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Hey Everyone,

Another eventful week. Palestine Action smashing the glass front of Barclays, more fights over new developments, and Folly Wildlife's plea for funds. You've got another chance to watch Prima Facie this week, Chiddingstone's holding a food festival, and head to Trinity Theatre on Saturday to celebrate Americana!

WEATHER

Monday: 9°C 🌡️ 20°C | ⛅

Tuesday: 12°C 🌡️ 12°C | ☀️

Wednesday: 14°C 🌡️ 21°C | ⛅

MAIN STORY

What Happened: Two development projects are underway in Tunbridge Wells. The first is the demolition of the former St. Andrew's Medical Centre in Southborough. Developer, HSquared is building six semi-detached homes, having secured planning permission on appeal.

The second involves Castlemere Developments adding 11 homes to an existing block. Castlemere plans to add modular homes to the top of an existing block of 30 flats at Hamilton Court. Both involve modifications to original designs. HSquared is making design changes to the townhouses, while Castlemere is installing more features.

Objections: Local objections to both developments have been strong. In Southborough, concerns focus on overdevelopment. With, the loss of privacy for neighbours, and inadequate living conditions for residents being the focus. At Hamilton Court, residents have faced disruption. Complaining of loss of communal facilities, and water damage caused by the construction.

Many residents feel ignored by officials despite many complaints. While developers defend the changes as necessary for safety and modernisation.

On the other hand: The UK is facing an acute housing shortage. The UK needs over 3.4 million homes to meet demand, particularly in regions like the Southeast.

This shortage caused house prices to triple since the 1990s. Buying a home is now unaffordable for many, with the average house-buying age rising. Yet, attempts to build more housing often meet resistance from local communities. Often termed as "NIMBYism" (Not In My BackYard).

Concerns about overdevelopment and strain on local infrastructure drive this opposition. It often causes delays or makes projects too expensive. Experts argue that these objections are exacerbating the housing crisis. Only 10% of land in the UK is developed, even in densely populated areas​.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS IN NUMBERS

300 million

The estimated number of Subbeteo sets sold since 1947.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ONLINE

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Newie Traveller @newietraveller Day20 of our #UKRoadTrip finds us in Tunbridge Wells, for lunch. Of course I found a lovely pub for post lunch pint 🤔😉🤗😂#roadtrip #englishpubs #beer #cider #TunbridgeWells 6:34 AM • Sep 15, 2024 0 Retweets 11 Likes Read 1 replies

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THE BRIEF

✊Palestine Action: Barclays Bank in Calverley Road had its glass front smashed last week. The perpetrators were Palestine Action who said "Barclarys' investments are contributing to the wholesale destruction of Gaza."

🛟Rescue Centre Could Close: Folly Wildlife Rescue said it could close. Rising costs and a fall in legacy payments have strained its funds. The centre is looking to raise £250,000 to help cover its £25,000 running costs.

🍷New Restaurant: A new restaurant being built as part of the Beckett scheme on the ABC Cinema site is holding a competition to choose its name. The winner will receive a dinner for two, every month of 2025, including a glass of wine.

😳Iain Dale: LBC presenter, Iain Dale talks through his "sense of humiliation" after his criticism of Tunbridge Wells cost him his chance to be the local Tory candidate in the recent election. (Paywalled article)

THIS WEEK

Kinds of Kindness | Wed, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm, Trinity Theatre| Yorgos Lanthimos' triptych tale stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons and Willem Dafoe | £9/£10​

The Americana Revue| Sat, 7:30 pm, Trinity Theatre | Celebrate some of the greatest country & rock artists. Springsteen, the Eagles, Tom Petty & many more | £26​

NT Live: Prima Facie | Sun, 5:30 pm, Trinity Theatre | Watch Jodie Comer star in Suzie Miller's one-woman play at Trinity Theatre | £23​

Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Fish & Chip Supper, Model Railways, The Kent Cheese Train, and more! | Details​

Chiddingstone Food & Drinks Festival | Sun, 11 am to 5 pm | Local food & drink vendors. Watch chef demos, enjoy live music, and sample all of the food! | £7.50​

The Fleetwood Mac Story | Fri, 7:30 pm, Hever Castle | Watch the Night Owls tribute performance to the iconic Fleetwood Mac | £30.20​

The Three Degrees | Sat, 7:30 pm, The Forum | Watch the icons of soul at their intimate, Forum show. | £32.50​

The Karma Effect | Sun, 6:30 pm, The Forum | Dirty, vintage rock n' roll. | £12​

Indiana Kings | Fri, 7:30 pm, The Buzz | Watch some indie classics and soul at the Buzz! | Free​

Stephanie Benson Quartet | Thurs, 7 pm, The Grey Lady | Watch the Ghanaian singer and performer rooted in Jazz. | £10​

SPORT

⚽ Tunbridge Wells beat Larkfield & New Hythe away on Tuesday 1 - 0 but followed that up with a 2 - 1 defeat at home to Bearsted on Saturday.

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Tunbridge Wells FC @Tun_Wells_FC Full Time - Tunbridge Wells 1 Bearsted 2 5:7 PM • Sep 14, 2024 2 Retweets 1 Likes

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Next Saturday, they're playing Glebe at home.

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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