NEWS & EVENTS
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Newsroom
2013
TWBC Website News Articles, Press Releases, Loacl Magazine, Twitter with the Council, 'Setting the Record Straight' - on:
TWBC News & Events (Lizzie Goodwin, Communications Manager)
Transport Strategy 2012-26
Comments to Consultation
February 2013
Final submission to Transport Strategy 2012-2026 Consultation by "Getting Around Tunbridge Wells Working Group Members":
The Working Group has divided its consideration of the Transport Strategy into
- Traffic circulation around the town;
- Traffic circulation and congestion within the town;
- Pedestrians, cycling and public transport.
The Country's High Streets
What are other town centres doing to promote vitality and viability?
27 July 2012
Nearly 400 Town Teams are to win backing from a multi-million pound package of Government support to revive their high streets and make them the beating hearts of their communities, Local Government Minister Grant Shapps announced.
Multi million package of support to revive the country’s high streets - Communities and Local Government
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME JULY 2012
Briefing Note to the Town Forum
26 July 2012
The Borough Council adopted a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) on 25 June 2012. The main purpose of the LDS is to describe the planning documents the Council intends to prepare and to provide a timetable for their preparation so that organisations wishing to be involved can know when consultation will take place.
Local Development Scheme (LDS) July 2012
Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Advisory Panel
12 July 2012
The Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Advisory Panel, set up in November 2011, publishes its report. It was presented to the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council following the meeting on 4 July 2012 in attendance of the Leader of the Council, Cllr David Jukes, and Cllr Alan McDermott (Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transport).
TWTPAP Report and Recommendations July 2012
Tunbridge Wells NEWS and EVENTS
June 2012
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Newsroom - The Council produces daily news items, press releases, local business news, housing news, community safety partnership news, Tunbridge Wells Museum News, farmers' market news, the Parks Times Newsletter
Urban Design Aspects - part of the Town Centre Area Action Plan
26 April 2012
"Urban Design Aspects"
Objectives for the RTW Town Centre and its Quarters: Public Realm Opportunities, Movement of Pedestrians and Vehicles - a presentation by Alan Legg to the Town Forum.
Urban Design - Quarters and Public Realm in RTW
The Localism Act - Neighbourhood Planning
14 March 2012
The Localism Act, which received royal assent on 15 November 2011, will introduce legislation to give new planning powers to organisations other than traditional planning authorities once the relevant provisions come into force. In certain circumstances, parish councils, community organisations and other representative organisations will be able to propose “orders” which grant planning permission for some types of development; and/or propose neighbourhood-level planning policy documents in "Neighbourhood Development Plans".
Neighbourhood Planning: A Guide to Process & Responsibilities Neighbourhood Planning Legislation - Powerpoint Presentation
Public Realm in Royal Tunbridge Wells
23 February 2012
At the Town Forum meeting 23 February an update regarding the "Public Realm Scrutiny Review" was presented
Public Realm Report 27 January 2012
Policy Framework for Tunbridge Wells
Briefing at the TOWN FORUM meeting, Thursday 26 January 2012
1 February 2012
Holly Goring, Policy and Performance Manager of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's presentation - Strategic Compass (corporate policy framework), Vision for Kent 2012-2022, Sustainable Community Strategy. Policy Framework for Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Panel - ‘Residential & Environment Working Group’
Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Panel - An Independent Body - established November 2011
Links to the Statement from the Leader of the Council (Bob Atwood) on the Town Plan, Terms of Reference of the TWTPP, A Town Plan for Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Panel
19 November 2011
RTW Town Plan Panel "People's panel to help council find the way to the future for our town centre" — KENT NEWS 'Your Tunbridge Wells' - Chris Britcher
Olympic Torch 2012 through Royal Tunbridge Wells
8 November 2011
Residents across Tunbridge Wells will get set to welcome the Olympic flame on 17 July 2012 - one day before it comes into Kent for a three-day tour of the county. It will form part of the torch’s route as it swings from Brighton up to East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough before heading down towards Bexhill and Hastings. From Hastings, the torch then heads towards Ashford before working its way around the county.
The Torch Relay is just one of a number of events taking place in the borough of Tunbridge Wells during 2012 which, as well as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, also celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (4 June 2012). The borough council is planning a year of celebrations encompassing these events to include live screening of the Olympic Games’ opening in Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells.
