Tunbridge Wells & Rusthall Common - For Sale

A meeting has taken place to discuss the sale of the Common and what can be done.

The future of one of the area’s best-loved open spaces is generating significant local interest. Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, the expansive historic landscape that has long been a backdrop for everyday walks, family outings, and community events, have been placed on the
open market by the private owner.

While many local residents assumed that the Commons were publicly owned, the reality is that they are held by a private landlord. News of the sale has prompted widespread questions about what ownership means for the long-term future of this much-used public space.

In response, the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, a registered charity established in 1991, are exploring whether community ownership could be a viable option to secure the Commons for public enjoyment, nature conservation and heritage.

Public engagement has been strong. Recent meetings organised by the Friends to explain the situation and hear local views were heavily oversubscribed, with many people unable to gain entry. Further public meetings have now been arranged to ensure that residents have the opportunity to understand what the sale means, what options are being explored, and how they can get involved.

Alongside this, the Friends are inviting people to register pledges of support. These pledges are not donations at this stage. Instead, they help demonstrate community backing, assess whether a community purchase could be viable, and strengthen discussions with potential funders. Supporters will only be asked to fulfil a pledge if a community bid is ultimately successful.

The Commons already benefit from strong legal protections. They are registered as common land and village greens, and are governed by specific legislation. The statutory body responsible for their management, the Commons Conservators, has also published an agreed fact sheet explaining that any development or commercialisation would face a very high legal and procedural bar.

However, many people involved in the discussions argue that ownership still matters. Who owns the Commons can influence how pressure for commercial use is handled, how confidently protections are upheld, and how decisions are framed over the long term.

Nick Leech, Trustee of the Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons, said: “The Commons are far more than open space. They are part of the fabric of the town, socially, environmentally and economically. Community ownership would help ensure that this remarkable landscape is stewarded with long-term public benefit at its heart.”

For many residents, the Commons are central to daily life, offering space to walk, exercise, reflect and connect with nature close to the town centre. The Friends believe that bringing ownership into community hands could provide lasting certainty that this shared asset remains protected for generations.

More information about the sale, upcoming meetings and how to register a pledge is available at https://friendsofthecommons.uk/

Those wishing to pledge directly can also contact johnspbarber@gmail.com