Issue - meetings

David Beaver (Head of Waste Management) and Kay Groves (Waste Services Manager) were in attendance for this item.

1.    Mr Beaver introduced the report that set out the proposal for Kent County Council (KCC) to enter into a contract for a new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) to serve the needs of Tonbridge and Malling Borough and West Maidstone to resolve affiliated capacity issues at waste disposal sites in Tovil and Medway. Mr Beaver confirmed that pending Members comments and approval from the Cabinet Member, the new HWRC would be operating by September 2020.

2.    Officers responded to comments and questions as follows:

(a)  Mr Beaver noted Members requests for a new HWRC to facilitate Ashford and Cranbrook residents.

3.    Mr Rayner proposed, and Mr Chittenden seconded that an amendment be made to the recommendation to include that the Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste take action as required to endeavour to retain access to Medway HWRC for Kent residents until the new facility is ready.

4.    The Chairman put the amended recommendation to the vote and agreement was unanimous.

5.    It was RESOLVED that the proposed decision (19/00069) to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste to:

(a)    award a contract for a new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) to serve the needs of Tonbridge and Malling Borough and West Maidstone; and

(b)    to take action as required to endeavour to retain access to Medway HWRC for Kent residents until the new facility is ready,

be endorsed.