Decisions Register

The production of a neighbourhood development plan is the means by which a local authority can take responsibility for land use planning in their area, potentially covering matters such as the location of houses, shops and community facilities, the setting of design standards for new development, or the identification and conservation of local heritage assets and green spaces.

RESOLVED – That the table of comments presented in Appendix A be submitted, on or before 14 November 2022, as the Borough Council’s representations to the Regulation 16 consultation on the Paddock Wood Neighbourhood Development Plan be approved. 

The production of a neighbourhood development plan is the means by which a local community can take responsibility for land use planning in their area, potentially covering matters such as the location of houses, shops and community facilities, the setting of design standards for new development, or the identification and conservation of local heritage assets and green spaces.

RESOLVED – That the table of comments presented in Appendix A be submitted on or before 14 November 2022 as the Borough Council’s representation to the Regulation 16 consultation on the Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Neighbourhood Development Plan be approved. 

The Rural England Prosperity Fund is an addendum to the UKSPF providing funding between 2023/24 and 2024/25. The report sets out the allocation to Tunbridge Wells, identifying the focus on the rural area and proposed interventions.  A delivery mechanism across West Kent building on the previously successful LEADER programme is proposed.  The timescale of submission to Government by 30 November 2022 for approval is outlined. 

RESOLVED –

1. That the Tunbridge Wells Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) addendum be endorsed. 

2. That the Head of Economic Development and Property in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Tunbridge Wells Town and Local Areas and the Cabinet Member for Rural Communities be delegated to approve any necessary minor changes to the REPF prior to submission, for the purpose of presentation or improving clarity be agreed.

3. That the Head of Legal Services be authorised to complete all legal formalities, agreements, deeds and other documents as are necessary and/or incidental to the recommendations be agreed. 

REASON FOR DECISION:  To approve a West Kent wide REPF approach would enable the Council to submit the REPF in time for Central Government to consider and approve within the prescribed timescale, that would enable the Borough to benefit from funding and allow the Council to invest in the Borough over the next two years.

To consider and agree the fees and charges set by the Council.

RESOLVED –

1. That the fees and charges set out in the report and the attached appendices be agreed.

2. That delegated authority be given to the s151 Officer to make any necessary amendments.

3. That the timings for the price increases to be implemented on 1 April 2023 or as indicated in the report be agreed.

REASON FOR DECISION:Securing revenue in line with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy remains vital to balancing the budget annually in order to support all of the services provided by the Council.

The report seeks approval to allocate and subsequently release s106 funding once received by TWBC totalling £528,852.91 from planning obligations relating to the planning applications for four developments.  These funds to include indexation and be for the benefit of Paddock Wood Town Council in the delivery of their Community Centre and Sport Pitch enhancements which are both currently under construction. 

RESOLVED - 

1.    That subject to the conditions set out in the s106 agreement being met in full, £307,800 of developer contributions plus indexation through planning obligation for Church Farm (Ref: 14/504140/HYBRID) be released to Paddock Wood Town Council once received by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council be approved. The funds to be used to deliver their Community Centre currently under construction at the Memorial Field in Paddock Wood.

2.    That subject to the conditions set out in the s106 agreement being met in full, £118,450 of developer contributions plus indexation through planning obligation for Mascalls Farm (Ref: 17/03480/FULL) be released to Paddock Wood Town Council once received by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council be approved. The funds be used to deliver the sports pitch enhancements on the Memorial Playing Field at Paddock Wood.

3.    That subject to the conditions set out in the s106 agreement being met in full, £102,602.91 of developer contributions plus indexation through planning obligation for Mascalls Farm (Ref: 19/03349/FULL) be released to Paddock Wood Town Council once received by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council be approved. The funds be used to deliver the Community Centre.

To consider a nomination and, if thought fit, to make a recommendation to Full Council for the award of a civic award.  Details of the nominee to be in confidence. 

RESOLVED – That Full Council be recommended to award the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to the individual set out at Exempt Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION: To endorse the nominee who fulfils the criteria of Honorary Freedom of the Borough scheme