Issue - meetings

Background:

This report provided information on the draft Maidstone Local Plan, which included a proposal for a Lidsing Garden Community on the border of Medway. Medway Council had objected to the proposals but was legally required to demonstrate constructive engagement with Maidstone Borough Council on cross border strategic planning matters, under the Duty to Cooperate.

The report responded to concerns raised by Cabinet Members when the matter had previously been considered on 10 May 2022. These had related to the detrimental impact that development of the Lisding Garden Community would have on Medway roads and services, not least education provision and health services and Member views had been that the Statement of Common Ground should be more robust and explicit about the concerns and objections Medway had.

Following consideration by the Cabinet on 10 May 2022, the Statement of Common Ground had been revised and was attached to the report at Appendix 2. This document was due to be submitted to the planning inspector appointed to carry out the independent examination of the Maidstone Local Plan Review.

An addendum report set out a revised version of the statement of Common Ground, setting out the proposed amendments by Maidstone Borough Council which the Cabinet accepted as additional information at the meeting.

Reasons:

To provide a robust and effective governance process supporting the legal Duty to Cooperate.