'Civic and Public Buildings' - Streetscene / Streetscape
26 August 2010
Streets across the country have been turned into obstacle courses by unnecessary street clutter such as guard railing, street signs and bollards. National charity "Living Streets"
are calling on local councils to strip back their streets and do some clutter busting. Excessive street signs, bollards and guard railings have become a menace, blighting our local environment and causing trip hazards for pedestrians.
Issues affecting Royal Tunbridge Wells streetscene/streetscape - ppt / Daniel Bech 04.11.2009
(precinct, roundabouts, brick pavements, setting of street furniture, estate agent signs, A-boards, leftover construction signs, parking on pavement, street clutter, railings, bicycle ways - demand for a street manual for RTW)
Survey finds British public ignorant about trees
Horticulural News
19 August 2010
A survey has found one in six people do not know that trees provide oxygen - and
78% thought one of the main roles of trees was to provide shade
74% believed trees were there to provide fruit
66% wanted more trees planted in their neighbourhoods
71% voted the Oak as Britain’s most iconic tree
33% could not identify an oak tree
75% said trees provide happy memories
9% remember sneaking a kiss under a tree as a teenager
— Arboriculture News, Hortweek, Matthew Appleby
Pedestrian-friendly Town Centre
'Shared Space'
9 August 2010
Traffic lights are being stripped out in urban overhaul under radical plans to reshape town centres. Traffic lights will disappear along with other urban clutter such as signs and barriers. The Department for Transport will revise the "Manual for Streets."
Telegraph Motoring News — David Millward, Transport Editor
Department of Energy and Climate Change
Chris Huhne ends Local Authority power struggle
9 August 2010
Councils across Britain will from next week be allowed to sell renewable electricity to the grid and should assume their rightful place leading a local power revolution, Chris Huhne will say today in a letter to all local authorities. At present only 0.01% of electricity in England is generated by local authority-owned renewables, despite the scope that exists to install projects on their land and buildings. In Germany the equivalent figure is 100 times higher.
Energy Secretary Press Release
Town Hall / Civic Buildings, Land Registry and the Cinema 'Grot Spot'
31 July 2010 & 1 August 2010
"Speculation is rife for future of town"
Special Report of KoS / TW on Saturday-Sunday: "As Tunbridge Wells stands on the brink of major change, those concerned with protecting the town's unique heritage share their views on its redevelopment."
"Under Question: The Future of RTW Town Centre" — kosmedia / Jenna Pudelek - 01/08/2010
Government measures to boost housebuilding
28 July 2010
Housebuilding is currently at its lowest level than for any peacetime year since 1924.
Since May 2010, the Government has set out a range of measures to boost this.
These include
Scrapping regional housing targets, with plans to introduce new homes bonuses to encourage councils to approve new developments in their area
Securing £1.25billion of the previous administration's £1.5billion Housing Pledge, despite the lack of sustainable funding and a massive government budget deficit
Outlining plans for a new Right to Build, which will enable rural communities to set up local housing trusts and grant themselves planning permission for small numbers of new homes - subject to overwhelming public support expressed in a local referendum.
Green Flag Awards
and Green Heritage Site (GHS)
28 July 2010
Parks act as ‘green lungs’ in our most built-up areas and are important to people. A record number of Green Flag and Pennant Awards was given to some of the best parks and green spaces in the country.
South East - Award winners 2010/11:
Green Flag Awards: 112 (91 in 2009)
Green Heritage Awards: 10 (10 in 2009)
Green Pennant Awards: 13 (6 in 2009)
Dunorlan Park (GHS) - Royal Tunbridge Wells - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
The Grove - Royal Tunbridge Wells - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Woodbury Park Cemetery - Royal Tunbridge Wells - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
RTW Regeneration
Town Hall / Civic Buildings and the Land Registry sites
18 July 2010
"Council bosses recently came under fire at a Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum meeting (24 June 2010) for the lack of public information about the future of the Civic Centre."
