How Green Party Councillors Lead Community Victory for the Upper Castle Lawn

At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. Our councillors are constantly listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and pushing for meaningful change—even when the cameras aren’t rolling. A shining example of this commitment is the recent success in securing Village Green status for Upper Castle Field, a cherished green space in the heart of Tonbridge. This victory is the result of a joint effort between the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, and local community groups, including the Slade Area Residents Association (SARA).

A Community Triumph

Upper Castle Field, a vital green space for recreation and environmental sustainability, has been granted Village Green status by the Kent County Council Regulation Panel. This decision safeguards the field from future development, including a controversial proposal to expand the adjacent car park earlier this year. The proposal, which would have replaced grassland with tarmac, faced significant opposition from local residents and Green Party councillors, who argued that it contradicted the council’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing public health.

The campaign to protect Upper Castle Field was spearheaded by Jacquie Wyatt and Ruth Herbert from SARA, who worked tirelessly to mobilize support, challenge development proposals, and submit the Village Green application. Their dedication, combined with the efforts of Green Party councillors Mark Hood and Paul Stepto, has preserved this vital space for future generations.

Green Party’s Involvement

Green Party councillors played a pivotal role in this campaign. Cllr Mark Hood, who represents Judd Ward, described Upper Castle Field as a “green lung” for the community and emphasized its importance for local families, including his own children and nieces who attend Slade School.

“We are delighted that the hard work of residents has paid off and now Upper Castle Field has Village Green status,” said Cllr Hood. “This ensures that the ‘green lung’ will endure without the encroachment of tarmac and concrete. My own children attended Slade School, and now my nieces have the opportunity to enjoy this space too, as will many generations to come. This is a great example of what can be achieved when people in a community pull together and make a difference.”

Cllr Hood also highlighted plans to work with the borough council on additional tree planting using the KCC Plant Tree scheme, ensuring that residents and schoolchildren can enjoy the space with much-needed shade.

A Win for the Environment

The decision to grant Village Green status aligns with the council’s Climate Change Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan, which prioritize reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing public health. The initial car park expansion proposal, which would have added 28 parking spaces, was widely criticized for its potential to increase traffic congestion and air pollution in an area already designated as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

Studies commissioned by the council indicated that the need for extra parking was not justified, further undermining the case for development. The preservation of Upper Castle Field ensures that Tonbridge remains committed to its environmental goals while providing a green sanctuary for residents.

Looking Ahead

The granting of Village Green status is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of holding councils accountable to their environmental and public health commitments. It also highlights the critical role of local councillors in advocating for their constituents and protecting community assets.

This victory would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of SARA, Green Party councillors, and the wider Tonbridge community. It serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when we work together to protect the spaces that matter most to us.

Working Hard, Every Day

The campaign to protect Upper Castle Field is a perfect example of how Green Party councillors are Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. From gathering signatures to navigating the complexities of council processes, our councillors are dedicated to making Tonbridge and Malling a fairer, greener, and more sustainable place for everyone.

If you have an idea for how we can improve our community, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can continue to protect and enhance the spaces that matter most to us.

More from us

If you found this article helpful, be sure to follow us on our social media profiles linked below! We regularly share updates and insights. Also, if you’re ready and eager to make a difference, check out our Volunteers Page to see how you can get involved with our community!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Twitter
• Get Involved!
• Join the Green Party