'We don't want this!' Locals raise £500k in race to save much-loved common from property developers

However, the commons have been owned by a property company Targetfollow for the past 18 years.

The land has since gone up for sale, raising concerns about developers building flats and even a car park.

Campaign group Friends of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons (FTWRC) is now trying to bring the land into public ownership.

Members have started gathering financial pledges in the hope of outbidding potential buyers.

Campaigners fear part of site could be developed.

Plans linked to the area include 104 luxury apartments and 285 parking spaces.

John Barber, a member of FTWRC, said the proposal would remove protections from parts of the site.

“They are suggesting they deregister this car park which comes under many protections,” he told GB News.

The plan would also swap the land for another site in Rusthall.

Mr Barber added: "They want to swap it with a piece of land in Rusthall of less value and utility."

Mr Barber insisted the Kent town does not need more similar developments.

“We already have a lot of these types of blocks and, from my understanding, they aren’t all fully occupied," he explained.

He also claimed the strength of feeling locally is clear.

“The people of Tunrbidge Wells do not want this," Mr Barber added.

Speaking to GB News, some residents expressed fears about the character of the area being lost.

One local resident said: “We don’t need any more development in Tunbridge Wells. We all love the common.”

Another added: “I would never consider giving planning permission to build new houses on that site at all. It would ruin Tunbridge Wells.”

More than 1,650 pledges worth over £500,000 have been secured so far.

However, campaigners believe they need more support before bids are considered at the end of this month.

The Chairman of the FTWRC, Roger Barton, said residents fear development could open the door to further building.

“The concern is that if this area is developed then bit by bit there will be more and more development of the commons,” Mr Barton said.

In a statement, Targetfollow said the commons have always been privately owned and have flourished during its ownership.

The company added there has been significant interest from potential buyers.