Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor M Davis declared an Other Significant Interest in items on the agenda, particularly the Local Plan Update, on the grounds of his status as a partner of Warners Solicitors.  In accordance with the dispensation granted at Minute GP 16/19 (meeting of 20 October 2016), he remained in the meeting and addressed the Advisory Board but took no further part in the discussion or voting.

In the interests of transparency Councillor M Balfour indicated that he was the Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste at Kent County Council.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board held on 7 March 2017

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board held on 7 March 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Decision Notice D170054MEM

Further to Decision No D170029MEM, the report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update following the consultation exercise carried out between 30 September and 25 November 2016 on the emerging Local Plan.  A summary was given of the main issues raised in the responses to the consultation together with suggestions on how they might be taken into account. 

The report also updated progress in respect of the Local Plan evidence base and set out the next stages of the process.  A revised timetable, necessitated by the calling of the General Election in June, was presented and proposed arrangements for Member workshops during the early autumn discussed.  It was noted that adjustment of the dates of the September and November meetings of the Advisory Board might be required.  An undertaking was given to advise Members when the position statement on the website was updated as further evidence became available.

RECOMMENDED:  That the content of the report be noted and the revised Local Plan timetable set out at Annex 3 to the report be approved.

Decision Notice D170055MEM

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health gave an update on progress in exercising the Duty to Co-operate with neighbouring local authorities and other relevant bodies on strategic cross boundary matters in the context of Local Plan preparation.  Endorsement was sought of officer level comments submitted by the 12 June deadline in respect of the recent Regulation 18 public consultations for the emerging Tunbridge Wells Local Plan.

RECOMMENDED:  That the update on the Duty to Co-operate be noted and the officer level comments in respect of the Issues and Options consultations for the emerging Tunbridge Wells Local Plan, as set out at Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed.

Decision Notice D170056MEM

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update on a number of transportation issues relevant to the Borough, focusing on the South Eastern Rail Franchise consultation, proposals for a Lower Thames Crossing, planned improvements to Tonbridge Station forecourt and highway improvements to the A20/Hermitage Lane.  Endorsement was sought of the officer level response submitted in respect of the Rail Franchise consultation by the 30 June deadline.

RECOMMENDED:  That the content of the report be noted and the officer level comments in response to the South Eastern Rail Franchise consultation, as set out at Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no matters considered in private.