180 High Street dates from the mid 18th century. It doesn’t appear so old because the façade towards the High Street was rebuilt in neo-Tudor style in the late 19th century. However, behind the façade the original 18th century house survives intact. It has a few original internal features and a fine roof covered in Kentish peg-tiles. The building is attractive and, although it is not listed, makes a positive contribution to the High Street Conservation Area - in contrast to the bland modern buildings on either side of it. It deserves to be preserved both in its own right and because the historic core of Tonbridge has lost too many of its ancient buildings in the last 50 years, including many along the west side of the High Street. Replacing 180 High Street would mean that virtually the whole of the west side of the street between Bank Street and Lansdowne Road within the Conservation Area would have been redeveloped within the last 45 years.
The building at 180 High Street, Tonbridge was recently the subject of an application to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to permit its demolition and replacement by a block of 13 flats. Fortunately on 6 January the Council refused permission but the building remains threatened until a new use is found. The developer may appeal or may submit a further application.
The Friends of 180 High Street is a group of people from Tonbridge who want the building to be preserved.
The building at 180 High Street, Tonbridge was recently the subject of an application to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to permit its demolition and replacement by a block of 13 flats. Fortunately on 6 January the Council refused permission but the building remains threatened until a new use is found. The developer may appeal or may submit a further application.
The Friends of 180 High Street is a group of people from Tonbridge who want the building to be preserved.