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Cabinet - Thursday, 27th June, 2024 7.00 pm

June 27, 2024 View on council website
AI Generated

Summary

The Ashford Council Cabinet meeting on 27 June 2024 focused on the approval of the draft Borough Plan 2024-2028 for public consultation, discussions about the upcoming D Day 80th Anniversary events, and the reception of the Civic Events Advisory Committee notes. The Disabled Facility Grant Policy item was withdrawn.

Draft Borough Plan 2024-28

The Cabinet reviewed the draft Borough Plan 2024-2028, which outlines the strategic vision and objectives for the Council over the next four years. The plan is structured around three themes: Planet, People, and Places. The draft plan will now go to public consultation to gather further input before its final adoption later in the year.

Some members expressed concerns about the plan's lack of detail and ambition. Specific criticisms included the omission of emerging plans for a town centre market, the Ashford Parks Foundation, and the role of the Bring Back Euro Trains group. There were also calls for more emphasis on green corridors and the Odeon project. Additionally, there were questions about the suitability and measurability of some success metrics in the plan. One member highlighted the need for the consultation to target businesses and support small start-ups.

The Leader acknowledged these concerns, noting that the new administration had intentionally taken a light touch with the plan, inheriting several ongoing projects from the previous Corporate Plan. The Leader assured that feedback from the public consultation would be considered to refine both the Borough Plan and the Local Plan.

A member also raised a petition from a resident against the use of glyphosate for weed killing, seeking clarity on the Council's position. The Deputy Leader confirmed that while the Council currently uses glyphosate, they are exploring financially viable alternatives.

The Cabinet resolved to approve the draft Borough Plan for public consultation.

Civic Events Advisory Committee – Notes of 6 March 2024

The Portfolio Holder reported on the Civic Events Advisory Committee meeting held on 6 March 2024, which discussed the arrangements for the 80th Anniversary of D Day on 6 June 2024. Councillor Hayward provided an update on the planned events, which include:

  • A flag-raising ceremony at the Civic Centre at 9am.
  • A commemorative ceremony at the Memorial Gardens at 11am, featuring the re-installation of the Floral Spitfire, a performance by a primary school choir, and readings by secondary school pupils.
  • A beacon lighting ceremony in Civic Park at 9.15pm, with the Mayor announcing the lighting of Ashford’s Civic Memorial Beacon.

Educational activity sheets focused on D Day will be distributed to all primary schools in the Borough, with a special focus on the Ashford area. The Council has also created a D Day 80 webpage to promote local events.

The Cabinet resolved to receive and note the notes of the Civic Events Advisory Committee meeting.

Schedule of Key Decisions

The Cabinet reviewed and noted the latest Schedule of Key Decisions.

Disabled Facility Grant Policy

The Disabled Facility Grant Policy item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Attendees

Profile image for CllrBill Barrett
CllrBill Barrett  Reform UK •  Singleton East
Profile image for CllrSimon Betty
CllrSimon Betty  Cabinet Member for Commercial Property & Investment •  Ashford Independent •  Bircholt
Profile image for CllrSteve Campkin
CllrSteve Campkin  Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and Co-Leader of the Green Party •  The Green Party •  Willesborough
Profile image for CllrLinda Harman
CllrLinda Harman  Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing Delivery & Communication •  Ashford Independent •  Saxon Shore
Profile image for CllrHeather Hayward
CllrHeather Hayward  Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, Policy and Performance •  Ashford Independent •  Roman
Profile image for CllrDawnie Nilsson
CllrDawnie Nilsson  Cabinet Member for People & Services •  The Green Party •  Highfield
Profile image for CllrNoel Ovenden
CllrNoel Ovenden  Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Finance and Resource (with Special Responsibility for Housing & Homelessness) •  Ashford Independent •  Wye with Hinxhill
Profile image for Cllr Kate Walder
Cllr Kate Walder  Cabinet Member for Parks, Recreation and Legal •  The Green Party •  Rolvenden & Tenterden West
Profile image for Cllr Liz Wright
Cllr Liz Wright  Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Wellbeing •  The Green Party •  Willesborough

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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