Members may ask questions on the Leader’s Statement.  (To follow).

Added 20 November 2017.

The Leader introduced his statement which gave an update on Housing Allocations and Air Quality.

Before inviting Members to speak, the Leader advised that Councillor Duncan Dewar-Whalley would be replacing Councillor David Simmons on the Appointments Sub- Committee and Councillor Peter Marchington would take the vacant seat on the Policy Development and Review Committee.

Housing Allocations

The Leader of the UKIP group referred to the first paragraph of the Leader’s Statement and suggested that MP’s across Kent should unite to fight against housing numbers.  He asked whether Swale Borough Council (SBC) should be building on grade I agricultural land in the corridor of land referred to at paragraph 5?  In response, the Leader agreed that grade I agricultural land should be protected, but warned that the Planning Inspectorate and Central Government would make decisions on development sites if SBC did not. 

The Leader of the Labour Group welcomed the security of the Local Plan up to 2022 and suggested that land adjacent to development sites in the Local Plan should be protected.

The Leader of the Independent Group referred to the Government budget announcements that day and highlighted the lack of detail in the investment for future development of housing.  He suggested that SBC should influence Central Government by uniting all District Councils and MP’s in Kent.  The Leader agreed in uniformity with other Councils but advised that three District Councils did not want to unite on a previous attempt.  He added that a Kent Districts and MP’s meeting was being set up.

A Member asked about the backdating of new targets, referred to the increase in workforce that new homes would require, and welcomed the additional funding of £40m to train in the construction industry announced by Central Government in the budget.

A Member highlighted the affect on residents of decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate and Central Government and suggested that developers should be forced to commence extant planning approvals.  The Leader advised that more detail was awaited on ‘land banking’. 

A Member was frustrated that promised facilities, such as schools and medical centres, were not being built in new development and suggested ‘buffer zones’ for protection against development.  In response, the Leader reminded Members that there was a demand for more housing as the population grew.

A Member sought assurance that there would be no deviation from the Local Plan in favour of windfall sites that became available.  The Leader advised that decisions were made by the Planning Committee and Planning Inspector but the Local Plan would give significant weight to decisions.

Air Quality

The Leader of the UKIP Group asked what action was being taken to ensure that the Air Quality measured at Key Street did not get any worse?  The Leader advised that there were ongoing negotiations with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs and Officers.

The Leader of the Independent Group asked if the process could be sped up?  The Leader agreed to look into this.

In response to a Member’s question about the air quality impact on a recent planning approval, the Leader reminded Members that he did not have the power to act.

A Member asked how Members would be selected for the Air Quality Steering Group?  The Leader said that Members with a technical knowledge would give strength to the group.

A Member welcomed Air Quality Management but asked if it was a bit late, whilst another Member pointed out that there was no way of measuring small particulates in Swale. The Leader replied that he had confidence in his Officers and more effective equipment and other options could be looked at.