Issue - meetings

The Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee will consider the consultation outcomes at its meeting on 8 February 2023.  The recommendations of the Committee will be circulated in advance of the meeting of Cabinet.

Consideration of recommendation CE 23/7 from the meeting of Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee of 8 February 2023

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the proposed Public Space Protection Order, as presented at Annex 5, be approved.

Decision Notice: D230011CAB

Consideration of recommendation CE 23/7 from the meeting of Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee of 8 February 2023

A point of clarification was sought in respect of Tonbridge Moorings and the Chair advised that this and any other points raised at the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee would be verified as soon as possible.

RESOLVED:  That the proposed Public Space Protection Order, as presented at Annex 5, be approved.

To provide feedback on the responses received on the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) consultation and agree on the terms for the PSPO

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive provided feedback on the responses received on the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) consultation and to agree the terms of the PSPO.

The proposed new restrictions included vehicles on public open spaces across the whole borough, nuisance associated with car/motorcycle meetings across the whole borough, anti-social behaviour associated with fishing at Town Lock/Tonbridge Moorings and no unauthorised swimming/bathing/boating at Holborough Lakes.  A summary of the responses received to the consultation were set out at Annex 2 and a letter received from the Police and Crime Commissioner was set out at Annex 3.  The majority of the respondents were in support of the continuation of the current restrictions. 

During discussion, clarification was sought on the designated mooring areas in Tonbridge.  It was explained that enforcement was currently the responsibility of the Council and there would be discussions with the Police Authority to determine whether they could enforce on behalf of the Local Authority.  Consideration was not currently being given to signage, although there was potential for signage to be displayed in certain hot spot areas.  In respect of nuisance associated with car/motorcycle meetings, Members highlighted that not all meets had a detrimental impact on residents

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed Public Space Protection Order, as presented at Annex 5, be approved.

*Referred to Cabinet