The Growth, Environment & Transport Cabinet Committee met on Tuesday 05 May 2026 to discuss a range of issues affecting Kent residents. Key decisions included an increase to the Kent Travel Saver bus pass price, the endorsement of a position statement on solar generation, and the approval of plans to progress the detailed design for the reinstatement of the A226 Galley Hill Road.

Verbal Updates

Cabinet members provided updates on various portfolios. Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, reported on progress with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the upcoming works at Bean Road underpass and Badsell Road, and the ongoing transition of public transport to electric vehicles. He also highlighted the success of the Bikeability training programme and ongoing road safety initiatives. Councillor Paul King, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Special Projects, shared positive news regarding Kent County Council's ISO 14001 environmental management certification and progress on tree planting under the Plan Tree strategy. Councillor David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, updated the committee on the Kent and Medway Health, Employment and Skills Summit, the success of the Skills Bootcamps programme, and the Connect to Work initiative. Councillor Mary Lawes, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities, provided updates on library services, including the opening of Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre, and ongoing co-location projects. She also mentioned the Libraries Connected Award shortlisting for James Fisher and Zachary Wells, funding success for the Turner Contemporary, and the Playground programme. Trading Standards activities, including the conclusion of Operation Engage and the appointment of a new Vape Compliance Officer, were also highlighted. Councillor Mark Henderson provided an update on the developing coastal regeneration strategy and initiatives for National Walking Month.

Winter Service Update

The committee received an update on the winter service for the 2025-2026 period. Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the report, which detailed the planning and execution of the service, including responses to severe weather events such as Storm Amy, Storm Claudia, Storm Goretti, Storm Ingrid, and Storm Chandra. The report highlighted that despite a mild start to winter, January saw a spike in salt runs, in line with previous years. Over 50,000 potholes were repaired between April 2025 and March 2026, with a significant number reported between January and March 2026. The committee noted the ongoing challenges in reducing pothole numbers due to ongoing effects. A new local highways maintenance contract with four new suppliers has been launched to support patching and repair works. The committee also noted that a structures fund is open for schemes to be submitted, with Kent County Council submitting two bids: one for Galley Hill and another for the A299 structures, tunnels, and carriageway reconstruction. The Highways Asset Management Plan update is commencing imminently. A new school street trial has been launched at Snodland C of E Primary School to improve safety and the environment around the school. The committee was also informed about the Road Safety and Active Travel Group Parish Seminar.

Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry Update

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the final report on the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry service. He stated that following Thurrock Council's withdrawal of funding and despite extensive efforts by Kent County Council, no alternative funders have come forward. 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. Councillor Alister Brady expressed disappointment at the outcome, noting that the ferry service was a long-standing asset important for culture and economic development. Councillor Thomas suggested asking the Port of London Authority about their timeframe and for the matter to be monitored by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development. Councillor Ryan Waters sought clarification on Thurrock Council's current position, noting that they had also withdrawn funding.

Kent Travel Saver - Price Increase

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented a proposal to increase the annual fee for fee-paying users of the Kent Travel Saver (KTS) bus pass scheme by £35. This increase, from £135 to £170 per child, is intended to ensure the scheme's sustainability and address inflationary cost increases. Councillor Leach expressed concern about the 26% increase for low-income families, highlighting that Thanet is the most deprived local authority in Kent and has a high proportion of children living in poverty. She questioned the distribution of low-income pass holders, the rationale for the significant increase compared to previous years and average fare rises, and whether Stagecoach and Arriva were requesting the increase. Councillor Brady questioned the accuracy of the costs charged by Stagecoach, given the company's reported profits. Councillor Hudson defended the increase, stating that £35 per year is negligible in the current economic climate and that the monthly payment option is beneficial. Councillor Prater welcomed the dismissal of an increase to the administration fee for direct debits but questioned the flat rate increase of £35, arguing that a percentage increase would be fairer. Councillor Lawes stated that the increase is justified by inflation and that the low-income passes are heavily subsidised, arguing that taxpayers' money cannot be continually used to subsidise the scheme. Councillor Hood expressed disappointment at the increase for low-income families and proposed a percentage increase instead. Councillor Thomas sought clarification on the financial calculations and whether reserves were being held. Ultimately, the committee voted to endorse the recommendation to approve the price increase.

