A masterplan for the creation of a 2,800-home 'garden village' at Tudeley, near Tonbridge, has been revised.

The Hadlow Estate held a public consultation in October last year, both in person and online, and has subsequently reviewed its proposals to take into account the views expressed.

The estate is planning to build 2,800 homes with a new primary and secondary school, a GP surgery, sports and leisure facilities and a mixture of formal and informal open space included.

The online consultation was viewed more than 4,000 times.

As a result of comments made, there have been changes to the area planned around All Saints’ Church and to the design approach to housing and the formation of the village green in this location.

The secondary school has been redesigned with better playing pitches and pupil drop-off zone and the proposals for a community orchard north of All Saints Church have been enhanced.

Harry Teacher, the landowner of the Hadlow Estate, said: "We are grateful to everyone who took part. Their input has helped shape our latest proposals.

"The Tudeley Village masterplan seeks to deliver our vision for a sustainable settlement, which will respond to the needs of the community for generations to come. It is the product of detailed technical work and responsive design.

"Tudeley will be a place for people of all ages, incomes and tenures.

"Affordable housing, in a variety of tenures, will be integrated within the community. Alongside the 2,800 new dwellings, there will be sites for employment including offices, workshops, cafés and shops."

Mr Teacher added: "A strong focus on green space, including community orchards and allotments, and sustainable transport connections will ensure that, long into the future, residents of Tudeley will be able to move around the village and beyond without relying on a private vehicle.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has increased people’s appreciation of supportive communities and further emphasised the importance of our physical environment, not only how it looks but its impact on our health and wellbeing.

"Comfortable homes, from which to work, teach and relax, with access to local amenities and public open space, including parks and the wider countryside, must be more than just an aspiration for any future development.”

The proposal has not been universally welcomed. A protest group, Save Capel, is backing an alternative scheme at Castle Hill at the other end of the parish in preference.

Although Tudeley falls within the borough of Tunbridge Wells, traffic from the new homes is likely to affect Tonbridge, which is the closest town.

The masterplan can be seen online.

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