The meeting of the Gravesham Council's Strategic Environment Cabinet Committee on Monday 17 June 2024 focused on discussing the draft Developer Contributions Guide and the draft Transport Strategy. Key decisions included the adoption of the Developer Contributions Guide and the incorporation of additional considerations into the Transport Strategy.

Developer Contributions Guide

The Chair introduced the Developer Contributions Guide, which aims to provide advice and information to applicants and their advisers on securing mitigation through a Section 106 legal agreement or unilateral undertaking. The guide also aims to clarify the Council’s responsibilities to the local community.

• Negotiation of Section 106: Discussions are encouraged at the pre-application stage. Members queried the internal negotiation mandate and vetting process for Section 106 contributions. The Head of Planning explained that third-party requests are vetted by planning officers and signed off by the officer making the delegated decision or by Members if heard at Planning Committee.
• Review of Requests: All requests are outlined within each Section 106 agreement and monitored as per the Constitution. A small fee could be requested to ensure the Council obtains the funds once the Section 106 is implemented.
• Variety of Contributions: The guide outlines various contributions that might need to be considered during negotiations.
• Education Contributions: The guide stresses the importance of keeping education-related contributions within the borough.
• Healthcare Provisions: Members discussed the example of the former St Joseph’s Convent Preparatory School redevelopment, noting that a new healthcare centre was specified but was actually an amalgamation of two existing centres. The Head of Planning clarified that this was not funded by a Section 106 agreement.

The Chair concluded that the next stage would be to agree on any modifications and adopt the document as a strategy by the Council. The Committee noted the report.

Draft Transport Strategy

The Committee discussed the draft Transport Strategy, which identifies key transport issues in the borough.

• Pedestrian Safety: Members raised concerns about pedestrian safety, suggesting more pedestrianisation and road crossings, along with reducing pavement parking. The Head of Planning mentioned potential government support for extending the ban on pavement parking.
• Bus Services: The strategy aims to improve bus services in both urban and rural areas. Members highlighted the poor service in some rural areas. The Head of Planning noted that financial viability issues and the withdrawal of County Council funding were challenges. The Chair agreed to include this matter in the strategy.
• Cycle Routes and Footpaths: The lack of a cycle route and footpath between Meopham Station and Istead Rise was highlighted. The Head of Planning mentioned ongoing work with Kent County Council (KCC) to consider additional routes.
• Parking Near Schools: Residents near schools face parking issues. The Chair mentioned the 'School Streets' initiative, which uses cameras to fine unregistered parkers.
• Park and Ride Scheme: Members queried the feasibility of a park and ride scheme. The Head of Planning explained that such schemes work only in traffic-controlled, car park-free town centres, which Gravesham does not have.
• Bus Network Reliability: Members noted the unreliability of the bus network for commuting. The Head of Planning acknowledged the issue and mentioned that the new strategy would address it.

The Chair requested that the strategy be brought back to the Committee in June for further consideration. The Committee noted the report.

Corporate Performance Report - Q3 2023-24

The Committee reviewed the Corporate Performance Report for Q3 2023-24, which updates on key performance indicators.

• Major Planning Applications: 80% of major planning applications were processed on time, down from 100% due to one application requiring further work.
• Minor Planning Applications: 100% of minor planning applications were processed on time, an improvement from previous quarters.
• Planning Enforcement Actions: Two enforcement actions were undertaken, including notices served for Fowlers Stone Wood and Greenacre, Lockyers Hill.
• Net Additional Homes: The report highlighted key development sites such as Northfleet Embankment East and West, now known as Harbour Village and Cable Wharf, which continue to deliver completions.

The Committee noted the report.