Issue - meetings

Public Sector-Led Garden Community Update

Meeting: 23/03/2022 - Policy and Resources Committee (Item 218)

218 Public Sector-Led Garden Community Update pdf icon PDF 208 KB

Minutes:

Ms Kate Hammond addressed the Committee on behalf of Save Our Heathlands Action Group.

 

The Director of Regeneration and Place introduced the report outlining the level of engagement there had been through the recent public engagement events.  It was noted that Homes England had contributed five staff to the events.  There had been 350 attendees across the four events, with the significant majority attending the event in Lenham.  Further events were planned in May as there were local residents who had not been aware of them and an apology was included in the report for the failures in notifying residents.  Lessons had been learned and it was recognised in the report that the Council needed to establish a link with the local parish and set objectives for future events. 

 

It was highlighted that whilst Homes England had 40% of the 822 acres of land required for the development under option, it was expected to be close to 75% by the end of March 2022.

 

In addition, the Local Plan Review statement of common ground was being prepared to be in place between the Council and Homes England as the promoters, and the Local Planning Authority.  This would set out the workstreams that were the focus until the examination in public.  Amongst other areas this included nutrient neutrality, minerals, highways, AONB setting, employment and the railway station. 

 

The Committee expressed disappointment in the issues with the delivery of leaflets to residents. In considering what action to take moving forward, it was accepted that the delivery of the leaflets had been sub-contracted out to a private delivery company and a full refund for that activity was to be received.  It was noted that the Council were putting in place further events, had apologised in the report and lessons had been learned.

 

Reassurances relating to the land under option of 40%, rising to 75% were sought and it was confirmed that 75% was realistic as a number of agreements were waiting to be engrossed.

 

The committee also requested further information relating to the railway options and other workstreams.  It was highlighted that the Council’s local plan submission on 31 March 2022 would include a road map for future pieces of work, and that officers would ensure that there was transparency and information sharing through the new governance arrangements from May 2022.

 

In considering the petition and the issues raised, the Committee noted that the Councils preferred options were for the existing station to be retained but that the other options could not be ruled out at this stage with Network Rail who required all options to be assessed.  The Committee wanted to place on record its support for a new station whilst retaining the existing Lenham Station.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

1.  The Committee’s support for a new station whilst retaining the existing Lenham station be recorded; and

 

2.  The report be noted.