The Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure introduced the report and explained that Tonbridge and Malling’s Local Plan had previously been submitted but it had been withdrawn due to comments from the Planning Inspector. As a result, there was a new regulation 18 consultation which the Council was responding to as a neighbouring planning authority. The new Local Plan identified the local housing need as well as areas for new growth and development.

The Council’s proposed response raised concerns around transport and air quality due to the proximity of Tonbridge and Malling to Maidstone.

The Committee supported the proposed response noting that, although it did not contain anything on river quality, that would be addressed at the next stage of consultation when more specific details about the development are available.

RESOLVED: That the Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure be recommended that Maidstone Borough Council’s response to the Local Plan Regulation 18 consultation, attached as Appendix 1 to this report, is submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.