Decision details

(Report of Interim Chief Executive)

Consideration was given to a petition from the Tonbridge Model Engineering Society ‘urging Tonbridge Council to think again about the new Leisure Centre location’. 

The petition organisers addressed the Cabinet in accordance with the Borough Council’s Petition Scheme and, whilst understanding that new facilities would be a benefit to Tonbridge, reminded of the importance of preserving local heritage and that the miniature railway was a cherished part of the towns community as demonstrated by the number of signatures on the petition. 

Due regard was given to the points made by the petition organisers and the views expressed by local Members, who also recognised that the miniature railway was a valuable and much loved feature of Tonbridge.  It was also emphasised that, although the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust had indicated in their business plan that the miniature railway site was their preferred location if leisure facilities were relocated from the Angel Centre, there was no formal Council decision in place relating to this point.  The difficulties associated with the site in terms of flooding and parking were widely known and accepted.

On the grounds of providing clarity for the Tonbridge Model Engineering Society, it was proposed by Cllr Boughton seconded by Cllr Taylor that the Borough Council’s existing position be confirmed as set out below.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the existing position be confirmed:

·        the site currently occupied by the Tonbridge Model Engineering Society for the Miniature Railway continued to be available for this purpose and would not be used for alternative leisure facilities in Tonbridge; and

(2)             Tonbridge Model Engineering Society be invited to put forward proposals to start a negotiation over an updated agreement between the two parties for this use on site.