Issue - meetings

This report considers the possibility of the Council applying for Village Green status for River Lawn, Tonbridge and suggests the future rewilding of the site.

(Joint report of Director of Central Services & Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services)

Consideration was given to a number of options in respect of the land at River Lawn including applications for Village Green status or Local Green space designation in the Local Plan and the future rewilding of the site.

There was also an update provided on the Public Rights of Way (PROW) which the Borough Council had previously objected to.  It was reported that a decision on the application made by Kent County Council might not be issued until 2023 due to the backlog of cases.

Following consideration by the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change resolved that:

(1)             the area of land at River Lawn, Tonbridge (shown at Annex 1 to the report) be considered for designation in the Local Plan as a Local Green Space;

(2)             the proposal to partially rewild the land in partnership with the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership be progressed in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change; and

(3)             the objections to the Public Rights of Way Order (PROW) be withdrawn.

(Decision Notice D210107MEM)

The joint report of Director of Central Services & Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services provided details of a number of options in respect of the land at River Lawn including applications for Village Green status or Local Green space designation in the Local Plan and the future rewilding of the site.

There was also an update provided on the Public Rights of Way (PROW) which the Borough Council had previously objected to.  It was reported that a decision from the Planning Inspectorate on the Order made by Kent County Council might not be made until 2023 due to the backlog of cases.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)         the area of land at River Lawn, Tonbridge (shown at Annex 1 to the report) be considered for designation in the Local Plan as a Local Green Space;

(2)         the proposal to partially rewild the land in partnership with the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership be progressed in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change; and

(3)         the objections to the Public Rights of Way Order (PROW) be withdrawn.