Newly elected Capel ward councillor Hugh Patterson has backed the Castle Hill development strategy over the Tudeley Village Proposal that would have “years of disruption”.
The Tunbridge Wells Local Plan will build thousands of houses across Five Oak Green and Capel.
Hugh Patterson said: “Capel Parish Council is against the local plan in Tudeley because of the damage it will do to the landscape and the years of disruption cased by the building of houses and associated roads.”
The Tunbridge Wells Local Plan has committed to developing the greenbelt region to provide links between Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood.
“We would accept Castle Hill as it is a much more sustainable site close to the A21 and in our opinion more deliverable,” said Patterson.
Castle Hill representative Alex Cowley said: “As with any planning proposal, we always seek to secure the support of local ward councillors because they are key local representatives.
“In our view, there is a substantial housing need that cannot sustainably be met without at least some major development in the area of outstanding natural beauty, which covers nearly 70% of the borough. Castle Hill is a sustainable location for development.”
A spokesperson from the Tudeley Village Proposal was unable to comment.
The Liberal Democrat secured a unanimous majority in the recent local elections. Patterson scored 717 votes, with a manifesto stating a vote for Patterson is a vote against development that threatens the parish.
