Issue - meetings

Consideration of the recommendations of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of a Public Space Protection Order

Consideration was given to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) (attached at Annex 1) and the summary of responses to the consultation which was undertaken between 15 September and 2 November 2025 (attached at Annex 2).  The Police and Crime Commissioner had also responded to the consultation and given provisional support to the proposed order across the Borough.  Additionally, Kent Police had been consulted and supported the restrictions as proposed in the PSPO.

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications detailed in the report.

On the grounds that a PSPO in place would help reduce anti-social behaviour, therefore making the borough a safer place for residents, Cllr Keers proposed, Cllr Mehmet seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED: That

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

(Decision Notice D260039CAB)

Consideration was given to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) (attached at Annex 1) and the summary of responses to the consultation which was undertaken between 15 September and 2 November 2025 (attached at Annex 2).  The Police and Crime Commissioner had also responded to the consultation and given provisional support to the proposed order across the Borough.  Additionally, Kent Police had been consulted and supported the restrictions as proposed in the PSPO.

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications detailed in the report.

On the grounds that a PSPO in place would help reduce anti-social behaviour, therefore making the borough a safer place for residents, Cllr Keers proposed, Cllr Mehmet seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED: That the proposed Public Space Protection Order, as presented at Annex 1, be approved.

The report presents proposals in respect of a Public Space Protection Order for approval.

Public Spaces Protection Orders were intended to address particular nuisances or problems in particular areas detrimental to the local community’s quality of life by imposing conditions on the use of the area to ensure the law-abiding majority could use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.  The Borough Council’s current Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was due to end in April 2026 and could be extended for a further three years. 

The report of the Chief Executive provided feedback on the responses received on the PSPO consultation and sought approval for the PSPO attached at Annex 1.

A summary of the responses received to the consultation, undertaken between 15 September and 2 November 2025, was set out at Annex 2.  The majority of those who had responded were in favour of retaining existing restrictions and supported implementing the new restrictions around the use of catapults and unauthorised camping in Tonbridge Memorial Garden.

The Police and Crime Commissioner had also responded to the consultation and given provisional support to the proposed order across the Borough.  Additionally, Kent Police had been consulted and supported the restrictions as proposed in the PSPO.

Furthermore, requests arising from the consultation regarding further restrictions, such as the use of bikes or electric bikes/scooters, possession or misuse of spray paint, and unauthorised use of drones on Parish Council open spaces, were noted.  While certain activities were already prohibited under existing laws, Members were reminded that any additional restrictions must satisfy the PSPO threshold test with appropriate evidence support.  The challenges associated with enforcing these restrictions were highlighted, with particular reference made to driving or parking vehicles on public open spaces, as a concern shared by Members.

Cllr S Hudson (Chair) proposed, Cllr K Tunstall seconded and it was

RECOMMENDED*:  That the proposed Public Space Protection Order, as presented at Annex 1, be approved.

*Recommended to Cabinet