To receive a presentation on the Tonbridge Infrastructure Statement from the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health.
Minutes:
The Forum received a presentation from Eleanor Hoyle, Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, on the Tonbridge Infrastructure Statement, which served as a formal mechanism to collect information on proposed local projects that might require funding or partnership support. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council introduced Parish Infrastructure Statements to enable Parishes to identify and bring forward projects within their communities. These projects could then be considered during section 106 discussions related to development sites, ensuring local needs were recognised in planning decisions.
Parishes were responsible for leading on their statements, identifying projects that might seek funding through section 106 or that might require collaborative working for delivery. It was important to note that these statements did not cover strategic infrastructure, which was instead addressed by the Borough Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan or by the relevant statutory authorities’ delivery plans.
As Tonbridge itself was not parished, the Borough Council acted as the most local level of government for the area, meaning the Borough Council must take ownership of the Tonbridge Infrastructure Statement. The Tonbridge Community Forum remained a key consultative body in this process.
In terms of progress to date and next steps, the Borough Council’s Head of Planning previously attended a Tonbridge Community Forum meeting to discuss section 106 and infrastructure statements. Since then, the Forum had gathered community feedback on possible projects; this list was not exhaustive. Projects already included in the Borough Council’s Capital Plan had also been considered.
Projects had been categorised and discussed to clarify responsibilities, outline next steps, and suggest potential funding sources. Following the discussions at the Forum, a draft Tonbridge Infrastructure Plan would be presented to the Borough Council’s Cabinet for approval in January or February 2026. Projects lacking cost estimates might see actions included to address this gap.
All of this was set against the backdrop of ongoing local government changes, including the Community Governance Review in Tonbridge and wider Local Government Reorganisation in Kent. An annual review of the Tonbridge Infrastructure Statement, as was common in Parishes, would be proposed as part of its adoption.
In response to a question regarding how schools obtain funding, with particular reference to the ongoing need for additional school places, it was noted that Kent County Council included academies in their growth projections, taking into account both population forecasts and the demand for pupil places. When considering broader community facilities, such as the provision of additional sports amenities that would benefit the wider community, it was highlighted that schools could bring potential projects to the attention of both the planning authority and Kent County Council. Such proposals could then be considered for future development opportunities. Collaboration with organisations such as Sport England would also be sought where appropriate.
County Councillor Mark Hood advised that consideration had previously been given to School Streets initiative, however it was emphasised that the success of such schemes was dependent on the active buy-in and support from the school itself.
The Chair suggested that a sub-group be formed to identify and explore potential projects in the new year.