Issue - meetings

The report provides details of the Kent Rail Strategy Consultation and sets out the Borough Council’s proposed response. 

(Report of Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health)

The report provided details of the Kent Rail Strategy consultation and set out a proposed response (attached as Annex 1) to be submitted to Kent County Council by the deadline of 17 November 2020.

The Kent Rail Strategy aimed to influence train services in the county for the next decade and set out requirements for rail infrastructure enhancements to keep pace with increased demand for services.  The Borough Council expressed support for the Strategy as it included known rail priorities for Tonbridge and Malling.  In addition, a greater role for the Medway Valley Line was promoted by the Borough Council in the proposed response to the consultation.

Following consideration by the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure resolved that:

(1)          the content of the report be noted; and

(2)          the issues raised in response to the Kent Rail Strategy consultation (set out in Annex 1 to the report) be agreed by the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Leader and Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, and submitted to Kent County Council by the deadline of 17 November 2020; subject to emphasising the value of the Medway Valley Line as an important strategic link for the north of the borough and Tonbridge.

(Decision Notice D200086MEM)

The report provided details of the Kent Rail Strategy consultation and set out a proposed response (attached as Annex 1) to be submitted to Kent County Council by the deadline of 17 November 2020.

The Kent Rail Strategy aimed to influence train services in the county for the next decade and set out requirements for rail infrastructure enhancements to keep pace with increased demand for services.  The Borough Council expressed support for the Strategy as it included known rail priorities for Tonbridge and Malling.  In addition, a greater role for the Medway Valley Line was promoted by the Borough Council in the proposed response to the consultation.

Members welcomed the proposals for improved rail services and hoped that residents could be encouraged to adopt new ways of travelling which could benefit the Climate Change Strategy.

Particular reference was made to the value of the Medway Valley Line as an important strategic link for the north of the Borough. Disappointment was expressed that the frequency of train services on this line had reduced, especially the connecting service to Tonbridge.  Members recognised the importance of maintaining high speed services at peak times on this route to benefit commuters and residents in Snodland and the surrounding areas.

Finally, it was hoped that improvements at Aylesford and New Hythe train stations could be considered as part of development opportunities in the area.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)          the content of the report be noted; and

(2)          the issues raised in response to the Kent Rail Strategy consultation (set out in Annex 1 to the report) be agreed by the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Leader and Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, and submitted to Kent County Council by the deadline of 17 November 2020; subject to emphasising the value of the Medway Valley Line as an important strategic link for the north of the borough and Tonbridge.