Decisions

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

The report presented a Project Plan for a review of the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme to reflect the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.  This set out the work to be completed prior to presentation of an amended draft of the Scheme and timetable for consultation with key partners.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Housing resolved that:

(1)          the Project Plan set out at Annex 2 of the report be approved to allow the review to commence; and

(2)          a further report and draft of the revised Housing Allocation Scheme be presented to Members for approval prior to formal consultation on the Scheme.

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

The report gave an update on the current position regarding temporary accommodation and set out a number of options for the provision of such accommodation to meet the Council’s statutory housing duties.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Housing resolved that:

(1)          the current position on Temporary Accommodation (TA), including the significant budget pressures resulting from increased demand, be noted and the following TA procurement projects be approved for progression:

Partnerships with registered providers and third sector organisations, as set out in paragraphs 1.3.2 (1) and (2) of the report;

Private providers procurement exercise, as set out in paragraph 1.3.3 (1) of the report;

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council purchase of street properties and conversion/group property purchase, as set out in paragraph 1.3.4 (1) and (2) of the report; and

(2)          the other project proposals included in section 1.3 of the report be investigated further by officers and reported back to the Advisory Board within 12 months.

(Report of Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services)

The report gave details of the results of the 2019 user survey carried out at Tonbridge Farm Sportsground which showed high levels of user satisfaction.  It was noted that potential improvements to meet customer needs would be delivered through existing revenue budgets, developer contributions or other external funding.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Community Services resolved that:

(1)                the 2019 casual user market survey results for Tonbridge Farm Sportsground be noted and reflected in the Site’s next 5 year Management Plan;

(2)                an audit of the provision and location of seats, benches and picnic tables be undertaken;

(3)                an Access Audit for people with disabilities be progressed; and

(4)                potential improvements be progressed in accordance with the approach outlined in the report and reflected in the Site’s next 5 year Management Plan.

(Report of Director of Street Scene, Leisure and Technical Services)

The report provided an update on progress with key projects included in the Capital Plan and brought forward a number of post implementation reviews which were in many cases supported by external funding.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Community Services resolved that:

(1)             the updates on the current schemes within the Capital Plan, as shown at Annex 1 to the report, be noted; and

(2)             the Post Implementation Reviews shown at Annexes 2 to 4 to the report be approved.

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

The report provided an update on the current approach to working with private sector landlords and the assistance given to households looking to secure private rented housing.  Options for changing this approach were presented and details given of engagement activity with the sector in considering a revised private landlord offer.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Housing resolved that:

The undertaking of soft market engagement be approved and all the following options be included in the process:

(1)          Deposits and rent in advance (paragraph 1.5.2 of the report)

(2)          Private guarantee companies (paragraph 1.5.3)

(3)          Accreditation (paragraph 1.5.4)

(4)          Guaranteed Rent (paragraph 1.5.10)

(5)          Financial incentives (paragraph 1.5.11)

(6)          Social lettings agency (SLA) (paragraph 1.5.13).

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

The report provided an update on the Council’s Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register with specific reference to the introduction of eligibility criteria, including a local connections test and a financial solvency test.  The report also sought agreement to the introduction of an administration fee.

Following consideration by the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure resolved that:

(1)          the proposed eligibility criteria and financial capacity test criteria be applied to those already on the Tonbridge and Malling Self Build and Custom House Building Register and for future applicants, as set out at paragraph 1.3.4 to the report; and

(2)          an administration fee, as set out at paragraphs 1.4.1 to 1.4.3 of the report, be introduced for new applicants and an annual fee be applied to all of those on the register from 1 April 2020.

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

The report sought approval to the adoption of a Planning Performance Agreement Protocol to provide a clear and transparent process for determining large and/or complex planning applications through the use of Planning Performance Agreements. 

Following consideration by the Planning and Transportation Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure resolved that:

(1)          the Planning Performance Agreement Protocol, as set out at Annex 1 to the report, be adopted; and

(2)          the Planning Performance Agreement Protocol Appendix 1: Fee Schedule, as set out at Annex 2 to the report, be adopted.