Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  However, in the interest of transparency, Councillor Mrs Oakley declared that she was a member of Larkfield Parish Council which was a contributor to the Leybourne Lakes Country Park; Councillor Betts advised that he was a Trustee of the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust and Councillor N Heslop advised that he was a member of the Board of The Bridge Trust. 

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Communities and Housing Advisory Board held on 24 July 2017

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Communities and Housing Advisory Board held on 24 July 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Jane Illey and Heather Grant gave a detailed presentation of the work undertaken by The Abbeyfield Kent Society which aimed to provide three Extra Care Housing Schemes within the Borough.  Particular reference was made to a proposed scheme at Lawson House, Larkfield which aimed to provide accommodation for veterans of the Armed Forces.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Martin Guyton, presented a review of the last year and answered questions on a range of performance issues. 

The joint report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services and the Director of Finance and Transformation outlined the proposed charges for 2018/19 with regard to Tonbridge Cemetery.

*Referred to Cabinet

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed charges for Tonbridge Cemetery, as detailed at Annex 2 to the report, be agreed and implemented with effect from 1 April 2018.

(In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.5 Councillor Cure requested that it be recorded that he had voted against the above recommendation)

Decision Notice D170072MEM

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services reviewed the recent performance of the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust and provided an update on a number of significant capital schemes.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Trust’s performance over the first quarter of the Annual Service Delivery Plan and progress with on site capital works be noted. 

Decision Notice D170073MEM

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services outlined the findings of a review of income generation opportunities at Leybourne Lakes Country Park (LLCP) linked to capital investment.  The review, undertaken by a specialist consultant, had concluded that the site was strategically and commercially appealing to a range of external partners and recommended that the Council undertake a procurement exercise with a view to developing a potential management partnership in the future.  

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)          the option of external management of Leybourne Lakes Country Park (LLCP) linked to capital investment be explored in accordance with the key principles outlined in the report;

(2)          a report on a procurement exercise and timescale, taking into account feedback from consultation, be submitted to the next meeting of the Advisory Board; and

(3)          Oaks Consultancy be approved to assist the Council in preparing for and undertaking a procurement exercise.

Decision Notice D170074MEM

The report of the Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services brought forward details of comments received as part of the public consultation exercise on the draft Leybourne Lakes Country Park Management Plan.  A summary of the comments received and proposed amendments to the Management Plan were set out at Annex 3 to the report.

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed amendments to the draft Management Plan be made and the Management Plan for Leybourne Lakes Country Park be approved. 

Decision Notice D170075MEM

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided details of the West Kent Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2016-2021, developed in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Sevenoaks District Council, which set out how the three Authorities would work to meet their statutory duties and responsibilities over the next five years. 

RECOMMENDED:  That the West Kent Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2016-21 as set out in Annex 1 to the report be endorsed.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health summarised the duties placed on local authorities by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 scheduled to be enacted in April 2018 and assessed the implications for the Council in meeting these new duties.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update on Housing Service performance for the first and second quarter of the financial year 2017/18.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health provided an update on recent changes in the Home Improvement Team and made particular reference to the West Kent Partnership and the delivery of the One You service.

The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on the community development work undertaken in the Borough’s three priority communities in East Malling, the Trench Ward in Tonbridge and in Snodland.

The report of the Director of Central Services and Monitoring Officer provided an update on recent activity within the Community Safety Partnership.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.