Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendation to make a voluntary application for registration of the land as a village green was approved.
summary: The decision at stake is whether to make a voluntary application to register land owned by the Borough Council at River Lawn, Tonbridge as a village green.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to make a voluntary application to register land at River Lawn, Tonbridge as a village green.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to the historical and community significance of the area, potential financial considerations, and the impact on future development of the land.
affected_stakeholders: ["Borough Council", "Kent County Council", "Local residents"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: No mention of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1817
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: Members considered whether a submission to Kent County Council should be made for a voluntary application to register land owned by the Borough Council at River Lawn, Tonbridge as a village green in accordance with the Commons Act 2006. Any decision by the Council to make such an application in its capacity as landowner required the approval of the Cabinet as this was an executive function. Due regard was given to the previous history related to the village green status of this land, the financial and value for money considerations and the assessed risk as detailed in the report. The historical and community significance of the area was recognised and on the grounds that village green status would provide protection against any future development of the land, Cllr Coffin proposed, seconded by Cllr Mehmet and Cabinet RESOLVED: That (1) a voluntary application for registration of the land at River Lawn, Tonbridge (shown at Annex 1) as a village green be made by the Borough Council.
Date of Decision: June 3, 2025