Agenda

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.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee held on 24 September 2024

This covering report and annexes provide data on Quarter 2 (July-September 2024) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are aligned to the Corporate Strategy 2023-2027 and monitored on a quarterly or annual basis. This data is a key tool in assessing performance management and helping to deliver positive change.

This report updates the discretionary fees across the planning service for 2025/26 which would become effective on 1 April 2025.

This report sets out the proposed fees for licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and caravan sites for permanent residential use from 1 April 2025.

The focus of this report relates to the Local Plan Engagement and Consultation Strategy (item VII from the September HPSSC proposed agenda), with a brief update on our understanding of the emerging Local Plan budget requirements. It is not possible to report on the other noted future agenda items until a revised NPPF is published.

This report provides an update on how the service is dealing with the backlog of Tree Preservation Order requests following the adoption of the Tree Preservation Order Protocol as agreed by Cabinet and following the request by HPSSC for a six-monthly update of progress for reducing the backlog in a timely manner and what further measures or amendments could be implemented if the backlog was not being reduced. It proposes a number of options for members to consider.

The purpose of the report is to set out the case for funding a hoarding coordinator service for residents of Tonbridge and Malling, delivered by the Town & Country Housing Home Improvement Agency (HIA), and to provide additional funding to progress clearance & clean-up works.

This report provides an update to the Non-Amendments Policy which went to the Planning and Transport Advisory Board in March 2020. It is proposed that the procedure outlined in Annex 1 will replace the Non-Amendment Policy and be adopted as the new published procedure.

The Infrastructure Funding Statement sets out infrastructure delivery and contributions collected by TMBC, allocations made within the monitoring period, projects delivered within the relevant period and new agreements entered into with an outline of the contributions agreed over the 2023/24 period.

The purpose of this paper is to outline the Council’s latest Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) (Annex 1 to the report). The AMR reviews the effectiveness of the Council’s planning policies and helps us to ensure that progress is being made towards achieving the objectives as set out in the suite of Adopted Development Plan documents. The AMR is a statistical document, it is not for the AMR to provide commentary or solutions to issues, but to help guide the direction of travel for future corporate and planning policy.

This report updates Members on the action plan that was developed following the consultancy review of the homelessness/temporary accommodation service area at the end of 2023.

The Work Programme setting out matters to be scrutinised during 2025 is attached for information.  Members can suggest future items by liaising with the Chair of the Committee.  

Any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent due to special circumstances and of which notice has been given to the Chief Executive

To consider whether the Borough Council supports proceeding to public consultation in respect of a Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Note: At the meeting of the Scrutiny Select Committee it was proposed, seconded and supported by the majority of Members that this report be considered in public.

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.

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

The report sets out a proposal to lease property in Tonbridge  to serve as temporary accommodation, in line with the Council’s adopted Housing Strategy.

Any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent due to special circumstances and of which notice has been given to the Chief Executive.