The redevelopment of the Town Hall complex is key to ensure Tunbridge Wells remains a major retail centre. The land at the Civic Centre which includes the council offices, Assembly Hall, police station, museum and library, is seen as the only available site for a major retail chain to move into.
This would then anchor the regeneration of other sites like the ABC cinema plot opposite the Town Hall, which the council is still considering buying. But the historic buildings (Decimus Burton's Calverley Terrace and the Adult Education Centre in Monson Road) contained within the Town Hall complex will be protected if the redevelopment goes ahead.
Demolition took place Monday/Tuesday 6 July 2010 - in time for the MELA on Sunday 18 July.
The Bandstand discussion started back in 2005 when it was reported as a grot spot; residents could voice their opinions on the 'Ask the Leader Blog' during 2007/2008 and after several meeting in 2009 it was agreed "The Town Forum support the removal of the bandstand, but ask that consultation be carried out to generate ideas about what can be put into Calverley Grounds for use as an open stage in the summer months by way of replacement. Demolition of the bandstand would not prevent such a project being undertaken in the future."
Changes to the Tourist Information Office
27 June 2010
Announcement by forward thinking Chief Executive William Benson: "the way the town provides information for tourists has to change to meet the demands of the 21st century." The Council is looking to meet the 24 hour needs of tourists.
'Town needs to catch tourist in the web of 21st century' — KOS/Kent News - Sunday 27/06/2010
Closure of Land Registry offices from 1 October 2010
25 June 2010
Land Registry announced these changes on 17 March 2010, as part of its Accelerated Transformation Programme which included closure of its Stevenage, Tunbridge Wells and Portsmouth offices.
From 1 October 2010 Stevenage, Tunbridge Wells and Portsmouth offices will no longer operate as "Proper Offices". Paper and fax applications to be received on or after 1 October 2010 should not be sent to any of these three offices, but to the appropriate proper office as designated by the Land (Proper Office) Order 2010 which has been laid today.
Land Registry has confirmed that its Stevenage and Tunbridge Wells offices will close by 30 June 2011 and its Portsmouth office by 28 February 2011.
Tunbridge Wells Local Development Framework
Core Strategy Development Plan Document
17 June 2010
The Core Strategy is the first document to be adopted as part of the Borough Council’s Local Development Framework. It is a strategic planning document which provides the overarching principles for development in the Borough to 2026, including the town Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The Town Centres Area Action Plan; Allocations DPD; and Development Control Policies DPD, which are also to be prepared, must be in general conformity with it (consultation of these documents: 14 June - 9 August, and end of July extended to 30 August 2010).
TWBC Core Strategy June 2010
Property Acquisition - Land Registry, Royal Tunbridge Wells (Hawkenbury)
EXEMPT ITEM at the SPECIAL CABINET MEETING
14 June 2010
On www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk, Council Democracy, Agendas for Cabinet, a Special Cabinet Meeting is announced for Wednesday 16 June 2010 at 9am, Council Chamber, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells:
"EXEMPT ITEM - Portfolio Holder: Finance and Governance - Property Acquisition
EXEMPT REPORT (100616/CAB01) - Access to this report is denied on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972."
The Land Registry Building is part of the Tunbridge Wells TOTAL PLACE project which deals with the Gateway, KCC Office Rationalisation, Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company and the Town Hall Site.
Proposal to co-locate public sector back-office functions in Tunbridge Wells - Update 19.02.2010
Tunbridge Wells Total Place
New powers preventing unwanted 'garden grabbing'
Announcement by Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark
9 June 2010
Mr Clark is today unveiling plans to take gardens out of the Brownfield category, a simple step that will dramatically transform councils' ability to prevent unwanted development on gardens where local people object and protect the character of their neighbourhoods.
From today Mr Clark will also scrap the minimum density target, handing power back to town halls and local communities to decide what new homes are best for their area. The target has contributed to the lack of family sized homes and flats that local people need. Councils will now work with local communities and developers to deliver more family homes and affordable housing for the local community.
