The Director of Regeneration and Place introduced the report and highlighted the recently published Stantec Report that considered the three proposed Garden Communities against various criteria. The report concluded that the Heathlands Garden Community could be included within the Local Plan Review, with further exploration advised on the proposal’s connectivity, western parcels, relationship with Lenham Heath and the land north of the railway line. The Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee would decide on the site’s inclusion during the 9 November 2020 meeting.

As land promoter, the Council would be meeting with the Local Planning Authority to discuss the proposal, followed by submitting written representation. Homes England had received approval to increase spending on the project to £250k, with a further decision on the proposed £1.5m investment to be taken in February 2021. The landowners within the proposal were aware of the current situation, with a plan focused on community engagement to be presented to the Committee at a later date.

The Director of Regeneration and Place confirmed that the funding set aside for the project had been included within the Council’s approved capital funds.

RESOLVED: That the content of the report be noted.