Borough council pauses local plan work until National Planning Policy Framework changes clear

In a statement announcing the decision, the council's leader, Cllr Matt Boughton, said the council chose to stall development to ensure it can implement a robust and compliant plan.

Rachel Reeves announced that the Government is set to propose amending the NPPF in her first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer earlier this month.

She said the new Government plans to reform the framework and consult on a "new growth-focused approach to the planning system before the end of the month, including restoring mandatory housing targets".

Tonbridge and Malling is mid-way through its local plan development and has yet to publish its draft local plan.

Cllr Boughton said it seems "inevitable" the changes will impact across a range of policy areas "which could meaningfully alter the requirements for developing Local Plans".

He added: "We need to know more about what the Government is proposing before moving forward to the next stage.

"While this is not ideal, it will be better to have certainty so we can move forward with a robust plan which both complies with national policy and delivers for the people of our borough."

Adam Carey