The Communities Housing and Environment Cabinet Advisory Board met on Tuesday 3 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting residents. Key decisions included the adoption of the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-27, the implementation of a Public Spaces Protection Order for dogs in The Grove, and the endorsement of the Royal Victoria Place Business Plan 2026-27. The Board also reviewed and recommended for adoption the refreshed Health Inequalities Action Plan 2026-29, the council's first Biodiversity Duty Report, and the Housing Assistance Policy 2026-30. Further discussions covered updates to the planning validation checklist, the progression of neighbourhood development plans for Sandhurst and Southborough and High Brooms, and the review of the Statement of Community Involvement. Finally, a significant decision was made regarding the award of the Household Waste and Street Cleansing Contract.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-27

The Board discussed and approved the Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-27. This plan outlines five key priorities: domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, road safety, and violence against women and girls. New actions include a more proactive promotion of support for children affected by domestic abuse, exploration of a one-stop shop for domestic abuse victims in Tunbridge Wells, and a stronger link between anti-social behaviour initiatives and acquisitive crime. The plan also introduces considerations for a Public Spaces Protection Order for the A21 concerning car meets and drifting activities. Concerns were raised regarding increases in sexual offences and drug offences, with officers noting that increased reporting could indicate greater public confidence and more officers on the street. The breakdown of crime statistics by new wards following Local Government Reorganisation was also discussed, with assurances that data could be provided at a more granular level through local beat officers. The plan aims to make the borough a safer and more welcoming place.

Proposal for a Dogs on Leads Public Spaces Protection Order for The Grove

A proposal for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) requiring dogs to be kept on leads in The Grove was discussed and recommended for implementation. This decision followed extensive public consultation, with 57% of respondents in favour. Concerns raised by supporters included safety for children and older people, incidents involving off-lead dogs, and hygiene. Opponents highlighted the importance of off-lead exercise for dogs and suggested alternative approaches like education or time-limited off-lead periods. The PSPO aims to balance the needs of all park users and will be in place until October 2027. Enforcement will initially involve an educational period before fines are issued.

Royal Victoria Place Business Plan 2026-27

The Board reviewed and endorsed the business plan for Royal Victoria Place for 2026-27. The plan builds on existing work to enhance the centre's community engagement through events and hosting local groups. A key initiative is the proposed pilot of a voluntary and charity sector hub within Royal Victoria Place to reduce overhead costs for local organisations. The plan highlights the positive impact of recent interventions, such as car park improvements and attracting new retailers like Primark, which have led to increased footfall and economic benefits. The redevelopment of the centre is considered essential to maintain this positive trajectory.

Refreshed Health Inequalities Action Plan 2026-29

The Board considered and recommended for adoption the refreshed Health Inequalities Action Plan for 2026-29. This plan, developed by the Tunbridge Wells Health Action Team, aims to reduce unfair differences in health outcomes across the borough. The five priority areas remain mental health, loneliness and isolation, addictions, obesity and physical inactivity, and support for people with disabilities and older people. The refreshed plan places a greater emphasis on collaboration, prevention, improved signposting, and targeted support for those most at risk, particularly in areas of deprivation. The plan will be delivered within existing resources and relies on shared responsibility among partners. The data on the Index of Multiple Deprivation was discussed, noting an increase in areas identified as deprived, which was attributed to relative rankings and changes in data collection methods. The lack of public transport in rural areas was also raised as a barrier for service users.

Biodiversity Duty Report

The Council's first Biodiversity Duty Report, produced in line with the 2021 Environment Act, was presented and recommended for publication. The report details the state of biodiversity in the borough, the plans and policies in place to improve it, and highlights partnerships and achievements. It was noted that designated biodiversity sites cover 4,500 hectares of the borough. The report also addresses biodiversity net gain, with over £200,000 collected to improve a council woodland, and ongoing work to deliver further habitat banks. Challenges in monitoring species and populations on a district basis were discussed, with reliance on county-wide data and specialist groups. The report emphasizes the importance of biodiversity for people's health and well-being, with initiatives like green well-being programs and horticultural therapy sessions.

Review of Housing Assistance Policy 2026-30

The Board reviewed and recommended for adoption the updated Housing Assistance Policy for 2026-30. The policy provides grants and assistance to improve, repair, and adapt housing within the borough, covering Disabled Facilities Grants and other discretionary grants. Key changes include the introduction of a Disabilities Fees Grant to cover professional fees and a hazard removal assistance grant for category one hazards. The Home Enabling Grant and Home Straight Grant have also been uplifted. The policy aims to maximise resident applications, widen eligible works, and speed up the application process. Funding primarily comes from the Government's Better Care Fund, supplemented by the Council's housing renewal reserve. The current year has seen the highest spend to date on these grants.

New Updated Planning Validation Checklist (Pre-Public Consultation)

An updated planning validation checklist was presented for approval for public consultation. This revised checklist ensures that planning applications meet necessary standards and provide required information for processing. The update is largely driven by the recent adoption of the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan and aims to clarify requirements, provide links to guidance, and address common reasons for invalid applications. The consultation will be for a minimum of six weeks, with efforts to make the information accessible to the public, including potential briefing sessions for parish councils.

Sandhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan (Pre-Referendum Report)

The Sandhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan was presented for consideration before a referendum. The plan has been examined by an independent examiner who recommended it proceed, subject to modifications. The examiner's report confirms that the plan meets the basic conditions, including conformity with the borough's strategic policies. The plan has been developed with significant community engagement and input.

Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan (Pre-Referendum Report)

Similarly, the Southborough and High Brooms Neighbourhood Development Plan was presented for pre-referendum review. An independent examiner has recommended the plan proceed to referendum, with modifications. The plan has undergone extensive community consultation and work over nearly four years, and its progression is seen as a significant step forward.

Review-Update of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) (Pre-Public Consultation)

The draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) was presented for approval for public consultation. The SCI outlines how the Council will engage and consult the community in preparing local plans, neighbourhood plans, and making decisions on planning applications. The updated document incorporates changes related to the new 30-month plan-making regime, updated national planning policy, and increased use of digital technology. The consultation aims to ensure inclusivity and will be for a minimum of six weeks. The importance of accessible language and proactive engagement with parish councils was emphasized.

Household Waste and Street Cleansing Contract Award

A significant decision was made regarding the award of the Household Waste and Street Cleansing Contract for the period 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2039. The contract, a joint venture with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, was recommended for award to Bidder A, who scored highest on the cost and quality matrix. The procurement process followed the Procurement Act 2023, with a 60% price and 40% quality weighting. The contract length of 12 years was determined by the lifespan of existing vehicles and the need to balance costs. Options for vehicle financing, the use of HVO fuel, and the frequency of high-speed road cleansing will be subject to further reports. The contract will maintain current collection methodologies and frequencies, with the introduction of flexible plastics for recycling. The estimated costs are within the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy projections.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation of the date for the next meeting on Tuesday 9 June 2026.