| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| PE 12/001 |
Staffing Changes in the Transport Division |
The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure set out the recent staffing changes in the Transport Division following the retirement of the Chief Engineer (Mike McCulloch). Members recorded their appreciation for the significant contribution made to the work of the Borough Council by the Chief Engineer and paid tribute to the quality of his technical advice and support. In addition, they wished him a long and happy retirement. |
| PE 12/002 |
Declarations of interest. |
Councillor N Heslop declared a personal interest in the item on Borough Transportation Matters on the grounds that he was a regular commuter using the Southeastern services. Councillor Worrall declared a personal interest in the item on Borough Transportation Matters as the Pembury Hospital development was referred to in the report, on the grounds of being a non-executive director of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. |
| PE 12/003 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board held on 16 November 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| PE 12/004 |
CCTV Decision Notice D120020MEM |
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure provided an update on some imminent upgrading of ageing equipment within the CCTV Control Room, for which budgets were available. Members were advised that the cost identified for the capital replacement of the CCTV equipment was estimated at £282,000, which would be shared between Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councils as part of the partnership agreement. The Borough Council's contribution of £141,000 had been allowed for within the existing capital renewal budget and would be delivered through the terms of the current contractual arrangements with the incumbent contractor. The approach set out in the report was welcomed and Members recognised the value of CCTV in addressing the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour. It was noted that in preparation for the review of the current monitoring contract, operational aspects of the service would be critically considered during the forthcoming year in consultation with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Members were assured that consideration would be given to the most efficient way of deploying the CCTV systems to provide best value for money whilst maintaining an effective and high level service. RECOMMENDED: That the process of replacing and renewing the current CCTV equipment, as set out in the report, be endorsed. |
| PE 12/005 |
Medway Valley Sustainable Transport Strategy Decision Notice D120021MEM |
A draft Transport Strategy recently considered by the Joint Transportation Board was presented for comment. It was explained that the strategy was closely linked to the major development proposals that the Borough Council had promoted in the Medway Gap. The public transport aspects of the strategy on the A20 corridor and the A228 and the three principal inter-urban bus routes currently serving the area were noted. Particular reference was made to Arriva's intention to submit a bid to the Green Bus Fund for Low Carbon Emission Buses (LCEBs) to operate on the route 71, between Maidstone and Holborough on the A20 corridor. It was hoped that the impact of new LCEBs would increase patronage, reduce congestion and carbon and improve air quality and provide potential for economic growth. A letter of support from the Borough Council was attached as Annex 2 to the report. RECOMMENDED: That the approach set out in the revised strategy be endorsed. |
| PE 12/006 |
Town Lock Capital Project |
Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure which informed of the proposed programme, financial profile and partnership arrangements for the progression and implementation of the Town Lock Capital Project. The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure was pleased to report that the Environment Agency had now been able to commit £230,000 to the scheme and this contribution allowed the Town Lock project to proceed to implementation during the next financial year. It was noted that this contribution was time bound and was conditional upon a collaborative agreement being in place in which the Borough Council would undertake to build the scheme within a given time. An outline design scheme plan was set out at Annex 1 to the report. The outline programme for implementation was set out at paragraph 1.5 of the report. Members welcomed the progression of the project as it promoted and supported the sustainable regeneration and economic development of Tonbridge town centre and achieved a cleaner, smarter and better maintained street scene and open space environment. The comments about design and river safety were noted by officers. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the proposals to progress and implement the Town Lock Capital Project be endorsed; and (2) the scheme be transferred from Capital Plan List B to List A. *Referred to Cabinet |
| PE 12/007 |
Response to Government Consultation on Implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 Decision Notice D120022MEM |
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure outlined proposals for the implementation of part of the Act dealing with the approval of sustainable drainage systems in new development. The main points of interest for the Borough Council were also highlighted. A proposed response to the consultation was set out at paragraph 1.3 of the report. The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure concluded that it was conceivable that some of the early concerns would be resolved as the consultation progressed although it was also possible that further concerns would come to light. However, it was noted that there was ongoing liaison with colleagues elsewhere with the objective of formulating workable practices and procedures. Particular reference was made to identifying effective and efficient ways to ensure that the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) and planning application processes did not unreasonably interfere with each other whilst recognising that the general objective of promoting sustainable development was common to both. Members expressed concern regarding potential funding issues surrounding flood alleviation schemes following the recent changes in funding rules for the Environment Agency and their ability to fund these themselves. It was, therefore, considered vital to avoid confusion as to whether the Agency would consider the Sustainable Drainage System approval process, or other alternative income streams available to the Borough Council, as a potential source of funding for any outstanding schemes. