Tunbridge Wells' house building targets have risen by 60%, King Charles the Martyr Church announces events in 2025 to celebrate 400 years since Charles I ascension and 100 people are estimated to be homeless this Christmas. 3 pantos, 2 Christmas trails and 1 Dickens' adaptation this week!

WEATHER

Monday: 7°C 🌡️ 11°C | ☁️

Tuesday: 9°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☁️

Wednesday: 10°C 🌡️ 13°C | 🌧️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: The Labour government has set ambitious targets for local councils to increase housebuilding. They are aiming for 1.5 million new homes across England over the next five years. In Kent, this means constructing 64,500 more homes. This is an annual rise of 1,400 compared to the previous Conservative government’s target. The push includes building on protected green belt land; local MP's and residents have expressed concerns. Both about the feasibility and environmental implications of meeting these goals.

More Context: Some areas face higher increases in their targets. Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks both have targets increasing by 60%+. The Government will tell local authorities in these districts to conduct "green belt reviews". They want to identify low-quality or “grey belt” land suitable for development. Meanwhile, developers have land-banked thousands of already-approved plots that remain unbuilt. This developed land is causing confusion amongst some people. They are asking why the Government needs the extra green belt land.

See Tunbridge Wells MP, Mike Martin speaking to Kent Online:

Nationally: Across the UK, the policy shift focuses on directing construction to areas with the highest demand and worst affordability issues. The plan is to emphasise both brownfield and lower-quality green belt sites for housing development. London and the South East face particularly large quotas. The new rules affect many regions, with some seeing doubled or tripled targets.

Ministers are stressing that infrastructure and affordable homes should go with these developments. Local councils worry that there isn't infrastructure capacity. They believe the targets place too much stress on the planning system. There is also doubt whether builders can deliver on the ambitious new targets.

THE BRIEF

State of the Art Dealership: Hendy Group will open a new, state-of-the-art dealership in Tunbridge Wells on 2 January 2025. The site is on Kingstanding Way, off the A21. The £6 million+ location will sell and service new and used Ford, Mazda, and Kia cars, as well as Ford commercial vehicles. The new site will replace the Mount Ephraim location. Hendy say it will add more jobs, and become the group’s fourth dealership in Kent and 68th across the south. The facility will include a dedicated Ford Transit Centre, ample space for display vehicles, modern workshops, and EV-friendly infrastructure.

Climate Group's Disappointment: The Council's decision to reject a motion to reaffirm its climate commitments has dismayed the Tunbridge Wells Climate & Nature Coalition. The motion aimed to secure net-zero emissions by 2030. It also looked to boost nature recovery efforts, and engage residents in shaping the borough’s sustainable future. The Coalition believes by voting it down, the Council missed a key chance to show leadership and risks losing public trust. They urged the Council to reconsider and join other local authorities backing the Bill. They want to see the Council work with the community to protect the environment and future generations.

400 Year Celebration: In 2025, the Church of King Charles the Martyr in Tunbridge Wells will celebrate 400 years since King Charles I’s accession.

Events include:

• A January lecture on composer John Wilson;
• March concert by the Choir of the Chapel Royal; and
• A September talk by historian Simon Thurley.

​The Hall4All campaign will also begin renovating the 1916 church hall. Visitors can donate or buy a tile to support the work. For more details, check the church’s website or social media pages.

Homeless at Christmas: Shelter’s research shows that this Christmas, about 100 people in Tunbridge Wells, including 39 children, will be homeless. Across England, 354,000 people face homelessness, a 14% rise from last year. Shelter blames high private rents and a shortage of affordable homes. In Tunbridge Wells, 96 people live in council-arranged temporary accommodation and four people slept rough last autumn. Children suffer most, with 56 homeless and living in temporary housing—one in every 463. Nationwide, one in 78 children is homeless, and the number of homeless households is up by 32,410 since 2019. The Government calls these figures “shocking” and promises urgent action.

THIS WEEK

Penshurst Panto | Wed to Sun | Tickets for The Ice That Nearly Cancelled Christmas! panto in Baron's Hall in Penshurst Place are on sale. Quiet sessions are also available. | £8.50​

Wealden Vocals | Sat, 7pm | Carols in Concert by Wealden Vocals comes to Sevenoaks | £15​

The Polar Express | The Polar Express returns to the Spa Valley Railway | £45+​

Father Christmas Afternoon Tea | Sun | Head to Chiddingstone Castle's White Rose Room for afternoon tea | £40​

Christmas At Hever | Mon to Sun | A Christmas trail, fairground rides, food & drink and shopping | £23.50+​

Christmas at Bedgebury | Until 1st Jan | With a trail created by award-winning producers, Christmas at Bedgebury is always unmissable. | Family Price: £55+​

SKATE | Mon to Sun | Ice skating, Curling and the Wheel return to Calverley Grounds | Details​

Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star | Tues to Thurs, Sat & Sun | The Little Vic Theatre is hosting this magical production | £7+​

Aladdin | Mon & Tues, Thurs to Sun | Panto starring Ore Oduba, Stewart McCeyne and James Peake | £30+​

Sleeping Beauty | Wed to Sun | Trinity Theatre's panto continues this week! | £28​

The Aliens Who Saved Christmas | Tues to Thurs, Sat & Sun | Back by popular demand! The show starring Muzz Khan & Juliette Finn is at the Trinity Theatre | £8​

The Muppet Christmas Carol | Sat, 2pm | The (best) adaptation of Dickens' classic is playing at Rusthall Community Cinema. | £5​

Winter Solstice Gathering | Sat | Gather round the fire and create a sacred pause for yourself at Hever Castle | £55​

Suncharmer | Sun, 6pm | Suncharmer are at the Forum this Sunday | £12.50​

Disco Odyssey | Sat, 7:30pm | The ultimate Christmas Party is at the Grey Lady | £10​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

FURTHER OUT

New Year's Eve at the Pantiles | 31st Dec | Head to the Pantiles for live music, DJs, fireworks, food and drinks | £15 (early bird)​

SKATE | 29th Nov to 5th Jan | Ice skating, Curling and the Wheel return to Calverley Grounds | Details​

The Boxing Day Bonanza | 26th Dec | The Grey Lady's annual boxing day party, featuring the Harry Whitty Band & the Paul Dunton Orchestra | £12​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

14th Dec - Corinthian vs. Tunbridge Wells - POSTPONED

21st Dec - Crawley Town Athletic vs. Tunbridge Wells

🏉 RUGBY

14th Dec - CS Stags 1863 26 - 17 Tunbridge Wells

21st Dec - Tunbridge Wells vs. Horsham

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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