News and information for residents and visitors of East Malling, Kent, 2nd November 2025
Local Plan
The long-awaited Local Plan for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is now finally moving forward. Borough Councillors had the first opportunity to discuss it yesterday and it will go to cabinet for approval for consultation on 29 October. Residents will be able to comment between 10 November and 22 December. Parish councils are expected to call public meetings but no details are yet available of arrangements for those.
Research and evidence presented to council officers relating to the plan can be found here. The basic premise for the draft plan is a minimum Government housing target of 19,746 over the 18 years between 2024-2042. Allowing for existing permissions and other factors, this gives an annual target of 1,097 houses. Officers believe that it is not possible to deliver the housing needed without allocating sites within the Green Belt, indicating 7.908 houses within the existing Green Belt, most of which will be in Tonbridge, Borough Green and Snodland. This takes no account of course of any proposals to extend the Green Belt.
Details of the housing proposed in our area in the local plan are set out here
Ivy Farm
The decision of the Inspector is now awaited after the conclusion of the Inquiry into refusal to grant permission for 52 houses at Ivy Farm. One point has become clear: the Developer is not seeking costs, so the TMBC officers' expressed concern about the risk of costs if the matter goes to appeal has proved unfounded in this case.
Road Works
On Wateringbury Road, ME19 6JE
To allow new drainage connection works to be carried out, through traffic will be temporarily prohibited on part of Wateringbury Road, East Malling, on or after 27th October for up to 9 days or until the works have been completed.
The road will be closed in the vicinity of property number 238.
Garden Gate at Communigrow
Communigrow offers a special kind of bereavement support at its East Malling site. Details
Coming soon...
15th November 2025East Malling Institute Quiz Night
7pm for a 7.30 start at East Mslling Institute Hall, Mill Street, East Malling ME19 6DATables of 6 - £6 per person, includes coffee and mince pie - bring your own snacks and drinks.
to book email rouds@talktalk.net or phone 01732 840828
Poster
16th November 2025
West Malling Christmas Lights
Lights switch-on and festive food, stalls and performances in the High Street, West MallingLights switch-on and laser show from 4.30pm
High Street and Swan Street closed to traffic 7am to 8pm
See the diary for more details of forthcoming events.