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Shape Southborough's Future!

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 17:05

By Martin Webber

The deadline is looming on Friday for residents to respond to a consultation on the future of Southborough.

Nick Woollett, who's been working on the "Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan", told West Kent Radio it was all about influencing "the quality of life in Southborough."

Nick said the consultation was about various issues including building design and transport between now and 2038.

You can listen to his full interview here recorded from his live appearance on Friday drivetime on West Kent Radio on 18th July 2025.

Presenter Martin Webber asked him if the Neighbourhood Plan had any solutions to the constant traffic jams in Southborough on the A26.

Nick Woollett responded by saying they were encouraging "active travel" - that is walking and cycling. 

Nick Woollett said there was a plan for a cycle path on the A26, but he called it "a difficult problem" as the carriageway width is too narrow to squeeze in both a good cycle path and the existing road. He said they were keen to encourage more new walking routes and improve existing routes where possible.

Nick Woollett said the Neighbourhood Development Plan was not about deciding where new houses might be built. He said: "It's not directly about housing.  It's more about the small details that make a big difference. It's about design guides so we get the right designs of houses when we get them built. Also it's about shop front design."

Nick encouraged residents to view a large document at the library that explains Southborough's rich local heritage and history.  He said the plan "is all about listing all the open spaces ...and all the views we want to maintain ...and the quality of life in Southborough."

You can read the plan and make your views known by clicking on this link:
https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-plans/southborough

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