The Town Centres Area Action Plan Development Plan and the Allocations Development Plan
25 May 2010
The Borough Council has set out within its adopted Local Development Scheme (LDS), the intention to produce a Town Centres Area Action Plan (TCAAP) and an Allocations Development Plan Document (Allocations DPD) to take forward the broad proposals set out in the Core Strategy.
— The TCAAP will provide the framework for areas where significant change or conservation is needed and will cover the four town centres within the Borough: Royal Tunbridge Wells; Southborough; Paddock Wood and Cranbrook.
— The Allocations DPD will allocate land for new development and uses across the whole Borough, including at the four towns referred to above (although allocations within the town centre boundaries will be made in the TCAAP); Hawkhurst; the Villages; and the rural areas.
The next stage of consultation will commence on 14 June 2010 - ending 9 August 2010.
Grot spots & Empty Properties in RTW & Borough of Tunbridge Wells
Empty Homes close to a thousand
21 May 2010
In 2006 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council set up an Empty and Difficult Properties Group to tackle the problem. At the time there were 1022 empty and unfurnished properties in Tunbridge Wells. Today the figure is 929. Four years ago there were 1,430 households on the Housing Register – now there are 2,469.
General Election (Member of Parliament) and
Borough Councillors Election
6 May 2010
At 3:30am, Friday 7 May 2010, it was confirmed that the CONSERVATIVES hold the seat for Tunbridge Wells:
Greg Clark got 28,302 votes, 56.2%, +5.5% (compared to 2005)
— Congratulations to a 2nd term, Greg!
In Royal Tunbridge Wells: Blighted by an empty house - for 12 years
With 650,000 unoccupied homes (in England), why isn't more being done?
3 May 2010
Empty and abandoned properties are a phenomenon more associated with inner-city Salford in Manchester than a well-heeled road in Tunbridge Wells.
Remarkably, Tunbridge Wells has 200 properties that have been empty for more than two years, and 40 that have been derelict for more than five years. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is aware of the powers it has to deal with derelict properties. Its Empty Property Strategy lists the parliamentary Acts available to solve the problem; and there are Empty Dwelling Management Orders or Compulsory Purchase Orders.
"Questions have been raised about the future of the bus depot in St John’s Road."
— KOS / www.kentnews.co.uk - Saturday/Sunday 01/02.05.2010
and 8 May 2010 — Letter to KOS - re: Arriva Bus Depot - Mega Grot Spot
'Town Forum demands answers to town hall sale rumours'
The civic buildings in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells
30 April 2010
Civic Complex for sale?
The Civic Way block is home to the Borough Council, Library, Museum, Art Gallery, Assembly Hall and Police Station.
The Town Forum's discussion was due to the 'Tunbridge Wells Total Place' project (the Gateway, KCC Office Rationalisation, Land Registry Building, Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company and the Town Hall Site) and the Courier's headlines "Town Hall quit plan is revealed" (2 April 2010) and "Is council in bid to land registry?" (19 March 2010).
Commons Conservators Meeting
Pedestrian Crossing London Road
22 April 2010
At the Commons Conervators (Targetfollow, TWBC Councillors, Commons Freehold Tenants) quarterly meeting on Thursday 22 April the agenda listed 'London Road Crossing'.
Kent Highways will improve the dangerous crossing from the Common, London Road to Vale Road / to the Tunbridge Wells Railway Station. Two years ago it was pointed out that improvemnt was needed for the steps and railings on the Common.
A List of Improvements to the Commons was presented to Jeremy Aldous, the then Portfolio Manager, Targetfollow (Pantiles) Ltd, at the Commons Conservators Meeting on 24 April 2008.
Deutsche Bahn taking over Arriva PLC
22 April 2010
Bus and train operator Arriva has agreed to be taken over by Germany's Deutsche Bahn in a deal worth £1.59bn.
