The Communities Housing and Environment Cabinet Advisory Board met on Tuesday 9 June 2026. The board confirmed support for the updated Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy for the period 2026 to 2031 and the updated Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy. It also confirmed support for the establishment of an Infrastructure Delivery Board for Paddock Wood and East Capel and approved the draft Local Plan Timetable and Notice of Intention to commence plan preparation for the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review. Finally, the board recommended the adoption of a revised Corporate Net Zero Strategy, realigning the corporate net zero target to 2046/47, for adoption by full council.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-31

The board confirmed support for the adoption of the updated Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy for the period 2026 to 2031. This policy provides a clear framework for regulating housing standards and taking enforcement action in the private sector, aligning with the new duties introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The policy enables the council to use a range of enforcement powers, including serving statutory notices, issuing civil penalties, and pursuing banning orders. Delegated authority was also confirmed for minor amendments to the policy to ensure it remains aligned with future legislative changes.

Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy

The board also confirmed support for the adoption of the updated Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy. This policy sits alongside the enforcement policy and details how the council will set and apply financial penalties for breaches of housing legislation. It introduces a tariff-based matrix for calculating penalties, ensuring consistency and proportionality, and reflects increased penalty levels available under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, with maximum penalties of up to £7,000 for certain breaches and up to £40,000 where offences would otherwise be prosecutable. Delegated authority was confirmed for minor amendments to this policy as well.

Establishment of a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board

The board confirmed support for the establishment of an Infrastructure Delivery Board (IDB) for the strategic development at Paddock Wood and East Capel. This board will oversee the delivery of infrastructure required to support the anticipated growth of approximately 2,450 homes in the area, as outlined in the Local Plan. The IDB will act as a forum for communication and liaison between officers, developers, members, and the public, ensuring coordinated delivery of essential infrastructure such as highway networks, education facilities, and sports facilities over the next 10 years. Councillor Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning, was appointed as Chair of the board.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review

The board reviewed the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review, which is being undertaken in accordance with new plan-making regulations that came into force on 25 March 2026. The review is necessary due to an increased housing need figure and the withdrawal of the Tewdley Garden Village proposal from the previously adopted Local Plan. The board confirmed support for the draft Local Plan Timetable and the Notice of Intention to commence plan preparation, with delegated authority confirmed for updates to these documents. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan will be incorporated into this review. The new plan-making process is expected to take 30 months, with adoption anticipated in April 2029.

TWBC Net Zero Strategy

The board considered the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Net Zero Strategy, which proposes realigning the corporate net zero target from 2030 to 2046/47. This revised target is based on a more realistic understanding of the work required to achieve net zero, particularly concerning scope 3 emissions, and aligns with the British Standards Institution (BSI) Net Zero Pathway. The strategy establishes a verified emissions baseline of 8,215.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2024/25 and sets interim milestones to ensure progress. The board recommended the strategy, including the revised target and interim targets, for adoption by full council.