Application to demolish old cinema site
7 November 2011
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council confirmed it has received an application to demolish the derelict ABC cinema site in the centre of town. The application was submitted by Bellhouse Joseph, owner of the former Cinema site.
Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Panel
3 November 2011
A Town Plan for Tunbridge Wells and the Terms of Reference of the Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Panel (TWTPP) will be discussed at the meeting on Monday 7 November 2011. The Meeting is chaired by the Leader of the Council, Bob Atwood.
Tunbridge Wells and Morrisons at the Railway Station
22 September 2011
MP Greg Clark said the people of Tunbridge Wells had been left with a "grot spot".
Morrisons plans to reopen Tunbridge Wells store - Talks on vacant Morrisons store A supermarket has announced plans to reopen a disused store in Tunbridge Wells, creating up to 220 jobs. Morrisons said it plans to open the store in Vale Road near the railway station by the spring of 2012. The building has been empty since the store closed in 2006, in spite of calls for Morrisons to allow another retailer to lease the site.
Morrisons has submitted a planning application to allow improvements to be made to the inside and outside of the store.
ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS IN BLOOM and South East in Bloom
7 September 2011
"Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom" entered in the "Large Town Category" in the competition "South and South East in Bloom" and achieved a High Silver Gilt and 2nd place!
At the Awards Ceremony (Wednesday 7 September 2011) the Chair of Judges acknowledged the gap in the town's entry of some 8 years and that to gain this level at our first time back in was no mean feat.
"Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom" also entered Dunorlan Park in the Best Large Park - a Gold medal was awarded.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council - Overview and Scrutiny E-Bulletin
1 September 2011
The Overview and Scrutiny e-bulletin is a simple way of keeping the entire Council up to date on the key issues and activities of the Select Committees (Economy and Governance Select Committee, Environment, Housing and Health Select Committee, Communities and Partnerships Select Committee).
Overview and Scrutiny e-bulletin Summer 2011
Vacant Morrisons site (Vale Road / Main Station)
MP Greg Clark said the people of Tunbridge Wells had been left with a "grot spot"
24 August 2011
Talks have been held on the future of a disused Morrisons supermarket site in central Tunbridge Wells.
The building has been empty since the store closed in 2006, in spite of calls for Morrisons to allow another retailer to lease the site.
Greg Clark, the town's MP said: "The people of Tunbridge Wells have run out of patience with this grot spot."
Morrisons said it was committed to finding a swift resolution that was also in the best interests of the town.
Mr Clark wrote to the supermarket earlier this month saying he had been informed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council that Waitrose wanted to invest in the site. "Everyone in Tunbridge Wells considers this to be wonderful news, and yet, I am told, Morrisons have now decided not to surrender its lease but instead to keep the store closed in the state that it is in."
Following the meeting, Terry Hartwell, property director for Morrisons, said: "We all have been listening to the strong views of the people of Tunbridge Wells about this store. We had a constructive meeting and we pledged to work together to determine a future for this store."
Councillor Bob Attwood, leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: "I am happy to accept Morrisons' assurances that they will hold discussions on the possible future use of the site." He said that he expected discussions to be concluded by late September. — BBC 24082011
Cllr Atwood finally outlines plans for civic complex
18 August 2011
Tunbridge Wells council leader Bob Atwood has, for the first time, set out a clear position on the
future of the civic complex. Proposals to redevelop the Grade II-listed buildings, which include the
Town Hall, proved hugely controversial and have been on pause. Now, Cllr Atwood’s approach is to create an “aspirational”, overarching town plan that is set to shape Tunbridge Wells for the next 30 to 40 years. Despite being just one of 38 sites around the borough earmarked for development by the equally contentious Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company, the civic complex has been the most divisive by far.
Kent News 18 August 2011 — Jenna Pudelek
Voluntary Action Within Kent (VAWK) Newsletter August 2011
Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, appointed Minister for Cities
15 August 2011
Decentralisation minister Greg Clark is tasked with new role to promote growth in England and was appointed Minister for Cities. Greg Clark, minister for decentralisation, will take on the role alongside his current duties and will join a ministerial group chaired by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. The group will focus its work on eight "core cities": Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield. The role will see Clark working jointly in the departments of communities and local government, and business, innovation and skills.
"A Town Plan for Royal Tunbridge Wells"
Cllr Robert Attwood, Leader of the Council
12 August 2011
Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Councillor Bob Atwood, has today released his paper* entitled ‘A Town Plan for Royal Tunbridge Wells’ which explains the position of his Cabinet concerning the much discussed issue of Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre redevelopment.
Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Plan
Planning ‘guarantee’ regime
Planning Minister Greg Clark
8 August 2011
Ministers have announced proposals for a planning ‘guarantee' designed to ensure no application for planning permission in England takes longer than 12 months to be determined, including any appeal. Planning Minister Greg Clark has written to local authorities signalling the Coalition’s intentions. Government chief planner Steve Quartermain has also sent a letter to all chief planning officers setting out the issues that will be involved.
Under this initiative local people will be able to see how their councils perform against the ‘guarantee’ using information which will be made available by councils, probably on at least a quarterly basis. The Department for Communities and Local Government will also publish a regular report on performance by individual councils. Full details of how the ‘guarantee’ will work will be published for consultation in the autumn. During the financial year 2010-11 some 3,200 planning applications took longer than 52 weeks to be determined, ministers have pointed out.
In addition, the Government will consult later this year on reducing the information required to accompany all planning applications. Ministers are keen to hear from local people, local firms, councils, and other parties on what information is really helpful and necessary. — Planning Portal News
Landscape and Urban Design
5 August 2011
Landscape & Urban Design magazine: this August 2011 issue is packed with products, news and ideas concerning streetscape, urban landscape, shared space, nurseries and tree care.
Landscape and Urban Design
UK’s planning regulations
Greg Clark, MP and Minister of State for Decentralisation
25 July 2011
Consultation on the new draft National Planning Policy Framework began today. Greg Clark MP, minister of state for decentralisation, published a consultation document designed to clarify Britain’s thousands of pages of planning red tape. It streamlines the current 1000-page book of local planning rules down to just 52 pages. The move has been welcomed by residential and commercial developers but civil engineers are warning of potential problems.
Community groups will be recruited to train community organisers
Locality - the umbrella charity
15 July 2011
Locality will choose up to 200 'host' organisations to train people for the government's £15m community organisers programme. Locality, the umbrella charity running the community organisers programme, has announced it aims to recruit up to 200 organisations to act as "hosts" for trainee community organisers by September 2014.
The government's £15m community organisers programme will train 5,000 people to work in communities to create local networks and run projects to help local people. Of these, 500 will be paid "senior" organisers and the rest will be volunteers. Host organisations will recruit between two and five senior community organisers from their local communities and will be responsible for providing office space and support. Each host organisation will be paid up to £3,000 to cover expenses.
Town Centre Debate
Civic Centre and Cinema Grot Spot
19 June 2011
Cllr David Jukes (deputy leader) and the town centre debate: proposed meeting with Ptolemy Dean and other local architects to get their views.
"Have your Say on the Future of the Civic Complex"
25 May 2011
M & N Communications, London, was instructed by the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company (joint venture between Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and developers John Laing) to deliver a comprehensive and far reaching consultation to help inform TWRC’s decision making on the civic complex. Following consultation (workshops during the winter and receipt of 6000+ questionnaires) M & N publishes its report.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council planning consultation
Core Strategy
12 May 2011
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is seeking the views of residents as part of a review of its planning policy document, the Core Strategy. The Core Strategy was adopted by the council in 2010, it sets out fundamental policies and principles for planning and what the council’s long term aims for new development in the borough are. It describes how much development will happen and broadly where it will go but it does not identify specific sites.
There are two ways to get involved in the review which will take place between 16 May 2011 and 26 June 2011: comments on-line or feedback at a presentation and exhibition at four venues across the borough during May:
Wednesday 18 May Vestry Hall, Cranbrook 5.30–9.00pm
Thursday 19 May St Laurence’s Church, Hawkhurst 5.30–9.00pm
Saturday 21 May Camden Centre, Royal Tunbridge Wells 1.00–4.30pm
Wednesday 25 May Mascalls School, Paddock Wood 5.30–9.00pm
During the three evening events a presentation will be made by planning officers at 7pm and during the Saturday afternoon event the presentation will be at 1.30pm.
