"River Lawn" Protected

Thursday, 5 June 2025 12:49

By Martin Webber

Campaigners opposing development on River Lawn

The cabinet of Tonbridge and Malling Council has applied for Village Green status to prevent development of the "River Lawn" in the heart of Tonbridge.

A statement from the Green Party said: "This is a very significant moment and it comes soon after the confirmation by Kent County Council that Upper Castle Fields has become a Village Green after proposals to extend a car park over parts of it were abandoned".

The Green Party said: "The decision by the cabinet is the culmination of a long running campaign by the community led by Barden Residents' Association and Keep River Lawn Green who previously saw their application refused by K.C.C. on a technicality, there should be no obstacle with voluntary registration by the landowner this time".

The River Green area is shown on the map below:

The key requirement under the Commons Act for an area to be declared a "Village Green" is that a significant number of the inhabitants of the locality have indulged as of right in lawful sports and pastimes on the land for a period of at least 20 years.

The Green Party statement continued: "The decision by the cabinet is the culmination of a long running campaign by the community led by Barden Residents' Association and Keep River Lawn Green who previously saw their application refused by KCC on a technicality, there should be no obstacle with voluntary registration by the landowner this time".

The Green Party news release also stated: "The Keep River Lawn Green Group has campaigned for nine years to achieve protection for the open space ...Many thanks to everyone who has played any part in their campaign.

"The site was considered for development by the Conservative administration in 2016, until a change of leadership led to the policy to sell being reversed.

"Since the change of heart by the council a policy of 'rewilding' has been imposed which leaves the area managed by a single cut each year.

"At last night's meeting Cabinet Member Cllr Robin Betts commented that "It is a bit sad that the rewilding will have to go" which suggests that this unpopular management technique for this location will be coming to an end".