Agenda and minutes

Notification of substitute members were recorded as set out below:

·        Cllr Barton substitute for Cllr Athwal

·        Cllr Bridge substitute for Cllr Boxall

·        Cllr Clokey substitute for Cllr Dean

·        Cllr Hood substitute for Cllr Parry

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules 17.5 to 17.9 these Councillors had the same rights as the ordinary member of the committee for whom they were substituting.

Members are reminded of their obligation under the Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Other Significant Interests in any matter(s) to be considered or being considered at the meeting. These are explained in the Code of Conduct on the Council’s website at Code of conduct for members – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (tmbc.gov.uk).

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.  However, for reasons of transparency Cllr Bishop reminded the Committee that he was the Borough Council’s representative on the Board of the Tonbridge and Malling Leisure Trust  referenced in the  Tonbridge Town Centre Asset Review matter (agenda item 6).   As this did not represent a Disclosable Pecuniary or Other Significant Interest there was no requirement to withdraw from the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee held on 14 November 2023

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee held on 14 November 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The report set out options in respect of Phase 2 of the Tonbridge Town Centre asset review and proposed the creation of a Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board.

·      Annex 3 is available as a supplement to the main agenda due to its size (8320KB); and

·      Annex 7 is attached under Part 2 due to its confidential content

The joint report of the Cabinet and Management Team set out a number of options in respect of Phase 2 of the Tonbridge Town Centre asset review;  proposed the creation of a Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board and sought views on the strategic direction for how the aims and objectives could be achieved. 

Members noted that Phase 2 was the next step in a long process associated with bringing forward a major town centre redevelopment and welcomed the opportunity to comment on the types of uses that could be considered in the area east of the High Street and on a wide range of matters to help inform the strategic direction the work took in future phases.  Reference was made to the risks associated with progressing a town centre redevelopment scheme especially if there was not a robust governance arrangement in place for taking forward such a large and complex programme of work.  The establishment of a specific Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board with clear terms of reference was one way of mitigating those risks.  In addition, to ensure that all areas of work were effectively co-ordinated the appointment of a Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Manager was supported.

Careful consideration was given to the detailed reports and assessments provided by the external consultant, Mace, set out in the attached annexes.  There was detailed discussion on a number of significant issues including governance and project management, parking, housing and engagement and consultation with key stakeholders and the public. Due regard was also given to climate change factors, affordable housing for local residents, the financial and value for money implications and local infrastructure.

Members expressed preferences in relation to aspects of the project and a number of recommendations were proposed, seconded and supported.

*RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)             the Phase 2 reports from Mace be noted;

(2)             in order to facilitate efficient and consistent decision making, Officers be instructed to develop terms of reference for a Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board (as set out in 1.3.6, 1.3.7 and Annex 6) for Cabinet approval;

(3)             on the grounds that the proposals from Sainsbury PLC, the potential provision of a hotel and medical practice were likely to attract greater numbers to the town, the Borough Councils general approach to parking should be to provide unallocated parking spaces between the current 970 and anticipated future peak demand;

(4)             options for a podium parking solution with development above, be explored for Angel West car park;

(5)             the Borough Councils general approach to housing should be to focus on low-rise high-density housing types and any development should maximise affordable housing provision and place the needs of local residents first and should preferably be delivered by a Borough Council owned housing company, subject to further investigation by the Programme Board and more detailed viability work being undertaken;

(6)             options be explored for retail and commercial use around public spaces that provided flexible, simple units to optimise value, with the Borough Council acting as landlord for any new retail units  ...  view the full minutes text for item FRP 24/4

This report provides data on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are aligned to the Corporate Strategy 2023-2027 and monitored on a quarterly or annual basis. The data provided in this report relates to the period up to the end of December 2023.

Members reviewed and noted the data provided in respect of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that were aligned to the Corporate Strategy 2023-27 and monitored on a quarterly or annual basis.  The data provided related to the period up to the end of December 2023.

The Work Programme setting out matters to be scrutinised during 2024-25 is attached for information.  Members can suggest future items by liaising with the Chair of the Committee.  

The Work Programme setting out matters to be scrutinised during 2023/24 was attached for information.  Members were invited to suggest future matters by liaising with the Chair of the Committee.

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.

(Reasons: LGA 1972 – Sch 12A Paragraph 3 -  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Annex 7 is attached for information only.

(Reason: LGA 1972, Sch 12A, Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

Annex 7 was attached for information only and there was no requirement for any discussion on the matter.