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Consideration was given to the recommendations
of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Committee in respect of the
Borough Council’s response to proposed reforms to the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the
planning system.  A draft response was
attached at Annex 1.
 
Due regard was given to the views of the
Committee, the financial and value for money considerations,
assessment of risk and the legal implications.
 
Particular
reference was made to better decision-making on contaminated
land (166) and Cllr Taylor proposed a further amendment to
strengthen and emphasise the role of the developer in
remediation.  For example:
 
(i)             
This includes the requirement that responsibility for securing a
safe development principally rests with the developer and/or
landowner where a site is affected by contamination or land
stability issues.  The role of the Local
Planning Authority is to monitor and approve.
 
This amendment was seconded by Cllr Boughton
and supported by the Cabinet, subject to further consultation with
the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services.
 
A further minor correction was also identified
at (145) on page 40 of Annex 1 and this had been drawn to the
attention of Officers.
 
In recognition that the Borough Council had to
submit a response to the consultation by the deadline of 10 March
2026, Cllr Taylor proposed, Cllr Boughton seconded and
Cabinet
 
RESOLVED: 
That
 

(1)           
the contents of the report be noted;

(2)           
the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council response to the
Government’s National Planning Policy Framework: Proposed
reforms and other changes to the planning system be approved;

(3)           
delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning, Housing
and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Leader of the
Borough Council and the Cabinet Member of Planning, to make any
necessary minor changes to the Borough Council’s response
before submission.