Rejuvenation Strategy for the Pantiles
Future improvements and developments for the Tunbridge Wells Common

Rejuvenation Strategy for the Pantiles / TW Common - Public Consultation - Oct-Dec 2008

BE PATIENT! - this very large pdf (18 MB) takes time to download !

The new owners of the Commons and the Pantiles, Targetfollow, have prepared a Rejuvenation Strategy for the Pantiles in order to establish a vision and future plan for the Pantiles area.
The Rejuvenation Strategy will form part of the evidence base informing the preparation of the LDF and in particular the Town Centre Area Action Plan (TCAAP). The embodiment of the strategy’s key objectives within the TCAAP will strengthen the long term aspirations for the enhancement of The Pantiles and its wider impact upon the town’s economy.

As involvement and input to the Rejuvenation Strategy are important, any individual of the public with an interest in The Pantiles and the wider area has the opportunity to give comments!

Any comments? — e-mail to: improve-rtw@townforum.org.uk / Daniel Bech

Proposal to close Tunbridge Wells High School and
to replace with a new Government funded Academy

Kent County Council is considering a proposal to close Tunbridge Wells High School in order to open a Government funded Academy. Your views as parents, carers, governors, staff, students and other people who have an interest in education in the area are important and will help shape what happens.

Any comments? — e-mail to: school.consultation@kent.gov.uk
Ms Chris Lay, Area Children’s Services Officer, Sevenoaks & Tunbridge Wells, Kent County Council

Improving Local Accountability
Communities in Control

Communities and Local Government - Improving local accountability consultation is the first in a series of Communities in Control consultations flowing from the White Paper of July 2008. This consultation covers the implementation of the overview and scrutiny provisions in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. It seeks views on how to develop overview and scrutiny powers to hold local officers to account and how to facilitate the work of councillors.

Any comments? — e-mail to: improve-rtw@townforum.org.uk / Daniel Bech

20.10.2008 - RTW Town Forum (Planning / Community) - Submission

Draft - Consultation and Engagement Strategy 2008-2011

Consultation and Engagement Strategy 2008-2011

This draft strategy is an overarching one, supported by a range of plans:
- "Communication Plan"
- "Customer Service and Access Plan"
- "Engaging Hard to Reach Groups Guide"
that have been developed in parallel with it and which will underpin delivery of TWBC's Consultation and Engagement Strategy.

Any comments? — e-mail to: Nazeya.Hussain@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Nazeya Hussain, Head of Community and Corporate Planning, TWBC, Town Hall

October 2008 - TWBC Communication Plan - FINAL

Draft - Vision 2026

For the past year Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been looking at developing a long-term vision for the borough and over the coming months TWBC will also be working on developing a partnership vision for the borough, which will support a renewed Sustainable Community Strategy in 2009.

Any comments? — e-mail to: vision@tunbridgewells.gov.uk / Nazeya Hussain,
Head of Community and Corporate Planning, TWBC, Town Hall

Air Quality - Action Plan
A26 / London Road: Royal Tunbridge Wells - Southborough

Consultation on Draft Air Quality Action Plan

Do you think these are the right suggestions? Could you help to implement any of these suggestions? Is there anything else that could/should be done?

Any suggestions? — e-mail to: envprotection@tunbridgewells.gov.uk / Karin Grey
TWBC, Town Hall, Environmental Protection Team, 01892 554240;

Planning for Town Centres
Proposed Changes to Planning Policy Statement 6

Communities and Local Government - This consultation on revisions to Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) follows the commitment in the Planning White Paper 'Planning for a Sustainable Future' (Summer 2007) to review the current approach in PPS6 to assessing the impact of proposals outside town centres.
The proposals strengthen the Government's 'town centres first' policy and emphasise the importance of maintaining a strong focus on town centre policy, promoting competition and improving consumer choice.

Any comments? — e-mail to: improve-rtw@townforum.org.uk / Daniel Bech

25.09.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Comments

03.10.2008 - RTW Civic Society - Comments

Planning Applications
Review of the process for seeking planning permission

The Killian Pretty Review examines the process for seeking planning permission, identify reasons for delays in deciding planning applications and make recommendations for dealing with these and reducing unnecessary burdens for all parties involved in the process.

29.08.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Comments

31.07.2008 - Kent Federation of Amenity Societies - Comments

Local Development Framework
- Core Strategy
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

23.07.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Submission
LDF Core Strategy - SHLAA - proposed sites in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Environmental Protection Services

TWBC Environmental Services

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Environment and Street Scene is setting out its standards of Service for Environmental Protection so that customers know what to expect.
The Environmental Protection Service has powers to investigate issues such as:
noise and vibration - odour, smoke and dust emissions - light pollution - accumulations of waste and noxious deposits - filthy and infested premises - pest control - private drainage issues - air quality - contaminated land - some industrial pollution control.
Where the Council has no statutory powers its Environmental Health Officers can offer advice or coordinate action with other enforcement agencies.