A226 Galley Hill Road

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the report on the A226 Galley Hill Road, which has been closed since a significant collapse in April 2023. The report sought approval to progress the scheme to detailed design stage, while continuing to pursue external funding opportunities, such as the Structures Fund. Councillor Thomas Mallon, representing Swanscombe and Greenhithe, thanked the officers for their swift work in submitting the bid for the Structures Fund, acknowledging the significant disruption caused by the closure. Councillor Ryan Waters echoed these thanks and requested an outline of the key milestones for the Structures Fund bid and a standing agenda item for future updates. Officers confirmed the deadlines for the Structures Fund bid, with a decision expected in the autumn. Councillor Paul Thomas sought clarification on the internal KCC funding bid, which had not been successful, and the alternative funding source. Officers confirmed that the £490,000 would be found internally, though the specific reserve was not available. Councillor Alister Brady raised concerns about the lack of surety for funding and the potential for further degradation of the chalk spine. Councillor Waters reiterated the importance of the scheme and the unified support across political spectrums for its progression. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to progress the scheme to detailed design.

KMEF Ambition 5: Create Diverse, Distinctive and Vibrant Places

Councillor David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, presented the final update on Ambition 5 of the Kent and Medway Economic Framework (KMEF). The ambition focuses on promoting place, with a strong emphasis on the rural economy, cultural and creative economy, and showcasing the county's economic offer internationally. Highlights included the conclusion of the Create Growth Programme, which supported creative businesses to become investment-ready, and the ongoing success of the Skills Bootcamps programme, with preparation for Wave 7 underway. The Connect to Work programme continues to support residents into employment. The Kent and Medway Growth Hub has supported 1,400 businesses, and the Kent and Medway Business Fund has issued 38 loans. Tourism figures show a strong recovery, with 66 million visits in 2024 generating £4.1 billion. Initiatives to promote coastal towns and showcase Kent on a national stage were also mentioned. Councillor Hurd raised concerns about the council's approach to the creative arts and the closure of adult education centres. Councillor Wimble addressed concerns about the Turner Contemporary, clarifying that funding had not been cut. Councillor Thomas questioned how the film industry is being tied into tourism to maximise benefits. Councillor Lawes praised the work of the Kent Film Office, highlighting its income generation for the county. Councillor Hood raised concerns about dwindling water supply in the face of development and the impact on farmers. Councillor Thomas questioned the funding of sustainable growth and the reopening of Ashford and Ebsfleet International stations. The committee noted the report.

Position Statement on Solar Generation

Councillor David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, presented a position statement on solar generation. The council supports solar generation on rooftops and brownfield sites but does not back large-scale solar on green farmland (A1 to A3 farmland) or large-scale battery energy storage systems. Councillor Bower raised concerns about land contamination from concrete bases for solar panels. Councillor Prater questioned the legal implications and binding nature of the position statement, arguing it was not policy and had little influence on planning decisions. He also highlighted the lack of consideration for spatial strategies, community involvement, and local energy resilience. Councillor Thomas expressed concerns about the long-term impact of solar arrays on land drainage and contamination. Councillor Hurd questioned the political nature of the item and the lack of definition for large solar array. Councillor Hudson noted that sheep graze under solar panels at the KCC-owned solar farm at Kingshill. Following a lengthy debate, the committee voted to endorse the position statement.

Winter Service Update

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the annual update on winter services. The report detailed the planning and operation of the service during the 2025-2026 winter, including responses to severe weather events. Councillor Brady asked about the use of crash data to influence salting routes and the agility of the service in responding to live incident data. Officers explained the process of receiving and analysing crash data from Kemp Police, noting that driver behaviour is often a factor. Improvements in understanding road surface temperatures and adjusting salting strategies were highlighted. Councillor Thomas raised questions about definitions of exceptional weather events and insurance costs for farmers providing snowploughs. He also suggested adding a column to tables to show monthly outcomes and whether the council was heading into a bad winter. Officers assured that funding would be found from reserves for severe weather events and that salt stock levels were sufficient. Councillor Thomas also inquired about increasing working programmes to accommodate growth. The committee noted the update.

Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry Update

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the final report on the Gravesend to Tilbury Ferry service. He stated that following Thurrock Council's withdrawal of funding and despite efforts to find alternative funders, no solution had been found. The Port of London Authority is now leading the search for a viable commercial solution, with Kent County Council continuing to offer support. Councillor Alister Brady expressed disappointment, viewing this as the final nail in the coffin for the service. Councillor Thomas suggested asking the Port of London Authority about their timeframe and for the matter to be monitored. Councillor Ryan Waters inquired about Thurrock Council's current position, noting that they had also withdrawn funding. The committee noted the report.

Kent Travel Saver - Price Increase

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, proposed an annual increase of £35 for fee-paying users of the Kent Travel Saver (KTS) bus pass scheme. This increase aims to ensure the scheme's sustainability and cover inflationary cost increases. Councillor Leach raised concerns about the 26% increase for low-income families, questioning the distribution of these pass holders, the rationale for the significant increase, and the involvement of operators like Stagecoach and Arriva. Councillor Brady questioned whether Stagecoach was charging the correct amount, given their profits. Councillor Hudson defended the increase, deeming it negligible and highlighting the benefits of monthly payments. Councillor Prater argued for a percentage increase rather than a flat rate, stating that the flat rate disproportionately affects low-income families. Councillor Lawes supported the increase, stating it was justified by inflation and that taxpayers' money could not be continually subsidised. Councillor Hood proposed a percentage increase as a less damaging option. After debate, the committee voted to endorse the proposed decision to approve the price increase.

A226 Galley Hill Road

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the report on the A226 Galley Hill Road, which has been closed since a significant collapse in April 2023. The report sought approval to progress the scheme to detailed design stage, while continuing to pursue external funding opportunities, such as the Structures Fund. Councillor Thomas Mallon, representing Swanscombe and Greenhithe, thanked officers for their swift work in submitting the bid for the Structures Fund, acknowledging the disruption caused by the closure. Councillor Ryan Waters echoed these thanks and requested an outline of the key milestones for the Structures Fund bid and a standing agenda item for future updates. Officers confirmed the deadlines for the Structures Fund bid, with a decision expected in the autumn. Councillor Paul Thomas sought clarification on the internal KCC funding bid, which had not been successful, and the alternative funding source. Officers confirmed that the £490,000 would be found internally, though the specific reserve was not available. Councillor Alister Brady raised concerns about the lack of surety for funding and the potential for further degradation of the chalk spine. Councillor Waters reiterated the importance of the scheme and the unified support across political spectrums for its progression. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to progress the scheme to detailed design.

KMEF Ambition 5: Create Diverse, Distinctive and Vibrant Places

Councillor David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, presented the final update on Ambition 5 of the Kent and Medway Economic Framework (KMEF). The ambition focuses on promoting place, with a strong emphasis on the rural economy, cultural and creative economy, and showcasing the county's economic offer internationally. Highlights included the conclusion of the Create Growth Programme, which supported creative businesses to become investment-ready, and the ongoing success of the Skills Bootcamps programme, with preparation for Wave 7 underway. The Connect to Work programme continues to support residents into employment. The Kent and Medway Growth Hub has supported 1,400 businesses, and the Kent and Medway Business Fund has issued 38 loans. Tourism figures show a strong recovery, with 66 million visits in 2024 generating £4.1 billion. Initiatives to promote coastal towns and showcase Kent on a national stage were also mentioned. Councillor Hurd raised concerns about the council's attitude to the creative arts and the closure of adult education centres. Councillor Wimble addressed concerns about the Turner Contemporary, clarifying that funding had not been cut. Councillor Thomas questioned how the film industry is being tied into tourism to maximise benefits. Councillor Lawes praised the work of the Kent Film Office, highlighting its income generation for the county. Councillor Hood raised concerns about dwindling water supply in the face of development and the impact on farmers. Councillor Thomas questioned the funding of sustainable growth and the reopening of Ashford and Ebsfleet International stations. The committee noted the report.

