| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| PE 07/015 |
Declarations of interest. |
Councillor Rogers declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the item relating to Historic Building Grants on the grounds of being an owner of one of the properties seeking a grant application. He withdrew from the meeting during the discussion of this item. |
| PE 07/016 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board held on 26 February 2007 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| PE 07/017 |
Department for Communities and Local Government Consultation- Permitted Development Rights for Domestic Microgeneration Decision Notice D070112MEM |
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure recommended a response on the consultation paper relating to new initiatives for domestic energy generation. Members expressed concern about the potential noise nuisance caused by wind turbines and felt this should be emphasised in the Council's response to the consultation, as well as issues concerning visible development from prominent locations including public rights of way. The Board hoped that central government would recognise the importance of declaring national standards of certification enabling a uniform system to be adopted across the country. RECOMMENDED: That the comments set out in Annex 1 of the report in respect of 'Permitted Development Rights for Householder Microgeneration - Responses to Questions' be submitted as the Council's response to the consultation with the potential noise disturbances in residential areas and the visual effect of equipment in prominent locations being noted in the responses. |
| PE 07/018 |
Tonbridge Central Area - Draft Botany Area Planning Brief |
A draft of the Planning Brief for the Botany Area of Tonbridge Town Centre was presented. It brought forward, in more detail, the planning considerations to be taken into account in respect of this major development opportunity identified through the emerging Tonbridge Central Area Action Plan as part of the Council's work on the Local Development Framework. Members recognised the high standard of development sought for this important site as outlined in the draft planning brief. RECOMMENDED: That subject to some minor points of clarification, the draft Botany Area Planning Brief be approved for the purposes of targeted consultation with a view to its ultimate adoption for development control purposes. *Referred to Cabinet |
| PE 07/019 |
Medway Estuary and Swale Shoreline Management Plan Decision Notice D070113MEM |
The report gave details of the development of policies affecting the management of flood defences along the banks of the tidal Medway and their implications for the borough together with arrangements for the current public consultation. Members welcomed this initiative, recognising the impact that climate change could have on coastal areas, but expressed concern at the cost implications and queried who would be funding the work. The Board suggested that a clear action plan detailing the financial commitment from government be requested from the South East Coastal Group to provide clarity. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the Medway Estuary and Swale Shoreline Management Plan be endorsed; (2) the Shoreline Management Plan form part of the evidence base for the formulation of the 'Management of Development and the Environment' Development Plan document being prepared as part of the Borough Council's Local Development Framework and for future reviews of the Core Strategy; and (3) the senior regional partners of the South East Coastal Group be requested to set out a clear action plan detailing the level of financial commitment from central government in delivering the Shoreline Management Plan and the agencies responsible for the implementation of policies identified. |
| PE 07/020 |
Kent Minerals Development Framework - Consultation on Site Allocation Representations Decision Notice D070114MEM |
The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure outlined the latest consultation stage for the Kent Minerals Development Framework which had concluded on 7 June 2007. Details were given of the effects of the framework on Tonbridge and Malling and the Council's participation at previous consultation stages. Endorsement was sought of an officer level response which had been submitted. RECOMMENDED: That the officer level comments, set out in Annex B to the report, submitted to Kent County Council be noted and endorsed. |
| PE 07/021 |
Conservation Areas |
Members were updated on progress made on work carried out regarding Conservation Areas in the borough. Following consultation with parish councils and other interested parties the re-adoption of four Conservation Area Appraisals and a programme for future works was recommended. RECOMMENDED: That (1) subject to the minor amendments identified under Annex A to the report, the West Malling, East Malling village, Ivy Hatch and Ditton Conservation Area Appraisals be re-adopted; and (2) the approach and priorities for the preparation of further Conservation Area Appraisals, as set out in the report, be agreed. *Referred to Cabinet |
| PE 07/022 |
Parking Action Plan - Progress Report |
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure updated progress on implementing the Tonbridge local parking plan and the Blue Bell Hill scheme and provided details of the development of a Hadlow local parking plan and the subsequent work to take place in Borough Green and Snodland. In the context of Zone P in Tonbridge it was confirmed that the turning head in Tudeley Lane needed to be retained and protected for safety and access reasons. Members supported officers' continuing hard work implementing local parking plans and were pleased that residents' views would be considered. Parking problems in East Malling were highlighted and discussed. Members were advised that major survey and consultation work were necessary before a local parking plan would be implemented but this would be actioned as soon as the programme allowed. RECOMMENDED: That the scheme for Tudely Lane, as described in the report, along with the rest of Zone P be reviewed after 18 months of operation and the petitioners advised accordingly. *Referred to Cabinet |
| PE 07/023 |
Historic Building Grants - Exceptional Cases Decision Notice D070115MEM |
Consideration was given to two requests for grant assistance in respect of Cockle Oast, Hartlake Road, Golden Green and the War Memorial at the Church of St George, The Square, Wrotham. RECOMMENDED: That the principle of offering Historic Building Grant assistance be agreed for the following applications, subject to the Council's normal terms and conditions, and to the specific requirements set out in the report: - (1) the repairs to three cowls at Cockle Oast, Hartlake Road, Golden Green; and (2) restoration works and the addition of 14 names to the War Memorial at St George's Church, Wrotham. |
| PE 07/024 |
The Heritage White Paper, 'Heritage Protection for the 21st Century' (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) 2007) Decision Notice D070116MEM |
The report gave details of the Heritage White Paper presented to Parliament in March 2007 which set out proposals for legislative change for response by 1 June 2007. The proposals were based around three core principles including:- # The development of a unified approach to the historic environment; # Maximising opportunities for inclusion and involvement; and # Supporting sustainable communities by putting the historic environment at the heart of an effective planning system. The importance of protecting listed buildings was acknowledged but Members recognised the need for adequate resources to undertake the review properly. It was strongly felt that buildings of local historical interest should have statutory planning protection. The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure updated Members on the proactive work of the Tonbridge Civic Society in identifying buildings of local interest. RECOMMENDED: That the points listed under Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the report be endorsed as the Council's response to the 2007 Heritage White Paper consultation. |
| PE 07/025 |
South East Plan - Gypsy and Travellers Review |
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure advised Members that work had commenced on a partial review of the South East Plan addressing the issue of accommodation for gypsies and travellers. The advice of local authorities in the region was sought by SEERA on alternative options for the distribution of pitch requirements. This advice, required by October, was to be provided by the authorities in Kent working together. The report explained the working arrangements for the provision of this advice. RECOMMENDED: That the arrangements for preparing the partial review of the South East Plan dealing with gypsies and travellers be noted and the process for submitting the technical advice be endorsed. *Referred to Cabinet |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| PE 07/026 |
Capital Plan Progress Report |
Members were advised of the progress made with the schemes contained in the Planning and Transport section of the Capital Plan. Members thanked officers for the hard work undertaken on the New Hythe Lane to Chaucer Way footpath and cycle track. |
| PE 07/027 |
Consultation Responses |
Members noted the report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure detailing the consultation responses since the last meeting of the Advisory Board. |
| PE 07/028 |
The Planning White Paper and Allied Consultations |
Members were advised of the publication of the long awaited Planning White Paper accompanied by additional consultation papers on matters of detail. It was proposed, given the scale of the documents, that a fully detailed report be presented at a future meeting to be arranged for all Members to attend so as to meet the August consultation deadlines. The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure announced the 18 July 2007 as a possible date for this special meeting but final details needed confirmation. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| PE 07/029 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
No matters were considered in private. |