Arriva is one of the largest transport services organisations in Europe, employing more than 44,000 people and delivering more than one billion passenger journeys across 12 European countries every year. - Deutsche Bahn runs Germany's national rail services, as well as Chiltern Railways and rail freight services in the UK. Deutsche Bahn said that Arriva would be operated as a wholly owned subsidiary.
In Royal Tunbridge Wells, Arriva Bus office and bus depot is located at 36 St. John's Road, TN4 9NX, with additional access from Woodbury Park Road.
Civic Voice – the replacement for the Civic Trust
representing Civic Societies
17 April 2010
Civic Voice, the replacement for the Civic Trust, which represented civic societies but closed because of a lack of funds in 2009, is being launched publicly on Saturday 17 April.
Following the cessation of the Civic Trust, the interim organisation, the Civic Societies Inititive is now grateful to the many civic societies, volunteers and others who have fed in views, provoked discussion, provided funding and helped build a new momentum of support for the civic movement. When Civic Societies were asked up and down the country what they thought the problem was the words that appeared all too often were: - low profile, - do gooders, - old fashioned, - declining, - nymby.
Tunbridge Wells - TOTAL PLACE
part of Kent Total Place Pilot
7 April 2010
Kent is one of 13 national pilot areas for the Total Place initiative, announced in the Budget on 22 April 2009. Total Place is a high-profile national programme which brings together government and local agencies within a place to achieve transformational service improvement and efficiencies, through collaboration across public sector organisations. The Kent Total Place pilot is focused on improving services to the customer, reducing duplication and improving efficiency across the public sector. The Kent Local Strategic Partnership has established ownership of this activity and identified three specific projects that form the cultural stream of the pilot: Gatweays, single asset management strategy for entire public realm, counting spend in Kent.
Tunbridge Wells TOTAL PLACE project deals with the Gateway, KCC Office Rationalisation, Land Registry Building, Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company and the Town Hall Site.
Proposal to co-locate public sector back-office functions in Tunbridge Wells - Update 19.02.2010
Tunbridge Wells Total Place
Community Infrastructure Levy as of 6 April 2010
Planning, building and the environment
6 April 2010
Local Authorities' new powers to impose levy on developers to fund infrastructure.
Developers should be required to make a greater contribution to improving the sustainability of communities. Local Authorities have the possibility to use the new Government Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to gain income from developers that can be used for "funding a very broad range of facilities such as play areas, parks and green spaces, cultural and sports facilities, district heating schemes and police stations and other community safety facilities. This gives local communities flexibility to choose what infrastructure they need to deliver their development plan."
In 2008 it was revealed, that only around 14% of all housing planning permissions made any contribution in 2003-04.; almost all development has some impact on the need for infrastructure, services and amenities, or benefits from it, so it is only fair that such development pays a share.
The CIL comes into force on 6 April 2010 and local authorities will be empowered, but not required, to levy the charge on new developments. The rates will be set locally to reflect the need for new infrastructure and will apply to new builds over 100sq m internal floor space, as well as additional floor space added in redevelopments.
"Working with SEEDA" (South East England Development Agency)
1 April 2010
The Local Economy and Housing (LEH) Select Committee SEEDA Working Group (Daniel Bech, John Chater, Julian Stanyer, Chris Woodward - Andrew Goy) will submit its report "Tunbridge Wells and the West Kent Economy" to Cabinet on 29 April 2010.
BT will roll out super-fast broadband to their telephone exchanges during 2010/2011.
Approximately 4 million lines will be upgraded in towns across the south of England, London, and TUNBRIDGE WELLS! BT aims to connect 10 million (40% of the UK) by Summer 2012 (the year of the Olympic Games).
Kent High Weald Partnership
Spring/Summer 2010 Newsletter
24 March 2010
Kent High Weald Partnership Newsletter is packed full of what they have been up to recently and exciting new opportunities coming up including "the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom competition is back for 2010 and will attempt to dazzle the community with stunning street flower baskets and revitalised roundabouts. The organisers will be working closely with local schools, communities and businesses for a wide variety of prizes including best front garden, best shop front or best pub/club/cafe! This will not only improve local areas in Tunbridge Wells, it will inevitably boost community spirit and pride." Kent High Weald Partnership
Bandstand Calverley Grounds Royal Tunbridge Wells
Conservation Area Consent: Demolition of Bandstand
19 March 2010
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Western Area Planning Committee will have to decide on the Bandstand's demolition at its next meeting on Wednesday 31 March 2010.