27.04.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Submission - Environmental Protection Service Standards

Responses to the consulation were received from both the RTW Town Forum and the Town and Country Housing Association.

July 2008 - Environmental Protection Service - Service Levels
FINAL version for Environment, Safer and Stronger Communities Select Committee 15.07.2008

Local Development Framework
- Core Strategy (3rd stage)
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) Methodology

TWBC held a workshop at the RTW Camden Centre on 6 March 2008. The aims of the event were to make sure that stakeholders had the opportunity to exchange views and to work through elements of the SHLAA methodology. (Online Consultation 25 Feb - 24 March 2008)
There were 42 attendees, representing a wide range of organisations.
Overview of the Local Development Framework was presented by Louise Phillips (Planning Policy Team Leader); the SHLAA was presented by John Spurling (Principal Planning Officer).
Also present were TWBC planning officers.

STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT - Final Doc 04/2008

DRAFT STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT REPORT 04/2008 CONSULTATION RESPONSES 25 FEBRUARY TO 24 MARCH 2008 AND
OFFICERS' RECOMMENDATIONS AND OUTCOME

22.03.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Answers to Questions - LDF Core Strategy

22.03.2008 - Telephone House Neighbours Assoc - Comments - Core Strategy SHLAA

22.03.2008 - Civic Society submission not filed with RTW TF

Draft - Youth Strategy 2008 - 2011

Consultation on the Draft Youth Strategy

This youth strategy acknowledges and addresses the key issues and priorities for young people in the borough, as identified by young people themselves. The strategy highlights the common concerns of the majority of young people, and aims to help inform and influence the work of the private, voluntary and community sectors and statutory agencies that provide services and facilities for young people.
Tunbridge Wells borough has a population of almost 12,000 young people aged 11-19, representing 11.3% of the total borough population: approximately 48% of young people live in the urban areas of Royal Tunbridge Wells and Southborough, 52% live in the more rural areas of the borough (figures from 2001 Census).
Population projections published by Kent County Council estimate over the next 15 years, a 20% drop in 0-15 year olds and a 10% increase in 16-24 year olds.

24.02.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Submission - Draft Youth Strategy 2008-2011

Draft - Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011

Consultation on the Draft Strategic Plan
TWBC Cabinet noted on 20.12.2007 that the Plan would be made available for consultation and as well referred to the TWBC Corporate Services Select Committee for consideration and comment (report to Cabinet 07.02.08). - Nazeya Hussain, Head of Community and Corporate Planning.

Strategic Plan 2008-2011 is built on the 2007-2010 Plan (--> Consultation Feb 2007) and sets out TWBC’s approach to delivering its corporate priorities, which would provide the context in which TWBC would seek to underpin the transition to the National Performance Framework:
- strengthen medium-term planning;
- establish a clear vision for the Council to deliver its commitments in the new Community Plan;
- and inform and support the proposed Council-wide CPA re-assessment in 2008.

03.03.2008 - TWBC' response to RTW Town Forum submission - Strategic Plan 2008-2011

01.02.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Submission - Draft Strategic Plan 2008-2011

30.01.2008 - RTW Civic Society - Submission - Draft Strategic Plan 2008-2011

Local Development Framework
- Core Strategy (2nd stage) - PREFERRED OPTIONS REPORT

Consultation on the TWBC Local Development Framework
between 30.11.2007 - 11.01.2008

The Core Strategy is a long-term, strategic planning document for the Borough, which sets out the policy framework for all types of development to 2026.
The Preferred Options Report builds on the information put forward in the Issues & Options Report and on the feedback received during consultation in February-April 2007.
The Preferred Options Report (2nd stage of the Core Strategy) sets out the Council's preferred approach to future development in the Borough up to 2026.
The Sustainability Appraisal of the Core Strategy: Preferred Options Report evaluates the environmental, social and economic effects of the Options and is also available for consultation.

10.01.2008 - RTW Town Forum - Submission - LDF Core Strategy - Preferred Options

07.01.2008 - Telephone House Neighbours Assoc - Comments - Core Strategy

10.01.2008 - RTW Civic Society - Summary of Comments - Core Strategy

White Paper: Planning for a Sustainable Future

Communities and Local Government - This consultation (until 17 August 2007) asks questions on a number of the key proposals contained in the white paper on Planning for a Sustainable Future. The white paper sets out an ambitious programme of proposed reforms to the planning system to be taken forward in the next three years.
It builds on recommendations from the Barker Review of Land Use Planning and the Eddington Transport Study and aims to improve speed, responsiveness and efficiency in land use planning. It proposes reforms on how decisions are taken on nationally significant infrastructure projects, including energy, waste, waste-water and transport. It also proposes further reforms to the town and country planning system, building on recent improvements to make it more efficient and more responsive.

