Policy information sourced from Tonbridge Central Area Action Plan

TCA5 Upper High Street

In the Upper High Street area, as defined on the Proposals Map, development should enhance the attractiveness of the Conservation Area. Development which would contribute to the area’s tourism offer will be positively sought. Buildings of importance in the street scene need to be retained and refurbished whilst others of less quality could be redeveloped. Any such development should actively promote and enhance the architectural, archaeological and historic features of Tonbridge Town Centre including;

  • listed buildings and their settings;
  • buildings which although not listed, form an integral part of Tonbridge Conservation Area and its setting;
  • the street pattern and historic property boundaries; and
  • complementary shop fronts and advertisement design, including illumination.

Proposals for non-retail uses at street level will be considered favourably if they satisfy the following criteria:

  • the vitality and viability of the area as a shopping destination is maintained without cumulatively creating an over concentration of non-retail uses within a continuous block, as identified in Fig 5;
  • a contribution is made to the street scene in terms of high quality design while promoting a safe environment;
  • proposals for town centre Financial and Professional Services (A2) should include an appropriate window display at ground floor level;
  • the levels of traffic generation and the visual impact of car parking/servicing arrangements or other environmental problems which could have an adverse impact on the character of the area are limited; and
  • the character and appearance of the Tonbridge Conservation Area is preserved.

For more information please see the Central Area Action Plan