The Communities Housing and Environment Cabinet Advisory Board met on Tuesday 9 June 2026, approving updated policies on private sector housing enforcement and civil penalties, and establishing an Infrastructure Delivery Board for Paddock Wood and East Capel. The board also recommended the adoption of a revised Net Zero strategy, pushing the target date back to 2047, and approved the timetable and notice of intention for the Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review.

Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026-31

The board approved 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, incorporating new duties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025¹. The policy aims to ensure compliance with statutory guidance and provides the council with the necessary framework to carry out its enforcement duties effectively. The alternative of not adopting the policy would leave the council non-compliant with the Renters' Rights Act, potentially leading to legal challenges and reputational damage. Delegated authority was also granted to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor amendments to the policy in response to future legislative or guidance updates.

Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy

The board also approved the adoption of the updated Private Sector Housing Civil Penalty Policy. This policy works alongside the enforcement policy and details how the council will set and apply financial penalties for breaches of housing legislation. The policy introduces a tariff-based matrix for calculating penalties, ensuring consistency and proportionality. Maximum penalties have increased, with up to £7,000 for certain breaches and up to £40,000 where offences would otherwise be prosecutable. The policy ensures compliance with statutory guidance and provides a robust framework for penalty setting. The alternative of not adopting the policy would leave the council exposed to legal challenge and unable to demonstrate consistent and lawful penalty application. Delegated authority was granted to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, to make minor amendments to the policy in response to future legislative or guidance updates.

Establishment of a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board

The board approved the establishment of an Infrastructure Delivery Board (IDB) for the strategic development at Paddock Wood and East Capel. This board will oversee the development progress on the delivery of infrastructure required to support the anticipated growth of approximately 2,450 homes in the area. The IDB will act as a forum for communication and liaison between officers, developers, members, and the public, ensuring that infrastructure delivery is informed by ongoing discussions with stakeholders including Kent County Council, adjacent local authorities, Paddock Wood Town Council, and Capel Parish Council. The draft terms of reference were agreed, and the Portfolio Holder for Planning was appointed as Chair. The Leader of the Council will appoint borough councillors to the board until the annual council meeting in 2027.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan Review

The board noted and recommended for Cabinet approval the Local Plan Review, which will incorporate the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan. This review is being undertaken in accordance with new plan-making regulations that came into force on 25 March 2026, establishing a 30-month process for plan preparation, examination, and adoption. The board approved the Local Plan Timetable and the Notice of Intention to commence plan preparation, with delegated authority granted for updates to these documents. The review is necessary due to an increased housing need figure and the withdrawal of the Tewdley Garden Village proposal from the previous local plan. The council has received grant funding from MHCLG to support this process, with specific deadlines for publishing the notice of intention and the Gateway 1 self-assessment.

TWBC Net Zero

The board recommended for Cabinet and Full Council approval the Corporate Net Zero Strategy, which revises the council's net zero target date to 2046/47 from the previous 2030 ambition. This revised target is based on a more realistic understanding of the work required and updated reporting requirements, particularly concerning scope 3 emissions. The strategy establishes an independently verified emissions baseline of 8,215.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2024/25. The council has already achieved a 54% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018/19. The strategy includes interim targets and a pathway for emissions reductions, with a focus on deep emissions reductions before relying on offsetting. The revised target aims to position Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as a leader in net zero strategy development, providing a robust and transferable framework for a potential future unitary authority.