The Senior Transport and Development Planner introduced the report, stating that the proposal would be funded by the Business Rates Retention pilot scheme, with a budget of £54,000. It was noted that 20% of the budget would be attributed to maintenance costs.

An audit had been conducted by Sustrans a year ago, with the outcomes discussed during Member workshops. A prioritisation exercise had followed to select the sites that could be delivered rapidly, with the preferred order shown in Appendix 3 to the report. The first tranche of parking infrastructure could be delivered with a minimum number of partners as some of the land was owned either by the Council or Kent County Council.

The second priority was to install a cycle hub at Maidstone Hospital, with discussion having taken place with the NHS in previous years. Following engagement with the Council’s planning department, it was preferred that cycle lockers and adapted cycle stands be pursued through the use of Community Infrastructure Levy payments or Section 106 monies.

It was noted that the use of CCTV had not been pursued due to the significant cost associated its provision. If agreed, further engagement with delivery partners and a procurement exercise would take place. An update could be provided to the Committee at its next meeting.

The Committee expressed support for the proposed scheme and the importance of delivering the parking infrastructure in good time. The need for greater infrastructure in the rural areas of the borough was raised. The Head of Planning and Development reiterated that designated Section 106 monies and CIL payments could be used through local community bids.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The recommendations of the Sustrans report, as shown within Appendix 1 to the report, be noted;

2.  The remaining £54,000 budget be released from reserves for the project;

3.  The schemes be prioritised and delivered in partnership with the relevant organisations/landowners as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report;

4.  Officers be requested to investigate how Section 106 monies could be used to expand the schemes proposed; and

5.  In considering non-spatial policies, the relevant officers be requested to explore further creative ways to expand the scheme in the future.