Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors: Hill, Holden, Johnson, and Opara

The council observed a minutes silence following the death of Councillor Lesley Evans on the 18 September 2023.  Lesley served as a councillor for Sherwood ward between 1996 – 2000.

To receive any declarations of interest by members in items on the agenda. For any advice on declarations of interest; please contact the Monitoring Officer before the meeting.

No declarations of pecuniary or significant other interest were made. 

That Full Council considers the results of the consultation on the proposed name of the ‘Goudhurst, Lamberhurst and Horsmonden’ ward and determines whether to request that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) changes the proposed name to ‘Rural Tunbridge Wells’.

Councillor Wormington Moved and Councillor Britcher-Allan seconded the proposed name change of Goudhurst, Lamberhurst and Horsmonden Ward Name Change to Rural Tunbridge Wells as set out in the report.

Debate included:

• Horsmonden residents are greatly in favor of supporting this name change.
• Residents of Horsmonden felt as if the Boundary Commission has separated them and they no longer felt a part of the ward.
• Changing the name to Rural would allow them to feel included although it does not allow their separate Identity it would allow them to feel part of one ward.
• Residents of Matfield expressed their surprise over the proposed changes.
• Brenchley and Matfield felt the change to Rural allowed then to retain some identity over their 130-year history and therefore resident strongly supported the name change as felt it was adding the word Rural was an acceptable compromise.
• Support for the name change was also given by Goudhurst and Lamberhurst Parish Chairs.
• Concern was expressed that the name sounded very close to Royal but accepted the recommendation for the naming of Rural.

The Mayor took a vote on the motion by affirmation.

The motion was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED –

1. That Full Council considers the results of the consultation on the proposed name of the ‘Goudhurst, Lamberhurst & Horsmonden’ ward and determines whether to request that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England changes the proposed name to ‘Rural Tunbridge Wells’

To authorise the Common Seal of the Council to be affixed to any contract, minute, notice or other document arising out of the minutes, or pursuant to any delegation, authority or power conferred by the Council.

RESOLVED – That the Common Seal of the Council be affixed to any contract, minute, notice or other document arising out of the minutes or pursuant to any delegation, authority or power conferred by the Council.

NOTES: The meeting concluded at 6.45 pm.