The Growth, Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee meeting on Tuesday 13 January 2026 saw significant decisions made regarding the future of Folkestone Library, the A28 Sturry Link Road project, and the council's draft budget. The committee also received updates on highway maintenance, biodiversity initiatives, and the council's energy and low emissions strategy.

Folkestone Library Future and Grace Hill Building

The committee endorsed a decision to confirm 14 Sandgate Road as the long-term location for Folkestone's town centre library and registration service. This means the council will proceed with the open market disposal of the Grace Hill building, which has been closed since December 2022 due to significant condition issues. While a proposal from Creative Folkestone to restore the building was considered, it was ultimately discounted due to a lack of detail on funding, ownership, and financial viability. The council will continue to explore alternative town centre locations as part of its ongoing asset management strategy, with a review planned for late 2028. The move to 14 Sandgate Road, a modern, accessible, and centrally located building, is expected to be completed by Spring 2026, offering a comprehensive library and registration service.

A28 Sturry Link Road Project

The committee considered and endorsed a decision to progress the construction of the A28 Sturry Link Road, a critical infrastructure project aimed at alleviating congestion at the Sturry level crossing and supporting planned housing and economic growth in East Kent. The council is seeking up to £24.8 million in grant funding from Homes England's Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) fund to cover the remaining funding gap and forward fund Section 106 contributions. The project has secured £44.1 million from Section 106 agreements and government grants, with construction of the A28 roundabout planned to commence in April 2026.

Draft Budget and Financial Planning

The committee reviewed the draft capital programme for 2026-36, the revenue budget for 2026-27, and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026-29. The Growth, Environment and Transport (GET) directorate faces spending pressures of £24.76 million, with £10.53 million requiring funding from increased Council Tax, Business Rates, and general grants. Significant growth pressures within the directorate include £7.7 million for a new Waste Transfer Station in Folkestone & Hythe and £3 million for highway maintenance, alongside contract price inflation for highways and public transport. Savings and income proposals aim to offset these pressures, including £1.5 million from increased recycling rates and £1.05 million in waste-related savings.

Highway Maintenance and Enforcement

Updates were provided on highway maintenance, with 22,000 pothole repairs completed and significant investment planned for road surfacing. The committee also considered proposed new enforcement policies for highways and street works. These policies aim to improve compliance and safety by allowing the council to take enforcement action, including prosecution, against landowners and utility companies who breach legal requirements or disrupt road management. The council will seek to recover costs associated with successful prosecutions, with minimal risk to the budget.

Biodiversity and Environmental Initiatives

The committee received an update on highway verge improvements for biodiversity, highlighting the council's commitment to enhancing road networks to support pollinators and wildlife corridors, in line with Kent's Plan Bee initiative. This includes managing specific Tier 3 biodiversity verges and participating in the Buglife B-lines initiative. The council also continues to manage Roadside Nature Reserves in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust and adheres to Natural England's requirements for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) verges.

Energy and Low Emissions Strategy

The committee noted revisions to the Energy and Low Emissions Strategy (ELES) Implementation Plan. The plan has been streamlined, reducing the number of actions from 79 to 24, with a focus on deliverability, measurability, and relevance. The revised plan aims to decarbonise Kent and Medway, improve energy security, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Other Matters

Updates were also provided on the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry petition, with ongoing discussions led by the Thames Estuary Growth Board to explore the viability of reinstating the service. The committee also received the Performance Dashboard, showing that 38 out of 44 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were rated Green, indicating they were on or ahead of target. The A28 Sturry Link Road project was highlighted as a critical infrastructure improvement, with discussions ongoing with Homes England for grant funding to cover the remaining cost. The committee also noted the Infrastructure Funding Statement, summarising developer contributions secured and spent in the financial year 2024/25, and reviewed the council's work programme.