Sustainable Community Strategy
Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) "Tunbridge Wells Together"
11 May 2011
This Sustainable Community Strategy is a key document that will help shape the future of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. It has been developed in partnership with a range of organisations who want to ensure the borough continues to be an excellent place to live, work and visit. The Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is called “Tunbridge Wells Together” where partnership working brings together at a local level the different parts of the public sector as well as the private, business, community and voluntary sectors so that different initiatives and services support each other and work together. This partnership fulfils the important role in promoting economic, social and environmental wellbeing in our area. Tunbridge Wells Together partnership which is responsible for delivering this Strategy has a clear vision that it wants us all to “Love Where We Live”.
The Government’s Localism Bill (Department for Communities and Local Government), includes plans to reform the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), abolish regional spatial strategies and introduce neighbourhood plans and the New Homes Bonus arrangements. By November 2011 the Government’s Localism Bill will be passed. A potential replacement to the IPC is the Infrastructure Programme Unit to be established in the Planning Inspectorate (the timetable proposes to have the Unit up and running by April 2012).
In January 2011, Greg Clark MP, Minister of State for Decentralisation, published a document which summarises each of the main ideas proposed in the Bill, and explains the overall difference that they could make. -
"A plain English guide to Localism Bill"
Kent Police Restructure
New district commander for Tunbridge Wells
19 April 2011
Martin Wilson, outgoing district commander for Tunbridge Wells, will take on a new role in the West Kent Police area (Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Maidstone); his role will be managing the implementation team leading to changes across West Kent. In the short term Acting Chief Inspector Simon Wilshaw will cover the post, before Detective Chief Inspector Jon Bumpus takes over later in the year.
Redevelopments in Tunbridge Wells
Town & Country Housing Group
18 April 2011
Town & Country Housing Group has called for bids for two housing redevelopments in Tunbridge Wells.
Site one - the Sherwood Estate: the plan is to demolish a block of flats and replace it with 247 new homes, comprising a mix of houses, maisonettes, flats and sheltered housing.
Site two - in Ramslye: the plan is to demolish existing dwellings and replace with more than 50 homes, mostly traditional family houses with gardens.
Town & Country Housing Group says it is looking for “a visionary, suitably qualified and financially robust regeneration development partner who can assist and respond to challenges of these housing-led regeneration projects”.
Civic Centre Consultation
Consulyation by M & N Communications
16 April 2011
The results of the consultation on the future of the civic complex in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre will be made public in May. The report will go before the board of the Tunbridge Wells Regeneratioan Company, a joint venture between the Council and developers John Laing, when it meets in the week beginning 9 May 2011; the report will be released afterwards.
Localism and Planning Regulations
Local Development Framework and Core Strategy
5 April 2011
Local government officer of the TWBC Planning Policy Team, Louise Phillips, said the "devil will be in the detail" after the Chancellor used the Budget to announce a new presumption in favour of development that looks likely to weaken town halls in their negotiations with developers.
— KOS / Your Tunbridge Wells, Jenna Pudelek
In 2006 the first version of the current strategic planning document was formulated to set out the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s approach to delivering its agreed corporate priorities.
In 2008, the Plan was revised to reflect the Council’s Vision and the revised Sustainable Community Strategy.
The current version of the document sets out the Council’s four key priorities which were set out in the Vision 2026 document and reaffirmed by Cabinet in December 2010 (‘Prosperous’, ‘Green’, ‘Healthy’ and ‘Confident’). These priorities underpin the design and delivery of council services, the prioritisation and allocation of resources and the achievement of value for money.
Information disclosed in the survey will be in the strictest confidence; personal census information is never shared with any other government department, nationally, regionally, or locally.
It is compulsory for all households to complete the survey; you can receive help with completion.
Help is available for anyone who needs assistance with completing the questionnaire; residents can call into Tunbridge Wells Gateway between Monday 21 March and Saturday 2 April to the dedicated Census area to receive help and advice.
For more INFO:
www.census.org.uk and www.census.gov.uk/2011accessibility
Census helpline: 0300 0201 101 (England)
FIRST Rusthall Parish Elections on 5 May 2011
Nomination request of parish councillors
2 March 2011
Following consultation and approval of plans at the Full Council on 23 February 2011, the FIRST Rusthall Parish election will take place on May 5 to choose nine parish councillors for a term of four years, which will coincide with the alternative vote referendum and borough elections.
The parish needs residents to be nominated as candidates for the election in May. The work would involve decision-making, through meetings and committees to choose which activities to support, where money should be spent, what services should be delivered and what policies should be implemented. Councillors get involved with local issues.
