Decisions Register

To extend the existing play area in Dunorlan Park to accommodate more equipment and facilitate the increased volume of children using the area. 

That developer contributions totalling £18,670.38 be released to fund a project related to children’s play utilising a contribution received through a planning condition for Fairmile, Dunorlan Park planning reference 05/0184, and Rookley Close and Forest Road planning reference 12/03274, be approved.

To provide a contribution towards the refurbishment of the ornamental Fountain in St John’s Recreation Ground. 

RESOLVED: That developer contributions totalling £10,486.32 be released to fund the refurbishment of the ornamental fountain in St John’s Recreation Ground utilising a contribution received through planning obligation for Dairy Crest planning reference 15/507556, be approved.

A contribution by TWBC for a project to install a footpath between the cricket nets and the junior playground and the supply and installation of 4 benches to be located outside the sports pavilion.  Also included are ecological enhancements to include bat and bird boxes and wildflower seed. 

RESOLVED: That developer contributions totalling £8,190.97 received through a planning obligation completed in respect of planning application 21/02886 Ashurst Place be allocated to Speldhurst & Bidborough Parish Council towards the enhancements on Langton Green Recreation Ground, be approved.

Notice is hereby given that the Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells intends to make a Key Decision in respect of the following matter with less than the 28 days’ notice require by Regulation 9 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, Regulation 10 as compliance is impractical for the reasons set out below.  Furthermore, notice is hereby given that prior notice of the same has been given to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The report will seek authority to participate in the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities’ Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) to access funding of £1.96m to provide accommodation to families with housing needs who have arrived in the UK via Ukrainian and Afghan resettlement and relocation schemes.

RESOLVED –

1. That the Council’s participation in the Local Authority Housing Fund be approved.

2. That the release of up to £3.2m in S106 commuted sums be used for the purpose of providing affordable housing in the Borough, as the Council’s capital contribution to deliver 15 properties in line with the Local Authority Housing Fund’s objectives be approved.

3. That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) be approved.

4. That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development, the Director of Change and Communities, the Head of Mid Kent Legal Services, and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, to negotiate and enter into any legal documents, contracts or partnership agreements to acquire and deliver the 15 properties be approved. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

To enable the Council to deliver 15 units of affordable housing, initially to mitigate against increased housing and homelessness pressures arising from Ukrainian and Afghan nationals, and to also support the ongoing housing and homelessness needs of residents within the Tunbridge Wells Borough. 

CALL-IN AND URGENCY

In accordance with the provisions Of Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 14 in Part 4 of the Constitution, the Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny gave prior agreement that this decision was urgent and would not be subject to call-in as delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interest.

The release of developer contributions to Kent County Council to support the 285 Bus Service.

RESOLVED – That as agreed in March 2022 by TWBC and Kent County Council,  £40,000 secured pursuant to a planning obligation to the Hawkenbury Farm residential development (planning application 16/07023) be released to Kent County Council as a contribution to support the 285 bus service (for the financial year 2022-23) be approved.   

This report relates to a consultation by the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) on the Levelling-Up Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy (the National Planning Policy Framework NPPF).

RESOLVED – That the tables of TWBC officer comments presented in Appendix A be submitted as the Borough Council’s representations to the Government consultation on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: Reforms to national planning policy be approved.