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the key points raised in the report be submitted to the Government as the Borough Council's response; and (2) the steps being taken to engage with other authorities in order to streamline incoming processes as far as possible be noted, subject to further investigation of the concerns surrounding any potential conflict between the Sustainable Drainage Systems responsibility and the Environment Agency. |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| PE 12/008 |
Borough Transportation Matters |
Members were provided with an update on a range of current transportation issues affecting the Borough. The latest position regarding rail services, the A21 Tonbridge to Pembury dualling scheme, West Malling station, local parking studies, access to Pembury Hospital and the Thames Estuary airport proposals were highlighted. Members discussed issues surrounding public transport services to the Pembury Hospital and recognised difficulties in securing adequate transport provision from the rural areas of the Borough. The Advisory Board was reminded that these serious concerns had been raised with the NHS Trust and innovative alternatives to bus services were apparently being explored. Careful consideration was given to rail issues, with Members expressing serious concern at the deteriorating quality of service provided by Southeastern at a time when fares continued to increase. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation reminded Members that the local Members of Parliament, the Borough Council and the County Council, together with partner organisations, had all expressed their frustration and consistently raised serious concerns regarding the reduction in service to Government with little success. This particularly applied to the diminution of city services on the West Malling/Borough Green line. It was emphasised that the Southeastern franchise was up for renewal in 2014 and this provided the opportunity for the Borough Council to be pro-active in setting out the requirements considered necessary to improve rail services to communities within the Borough. Members suggested that, in liaison with local Members, key stakeholders and other interested parties, a manifesto of what was seen as essential rail service provision be submitted to the rail regulator and the Department of Transport before the franchise document was released. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation expressed serious concern at a recent proposal that responsibility for inner suburban rail services be devolved to the Mayor of London. It was suggested that, together with the Leader, he write to Mayor Johnson outlining concerns particularly related to the potential for increased journey times for Kent commuters, timetabling issues resulting in frequent stops in service and the risk of increased fares. With regard to the Thames Estuary airport proposals Members felt it was important to express the Borough Council's concerns as there were potential implications for the surrounding road infrastructure. Finally, Members raised concern about the programming of local car parking reviews particularly related to Borough Green and Snodland. The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure acknowledged the difficulties in revisiting these reviews, advising that other local parking studies (Aylesford and West Malling) together with the current phased programme of parking work had taken longer than estimated. Officers were aware of the delay and these reviews would be actioned as soon as practicable. |
| PE 12/009 |
News on the Updating of the Planning System |
The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure provided an update on the recent changes in the planning system. It was also indicated that further detail would emerge in the future. |
| PE 12/010 |
Little Mill Flood Alleviation Scheme |
Members noted the report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure which provided an update on the Environment Agency flood risk management project at Little Mill. Changes to the way the Agency received funding meant that substantial external funding was needed for an area protection scheme to safeguard all the vulnerable properties in Little Mill. It was noted that the East Peckham Flood Group meeting had been held at Little Mill on 19 January 2012, attended by local residents, where options for flood risk management were explained by the Environment Agency. The meeting discussion was summarised at Annex 1 of the report. The Advisory Board expressed extreme disappointment at the delay in progressing this flood alleviation scheme, particularly as alternative sources of funding were unlikely to be available. In addition, Members found it frustrating that local residents were being asked to contribute to funding the scheme. Particular reference was made to Annex 1 and the lack of detail regarding the cost of the scheme, the total funding shortfall, cost per property for reduced measures and limited range of options it contained. This did not provide sufficient information to make a rational response and Members queried where this scheme was on the Environment Agency's list of priorities and how it could be moved up that list. The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure was asked to write to the Environment Agency expressing concern at the loss of the Little Mill Flood Alleviation Scheme and urging them to keep this as a high priority should sufficient funding become available. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| PE 12/011 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
There were no items considered in private. |