of the design guidelines will help us shape proposals as they are put forward by developers.
"The guidelines for the site, which is situated close to the High Street and adjoins the Botany Stream, will be a key influence on how redevelopment schemes are advanced for this important area in central Tonbridge."
The design guide is intended to offer firms interested in developing the site an overview of what would be considered acceptable.
It follows the protracted battle with Oracle, which ended with a planning inspector throwing out plans for a 15-storey tower.
What do you think of the idea? Have your say online at www.thisiskent.co.uk/tonbridge or email reporters.tonbridge@courier.co.uk
Comments
by Sharon Tringham, Tonbridge
Monday, March 08 2010, 9:43AM
“If I want to extend my house it cannot be taller or out of keeping with neighbouring houses. Why should this be different for developers?
It is only in their interest to build higher and higher, each additional story generating more profit. The people of Tonbridge are left looking at it for the rest of their lifetime as it illuminates the skyline. It is the ratepayers who have to pay more for additional amenities such as schools etc., not the developers, and fight for already scarce resources such as NHS dentists.
Allowing this building in the High Street sets a dangerous precedent and in no time the face of Tonbridge is irrevocably changed.
We need to be asking if we want a modern mini city?
Is it appropriate or has Tonbridge already lost so much of it market town character to the developers that it is time to throw in the towel and build something completely new?
If so it should be locals that decide what their town looks like overall , not left to council planners. I moved from London 12 years ago to get away from its dirty overcrowded streets and gridlocked traffic and now greedy property developers are pushing councils to allow sites to be overdeveloped. While I understand the need for more housing having 4 children who will one day want houses of their own we still need to have an overall plan in mind before allowing piecemeal and potentially out of place development to take place.”