Policy information sourced from Tonbridge and Malling Core Strategy

CP1 Sustainable Development

All proposals for new development must result in a high quality sustainable environment.

Provision will be made for housing, employment and other development to meet the needs of existing and future residents of the Borough in line with the evolving housing requirements of the South East Plan and local studies aimed at informing the need for, and form of, development required.

The need for development will be balanced against the need to protect and enhance the natural and built environment. In selecting locations for development and determining planning applications the quality of the natural and historic environment, the countryside, residential amenity and land, air and water quality will be preserved and, wherever possible, enhanced.

In selecting locations for development and determining planning applications the Borough Council will seek to minimise waste generation, reduce the need to travel and minimise water and energy consumption having regard to the need for 10% of energy requirements to be generated on-site from alternative energy sources and the potential for recycling water. Where possible, areas liable to flood will be avoided.

Where practicable, new housing development should include a mix of house types and tenure and must meet identified needs in terms of affordability. For those with a nomadic way of life, such as gypsies and travellers and travelling showpeople, appropriate provision should be made if a need exists. Mixed-use developments will be promoted where appropriate, particularly in town and rural service centres.

Development will be concentrated at the highest density compatible with the local built and natural environment mainly on previously developed land and at those urban and rural settlements where a reasonable range of services is available and where there is the potential to be well served by sustainable modes of transport. Best use will be made of the existing housing stock.

Development must minimise the risk of crime and should make appropriate provision for the infrastructure necessary to serve new development, including social, leisure, cultural and community facilities and adequate open space accessible to all. If still needed, existing facilities will be protected and land required to meet future community needs will be identified and safeguarded for that purpose.

For more information please see the Core Strategy