Transport strategy for Calverley Square, Tunbridge Wells

Challenge

SLR helped Tunbridge Wells Borough Council obtain planning permission for a new 1,200 seat theatre, new civic offices and a new 260-space underground carpark on a constrained site in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

Solution

The key transport issues with the proposed development were traffic impact, access and servicing. Extensive work was done to develop an access and servicing strategy that met the operational needs of the development without unduly affecting access to immediately adjacent premises and streets surrounding the site. Agreement was reached with Kent County Council on all transport matters and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council granted planning permission for the proposed development in June 2018.

Following this, we were instrumental in securing the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) to deliver the permitted development despite significant objections from local residents. All of the draft TRO were approved in January 2019 with no amendments.

Impact

In order to implement the servicing strategy for the proposed theatre it was necessary for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire rights over third party land. SLR acted as the expert witness on transport matters. The CPO was confirmed with no amendments in May 2019.