Agenda

(a)  Leader of the Council

(b)  Cabinet Members

(c)  Chairmen of Decision-Making Committees

Notice of the following motion has been given by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor Forecast:

The Council will be aware of the continuing problems associated with overdevelopment in the Fant area of the Fant & Oakwood Ward, as well as in the wider ME16 8 postcode.

These issues are accentuated by the ability to convert single family residential homes into Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) with no more than 6 persons under permitted development without the need for planning permission or democratic oversight.  In Fant this has been a major topic of concern in the former ward for over 5/6 years.

We all too frequently see property owners and developers ‘abusing’ permitted development rights to extend a house to the rear and in the attic under permitted development rights and then also under permitted development rights making it a 6 bedroomed HMO with no requirement for planning control or for residents to have a democratic input.

Action to resolve this can be done.  In September 2021 a motion was submitted to Council asking for an ‘Article 4direction’ to remove this permitted development right.  This will not prevent HMOs in the area being proposed but will make all HMOs subject to the democratic processes of seeking planning permission (large scale HMOs i.e. more than 6 persons already require planning permission).  Alternatives have been suggested such as address Updated Local Plan policies, looking into Parking Standards, even involving the Valuation Office to revalue HMOs and use the extra Council Tax for projects in afflicted areas.

Nothing happens.  In Fant & Oakwood Ward conversion of properties to HMOs is occurring at a rate of between 1 a month and 1 a week.  The area, and other areas referred to, cannot take more of this.  The character of inner urban Maidstone is changing from Residential to HMO based at a rapid rate.

There is nothing wrong with the concept of HMOs; they are a required element of housing reflecting the broken housing market.  In an appropriate building with amenity space, and space for off-street car parking they can be accepted, but this is not what we see on the ground.

Residents want to see action now.  The time for action is now.

This Council therefore agrees to:

1.  Recognise that the uncontrolled development of HMOs under permitted development has had a negative impact in this densely populated and congested area, especially on grounds of sustainability and infrastructure, highlighted by problems associated with parking issues and the continuing inability of HMO conversions to demonstrate car parking provision in accordance with the local development plan.

2.  Build a substantial evidence portfolio and subsequently impose an Article 4 direction to remove permitted development rights to convert residential properties from C3 use to C4 use and C4 use to C3 use in the ME16 8 postcode.

3.  Review Parking Restrictions to make them more fit for purpose and to recognise that even if people do not use them daily most households in the inner urban area have  ...  view the full agenda text for item 16.

Notice of the following motion has been given by Councillor Jenkins-Baldock, seconded by Councillor Greenan:

Maidstone Borough Council recognises the important and disturbing issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG) within our community. Violence against women and girls is a widespread and persistent problem, with serious consequences for those affected and the community as a whole, as it presents a barrier to safety, wellbeing and equality. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual violence, and occurs in many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, spiking and harassment.

Recent statistics highlight whilst there has been some improvement, there is still more work that could be done. Between November 2022 to October 2023 there were 3703 reports to the police of Violence Against Women and Girls in the borough.

We also know that these are significantly under reported incidents with many women and girls being unlikely to come forwards or afraid to report what has happened to them.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to ensuring that women and girls feel safe and supported in all aspects of their lives, especially in public spaces and at night. We understand the vital importance of tackling violence against women and girls as part of our broader commitment to ensuring safety and equality for all members of our community.

In light of these concerning statistics and incidents, the Council commits to the following actions:

1. Developing a Broader VAWG Strategy:
   The Council will work towards developing a comprehensive strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, including the introduction of public awareness campaigns and bystander training to challenge problematic behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs. This strategy will outline concrete steps to increase the safety of women and girls in Maidstone, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.

2. Promoting a Women's Night-Time Safety Charter:
   The Council will support and promote a Women's Night-Time Safety Charter to improve the safety of women in public spaces after dark. This includes working with local businesses, especially bars, pubs, and taxi services, to commit to safer practices, including better training for staff and drivers to ensure women's safety.

3. Leveraging Licensing Tools:
   We propose to explore the use of licensing tools, including taxi and bar/pub licensing, to enhance the safety of women and girls in the borough. This includes implementing additional measures such as improved driver safety checks, the introduction of clear signage in taxis, and ensuring safe transportation options are readily available for women at night.

4. Making Women's Safety Central to Town Planning:
   The safety of women and girls will be incorporated into all town planning and development discussions, ensuring that public spaces are designed with safety in mind. This includes improved lighting, more accessible public transport routes, and the creation of safe public spaces that encourage women to feel comfortable and secure in all areas of the borough.

5. Achieving White Ribbon Accreditation:
   Maidstone Borough Council will work towards becoming a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation. White Ribbon UK promotes the idea of men and boys working to end  ...  view the full agenda text for item 17.

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In order to make a statement in relation to an item on the agenda, please call 01622 602899 or email committee@maidstone.gov.uk by 4 p.m. one clear working day before the meeting (i.e. by 4 p.m. on 2 December 2024). You will need to tell us which agenda item you wish to speak on.

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