Inspector refuses Tonbridge tower plans

Plans for a major development including a 15-storey tower in the middle of Tonbridge have been thrown out by an inspector today.

The Oracle Residential proposals for the Sovereign House site, which would have seen 337 flats as well as shops built near the High Street, were rejected by inspector David Smith.

In his decision, Mr Smith described the proposal as a "very significant one" for Tonbridge and said that allowing it could have a negative effect on the town.

"It would also be likely to set a 'benchmark' for other sites," he said, "possibly encouraging a plethora of other towers that would radically disrupt the remaining market town character of Tonbridge."

The plans for the Sovereign Way site went to a planning inquiry after Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council failed to reach a decision within the appropriate time.

The council, however, passed a resolution stating that, had the developers not appealed on grounds of non-determination, the plans would have been thrown out anyway.

For the full story and reaction, see next Friday's Tonbridge edition of the Kent and Sussex Courier.