Plans for a £72m development - including a new theatre and offices - have been unanimously approved for Tunbridge Wells.

The development, submitted by GVA on behalf of Tunbridge Wells council, is on the site of the current car parks at Great Hall and Mount Pleasant Avenue, and on the edge of Calverley Grounds, opposite the railway station.

The plans include the development of a 1,200-seater theatre, replacing the existing Assembly Hall Theatre, alongside commercial office space and car parking. The current town hall would also be replaced with new council offices, a civic suite and council chamber.

The planning committee was told Historic England was broadly supportive of the scheme and the proposal received support from British Land and Altitude Real Estate; companies also investing in new developments in the town.

In addition to the theatre and office building the plans include a new underground car park, with improved spaces to replace those lost from the site of Great Hall car park, and new landscaping with 70 additional trees.

Council Leader David Jukes said: "The committee’s decision is very good news.

"The next 10 years will see major changes in the town and this development will be a key part of the transformation and will play an important role in delivering economic benefits to Tunbridge Wells.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Cabinet member Tracy Moore said: ‘The decision brings us a step closer to delivering the vision in the cultural strategy for Royal Tunbridge Wells to become the cultural heart of the Kent and Sussex Weald.

‘This is a significant investment in the future prosperity of our borough, for the benefit of generations to come.’

Work on the scheme is expected to begin next year, with completion scheduled for 2021.