Tunbridge Wells Sustainable Community Strategy 2010-2016
to enhance and promote community pride in Tunbridge Wells
10 March 2010
The draft Sustainable Community Strategy sets out a 15-year plan to enhance quality of life for Tunbridge Wells residents.
Economy, environment, cutting crime, improving health, strengthening communities, care for the elderly, wellbeing of young people, housing are key targets for a Tunbridge Wells of the future. These goals are all included in a document drawn up by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, alongside organisations such as Kent Police, NHS West Kent, Parish Councils, Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum, Voluntary Action within Kent.
The plan is now being opened up for debate; residents will be asked if they agree with the council's goals and be given the opportunity to put forward suggestions. As well as commenting on the goals in the strategy, residents will also be asked to do their bit to improve their town e.g. people to take a lead in reporting anti-social behaviour, make an effort to get to know their neighbours and recycle more.
Support given by the two local major newspapers, PR and marketing is up and running to find contributors, donators, sponsors, supporters and volunteers.
At their meeting on 4 February 2010, the Cabinet agreed the Budget for 2010/11 for recommendation to Council and acknowledged the forecasts into future years. This report provides Full Council with the summary of the revenue budget, proposed council tax levels and the capital programme.
Communities Secretary calls for community champions
to tackle anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods
9 February 2010
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can devastate people's lives and runs down our communities and that is why the Government is committed to tackling it not tolerating it. Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of selfish and unacceptable activity that can blight the quality of community life - e.g.
nuisance neighbours
yobbish behaviour and intimidating groups taking over public spaces
vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting
people dealing and buying drugs on the street
people dumping rubbish and abandoned cars
begging and anti-social drinking
the misuse of fireworks
reckless driving of mini-motorbikes
Communities and Neighbourhoods:
Where you can go for help to tackle anti-social behaviour.
How you can help solve anti-social behaviour problems in your neighbourhood.
Tackling anti-social behaviour
e-news: Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery
February 2010
Tunbridge Ware part of 'A History of the World'
Chinese New Year celebration 13 February
'High Street' 16-19 February (during Half Term Holidays)
Museum & Art Gallery
Woodbury Park Cemetery
31 January 2010
When Holy Trinity Church's burial ground was not used anymore, the land (Woodbury Park Cemetery) became a burial site for the town when it was consecrated by the Archbishop of
Canterbury in 1849 until the new Hawkenbury ground was opened in 1873.
"A walk among the dead" — KOS / www.kentnews.co.uk - Sunday 31/01/2010
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom is back in 2010
29 January 2010
Announcement at yesterday's Town Forum meeting
New Licensing Partnership of Three Kent Councils
26 January 2010
The new 'Licensing Partnership', made up of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council, and Maidstone Borough Council was launched on Tuesday 14 January 2010. The three Kent councils have joined forces to provide a shared licensing service and in doing so have become one the biggest licensing administrators in England. The joint licensing team is responsible for issuing licences for sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, gambling premises and permits, street trading, and taxis.
Call on councils to use their powers to stop 'garden grabbing'
21 January 2010
Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3 - para 41), which explains that brownfield land is the priority for development, will also now say that "there is no presumption that previously developed land is necessarily suitable for housing, or that all of the curtilage should be developed".
Planning minister John Healey said: "Councils are leaving an open door for inappropriate development if they do not have local plans in place, and the power to stop this lies in their hands. Councils already have the tools they need to deal with this issue and this evidence shows that when they have a local policy in place they can accurately judge the need for new homes on previously developed land, using their own discretion, and protect the essence of a neighbourhood."