Any comments? — e-mail to: improve-rtw@townforum.org.uk / Daniel Bech

14.08.2007 - RTW Town Forum - Answers to Questions - Planning White Paper

Should the NHS pay for homeopathy?

West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) ensures that health services are provided for all 674,000 residents in the Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Maidstone and Weald areas. The PCT has a budget of £747 million per year, and works with about 400 family doctors, 110 dentists, 104 pharmacists, 6 community hospitals, and 3 larger hospitals. About £200,000 is spent each year on homeopathy.
As part of a wider review of all services and spending, West Kent PCT is considering whether the NHS should fund homeopathy offered by doctors who have a postgraduate qualification in complementary therapy (integrative practitioners). This consultation document sets out the reasons for the review and some suggested ways forward. The PCT Board would like to hear your views to help guide decision-making (19 April 2007 - 2 July 2007).

Local Development Framework
- Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document

Consultation on the TWBC LDF - Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Documen
between 23.04.2007 - 08.06.2007

The Draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been prepared in accordance with the Local Development Scheme, and, once adopted, will become part of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Development Framework. As such it will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. It supplements and provides clarity to Policy H3 (Affordable Housing on market sites); and Policy H8 (Rural Exceptions Affordable Housing) of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan (2006).

Local Development Framework
- Core Strategy

The aim of the event was to make sure that all the main interested parties (70 organisations) had the opportunity to exchange views, explore the key issues and make an informed decision prior to the preparation of Preferred Options for the Core Strategy.

Key Issues for the Core Strategy:
- The need to provide 5,000 new homes (ORIGINALLY) by 2026 - CHANGED to 6000 (end 2007)
- The need to protect and enhance the natural environment
- Recognition that high quality and built natural environment encourages tourism expenditure
- The need to ensure that the Core Strategy considers other plans, programmes and strategies, such as the Community Plan.

The Potential Options (for the new homes):
1. Concentrate at the Main Urban Areas – Royal Tunbridge Wells (RTW), Southborough
2. Focus at the five towns: RTW, Southborough, Paddock Wood, Cranbrook, Hawkhurst
3. Disperse development throughout the Borough’s existing settlements
4. Locate development at a new / expanded town

Local Development Framework
- Core Strategy (1st stage) - ISSUES AND OPTIONS REPORT

Consultation on the TWBC Local Development Framework
between 19.02.2007 - 02.04.2007

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has started to prepare a new type of planning document known as the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Development Framework - Core Strategy. The Core Strategy will set out how, where and when all types of development will take place in the Borough up to 2026. To begin the process of approval the Council has prepared an ‘Issues and Options’ report, for members of the public to comment on from 19 February to 2 April 2007

19.03.2007 - RTW Town Forum - Answers to Questions - LDF Core Strategy

Equality Policy and Scheme

Consultation on the TWBC Equality Policy and Scheme

8 January 2007 — Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Comprehensive Equality Policy sets out how we will eliminate discrimination and promote equality. The Comprehensive Equality Scheme shows how we will deliver the policy. The scheme covers specific equality themes which also include action plans. Consultation period will close on 16th February 2007.
[Comprehensive Equality Policy - Comprehensive Equality Scheme, overview - Race Equality - Disability Equality]

15.02.2007 - RTW Town Forum - Memorandum - Equality Policy/Sccheme

Draft - Strategic Plan 2007 - 2010

Consultation on the Draft Strategic Plan between 16.01.2007 - 12.02.2007

The Strategic Plan sets out TWBC's corporate priorities and key targets, which will measure success over the next three years. Every other plan and strategy will feed from and into the Strategic Plan. (Head of Community & Corporate Planning, Nazeya Hussain)

12.02.2007 - RTW Town Forum - Representation - Strategic Plan 2007-2010

12.02.2007 - The Telephone House Neighbours Assoc - Comments - Strategic Plan

12.02.2007 - Soroptimist Intl. TW/District - Comments - Strategic Plan 2007-2010

Draft - Local Development Framework: Renewable Energy SPD
(Supplementary Planning Document)

10.12.2006 - RTW Town Forum Housing & Environment Committee - Comments -
Renewable Energy and Sustainability Appraisal

Draft - Leisure Strategy 2006 - 2011

Consultation on the Draft Leisure Strategy
between 18.09.2006 - 16.10.2006

Following consultation Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has written a Draft Leisure Strategy which sets out its priorities for Leisure provision for the next five years. We would welcome your views on our plans.