Rusthall nomination papers can be found at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/rusthall or by contacting Electoral Services on 01892 554106; candidates (supported by two registered electors) must submit their nomination paper after the publication of the Notice of Election, 25 March, but no later than noon on Monday 4 April.
INFO:
If Rusthall becomes a parish, Rusthall will NOT be part of the town Royal Tunbridge Wells in future.
Arboriculture News
Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission
17 February 2011
The Woodland Trust has launched the country's first interactive website on publicly accessible woods. The project has been developed by the Woodland Trust in partnership with other leading organisations such as the Forestry Commission, the National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Yell and DoubleTree by Hilton.
"Find a wood" AND "Woods in/around Tunbridge Wells "
Defra has abandoned plans to sell 16,000ha of state-owned woodland in England. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has confirmed that consultation on the plans was being halted. Private companies and charities such as the National trust had been poised to run woodland. The Institute of Chartered Foresters says a coherent case for the future of the Forestry Commission has not been made by the Government.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Development Scheme
Planning Documents
7 February 2011
The Borough Council adopted a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) on 7 February 2011, which supersedes the LDS previously adopted on 25 November 2008. The LDS is a document which describes the various planning documents the Borough Council is preparing as part of its Local Development Framework and explains how they relate to one another. It sets out a timetable for the different stages of their preparation, including when public consultation will take place.
During 2011, consultation will take place on the policy-making "Development Plan Documents":
Core Strategy Review, Town Centres Area Action Plan DPD, Allocations DPD, Development Management Policies DPD.
Opening of Hospital (Pembury) and Health Centre (St John's Road)
25 January 2011
The new £225m hospital for West Kent with single rooms and en-suite facilities has begun treating its first patients. The 512-bed Pembury Hospital has 10 wards and was built alongside the old hospital (to be demolished in 2011). Maternity services, pharmacy and medical imaging are transferring over to the new site. Women's and children's outpatients will move over later this week, along with general outpatients. The second phase of the move will take place in September 2011 when the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Royal Tunbridge Wells closes.
At the same time a new health centre has opened in the former office block in St John's Road; it will provide community-based NHS services (pharmacy, two GP surgeries, kidney treatment centre, diabetes services, child development centre).
Tunbridge Wells Together - our Local Strategic Partnership
Vision for Tunbridge Wells
Vision for Tunbridge Wells:
For everyone to be able to say: "Love Where We Live – to enhance and promote community pride".
The things that will determine if we achieve this vision
• Our economy
• Our environment
• Our society
It is these ambitions that drive this strategy and guide what we all want to achieve.
Annual residents parking permits are set to increase from £20 to £35 in April 2011. For a second ticket, the cost will be increased form £20 to £50. A book of 10 tickets for visitors will increase from £5 to £10 (one visitor voucher for £1). Residents on-street car parking permit prices had not changed since 1995.
Car parking charges for pay and displays around the borough are also set to increase. The main town centre car parks will see a rise of 10p an hour and for longer stays of six hours up to 30p extra.
The Museum, Library and Art Gallery
part of 'The Future of the Civic Centre Complex'
3 January 2011
There has been much discussion about the future of the civic complex, which includes the Museum, Library and Art Gallery. - The Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company, a partnership between the Borough Council and John Laing Plc, is looking at this issue in the context of safeguarding the future prosperity of the town centre. Independent consultants M & N Communications are running a consultation exercise up to 31 January, which will give everyone the chance to have their say.
This could be an exciting opportunity to improve the Museum service and offer greater access to its collections.
Museum e-news January 2011
How to get involved concerning the Future of the Civic Centre Complex
A brief history of Royal Tunbridge Wells
20 December 2010
Consultation is underway about the Civic complex in Royal Tunbridge Wells. TWBC and the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company want your views about what you would like to have in the cente of the town.
Consultation on the Civic Complex — TWBC 'LOCAL' winter 2010
The Future of the Civic Centre Complex and Tunbridge Wells
"What lies ahead for 2011?"
17 December 2010
"As we enter 2011 already with the prospect of no sale of the long-term eyesore of the cinema, and a consultation process mired in controversy, a bitter leadership fight may well leave the Good Ship Tunbridge Wells sailing not so much into choppy waters, but a full blown hurricane.
For the sake of the people. For the sake of the town. Let us hope those in control do what is required for the good of us all."
