The Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee meeting on Wednesday 9 September 2026 addressed a wide range of issues, including significant infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives, and waste management strategies. Key decisions included the approval of a £20 million grant for the Dover Border Access Improvement Scheme, the replacement of the Chestfield Tunnel ventilation system for £2.8 million, and the procurement of specialist highway support services. The committee also noted updates on the Kent Environment Plan, the transition of Active Kent & Medway to an independent entity, and the performance dashboard.

Dover Border Access Improvement Scheme

The committee approved the acceptance and management of a £20 million grant from the Department for Transport for the Dover Border Access Improvement Project. This funding will be used to reconfigure border control facilities at the Port of Dover, increasing processing space and vehicle queuing capacity. The project is expected to reduce the frequency and duration of Dover TAP and Operation Brock events by up to 80%, thereby minimising disruption on the A20, M20, and surrounding roads. Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, stated that the improvements are expected to be completed within just under two years and will be entirely contained within the port's land, thus not impacting the road network. Metrics for success will include a reduction in the use of Dover TAP and Operation Brock.

Chestfield Tunnel Ventilation Replacement

A £2.8 million project to replace the ventilation system in Chestfield Tunnel on the A299 Thanet Way was approved. The current system is at the end of its operational life and has a history of failures, leading to significant disruption. The preferred option, 2B, involves replacing all 32 jet fans, improving smoke control, and enhancing safety for maintenance. Councillor Osborne confirmed that while the project has not yet gone to tender, it will be competitively assessed, and the design work has already been completed to minimise cost overrun risks. He assured members that the council would seek certainty over the final cost.

Specialist Highway Support Services Framework

The committee endorsed the procurement of a new Specialist Highway Support Services Framework, valued at up to £4 million over three years with a one-year extension option. This framework will provide ongoing independent cost consultancy, specialist utility support, and programme review services to support highway and transportation schemes. Councillor Osborne explained that this approach offers flexibility and ensures value for money through a competitive procurement process, with individual work orders defining specific project requirements.

Active Kent & Medway Transition

The committee endorsed the transition of Active Kent & Medway (AKM) to an independent legal entity, concluding Kent County Council's hosting and funding arrangements by March 2027. Councillor Richard Palmer, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, stated that this move would allow AKM to gain better traction with sponsors and other organisations, potentially overcoming limitations faced as part of Kent County Council. The transition is expected to have minimal impact on KCC's central services and will not result in redundancies.

National Waste Reforms and Financial Implications

Councillor Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, provided an update on national waste reforms, including Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). KCC has received £13.3 million in pEPR funding for 2025-26 and expects £11.6 million this year. The DRS, launching in October 2027, is expected to reduce the amount of waste handled but may also decrease income from recyclable materials. The ETS, previously a significant financial risk for waste incineration costs from January 2028, has had its implementation date delayed, with a revised timetable yet to be announced. Councillor Prater raised concerns about the potential duplication of services with the DRS and suggested KCC could play a role in collecting and recycling materials. Helen Shulver, Assistant Director of Resource Management and Circular Economy, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with DEFRA regarding the interaction between DRS and municipal waste streams.

Waste Transfer Services Contract for Folkestone & Hythe

The committee approved the commencement of procurement for a commercial waste transfer service for Folkestone and Hythe, as the previously planned Junction 11 scheme is no longer viable due to unresolved land acquisition issues. Councillor Brady expressed concerns about the £722,000 in abortive costs and a potential £1.5 million repayment of CIL contributions. Officers confirmed that the estimated lifetime cost of the new procurement option is £44.2 million over 25 years, which is higher than the original Council-owned facility but avoids significant upfront capital investment and delivery risks. The service is intended to remain within the Folkestone and Hythe district.

Kent Environment Plan Annual Report

Councillor Henderson presented the first annual report on the Kent Environment Plan, highlighting good progress across all six goals. Kent County Council has reduced emissions, generated over 1 million kWh of solar energy, and improved recycling rates. The report also noted a significant decrease in tree planting due to the loss of external funding, prompting Councillor Hood to question future budget allocations for tree planting and the use of drought-resistant species. Liz Milne, Head of Environment, confirmed that the report would include financial figures for solar energy generation, estimated at £2.45 million, and that efforts are underway to secure new funding for tree planting and explore green finance strategies.

Performance Dashboard

Matthew Wagner, Interim Chief Analyst, presented the Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee Performance Dashboard. Of the 58 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), 40 were rated green, three amber, and four red. Eleven KPIs were not reported due to system integration issues or being not applicable to the quarter. The four red KPIs related to highways and transportation enquiries, emergency incident response times, and local planning authority requests for advice from the Heritage and Ecological Advice Services. Councillor Prater raised concerns about data continuity with new systems and the performance of highways contractor Ringway. Helen Rowe, Interim Head of Highways, assured members that efforts were being made to ensure data accuracy and that performance was expected to improve.

Chestfield Tunnel Ventilation Replacement

The committee considered the replacement of the Chestfield Tunnel ventilation system, a safety-critical asset. Councillor Osborne presented Option 2B as the preferred choice, costing approximately £2.8 million, which offers the best balance of safety, maintainability, and value for money. Councillor Rayner questioned the contract type and potential cost overruns, while Councillor Walters sought clarification on the specific option chosen. Councillor Brady asked about the possibility of penalties for exceeding timeframes.

Extended Producer Responsibility Activity and Updates

Councillor Henderson provided an update on national waste reforms, including Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). KCC has received substantial pEPR funding, but the DRS is expected to alter waste streams and potentially reduce income from recyclables. The ETS, a potential future cost for waste incineration, has had its implementation date delayed. Councillor Prater questioned the interaction between DRS and KCC's existing waste services, and Councillor Rayner raised concerns about MRF capacity and the handling of refrigerators.

Procurement for Waste Transfer Services Contract - Folkestone & Hythe

The committee approved the commencement of procurement for a waste transfer services contract for Folkestone and Hythe. This is necessary as the current temporary arrangements at Ross Way are insufficient and cannot be extended beyond January 2028. Councillor Brady raised concerns about abortive costs and the overall financial implications of the new approach compared to the previously planned Junction 11 scheme. Officers confirmed that the new procurement option, while having higher annual revenue costs, avoids significant upfront capital investment and associated risks.

Kent Environment Plan Annual Report

Councillor Henderson presented the first annual report on the Kent Environment Plan, highlighting achievements in reducing carbon emissions, generating solar energy, and improving recycling rates. The report also noted a significant decrease in tree planting due to the loss of external funding, prompting Councillor Hood to question future budget allocations and the use of drought-resistant species. Liz Milne, Head of Environment, confirmed that the report would include financial figures for solar energy generation and that efforts are underway to secure new funding for tree planting and explore green finance strategies.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Work Programme for future meetings.