The Sittingbourne Area Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 25 September 2025, to discuss public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure, and public toilets. The committee will also consider updates on actions and issues raised in previous meetings, including the appearance of Sittingbourne High Street and rules in the Milton Regis Conservation Area. Additionally, the committee is scheduled to review the minutes of the Swale Local Bus Forum.

Public Transport

Public transport issues in Sittingbourne are scheduled to be discussed, following up on previous discussions where councillors agreed to invite bus companies and a representative from Southeastern Trains to a future meeting. Councillors Tony Winckless and Karen Watson are also scheduled to report back after Bus Focus Group meetings.

The committee is also scheduled to review the Minutes of Local Bus Forum on 290725. According to the minutes, Dan Bruce from Kent County Council (KCC) was expected to provide an update on the Kent Bus Information Portal, which is due to be formally launched in the coming weeks. The portal is intended to provide journey planning, real time information, and a reporting tool.

The bus forum also discussed funding updates, including the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Stephne Pay from KCC summarised the 2025/2026 Capital initiatives, including the Parish Rural Shelter Grant, where Parish Councils can bid for match funding to refresh or install bus shelters.

The minutes also state that concerns were raised regarding accessibility for customers with dementia or those using Zimmer frames.

Sittingbourne High Street

The committee is scheduled to discuss the issue of empty shops on Sittingbourne High Street. According to the Item X Matters Arising Sittingbourne AC 2025-09-25 report, an update was requested from the Chair of the Economy and Property Committee on actions being taken to encourage businesses to occupy empty shops.

An update included in Appendix I - MA - Sittingbourne Town Centre Update notes that the vacancy rate in Sittingbourne Town Centre is 13.25%, compared to the national average of 13.9%. The report also mentions that most vacant properties are privately owned, which limits the council's ability to influence lettings.

The report states that Swale Borough Council (SBC) has the power to hold rental auctions for high street premises that have been unoccupied for at least a year. However, these powers have substantial resource implications and could be subject to legal challenges. There are also concerns that rental auctions could lead to lower rents being paid, which could impact the long-term viability of High Street properties.

The report also notes that the council has been attempting to play an active role in the High Streets of the Borough through investment in Bourne Place and other town centre works.

The council has also recently tendered for the street markets in the Borough including Sittingbourne.

The report also notes that Planning Services has powers relating to sites impacting on the amenity of the adjacent area and can help put in place measures and address issues impacting on the amenity and attractiveness of the town centres.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

The committee is scheduled to discuss the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) public consultation. LCWIPs are designed to create a coherent network for cycling and walking.

Conservation Area Rules

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on conservation area rules, following a request from the Milton Regis Society for a standardised set of rules for shopkeepers and residents within a conservation area. The Item X Matters Arising Sittingbourne AC 2025-09-25 report notes that concerns have been raised regarding planning breaches within Milton Regis High Street, and the planning investigations team has been involved.

The report also mentions that the council has guidance on shopfront design and advertisements in its Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG). An update to the shopfront design guidance is scheduled for 2026.

The report also notes that Swale Borough Council currently does not have an Area of Special Control of Advertisements (ASCA) but it has been proposed that in order to better manage and maintain Swale's historic environment and heritage, targeted ASCAs can prove beneficial for conservation areas with a commercial centre.

Other Matters

• The committee is scheduled to discuss a consultation on public toilets.
• The committee is scheduled to discuss SBC's powers and duties relating to traveller encampments. A briefing will be held for all SBC members in November 2025.
• The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the Swale Local Heritage List. An additional call for nominations has started from 8 September 2025 for 6 weeks.
• The committee is scheduled to discuss issues relating to a box junction on Bell Road.
• The committee is scheduled to hold a public forum.
• The committee is scheduled to discuss local issues raised by councillors.
• The committee is scheduled to consider matters referred to Service Committee Chairs.