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council saves £3 million on new parks contract
. . . and good news for "Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom"
7 December 2010
During the last years English Landscapes kept the borough's gardens and parks in order at the costs of £1.1 million a year (TWBC became the first authority in West Kent to publish all its spending details).
But the Council have welcomed a new contract for the maintenance of local parks and sports grounds that will save £3 million over the next 10 years. Following a comprehensive tendering and evaluation process the council awarded the contract to Sodexo, who are very experienced in delivering parks and grounds maintenance contracts across the UK. Part of the evaluation process included checks on the quality of the work they have undertaken elsewhere.
The contract accounts for a massive 190 hectares of precious open space, woodland, play and sports facilities in Tunbridge Wells. This includes:
5 large parks - 3 have the nationally accredited green flag award, 1 the green heritage award
3 local nature reserves and woodland
19 play areas
19 football pitches
4 cricket grounds including one used by Kent County Cricket Club
2 bowling greens
3 rugby pitches
During the negotiations the council also secured additional value through improved maintenance of all bowling greens and additional labour without further cost. This added resource can be deployed during the “off peak” period of January and February and will help to deliver the council aim of greater community engagement as part of the Big Society agenda. Local friends and community groups, such as Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, will benefit from the extra help.
The Future of the Civic Centre Complex
"Change and the fear of it"
1 December 2010
"Change is, in truth, probably needed for the civic complex. Those whose knee-jerk reaction to oppose it, must calm down. Those whose long-held belief that redevelopment is the only way which is viable, need to take a step back. Both must reflect. And everyone, regardless of age, affluence, education, or engagement with local issues normally, should find create an open mind within the cauldron of the consultation process.
Do not assume decisions are made.
Do not assume others will voice your opinion.
Do not assume change must be bad.
Do open your mind.
Do get involved.
Do make sure you make your voice heard, for buildings you finance and for the future of your town."
Meeting of Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Business Forum
25 November 2010
During the Business Forum meeting on Thursday 25 November M & N Communications announced various consultation techniques regarding 'The Future of the Civic Centre Complex', Mount Pleasant / Crescent Road:
drop-in sessions, stakeholder meetings, public workshops, focus groups meetings, engagement with schools, youth vox pops, and engagement with commuters.
The consultation questionnaire will ask about: culture (theatre, music, dance, art, history, film), public services (police, council services, advice service, adult education), leisure (dining, socialising, gyms), civic (coucnil meeting rooms, open spaces, war memorial) and retail .
In the end the Consultation report will be published on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's,
the TW Regeneration Company's and Community websites, in a Newsletter sent out to residents and in the media.
In order to purchase the Land Registry Tunbridge Wells Borough Council borrowed funds at the very low rate of 2.38%; but TWBC are now in a position to invest the money for the Land Registry at a higher rate of return.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has stepped aside from its plans to buy the Land Registry building in Hawkenbury to enable major local employer AXA PPP to expand locally.
Information June 2010 — 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,
Tunbridge Wells Total Place - update 19 Feb 2010)
Grot Spots - No Use Empty
Kent's Empty Property Initiative
9 November 2010
To mark the 5th Anniversary of Kent's Empty Property Initiative "No Use Empty", a bumper 12 page newsletter has been published featuring contributions from David Ireland, Empty Homes, and Liz Pearce, British Property Federation as well as all the latest news, case studies and much more.
Following the success of the campaign covering East Kent (Dover, Shepway, Swale and Thanet), the No Use Empty Property Initiative was rolled out in West Kent - Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and in Tunbridge Wells in January 2008 to tackle the problem of Empty housing. Kent County Council has also teamed up with Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Gravesham and Maidstone to embrace all of Kent.
No Use Empty is part of Kent County Council's Regeneration & Economy.
The internationally recognized series of Horizon Reports is part of the New Media Consortium’s
Horizon Project, a comprehensive research venture established in 2002 that identifies and describes
emerging technologies likely to have a large impact over the coming five years on a variety of sectors
around the globe. The 2010 Horizon Report: Museum Edition, examines emerging technologies for their potential impact on and use in education and interpretation within the museum environment.
2010 Horizon Report: Museum Edition including links providing use-case examples.
White Paper on 'Local Growth'
28 October 2010
The White Paper published on 28 October 2010 sets out the Government’s role (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) in empowering locally driven growth, encouraging business investment and promoting economic development. For local communities this means ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that growth brings and everyone is able to fulfil their potential.
