Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies. Councillor Mrs Thomas was not present.

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. 

To consider and, if thought fit, to approve the recommendations set out in the associated report.

Councillor McDermott moved, and Councillor Dawlings seconded, the recommendations set out in the report, comments included:

• The Council had adopted the current Local Plan in 2010. In 2014 the then Government had increased the number of houses to be built and work started on a new Plan immediately.
• Development of the Plan included significant engagement with members, the public and local businesses that would provide a comprehensive evidence base.
• A new Plan would provide certainty in decision making, protect the Council and its residents from speculative development, implement policies to deliver more affordable housing, provide more sustainable buildings and comply with the Government’s requirement that all Local Authorities have a valid Plan by 2023.
• A number of planning reforms were expected over the coming years, having an up to date plan would protect the borough from developers seeking to take advantage of the uncertainty.
• All members had had the opportunity to be involved in the development of the Plan through the Planning Policy Working Group.
• The Draft Local Plan had been subject to public consultation in the autumn of 2019, resultant changes to the Draft were set out in the report. The Pre-Submission version of the Plan was far stronger as a result of the consultation.
• Further opportunities for public engagement would occur, particularly in the areas most affected, through the course of producing Supplementary Planning Documents for Paddock Wood, Tudeley and the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan in 2021 and 2022.
• House prices in Tunbridge Wells were twelve times gross household income, the second highest in Kent. There was a real need for genuinely affordable housing, particularly social rented housing which was at 60 per cent of average market rate. The new Plan would raise the percentage of affordable housing from 35 per cent to 40 per cent and ensure the majority of those were social rented.
• For far too long, infrastructure did not match house building. The new Plan would ensure infrastructure was delivered alongside any new development. The proposed new settlements at Tudeley and Paddock Wood would provide the required infrastructure worth an estimated £179million so as to not burden the existing residents.
• The plans for new settlements had been independently assessed to ensure they were viable and deliverable.
• The Plan was the most appropriate way to meet the required house building which would otherwise be forced upon the Council.
• Consultation on the Plan would commence on 26 March 2021 through eight weeks to 21 May 2021. All comments would be provided to the Planning Inspector for examination.
• The Planning Inspector would take a view on the soundness of the plan and advise the Council accordingly.

Public speakers:

·         Mr Dave Lovell on behalf of Save Capel

·         Mrs Hazel Strouts on behalf of Friends of East End (Benenden)

·         Mrs Sue Lovell on behalf of Stop Overdevelopment of Paddock Wood

·         Mr John Hurst on behalf of Tunbridge Wells Green Party

·         Councillor Hugh Patterson on behalf of Capel Parish Council

·         Councillor Matt Richards on behalf of Horsmonden Parish Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item FC48/20

To consider any other items which the Mayor decides are urgent, for the reasons to be stated, in accordance with Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business.

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.

Councillor Podbury moved, and Councillor Woodward seconded, the recommendation set out in the notice on the agenda.

The Mayor took a vote on the motion by affirmation.

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.