The Growth, Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee is scheduled to consider a range of important topics at its upcoming meeting. Discussions are set to cover significant infrastructure projects, updates on essential services, and policy reviews impacting local communities and businesses.

A226 Galley Hill Road Reinstatement

A significant portion of the meeting's focus is expected to be on the A226 Galley Hill Road, which has been closed since a substantial collapse on 10 April 2023. The report pack indicates that the committee will be reviewing proposals to progress the scheme up to the detailed design stage. This includes seeking approval for engineering works to stabilise the cliff and enable the historic route to be safely reopened. The estimated cost for the full reconstruction is around £50 million, with the council actively exploring external funding opportunities, including the Department for Transport's Structures Fund. The report highlights the strategic importance of this route for local communities, businesses, and the planned growth in Ebbsfleet Garden City, as well as the reinstatement of the Fastrack bus network.

Kent Travel Saver Price Increase

Consideration will be given to a proposed price increase for the Kent Travel Saver bus pass scheme. The report pack suggests an annual increase of £35 for fee-paying customers. This measure is intended to ensure the scheme's sustainability by addressing inflationary cost increases and supporting value for money, aligning with the council's medium-term financial planning. The scheme currently supports approximately 23,000 clients, providing subsidised travel for students aged 11-16 to support their access to education. The report details the breakdown of current passholder cohorts and their associated costs.

Adoption of Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy Amendments

The committee is scheduled to review proposed amendments to the Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy 2026. This updated policy aims to replace the current version adopted in 2023, with the goal of improving clarity, fairness, and consistency in how pitches are allocated across the seven Gypsy and Traveller sites owned and managed by Kent County Council. The report indicates that the revised policy has undergone public consultation, an Equality Impact Assessment, and a Data Protection Impact Assessment. No additional financial costs are anticipated, as the changes are expected to be delivered within existing resources.

Prioritisation of Definitive Map Modification Order Applications

A proposed amendment to the County Council's existing prioritisation policy for Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications is scheduled for discussion. This change is being considered in response to a growing backlog of applications, partly due to legislative changes. The proposed amendment would promote user evidence-based DMMO applications by allocating one user-based application for each documentary evidence-based application. This approach is intended to address the deterioration of user evidence over time as memories fade and witnesses may become unavailable. The proposal is noted as being cost-neutral.

Winter Service Update

An update on the council's Winter Service is scheduled for review. The report covers the period up to the end of March 2026, detailing the demands placed on the service by normal winter hazards as well as other weather events such as high winds and rain. It outlines the operational response, including salting routes, the fleet of salting vehicles, and the role of Winter Duty Officers. The report also details the financial implications, with an allocated budget for winter service and a forecast spend to date.

Tilbury-Gravesend Ferry Update

A final report on the Tilbury-Gravesend Ferry service is to be presented. The report is expected to set out that despite extensive efforts by Kent County Council, no alternative funders have come forward following Thurrock Council's withdrawal of funding. Work to identify a potential commercial solution is now being led by the Port of London Authority, which Kent County Council will continue to support. The report concludes that the ferry service is a non-statutory service, and Kent County Council is unable to fund or manage the contract alone.

KMEF-Ambition 5: Create Diverse, Distinctive and Vibrant Places

An overview of the progress in implementing Ambition 5 of the Kent and Medway Economic Framework (KMEF) is scheduled for discussion. This ambition focuses on creating diverse, distinctive, and vibrant places. The report outlines key actions taken recently and planned future activities to support the sustainable growth of Kent and Medway's economy through to 2030. This is noted as the final paper in the current series of updates on the Framework's five ambitions.

Work Programme

The committee will also review its Work Programme, which outlines future items scheduled for discussion. This includes provisional placements for upcoming meetings, such as updates on the Lower Thames Crossing, the Kent and Medway Spatial Development Strategy, and the adoption of the Kent and Medway Local Growth Plan.