Position Statement on Solar Generation

Councillor David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, presented a position statement on solar generation. The council supports solar generation on rooftops and brownfield sites but does not back large-scale solar on green farmland (A1 to A3 farmland) or large-scale battery energy storage systems. Councillor Bower raised concerns about land contamination from concrete bases for solar panels. Councillor Prater questioned the legal implications and binding nature of the position statement, arguing it was not policy and had little influence on planning decisions. He also highlighted the lack of consideration for spatial strategies, community involvement, and local energy resilience. Councillor Thomas expressed concerns about the long-term impact of solar arrays on land drainage and contamination. Councillor Hurd questioned the political nature of the item and the lack of definition for large solar array. Councillor Hudson noted that sheep graze under solar panels at the KCC-owned solar farm at Kingshill. Following a lengthy debate, the committee voted to endorse the position statement.

Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy

Councillor Paul King, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Special Projects, presented the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy. He highlighted that the existing strategy was outdated and needed replacement, emphasizing that reducing residual waste and increasing recycling could deliver substantial savings. Helen Shulver, Strategic Lead for the Kent Resource Partnership, outlined the strategy's four aims: reducing waste and increasing recycling, engaging and informing residents, managing littering and fly-tipping, and promoting behavioural change. Examples of successful initiatives, such as the Shake It Out campaign and a pilot mattress recycling scheme, were mentioned. Members discussed the prevention of recycling contamination, the need for consistent communications, and concerns about ongoing fly-tipping issues. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to adopt the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy 2026-2031.

Kent & Medway Business Fund 2026 - Revised Loan Offer

Councillor David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Special Projects, presented the revised loan offer for the Kent & Medway Business Fund (KMBF). The fund utilises recycled Regional Growth Fund monies to provide repayable loans to businesses. The proposed changes include increasing the maximum loan limit from £600,000 to £750,000, allowing start-ups to apply with demonstrated contracts and viability, and extending repayment periods. Standardising match funding requirements to 25% and removing franchises from excluded sectors were also discussed. Members queried the distribution of loans across districts and the sustainability of the fund. Officers explained promotional activities and the fund's operation until at least 2032. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to accept the improvements and changes to the loan terms of the KMBF.

26/00011 - Cliff Collapse - Road of Remembrance, Folkestone

Councillor Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the report on the cliff collapse at the Road of Remembrance in Folkestone. The report sought approval to proceed with engineering works to stabilise the cliff and enable the safe reopening of the route. Option 3 was identified as the preferred option. Legal advice concluded that KCC would likely be held liable for any further collapses. Members welcomed the proposal, acknowledging the route's importance to Folkestone. Questions were raised regarding contributions from Folkestone and Hythe District Council, land ownership, and contingency plans for cost escalation. Officers confirmed that discussions with the district council were ongoing and that KCC would place a charge on the land for potential cost recovery. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to progress the construction of the embankment stabilisation works.

Prioritisation of Definitive Map Modification Applications

Councillor Georgia Foster, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, presented the report on the prioritisation of Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications. Due to a backlog of applications, primarily based on historic documentary evidence, a change to the Statement of Priorities is proposed to prioritise user-based applications. This means that for every documentary evidence-based application allocated, one user-based application will be allocated. Councillor Mr Hood welcomed the proposal, noting its potential to speed up processing. Councillor Bridget Porter inquired about the immediate decision on footpaths used continuously for over 20 years. Officers explained that all applications join the queue but user-based ones would be processed more promptly. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to amend the Statement of Priorities.

Adoption of Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy Amendments

Councillor Georgia Foster, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, presented the proposed amendments to the Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy. The current policy, last updated in 2023, has been revised following a public consultation with limited response. The updated policy aims to improve clarity, fairness, and consistency in pitch allocation across KCC's seven sites. Changes include clearer instructions on applications, strengthened evidence requirements, and alignment with housing allocation processes followed by boroughs and districts. The committee endorsed the proposed decision to adopt the revised policy.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Work Programme for future meetings.