Purpose

This
report explains Maidstone Borough Council’s preferred
approaches public consultation on its emerging Gypsy, Traveller and
Travelling Showpeople Plan, and sets out a suggested response to
the consultation to be submitted on behalf of Tunbridge Wells
Borough Council as its formal response.

Decision

RESOLVED –
 
1.     
That the current consultation on Maidstone Borough
Council’s Regulation 18b Draft Gypsy, Traveller, and
Travelling Show people Preferred Approach Development Plan Document
(DPD) be noted.
 
2.     
That the suggested responses/comments set out in the
table of TWBC officer comments presented in Appendix A be submitted
on or before 12 December 2024 as Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council’s representations to Maidstone Borough
Council’s Regulation 18b Draft Gypsy, Traveller, and
Travelling Showpeople Preferred Approach DPD consultation be
approved.

Reasons for the decision

To
submit the representations/comments at Appendix A ensures that TWBC
has fully engaged with the consultation and the opportunity
provided by it to inform the emerging Maidstone Gypsy, Traveller
and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document.  It is also considered to represent a corporate
view having been considered by officers and Members. 

Alternative options considered

Do
nothing – Do not make representations to the consultation and
consequently miss an important opportunity to engage, input and
advise on the consultation.  A failure
to respond would not be within the spirit of the statutory duty to
co-operate.
 
Agree
to submit alternative representation – This would require
further discussion with officers and/or Councillors to inform the
response, which would mean the consultation deadline is not
met.