Bill to protect gardens and urban green spaces
- Parliament News
13 January 2010
The Land Use (Gardens Protection) Bill, which aims to make provision for the protection of gardens and urban green spaces, has been proposed by Labour MP Andrew Dismore. The Land Use (Gardens Protection) Bill has received its first reading in the House of Commons and was briefly debated in Parliament on 8 May 2009 before being adjourned for further discussion; but it did not make it through last year's legislative session.
The Bill will receive its second reading in the House of Commons on 26 February 2010.
Report of the Mayor's visit to Twinning Town Wiesbaden
TWBC looks for new Parks/Grounds Maintenance Contractors
for 1 January 2011
8 January 2010
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council invites expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced grounds maintenance contractors for the delivery of the grounds maintenance service within the borough.
The service consists of 5 Parks in Royal Tunbridge Wells, play areas, sports facilities, woodlands and a range of other open spaces.
The contract is due to commence on 1st January 2011 for an initial period of 10 years with an option to extend for a further period of up to 5 years. The closing date for the return of fully completed questionnaires to the Parks Manager, Mel Henley, is 12 March 2010. It is expected that successful applicants will be invited to tender in April/May 2010.
Urban Parishing
Establishment of Parish Councils
December 2009
Urban Parishing was discussed at the TWBC Cabinet on 17 December 2009, namely parishing of Rusthall (at the moment, part of Royal Tunbridge Wells).
Route to implementation/timetable, finance, other resources and the costs associated with the review and the establishment of a parish council were detailed in the Council's Delivery Unit's report. A decision was made that a Community Governance Review be conducted.
The Director of Change and Business Support, William Benson, reassured Councillors that the Manor of Rusthall and the Commons Conservators would be included in the consultation process. In addition the Cabinet stated that the consultation should be extended to other parts of the urban area (i.e the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum).
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum has in their objectives as first issue:
'Royal Tunbridge Wells is becoming clear of ‘Grot Spots’ with priority on the Ritz Building / Cinema Site by 2010' The Minutes of the RTW Town Forum Meeting 30 July 2009 state: "Cllr Leonard Price (Culverden Ward) to inform Daniel Bech regarding answers to questions relating to the Cinema site (Business Rates - Demolition - Construction) and RTW Conservation Area at Risk (English Heritage Register 2009)." On 17 December 2009, Trevor Gasson, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Interim Director Development & Planning, gave answers to the questions.
At today's Full Council William Benson was affirmed the next Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Sheila Wheeler, currently chief executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, will leave end of January 2010.
William Benson joined with Robert Cottril (former Director of Development and Planning) and Richard Powell (former Director of Services to the Community) the Council in 2006.
At the moment he holds the position of Director of Change and Business Support (responsible for Financial Services, Overview and Scrutiny, Performance Management, Committee and Democratic Services, Legal Services, Human Resources, Transformation and Delivery, Customer Access and Customer Care and Communications).
Local Development Framework - Core Strategy
Hearing Session - Day 6 - Matter: Royal Tunbridge Wells
4 December 2009
During the Independent Examination's Hearing Session - Day 6, Friday 4 December 2009, Planning Inspector Roy Foster provided the opportunity for the Town Forum to make a contribution to the proceedings. Points were made, which have been related to sections of Core Policy 9 - "Development in Royal Tunbridge Wells".
The Borough Council submitted its Core Strategy / Development Plan Documents (DPDs) to the Planning Inspectorate on 12 August 2009. A Planning Inspector (Roy Foster) has been appointed to conduct an Independent Examination to determine whether the Core Strategy is sound.
The Hearing Sessions are scheduled to commence on 25 November 2009 and take place over eight days until 9 December. - Draft Programme and Participants for each Hearing Session
— The Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum had not been informed of the Hearing Sessions.
