To consider any questions submitted by Members.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30 pm the Wednesday before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

Questions with answers added 20.09.16

The Mayor advised that five questions had been submitted by Members, the answers to which had been provided and are attached as Appendix II.  The Mayor reminded Members that there was a three minute time limit for supplementary questions and their answers, and invited relevant Members to ask a supplementary question.

Question One

Councillor Mike Baldock thanked the Cabinet Member for his answer, and expressed disappointment that he appeared to have little interest in heritage.  He asked whether the Cabinet Member realised that a good heritage strategy would help to promote the Borough, boost visitors and provide jobs?  Had he seen Dover’s heritage strategy, and would he reconsider producing a strategy for Swale?

The Cabinet Member for Planning responded by saying that he disagreed that he was not interested.  After declaring interests, he advised that there were many heritage associations/trusts in the Borough, such as the Museums Group, which Swale provided support to.  He reminded Members that there was a heritage grant available that Members could apply to, and to-date 10 local groups had applied for funding.

Question Two

Councillor Roger Truelove advised that he was disappointed with the answer and asked if the Leader would consider the residents and be more flexible.  Did he really expect staff to walk from Cockleshell Walk, Sittingbourne, which would be developed in the future.  He asked the Cabinet Member, if the Council was minded to acquire land near to the Council Offices and it was developed in some way, would he consider including staff parking, which would delight local people and staff?

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance agreed to the talk to the Member outside of the meeting regarding the land in question.

Question Three

Councillor Mark Ellen thanked the Cabinet Member for his response and asked whether the mountain bike trail would be included within the consultation and asked what other bodies would be approached for funding, and whether the Council would consider financing improvements?

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs advised that he was delighted with the increase in use and acknowledged that the owner had put a lot of effort into making improvements.  He welcomed suggestions for funding, and reminded Members about the funding opportunities via their Localism Grants.

Question Four

Councillor John Wright thanked the Leader for his response and asked: if the Leader and Officers could investigate whether other sites had been indicated and given to the occupants? And if the Leader would keep track of costs that would be/had been incurred as a result of the judge’s decision?  He was concerned that the decision gave residents no confidence in the planning system and said that the Council should appeal the decision.

The Leader advised that he shared the Member’s frustration with the system that allowed one person (the judge) to overrule the Planning Committee’s decision, which complied with planning rules, and referred to a meeting that was taking place the following week to discuss this further. 

Question Five

Councillor Cameron Beart thanked the Cabinet Member for his response, and advised that the person who had brought the issue to his attention was present in the public gallery.  He asked whether the Cabinet Member would consider any other parking initiatives, in particular those that would support the Isle of Sheppey tourist industry?

The Cabinet Member for Safer Families and Communities responded by saying he was aware that the resident was present and she was delighted that one person could make a difference.  He advised that he was working on creative opportunities, and as the Member had asked about the Isle of Sheppey, he advised that his intention was for the car parks known as Shingle Bank and Shellness to become free of charge, with the intention of encouraging more visitors/tourism.