Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Butcher, Carter, Cuming, Mrs Stockell and Mrs Whittle.

The following substitutions were noted:-

Councillor Springett for Councillor Cuming

Parish Councillors Ms Brown for Parish Councillor Butcher

Councillors Ash and Nelson-Gracie were in attendance.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 July 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed.

There were no Petitions submitted.

There were no Questions or Statements by members of the public.

The Board considered the report of Kent Highway Services and Maidstone Borough Council regarding the Transport Strategy as part of the Core Strategy consultation.

Discussion took place around four different areas of the strategy, namely Town Centre, Strategic Housing Development, Strategic Employment Development and Rural Service Centres/Rural Areas.

The Board agreed to submit a list of the key issues to the core strategy consultation.

RESOLVED: That the following comments be submitted as a response to the Core Strategy consultation on the Transport Strategy from the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board:-

·  To include the gyratory and possible new cycle/pedestrian crossing over the river

·  To review the former bridge gyratory scheme that involved the addition of the northbound A229 on the eastern side of the river

·  That a transport interchange at Maidstone East is essential

·  To consider the widening of St Peter’s Bridge

·  To consider the use of the River Medway as a transport option

·  To undertake a review of the use of residential roads for parking by workers

·  Cycle routes – quality of routes is more important that the quantity

·  There should be a careful dispersal of development within the villages

·  When considering where housing development should go, consideration must be given to the effect on freight traffic and other infrastructure issues e.g. sewerage and pollution

·  The 80/20 split should be reviewed again

·  The number of housing allocations for North West Maidstone should be reduced

·  There must be recognition of the need for developers to contribute towards the road infrastructure

·  The housing development should follow the existing and potential infrastructure

·  There should be a good mix of employment opportunities

·  The South East Maidstone Strategic Link would assist the regeneration of Park Wood Industrial site

·  Consideration of Detling Airfield as a potential employment site

·  The need to ensure rail services are kept in the Rural Service Centres

·  A higher speed internet connection for villages will help to reduce travel as more people will be able to work from home

5.00 p.m. to 7.18 p.m.