| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| TF 08/007 |
Minutes |
The Minutes of the meeting of the Forum held on 11 February 2008 were received and agreed as a correct record of the proceedings. |
| TF 08/008 |
Update on any action identified in the last Minutes. |
No matters were identified. |
| TF 08/009 |
Introduction of New Mayor |
The Chairman introduced the new Mayor, Councillor Chris Smith, Member for Higham Ward, who outlined his plans for the forthcoming year. He indicated that he had chosen the theme 'Care for your Borough' for his Mayoral year which was reflected in his two charities, The Bridge Trust and Heart of Kent Hospice. The Mayor was keen to meet and acknowledge the contribution made by volunteers and carers. He looked forward to meeting members of the Forum at the various events arranged for the year and encouraged support for his charities and help in maintaining the Borough as a good place in which to live. |
| TF 08/010 |
Kent County Council Services Update |
The Kent County Council Liaison Manager, Loic Flory, provided an update which would be circulated with the Minutes and invited questions from the Forum. The items included within his report related to repair of pot holes, expansion of Kent TV with a new information service, the movement of the Kent Test (11+) to September, pavement repair update and information on the web-casting of Kent County Council meetings. |
| TF 08/011 |
Make Your Mark - Presentation by Members of the Youth Forum |
The Chairman welcomed Kelsey Heard, joint Chair of Tonbridge and Malling Youth Forum and Billy Mankelow, a member of its Executive Board who gave a presentation outlining the work of the Forum to date and plans for the future. A promotional DVD on the work of the Youth Forum and how to get involved was shown at the meeting and questions invited. Members complimented the Youth Forum on the activities and it was noted that Leisure Services would be pleased to receive any information on youth groups or schools where the DVD would be welcomed. In thanking the members of the Youth Forum for their contribution, the Chairman introduced Councillor Martin Coffin, the new Cabinet Member for Leisure, Youth and Arts who had replaced Councillor Sue Murray upon her election as Deputy Mayor. |
| TF 08/012 |
Tonbridge Conservation Area Appraisal |
The Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure reported on the preparation of a Conservation Area Appraisal for Tonbridge, the largest conservation area in the Borough. The draft document had been prepared for the purpose of public consultation by Tony Fullwood Associates working in partnership with officers and in collaboration with members of the Tonbridge Civic Society and Slade Area Residents' Association. He then introduced Mr Tony Fullwood who gave a presentation on the preparation of the Appraisal and the review of the boundaries of the conservation area. It was noted that since the original designation of the conservation area, development had taken place which had changed its character leading to proposed boundary alterations. In view of the size and diversity of the Tonbridge Conservation Area, it had been sub-divided into a series of sub-areas, the special character and key features of which were identified. The Forum was advised that the Appraisal concluded with a set of management proposals for the town including a commentary on the application of planning policy and an outline of future provision of detailed design guides and possible enhancement schemes. Members of the Forum asked a number of questions and made initial comments on the presentation including the rationale for removal of conservation area status in certain areas, the need for continuing dialogue with the Environment Agency on clearance of tributaries and ensuring that future town centre development maintained the integrity of the conservation area. It was noted that the public consultation on the draft Appraisal would take place from 20 June until 1 August 2008 with the official launch at a meeting organised and hosted by the Tonbridge Civic Society on 24 June at 8 pm at The Angel Centre to which everyone was welcome. The Chairman then paid tribute to Tony Fullwood and the Chief Planner, Brian Gates, and his team for their work on the Appraisal. |
| TF 08/013 |
Canaries in a Coalmine Event: Next Steps |
The Forum received a presentation from Charlotte Lane of Tonbridge Grammar School outlining the background to the Canaries in a Coalmine project which aimed to raise awareness of climate change and secure involvement of the community. Details were given of a series of events leading to the two day festival in March 2008. Plans for the future would concentrate on smaller events focussed on different topics such as food waste, fair trade and healthy eating with the aim of involving more schools, businesses and people from the local community. Further information could be obtained from the website www.canariesinacoalmine.com. The Chairman thanked Ms Lane for her comprehensive presentation and indicated that the Council would continue to be supportive of the initiative. |
| TF 08/014 |
The Leisure and Arts Strategy |
The Chief Leisure Officer gave a presentation on the forthcoming consultation on the draft Leisure and Arts Strategy for the period 2008-2013 a copy of which would be circulated to members of the Forum in due course. It was noted that this document was an overarching strategy with other policies beneath it. The 10 themes within the strategy were outlined together with the key issues for the next five years. Members were advised that comments on the document were required by mid-September and responses were encouraged. |
| TF 08/015 |
Tonbridge Scarecrow Trail |
Mr Harry Lilly of Tonbridge Rotary reported back on the Tonbridge Scarecrow Trail which had taken place in the town on 3-5 May, proving a successful community event and raising £600 for Carers First. He paid tribute to the hard work of Councillor David Aikman and Lindsey Bennett, Leisure Services Officer, and thanked the Council for its support and the Mayor who had opened the event and awarded the prizes. Appreciation was also expressed to Tonbridge Camcorder Club for recording the event and it was hoped to repeat the project next year. A DVD showing the highlights of the event and preparations was then shown by Mr Peter Ellis of Tonbridge Camcorder Club. He was keen to make a variety of films of Tonbridge and to show them to local clubs and sought ideas from members of the Forum. The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their attendance and contribution and indicating that the next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 1 September 2008. |