The Head of Environment and Public Realm introduced the report and explained the recommended option to enable night-time closure of Brenchley Gardens. As well as the installation of gates into existing entrance ways, fencing would be installed between Maidstone Museum and St Faith’s Church which would enable the full closure of the park at night. The proposed design would be funded from the Parks capital budget and was anticipated to cost £30,000, which included a reasonable contingency for archaeological consultants.  A security contractor would be employed to close the park at night at a cost of £11,000 per annum, which would be funded from existing revenue budgets. A consultation with residents would run alongside the planning application.

In response to questions, the Head of Environment and Public Realm confirmed that the bandstand frill would be reinstalled however structural work was needed to the bandstand itself prior to this.

Although there was some concern that the night-time closure would cause the antisocial behaviour to be relocated rather than resolved, the Committee agreed that the proposed fencing was the best option for closing the park at night.

Thanks was given to the Town Centre Parks Ranger after they assisted at a recent incident, and for their ongoing work to maintain the park for the public.

RESOLVED: That

1.  Planning consent be sought to install fencing and gates between Maidstone Museum and St Faith’s Church, as set out at 2.4 of the report;

2.  Funding be taken from existing capital and revenue budgets for the installation of the fencing and security contractor, as outlined in 2.5 and 2.6 of the report; and

3.  A full consultation be undertaken with the residents of McKenzie Court whilst planning consent is acquired.