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Newsletter
March 2026
New Angel Centre designs
Strong public support has emerged for the new Angel Centre proposals, in Tonbridge, following a period of public engagement and a survey.
More than two thirds (67.67%) of the 436 survey respondents said they backed the scheme, over half (56.3%) felt the proposals are an improvement on the current facility, and more than 70% supported the inclusion of a green ‘living wall’. The red‑brick exterior, designed to reflect the character of Tonbridge, was also well received.
Public interest was high, with more than 6,500 visits to the project website to view plans for an expanded gym, multi‑purpose studios, a spin studio, wellness zone, soft play area and café—amenities shaped by earlier survey suggestions from the community.
Plans have now been submitted to the council. If approved, the new centre will be built on the Sovereign Way Mid car park.
Council tax levels confirmed for 2026-2027
A new budget to fund delivery of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council services has been agreed by councillors.
Members voted to set council tax bills for waste collection, recycling, planning, parks, leisure and other local services at an average of £4.85 a week for a Band D home. The annual bill for borough council services will be £252.65, an increase of £7.35 on the current year.
Council tax charges
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New town council for Tonbridge
Tonbridge will officially have its own town council, following a decision by borough councillors. The new authority will include 18 elected councillors across six wards, including the newly created Oast Ward, with the first elections taking place in May 2027.
This follows two rounds of public consultation showing strong support for giving Tonbridge its own local voice. The next step is for the borough council to make the formal order that establishes the new council.
Have your say on the future of local councils
The Government is consulting on major changes to how councils across Kent and Medway could be structured — the biggest review in 50 years.
One option, Model 3a, supported by Tonbridge and Malling and several neighbouring councils, would create three new unitary authorities for Kent, bringing all local services together under fewer councils.
The consultation is open now and closes Thursday 26 March 2026.
Food waste recycling up 19%
Thank you to everyone across Tonbridge and Malling — together you’ve boosted food waste recycling by over 19% in 2025, diverting almost 110 tonnes of scraps from the black bin. Those bright orange stickers are helping remind people to use the little caddy with the orange lid, and it’s making a real difference. Find collection days and order a FREE food waste bin and liners using the link below.
Bringing empty homes back to life
We’re stepping up work to tackle long‑term empty properties across Tonbridge and Malling with the appointment of a new Empty Homes Officer.
Around 470 homes in the borough have been empty for more than six months. Our new officer will be working directly with owners to bring these properties back into use — helping improve neighbourhoods, boost housing supply and reduce the number of homes standing unused.
Seen an empty home in your area?
Report it
What's next for the Local Plan?
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Regulation 18 Local Plan consultation. Thousands of you visited the website, shared comments, came to drop‑ins and signed up for updates.
Your feedback is now being reviewed and will help shape the next stage as we move towards Regulation 19, when a full draft plan will be published.
We’ll keep you updated as the Local Plan progresses.
Be a local litter hero
Do you love Tonbridge and Malling and want to help protect your local neighbourhood from litter? Then why not join the Great British Spring Clean 2026.
This national campaign, led by Keep Britain Tidy runs from 13 – 29 March 2026. At TMBC we support local litter pickers by providing all the equipment you need to get started including sacks, litter pickers and high viz. You can take part as an individual, group or as an organisation.
£5k grants to help your business go green
Businesses in Tonbridge and Malling can apply for up to £5,000 to cut carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. The Green Business Grant supports upgrades to commercial premises, equipment or machinery — including insulation, LED lighting, greener tech and more efficient systems. The scheme is open to any business operating from commercial premises in the borough.
Apply by 5pm on 2 April 2026.
Join us at the free West Kent Expo 26
West Kent Expo 26 takes place on Wednesday 11 March, 10am–3pm at The River Centre, Tonbridge. It’s a free event offering networking, expert advice, workshops and information on grants and business support for companies across the borough.
Delivered by West Kent Business and Invest West Kent, it’s a great chance to meet others, get guidance and explore opportunities to grow your business.
Looking for a new job?
If you’re job hunting or thinking about a fresh start in a new sector, don’t miss our Jobs Fair on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at the Angel Centre, Tonbridge.
Drop in any time between 10am and 1pm to meet employers from a wide range of sectors, including logistics, retail, construction and care. You can also pick up tips on CV writing, interview skills and how to stand out to recruiters. There’s no need to book — just come along and take the first step towards your next opportunity.
Green light for new modular homes
Councillors have unanimously approved plans for 12 new modular homes on the former Blue Bell Hill car park near Aylesford.
The £4m scheme will provide modern, energy‑efficient temporary accommodation with solar panels, heat pumps and high‑performance insulation. With around 120 households needing temporary housing at any time, the project will help ease local pressure. Award‑winning Zed Pods will start construction this spring, with completion expected in spring 2027.
Discover a fairytale wedding venue at Tonbridge Castle
Tonbridge Castle offers a stunning backdrop for your big day, with 900 years of history, beautiful views over the River Medway and 14 acres of picturesque grounds.
Couples can choose from the atmospheric Great Hall or the elegant 18th‑century Chamber Room, and enjoy full access to the grounds — including the top of the castle — for unforgettable photos. Our dedicated wedding team will support you from your first visit through to the big day.
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