Tunbridge Wells have issued two call-for-sites (2016 & 2017) which were intended to identify land for development. These two activities brought forward 23 sites across our Parish for consideration for future development. 

Although we have not issued a ‘Goudhurst only call-for-sites’ we have developed a set of Site Assessment Criteria to allow us to objectively review sites submitted in the TWBC process. Our own Site Assessment Criteria allows us to complete a consistent analysis of any sites now and in the future.

What are our criteria?

Our criteria only assess the land and its suitability of the land for development. There are no specific schemes (x houses or Y flats) proposed at this stage of the planning process. Any proposed scheme would need to comply with the policies in our plan as well as borough and national policy.

Site Description	Covering location, size, current usage surrounding land, boundaries, natural features and if the site has previously been developed or has planning history
Characteristics	Is the site within the Limits-to-Built-Development Relationship with surrounding land uses Is the site visually enclosed or exposed? Site Topography Are there any constraining features e.g. Pylons and electrical power lines etc. Does site have access to power, water, drainage and broadband
Accessibility	Site viability – adequacy of existing roads Does site have access for waste removal and emergency services If the current access is inadequate or could it be improved
Access for pedestrians	Is there Pedestrian access Suitable for cycling Any Public Rights of Way Access to local public transport Access to local services
Environment	Distance to important sites (SSSIs) Distance to sites designated of local importance Any impact on biodiversity, ecology or geodiversity Are there any tree preservation orders on the site? Proximity to Ancient Woodland?
Flood risk	Is there a risk of flooding
AONB	any impact on the landscape of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Heritage	Impact on areas such as Conservation Area, Scheduled monument, parks Listed Buildings etc.
Availability	Ownership Deliverable Could the site be considered for affordable housing etc.

All of the sites submitted to the two TWBC Call-for-Sites requests have been assessed.