New Angel Centre

The New Angel Centre

On 14 July 2026, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council considered the planning application forthe new Angel Centre. After nearly an hour of public representations and debate, counsellors

voted to WE SPOKE UP FOR YOU

Tonbridge u3a was one of three organisations and individuals who spoke at the meeting. We raised concerns about the loss of meeting rooms, future access for community groups, accessibility and the lack of legally binding guarantees.

COUNCILLORS SHARED CONCERNS

Several councillors expressed similar concerns.

Permission was approved, with officers asked to prepare non-binding informatives encouraging the continuation of community use. No legally enforceable agreement was secured.

FOCUS MOVES TO FUTURE ACCESS

A management agreement between the Council and TMActive is expected to be considered later this year. This will be key to how the new centre is run and how community access is protected.

LEGAL ADVICE BEING UNDERTAKEN

The Committee is taking legal advice to understand whether there are grounds to challenge aspects of the planning decision.

Documents generated by Tonbridge u3a related to the planning application

In March, Tonbridge u3a submitted a detailed representation setting out many of the concerns raised by members regarding the proposed Angel Centre redevelopment. The submission, prepared on behalf of the Management Committee by Penny Davies, can be read here. Following publication of the planning application, an addendum was also prepared and can be read here.

In June, a further supplementary submission was made on behalf of Tonbridge u3a. This can be read here, together with a supplementary note regarding Policy CP26, which can be read here.

In late June a supplimentary matters document was submitted, it can be read here

On the 7 July a response to the applicant's response to concerns raised by local residents was submitted, it can be read here

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