That the proposed response to the Kent Minerals and Waste Plan Review consultation, at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

RESOLVED: That the proposed response to the Kent Minerals and Waste Plan Review consultation, at Appendix 1 of this Record of Decision, be approved.

The Leader of the Council was present to receive the Committee’s feedback on behalf of the Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure, and asked the Principal Planning Officer to introduce the report.

The Principal Planning Officer explained that the drafted response was to the second Regulation 18 consultation undertaken by Kent County Council (KCC) for the Kent Minerals and Waste Plan 2023-38. The consultation had been triggered following a change to the Plan period, updates to reference nature recovery networks and policy wording on circular economy, as well as reference added to Chapel Farm in relation to soft-sand.

Some Members of the Committee expressed concern that the response was focused on the problem rather than a proactive solution, and that wording should be added to the fourth paragraph of the drafted wording to emphasise the willingness of the Council to work together with KCC to ensure the plan could be effectively implemented.

However it was felt by other Committee Members that the response was a high level document and did not require further wording to be added.

The Leader of the Council agreed that the wording could be reconsidered to include the Council’s willingness to continue communications with KCC to bridge the gap between the Council’s current position and the impact that the updated plan would have.

RESOLVED: That the proposed response to this Kent Minerals and Waste Plan Review consultation at Appendix 1 of this report be agreed, and subject to further consideration by the Cabinet Member.