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(Extraordinary), Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 22nd April, 2024 7.30 pm

April 22, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The council meeting focused on reviewing and potentially revising parking proposals and charges across various locations within the borough. The discussions were intense, with significant public and council opposition to many of the proposed changes, particularly concerning the extension of parking charges into evenings, Sundays, and bank holidays, and the expansion of certain car parks.

  1. On-Street Parking Charges in West Malling: The proposal to introduce on-street parking charges in West Malling was upheld despite opposition. Proponents argued it would regulate parking and increase turnover, benefiting local businesses. Opponents, citing a 94% disapproval rate from public consultations, argued it would deter visitors and negatively impact small businesses. The decision could lead to decreased foot traffic and potential business closures in the area.

  2. Martin Square Parking Charges: The council decided to increase free parking from 30 minutes to one hour at Martin Square after significant pushback from local businesses and residents. Supporters of the increase argued that the original 30 minutes was insufficient for practical use, such as doctor visits or shopping, and could harm local commerce. This adjustment aims to balance the need for parking regulation with community and business needs.

  3. Extension of Upper Castle Field Car Park: A contentious decision to extend the Upper Castle Field car park was ultimately reversed. Initial support for the extension was based on anticipated demand from nearby castle events and general usage. However, strong community opposition, concerns about loss of green space, and questionable necessity based on actual parking data led to the decision being reconsidered. This outcome highlights the community's influence and the importance of environmental considerations in urban planning.

  4. Extended Parking Charges: The proposal to extend parking charges to 8 PM and include Sundays and bank holidays faced heavy criticism, primarily due to its potential impact on local businesses, community activities, and churchgoers. Despite financial arguments citing the need for increased revenue, the overwhelming negative feedback from the public consultation influenced the council to request further analysis before making a final decision.

Surprisingly, despite the clear public opposition expressed in consultations and by council members during the meeting, many proposals initially moved forward, demonstrating the complex balance between financial necessity and community preferences. The meeting underscored the council's challenging role in managing fiscal responsibilities while addressing constituent concerns.

Attendees

Councillor George Hines
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Robert Oliver
Councillor Attendee: Robert Oliver  Green Party •  Cage Green and Angel
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Kim Tanner
Councillor Attendee: Kim Tanner  Deputy Mayor •  Conservative Party •  Kings Hill
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mrs Michelle Tatton
Councillor Attendee: Mrs Michelle Tatton  Liberal Democrat •  East Malling,West Malling and Offham
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Garry Bridge
Councillor Attendee: Garry Bridge  Liberal Democrat •  Vauxhall
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Dennis King
Councillor Attendee: Dennis King  Chair of Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee; Vice-Chair of Area 1 Planning Committee •  Conservative Party •  Higham
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Paul Hickmott
Councillor Attendee: Paul Hickmott  Leader of the Labour Party •  Labour Party •  Snodland West and Holborough Lakes
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: James Clokey
Councillor Attendee: James Clokey  Liberal Democrat •  Vauxhall
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Adem Mehmet
Councillor Attendee: Adem Mehmet  Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Tonbridge Regeneration •  Conservative Party •  Trench
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Paul Boxall
Councillor Attendee: Paul Boxall  Liberal Democrat •  Birling, Leybourne and Ryarsh
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Steve Crisp
Councillor Attendee: Steve Crisp  Green Party •  Bourne
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: James Lark
Councillor Attendee: James Lark  Conservative Party • Other councillors representing this
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Dave Davis CEng FICE
Councillor Attendee: Dave Davis CEng FICE  Chair of Joint Standards Committee;Chair of Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee •  Conservative Party •  Aylesford North and North Downs
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Timothy Bishop
Councillor Attendee: Timothy Bishop  Liberal Democrat •  Larkfield
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Dan Harman
Councillor Attendee: Dan Harman  Chair of Finance,Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee •  Conservative Party •  Kings Hill
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Bill Banks
Councillor Attendee: Bill Banks  Liberal Democrat •  Birling, Leybourne and Ryarsh
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Martin Coffin
Councillor Attendee: Martin Coffin  Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services and Deputy Leader •  Conservative Party •  Pilgrims with Ightham
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: David Thornewell
Councillor Attendee: David Thornewell  Chair of Area 3 Plannng Committee •  Liberal Democrat •  Larkfield
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mark Rhodes
Councillor Attendee: Mark Rhodes  Chair of General Purposes Committee •  Conservative Party •  Hildenborough
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Matt Boughton
Councillor Attendee: Matt Boughton  Leader of the Council •  Conservative Party •  East Peckham, West Peckham, Mereworth and Wateringbury
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Roger Dalton
Councillor Attendee: Roger Dalton  Chair of Parish Partnership Panel •  Conservative Party •  Aylesford North and North Downs
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Colin Williams
Councillor Attendee: Colin Williams  Chair of Licensing and Appeals Panel •  Conservative Party •  Aylesford South and Ditton
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Frani Hoskins
Councillor Attendee: Frani Hoskins  Liberal Democrat •  Vauxhall
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Christopher Brown
Councillor Attendee: Christopher Brown  Mayor; Vice-Chair of Area 2 Planning Committee •  Conservative Party •  Kings Hill
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Keith Tunstall
Councillor Attendee: Keith Tunstall  Vice-Chair of Licensing and Appeals Committee; and Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee •  Conservative Party •  Trench
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Bethan Parry
Councillor Attendee: Bethan Parry  Green Party •  Cage Green and Angel
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Robin Betts
Councillor Attendee: Robin Betts  Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy •  Conservative Party •  Pilgrims with Ightham
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Lee Athwal
Councillor Attendee: Lee Athwal  Leader of the Green Party; Vice-Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee •  Green Party •  Higham
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Des Keers
Councillor Attendee: Des Keers  Cabinet Member for Community Services •  Conservative Party •  Walderslade
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Angus Bennison
Councillor Attendee: Angus Bennison  Labour Party •  Snodland West and Holborough Lakes
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Sarah Hudson
Councillor Attendee: Sarah Hudson  Chair of Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee •  Conservative Party •  East Peckham, West Peckham, Mereworth and Wateringbury
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Wendy Palmer
Councillor Attendee: Wendy Palmer  Chair of Area 2 Planning Committee •  Independent Alliance (Kent) •  Borough Green and Platt
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mark Hood
Councillor Attendee: Mark Hood  Chair of Area 1 Planning Committee •  Green Party •  Judd
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Kath Barton
Councillor Attendee: Kath Barton  Green Party •  Hildenborough
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Roger Roud
Councillor Attendee: Roger Roud  Liberal Democrat •  East Malling,West Malling and Offham
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Anna Cope
Councillor Attendee: Anna Cope  Green Party •  Cage Green and Angel
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mrs Anita Oakley MA BA
Councillor Attendee: Mrs Anita Oakley MA BA  Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group; Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee •  Liberal Democrat •  Larkfield
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Robert Cannon
Councillor Attendee: Robert Cannon  Chair of Audit Committee •  Conservative Party •  Aylesford South and Ditton
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mike Taylor
Councillor Attendee: Mike Taylor  Cabinet Member for Planning; and Group Leader of the Independent Alliance (Kent) •  Independent Alliance (Kent) •  Borough Green and Platt
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mrs Trudy Dean
Councillor Attendee: Mrs Trudy Dean  Liberal Democrat •  East Malling,West Malling and Offham

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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