The Committee considered the report of the Head of Spatial Planning regarding the Core Strategy Spatial Vision and Objectives.

The Chairman stated that as there were a number of points to be discussed, he would address each one in turn:-

Strapline

There were a number of suggestions raised by Members and therefore the Chairman asked Members to submit all suggestions to the Democratic Services Officer so that a ballot could be taken at the next meeting.

Draft Vision

Each paragraph was dealt with in turn:

1.3.11  Agreed, subject to the wording being slightly amended to show that it refers to the whole Borough and not just the Town Centre.

1.3.12  Agreed, subject to the speech marks being removed to the words traditional and offers.

1.3.13  Agreed

1.3.14  Agreed

1.3.15  Agreed

1.3.16  Agreed, subject to the deletion of reference to the urban extension and the word “supported” replaced with “led” in the second sentence.

1.3.17  A suggestion to change the last sentence to “All New development will be mixed …..” was noted.

1.3.18  Agreed, subject to the last sentence being amended to read “Robust landscape protection policies will be developed to safeguard our locally significant and cherished landscape”.

1.3.19  Agreed

1.3.20  Agreed, subject the word “local” being inserted after “… and sites for” and before “gypsy and traveller ….”.

1.3.21  Agreed

1.3.22  Agreed

1.3.23  Agreed that the wording of the first paragraph be looked at again regarding tariffs and incentivisation.  The bold text to read as follows:-

  “By 2026 Maidstone will be a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable community benefiting from an exceptional and unique urban and rural environment.

The core strategy will help in delivering sustainable growth and regeneration while protecting and enhancing the borough’s built and natural assets.  Regeneration will be prioritised and delivered at the urban area of the County town first to make best use of brownfield land, so the release of greenfield sites, well related to existing urban areas, be phased in after 2016.  Development will be led by a sustainable and integrated transport strategy, together with necessary strategic and local infrastructure.

The establishment of a multi-functional green and blue network of open spaces, rivers and water courses will safeguard biodiversity and define the urban character of Maidstone while offering access to the countryside, which will be valued in its own right.  The character and identity of all rural villages will be maintained by directing suitable development and supporting infrastructure to the rural service centres of Harrietsham, Headcorn, Lenham, Marden and Staplehurst.

Employment skills will be expanded to meet an improved and varied range of local jobs, and there will be a better balanced housing market to meet the community’s needs.  Development will be of high quality design, and constructed in a sustainable manner to respond to climate change and protect the environment and biodiversity.”

Draft Objectives

a)  Agreed, subject to the deletion of the figures.

b)  3^rd bullet point delete the words “and serving the new urban extension”

c)  The speech marks to be removed from around the word offer.

d)  Agreed, subject to referral back to the comments made under the Draft Vision

e)  Agreed

f)  To be amended to read “To support new housing in the borough’s smaller villages that is of a design, scale, character, tenure and location appropriate to the settlement and support the retention of services and facilities that meet a local need.”

g)  To replace the word “particularly” in the second sentence to “including” and include the words “and distinctive local landscapes” after the words “Natural Beauty” in the third line.

h)  Agreed

i)  Agreed

j)  Agreed

k)  Add the word “local” before the word “needs” in the last line.

l)  Agreed

RESOLVED:

1.  That the comments set out above on the spatial vision and objectives for the Core Strategy be included in the next draft, to be considered at the next meeting of the Group.

2.  That a ballot be held at the next meeting of the Group to choose from members’ suggestions a strapline for the core Strategy to be submitted to the Democratic Services officer.