Local growth: realising every place’s potential
C i v i l Society Organisations
Big Society Strategy for Voluntary Groups
26 October 2010
A strategy to support voluntary groups, charities, social enterprises was unveiled by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society on 14 October 2010. It is the first step towards helping civil society organisations grasp new opportunities arising from the massive devolution of power to local communities and reform of public services that underpins the Big Society.
Office for Civil Society Consultation (deadline for responses: 6 January 2011):
Supporting a Stronger Civil Society: Improving support for frontline civil society organisations.
Rusthall - part of Royal Tunbridge Wells
whether or not Rusthall should be a parish
14 October 2010
Following the initial consultation, a report containing the results went to the Communities and Partnerships Select Committee on 9 September 2010.
Based on the initial round of consultation, the Council is recommending that Rusthall becomes a parish and that a parish council should be established.
The Select Committee resolved that the draft proposals be recommended to the Cabinet (Friday 15 October 2010) as the basis for the second stage of public consultation with an amendment to the number of Parish Councillors, changing the total from eleven to nine. However, the final decision on the draft proposals will be made at Full Council on 20 October 2010.
The second stage of public consultation is from 1 November until 31 December 2010 and residents and interested parties can make comments on the draft proposals.
At the Economy and Governance Overview and Scrutiny Select Committee on Wednesday 6 October 2010, 18:30, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, David Candlin, Head of Economic Development and
Regeneration will give a verbal update concerning the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company. At the same time the report "Royal Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Consultation" — "that public consultation be undertaken across the Borough starting in October/November to seek representative views of the public regarding potential regeneration opportunities in Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre." is for decision.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council released additional information regarding the Town Centre Area Action Plan, Local Council and Kent County Council – Financial Pressures, Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company, Plans for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre, the Cinema and other Grot Spots, Land Registry, Transparency of the Council and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs concerning Civic Buildings, Town Hall, Gateway, Land Registry).
SEE ALSO NEWS 13 September 2010: — Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre - FAQs
Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
The Pantiles - The Gateway
28 September 2010
From Monday, 4 October 2010, the Tourist Information Centre's service will be moved from the Pantiles to the Tunbridge Wells Gateway centre in Grosvenor Road. As part of a pilot, which will run until Easter 2011, the TIC will open in the Pantiles on Fridays and Saturday; it will be closed Monday to Thursday and available only from the Gateway. A decision about the long term future of the TIC will be taken in June 2011. During the pilot, tourist information service can be contacted on 01892 515675 and touristinformationcentre@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.
Town Hall proposal hits stumbling block
Striking a balance between our heritage and progress
25 September 2010
"English Heritage has said that a 'reasonable amount of change' to the Grade II-listed Town Hall
complex in Tunbridge Wells would be possible – but appear to rule out demolition."
"Police chiefs have waded into the discussion over redevelopment plans for the civic buildings in Tunbridge Wells, describing the site as 'designed for policing in the 1930s'."
Amid much rumour and speculation over the future of Royal Tunbridge Wells, KOS provides you with the chance to pose your question to the town’s top figures. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council chief executive William Benson, Council leader Roy Bullock and Police area commander Chief Inspector Martin Wilson have all agreed to answer YOUR questions in an effort to clear up confusion, rumours and speculation.
To pose a question is simple: e-mail: tw@kosmedia.co.uk
or write: The Editor, Chris Britcher, KOS Media, Studio 6, Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, TN2 5QJ.
No topic is off limits. So don’t miss YOUR chance to be part of the debate and to ask the
questions you want answered about the town’s future. KOS will publish the answers over the following weeks.
At the TWBC Cabinet meeting, 16 September, the Economic Development Portfolio Holder, Cllr Mrs Tracy Moore, highlighted the opportunities for masterplanning by the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Co Ltd in conjunction with the Strategic Development Partner, John Laing and announced that consultation would commence in October/November 2010 on potential future uses for the Town Hall site.
The pilot provision of tourist information from the Gateway was due to be evaluated in 2011 and further engagement with the local business sector was considered a priority.
For several weeks, speculation has been rife about plans to redevelop the Town Hall and about
the fate of the Assembly Hall Theatre, Art Gallery, Museum and Library.
Councillor Roy Bullock, Leader of the Council, responds to Town Centre questions.
Additionally for futher information: FAQs on the Town Hall and FAQs on Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company (TWBC / Laing).
Q/A and FAQs: Town Centre and TW Regeneration Company
'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
