Issue - meetings

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

An update on transportation issues affecting the Borough was provided in the report with particular reference to train services.  The updated Tonbridge and Malling ‘Manifesto for Improved Rail Services’ was presented for consideration.

In addition, funding streams and awards via the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) were set out.

The supplementary report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, tabled at the meeting, summarised the Airports Commission consultation, launched on 11 November, and set out the headline points.

Following consideration by the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation resolved that the updated Manifesto for Improved Rail Services, attached as Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed, subject to a minor amendment about the cost of parking on page 12.

Decision Notice D14032MEM

An update on transportation issues affecting the Borough was provided in the report with particular reference to train services.  The updated Tonbridge and Malling ‘Manifesto for Improved Rail Services’ was presented for consideration.

In addition, funding streams and awards via the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) were set out.

The supplementary report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, tabled at the meeting, summarised the Airports Commission consultation, launched on 11 November, and set out the headline points.  A full response would be prepared and submitted by the consultation deadline of 3 February 2015.

Members were pleased to note that the Tonbridge town centre regeneration scheme had been awarded a share of the Government’s Single Local Growth Fund allocation of £2.37 million.

It was reported that Southeastern were currently developing plans for some improvements to the facilities for buses, pedestrians and cyclists at Snodland station, together with additional parking. A funding contribution from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund would ensure prompt delivery of a quality scheme which would support the ‘High Speed’ service stopping at Snodland in the New Year.  Whilst Members welcomed the improvement works, swift action on delivering the additional parking and bus service improvements was encouraged in order to make Snodland a practical and attractive travel option.

The Borough Council also continued to lobby for improved rail connections to Gatwick airport and this was included in the updated rail services Manifesto.

RECOMMENDED: that the updated Manifesto for Improved Rail Services, attached as Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed, subject to a minor amendment about the cost of parking on page 12.