Redevelopment plans for former Marley Tiles site announced

Plans to revitalise the former Marley Tiles site on the A20 near Wrotham and create hundreds of jobs have been unveiled by its owners.

Panattoni, Europe’s largest privately-owned industrial developer, is consulting with the local community on plans to redevelop the eight-acre site for industrial, logistics and distribution uses.

Residents will be able to find out more at a public exhibition being held at the main office on the Marley Tiles site on Tuesday, 3 December between 2pm and 7pm. Further details and feedback forms will also be available via www.Panattoni-Wrotham.co.uk.

The proposal is to create a modern facility with high environmental credentials able to accommodate six businesses of varying sizes, supporting between 140 and 265 full-time jobs, in two buildings. It replaces an earlier one for a single, much larger building on the site for a sole occupant.

Tony Watkins, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Our redevelopment plans promise to give a new lease of life to this massively underused brownfield employment site. It is in a strategic position with easy access to the M20 and M26 and could easily support hundreds of jobs in modern, energy efficient buildings.

“The development would support the economy of Tonbridge & Malling, meet local demand for these types of premises, generate additional business rates and reduce the pressure to find other employment sites in the borough.

“We want to hear what local residents think about our proposals, so wherever possible we can reflect this feedback in the final planning application.”

Consistent with the approach adopted by Panattoni at its other sites, the proposals embrace environmental sustainability, including using energy efficient materials, biodiversity improvements, LED lighting, solar panels, heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and electric charging points for cars and bicycles. The buildings will be built to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and have an ‘A’ Rated Energy Performance Certificate.

The public consultation will run until Friday, 10 January 2025. Having collated the feedback, Panattoni hopes to submit a planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council during the spring.