LDF - Core Strategy RTW Town Forum submission - Stage 3: 'Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) Methodology' — 22 March 2008
LDF - Core Strategy RTW Town Forum submission - Stage 2: 'Preferred Options' — 10 January 2008
LDF - Core Strategy RTW Town Forum submission - Stage 1: 'Issues and Options Report' — 19 March 2007
Selection of new TWBC Chief Executive
Appointment of next Chief Executive (February 2010)
27 November 2009
After 4 years in office - Sheila Wheeler, currently chief executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, will leave end of January 2010 to take up the position of chief executive at Somerset County Council .
On 14 December 2009 all 48 Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillors, including the Ward Councillors of Royal Tunbridge Wells, will have an opportunity to meet the final short list of four candidates for a new TWBC chief executive; the final interviews will be on 15 December and the Council will approve the person the next day (Full Council 16 December 2009).
In 2005, when the former Chief Executive, Rodney Stone, left the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Philip Thomas took up the appointment as an interim Chief Executive (April - September 2005).
— This time there is no intention to appoint an interim Chief Executive.
Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company
Questions & Answers
20 November 2009
Lee Moran, The Courier, spoke about the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company (TWRC) to David Candlin, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
Questions & Answers - Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company The Courier 13.11. & 20.11.2009
Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company
Regeneration in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells
Regeneration in the town Royal Tunbridge Wells
19 November 2009
At the Overview and Scrutiny - Local Economy & Housing (LEH) Select Committee - on
5 November 2009, David Candlin, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, gave a presentation to the Committee on the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company (TWRC), its background, its remit and its structure.
Town marks royal title centenary - The Duke of Kent is visiting Royal Tunbridge Wells on Friday to view a centenary exhibition and unveil the plaque at the town hall.
BBC News - England 13.11.2009 and
KentTV 13.11.2009
Royal Tunbridge Wells Streetscene / Streetscape
TWBC / RTW Town Forum Meeting
to discuss issues under the responsibility of Kent Highways Services (KHS)
4 November 2009
Following the 30 July 2009 Town Forum Meeting (issues: Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area at Risk, detractors in Royal Tunbridge Wells, problems blighting Royal Tunbridge Wells, grot spots) - Cllr Roy Bullock arranged a meeting with Councillors (Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members, Catherine Mayhew, Elizabeth Thomas), TWBC officers (Gary Stevenson, Head of Environmental Services, Lene Beynon, Borough Highways Engineer) and Kent County Council Officers (Kim Hills, KCC Head of Community Operations, Kent Highway Services, and Mark Simmons, KHS) to present the Town Forum’s concerns of the numerous Highways issues affecting the streetscene / streetscape of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Throughout 2009, the town, Royal Tunbridge Wells, has been celebrating the centenary of the grant of its Royal prefix. As part of those celebrations, the Mayor, Cllr Leonard Price is very pleased to announce that we shall be receiving a visit by HRH The Duke of Kent, on Friday 13 November 2009.
The royal visit will focus on two main events:
first, the Duke will visit the Gateway customer centre in the town centre and meet Borough and County Council staff and representatives from the many voluntary organisations who work there;
next, he will come to the Town Hall for a civic reception, to meet community representatives and to view a special display which charts the history of the town’s royal connections.
TWBC Chief Executive Sheila Wheeler plans to leave
29 October 2009
Sheila Wheeler, currently chief executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, has been recommended by the Somerset Counil Council’s appointments panel to take up the position of chief executive at Somerset County Council.
Once confirmed in office at November’s County Council meeting (Ken Maddock, leader of Somerset County Council), Sheila Wheeler will take over the post previously held by Alan Jones, who retired after 6 years as Somerset County Council’s chief executive in July 2009.
Sheila Wheeler has been TWBC Chief Executive during the last 4 years, since autumn 2005.
