Southborough and High Brooms
Neighbourhood Development Plan
Update – April 2026
Have Your Say: SHBNDP Referendum on
Thursday 18th June 2026
Following an independent examination undertaken by written representations, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has confirmed that the Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan (SHBNDP) can proceed to a Neighbourhood Planning Referendum. This referendum will ensure that the local community has the final say on whether the neighbourhood plan comes into force or not.
The Examiner’s Final Report published on 7 January 2026 recommended a number of modifications to the NDP including alignment with TWBC’s new Local Plan (adopted 10 December 2025). With the approval of TWBC in conjunction with Southborough Town Council these modifications have been made.
The referendum will be held on Thursday 18 June 2026, with registered voters within the neighbourhood area invited to vote. It will pose the question:
“Do you want Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Development Plan for Southborough and High Brooms to help it decide planning applications in the Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Area?”
The following documents can be viewed from the Documents list on this page and at TWBC’s Neighbourhood Plans - Southborough page.
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Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan 2024-2028 Referendum Version
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TWBC Decision Statement
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Examiner’s Final Report
Further details of the referendum arrangements will be published by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in due course.
For further information please email us at shbndp@gmail.com