Councillor Ben Chapelard

The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells decided to approve proceeding with works to deliver the cemetery depot on the Crematorium Lodge site. This decision was made on 23/07/2026. The decision includes approving the budget for the works, authorising the Head of Property and Estates to oversee development, and authorising the Head of Mid Kent Legal Services to complete necessary deeds and agreements.

The Cabinet decided to note the summary of complaints for 2025-26, approve the LGSCO Self-Assessment against the Code of Practice, and note the Annual Review Letter relating to Council performance for 2025-26. This decision was made on 25/06/2026. The council's complaints handling procedure has been amended to a two-stage process with set response times, and a new mandatory council-wide training is being implemented.

The Cabinet decided to establish a Paddock Wood and East Capel Infrastructure Delivery Board. The board will oversee the delivery of strategic sites and infrastructure for Paddock Wood and East Capel. The Portfolio Holder for Planning will be appointed as Chair, and borough councillors will be appointed to the Board.

The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Council decided on 25 June 2026 to approve the Local Plan Review timetable, the Notice of Intention to commence plan preparation, and the approach to delegation and sign-off arrangements for key stages. They also noted the Local Plan Review, including the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan. The decision included authorising the Head of Planning Services to update and publish the Local Plan Timetable, and giving delegated authority to the Head of Planning Services, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Leader of the Council, and Chief Executive to approve updates to the Notice of Intention.

The Cabinet decided to approve the disposal of Cemetery Lodge on 25 June 2026. Delegated authority was granted to the Head of Property and Estates, in consultation with others, to negotiate and agree the terms of the disposal. The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services was authorised to negotiate and complete all necessary legal documentation.