Tunbridge Wells Land Registry closing down
(Hawkenbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells)
22 October 2009
Major restructuring to save £500m over five years will also mean closing five local offices. The Land Registry has announced a major reorganisation in which it will cut one-quarter of its 6,000 staff and close five local offices in an attempt to save almost £500m over the next five years. The registry said it would close its offices in Croydon, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Stevenage and Tunbridge Wells in order to respond to the downturn in the housing market. One-quarter of staff will lose their jobs at the organisation. The downturn has led to a slump in workload at the agency, which registers the ownership and sale of land in England and Wales. Its work volume fell by more than one-third between 2008 and this year, landing it with a £130m loss last year. The restructure, which will be phased over five years, will involve the departure of 1,500 staff from the organisation. The registry also said it had 100,000m2 excess office accommodation, equating to more than 60% of its total of 146,000m2. — Building - Joey Gardiner
The Land Registry was constructed adjacent to Camden Park and Forest Road, (Hawkenbury) Royal Tunbridge Wells, in 1998.
Draft Sustainable Community Plan 2010-2026
'Tunbridge Wells Together' - Local Strategic Partnership
05 October 2009
The Stronger Communities Sub-group of 'Tunbridge Wells Together' (Local Strategic Partnership) discussed objectives, plans, strategies at its meeting on 23 September. They will form part of the Draft Sustainable Community Plan 2010-2026 which will be presented by Raymond Warren, Head of Community and Corporate Planning, at the Local Strategic Partnership Meeting.
TWBC / RTW Town Forum Meeting
to discuss issues under the responsibility of the Borough Council
23 September 2009
Following the 30 July 2009 Town Forum Meeting (issues: Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area at Risk, detractors in Royal Tunbridge Wells, problems blighting Royal Tunbridge Wells, grot spots) - Cllr Roy Bullock arranged a meeting with Councillors (Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members, Cllr Paul Barrington-King and Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Thomas) and Officers (Gary Stevenson, Head of Environmental Services; Alan Legg, Principal Design and Heritage Officer; Lene Beynon, Borough Highways Engineer) to present the Town Forum’s concerns of the numerous environmental issues affecting the streetscene / streetscape of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Audit Commission calls for more focus on maintaining existing homes
15 September 2009
Ministers have given the go-ahead for 2,000 council houses to be built across England.
But the Audit Commission report says there is too much emphasis on building new homes and that councils could do more to improve health and educational achievement by improving existing stock.
Service Structure - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
after 3 years – Director of Planning & Regeneration leaves
2 September 2009
After Richard Powell, Director of Services to the Community, left in April 2009, – Rob Cottrill, Director for Planning & Development and one of the Directors of the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company, is leaving Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on 11 September.
Trevor Gasson, recently retired Deputy Chief Executive at Maidstone Borough Council, will act in the role of Director on a temporary basis.
Empty no use properties – residential and commercial
Street scene changes (front gardens - removal of hedges, walls)
Unsympathetic changes impairing facades
Satellite dishes
Street clutter
Real Estate agents / Letting agents signs
Bins in prominent/unsuitable places
Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area at Risk
— unsympathic, damaging changes to facades, streetscene, streetscape
15 August 2009
"Royal town told to clean up a very modern mess"
"Clutter-hating residents in genteel Tunbridge Wells have set about clearing the town’s streets of satellite dishes, plastic window frames and unsightly annoyances."
DESIGN OF HOARDING
around derelict Cinema Site/Ritz Buildings
5 August 2009
It had been mentioned in 2006 and again in September 2008, during the exhibition of the development of the New Ritz Building, to the architects (Panter Hudspith) and development agent (Landlord Europe, David Swann), that Daniel Bech and Katharina Mahler have a large digital archive of "Old Tunbridge Wells" (engravings, etchings, postcards, maps); the huge compilation was produced for "Historical and Interesting Views of Tunbridge Wells", a scheme to help the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra with funding.
Daniel Bech suggested that many images, especially the engravings and restored maps, are suitable for Hoarding Prints around the derelict Cinema Site/Ritz Buildings.
On 5 August 2009, at a meeting with Hugh Strange (Panter Hudspith architects), Daniel Bech, Katharina Mahler, Cllr Leonard Price (Culverden Ward - the location of the site) and members of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Forum, it was decided to choose site specific pictures and images of the cinema's surroundings.
RTW Town Forum submissions to LDF - Core Strategy since 2007
