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St Mark's Field: Developer's Plans

Friday, 17 October 2025 20:56

By Martin Webber

The developer Esquire has submitted a planning application to reclassify St Mark's recreation ground as a "Biodiversity Enhancement area."

It's part of Esquire's scheme to get permission to build 400 new homes on green fields to the south of Tunbridge Wells and move the town’s rugby club.

St Mark’s is currently officially listed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as an "Asset of Community Value" as it's been used by community sports teams for the past 90 years.

The Green Weald Alliance, which was formed to oppose the Esquire development, has described the proposed change to a "biodiversity enhancement area" as "greenwashing" which it says will create a fenced off area with no public access.

Kent Wildlife Trust has also criticised the proposal for a Biodiversity enhancement area to replace the sports fields.

In its comment on the planning portal, the Kent Wildlife Trust said it’s “highly unlikely” that the site would be able to achieve the Biodiversity Net Gain it outlines.

The Trust describes the developer’s Biodiversity proposals as an “afterthought in the masterplan process”, with no net gain in hedgerow.

Listen to Dan Zenkowski of the Green Weald Alliance:

Four thousand people have signed a petition on change.org opposing the development.

Dozens of people have put their comments in on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council website. Application 25/02328/FULL

The Wealden District Council consultation ends of 12th December - see this link:
https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/Planning/Display/WD/2025/2241/MAJ

West Kent Radio has asked the developers Esquire for comment, but has so far not received a response.

In earlier statements, Esquire has said that it's committed to bringing forward a high quality development that will deliver much needed homes. Esquire said its plans included the "potential" for a GP Surgery.

For more detail on this development scheme see our earlier stories:
https://www.westkentradio.co.uk/news/west-kent-news/new-twist-in-housing-battle/

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