19.10.2006 - RTW Town Forum - Comments - Leisure Strategy 2006-2011

16.10.2006 - RTW Civic Society - Comments - Leisure Strategy 2006-2011

Draft - Housing Strategy 2006 - 2011

Consultation on the Draft Housing Strategy, 1 August 2006 - 30 September 2006

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is currently developing a new Housing Strategy for the period 2006-2011. The formal consultation on the Council's Draft Housing Strategy 2006-2011 has commenced on Monday 1 August 2006 and will close on 30 September 2006.

Kent County Council - Towards 2010

HAVE YOUR SAY TOWARDS 2010

Public consultation on the document is now underway and this is a chance for you to have your say at the next meeting of Kent County Council Tunbridge Wells Local Board being held on Tuesday 4 July at 5.30pm in Hawkhurst CE Primary School, Fowlers Park, Rye Road, Hawkhurst.

Community Plan 2006 - Consultation Draft

Community Plan Draft Consultation 2006 and Action Plans

Community Plan 2006 Consultation Draft,
Community Plan 2006 Action Plans Consultation Draft,
Comment on the Consultation Draft (acrobat pdf / word doc)
Online consultation 15.05.2006 - 26.06.2006

22.06.2006 - RTW Town Forum - Representation - Community Plan 2006

23.06.2006 - Telephone House Neighbours Association - Comments - Community Plan

23.06.2006 - RTW Civic Society - Comments - Community Plan 2006

23.06.2006 - Soroptimist Intl. of TW and District - Comments - Community Plan 2006

Draft - Economic Strategy 2006/07

Draft Economic Strategy 2006/07 Consultation

The draft strategy sets out the key issues and begins to set out the objectives, roles and actions that are needed to develop and support the local economy to ensure that residents and businesses of the borough have an opportunity to improve their futures.

Anyone is welcome to make comments and all views will be given careful consideration.
e-mail: business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Draft - Local Development Framework: Alterations / Extensions
(Supplementary Planning Document - SPD)

Alterations / Extensions in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the Borough

The Alterations and Extensions Supplementary Planning Document provides guidance on alterations and extensions to residential buildings although is also applicable to other buildings and uses in residential areas whcih affect existing residential dwellings.
It supplements planning policies contained in the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan (adoption expected spring 2006).
Its main purpose is to advise on issues of amenity, design and sustainability and to promote acceptable standards of development.

• Draft Alterations and Extensions SPD
• Alterations and Extensions SPD Executive Summary
• Alterations and Extensions SPD Sustainability Appraisal
• Alterations and Extensions SPD Statement of SPD Matters
• Alterations and Extensions SPD Statement of Consultation

Anyone is welcome to make comments and all views will be given careful consideration.
Comments should be submitted by Monday 27 February 2006
e-mail: strategy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk - tel: 01892 554056

Draft - Local Development Framework: Recreation Open Space
(Supplementary Planning Document - SPD)

Recreation Open Spaces in Royal Tunbridge Wells and the Borough

This document supplements Policies R2, R3 and R4 of the Local Plan (adoption expected spring 2006).
Its main purpose is to ensure that new housing developments incorporate adequate children's playspace and youth/adult recreation open space to meet the needs of future occupants.
Where on-site facilities are not appropriate, developers may be required to contribute towards improving recreation open space provision elsewhere in the same town or parish.

• Draft Recreation Open Space
• Recreation Open Space SPD Executive Summary
• Recreation Open Space SPD Sustainability Appraisal
• Recreation Open Space SPD Statement of SPD Matters
• Recreation Open Space SPD Statement of Consultation

Anyone is welcome to make comments and all views will be given careful consideration.
Comments should be submitted by Monday 27 February 2006
e-mail: strategy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk - tel: 01892 554056

Proposed Budget Framework and Council Tax for 2006/7

Proposed Budget Framework and Council Tax for 2006/7

The full proposals are available for viewing
(Cabinet Report 15 December 2005 Corporate and Financial Plan Review).

Anyone is welcome to make comments and all views will be given careful consideration.
Comments should be submitted by Friday 10 February 2006
e-mail: ross.sutton@tunbridgewells.gov.uk - tel: 01892 554075

Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review

Links to the relevant policies and maps
- Proposed Modifications as published on 19 October 2005.

Local Development Framework

TWBC - Local Development Framework - Scheme - Timetables - Development Briefs 41 pages - April 2005

TWBC - Local Development Framework - Glossary April 2005

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report - LDF, TWBC for Consultation Meeting 17.10.05

Executive Summary - Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report - LDF, TWBC for Consultation Meeting 17.10.05

Appendices - Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report - LDF, TWBC for Consultation Meeting 17.10.05

Overview - Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report - LDF, TWBC for Consultation Meeting 17.10.05