Agenda and minutes

The Committee observed a minute’s silence to mark the sad passing of Mrs Marion Ring, a former Mayor of Maidstone between 2019 to 2021, and Local Ward Member for Shepway North between 2003 to 2023.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jones.

Councillor Jeffery was present as Substitute Member for Councillor Jones.

The Chairman stated that there were two urgent updates, to Item 10 – Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-2029 – Capital Programme and Item 11 – Staplehurst Conservation Area Appraisal Management Plan, which contributed to the items considerations.

There were no Visiting Members.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That all items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed.

RESOLVED: That the Forward Plan relating to the Committee’s Terms of Reference, be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report, stating that the two capital schemes within the Committee’s remit for the next municipal year related to the previous Medway Street Car Park decision and Greening and Lighting Strategy, as part of the Town Centre Strategy (TCS). The urgent update included a reduced figure for the latter, as until the TCS had been approved it was difficult to include which projects would be coming forward.

The Bridges Gyratory System had been removed from the capital programme as additional grant funding had been received, with finalised designs in place; the project was awaiting Kent County Council approval.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member stated that whilst the Integrated Transport Strategy may require elements of capital funding, it was to be funded through the Council’s revenue budget. The funding allocated to Medway Street Car Park included the provision of electric vehicle charging points, but it was hoped that the scheme’s total cost was less than the £195,000 allocated.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the CABINET: That

1.  The capital programme 2024/25 onwards as set out in Appendix B to the report, be agreed; and

2.  It be noted that agreement to recommendation 1 above will be subject to the prudential borrowing limit which will be recommended to Council as part of the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25. 

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report and outlined the urgent update provided. No adverse comments had been received from the Parish Council or Local Ward Members.

RESOLVED to RECOMMED to the CABINET MEMBER: That

1.  The Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for Staplehurst Conservation Area be approved for public consultation;

2.  Delegated powers be given to the Head of Development Management to undertake the necessary statutory requirements to undertake public consultation for the Staplehurst Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan’ and

3.  The following work streams be explored (in accordance with the draft Conservation Area Appraisal Management Plan report attached at Appendix 1 to the report):

a.  An Article 4 Direction;

b.  A Design Code centred on the Staplehurst Conservation Area; and

c.  Extending the boundaries of the Staplehurst Conservation Area.

6.30 p.m. to 6.46 p.m.