Purpose

The
report sets out the recommendations for TWBC's response to the
public consultation (running 21 May to 2 July 2025) on Swale
Borough Council's Draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).
The SCI sets out Swale's strategy for public participation in
planning matters including local plan preparation and the planning
application process.

Decision

RESOLVED:
 
1.    
 That the current
consultation on Swale Borough Council’s Draft Statement of
Community Involvement be noted.
 
2.    
That the responses/comments set out in the table of
TWBC officer comments presented in Appendix A of this report be
submitted on or before the deadline of 2 July 2025, as Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC’s) representations to
Swale Borough Council’s Draft Statement of Community
Involvement consultation be approved.

Reasons for the decision

To
agree to submit the representations/comments attached at Appendix A
is considered to fulfil the Council’s duties under the
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and the Town
and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations (2012)
(as amended) as a local authority consultee.

Alternative options considered

Do
nothing – Do not make representations and consequently miss
an opportunity to input and advise on a statutory document for
Swale, as another Kent authority.
 
Agree
to submit alternative representations to that attached at Appendix
A. This option would require further discussion with officers
and/or Councillors to inform the response, which would likely mean
the consultation deadline is not met.