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  • Cabinet Member decisions
  • Cabinet Member decisions

    Earlier - Later

    Decisions published

    26/01/2023 - 22/00101 - Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2023 - 2027 ref: 2677    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision:

     

    To agree the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2023-27.

     

     

    Reason for Decision and Background

     

    Kent County Council (KCC), as the Local Authority (LA), has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2023-27 (KCP) is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out our future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent.

     

    The Plan details how we will carry out our responsibility for ensuring there are sufficient high quality places, in the right places for all learners, while at the same time fulfilling our other responsibilities to raise education standards and promote parental preference.  The Plan indicates the expected future need for education provision, thereby enabling parents and education providers to put forward proposals as to how these needs might best be met.

     

    The KCP sets out the principles by which we determine proposals, and it forecasts the need for future provision.  It also sets out in more detail plans to meet the commissioning needs which arise in each District in Kent during the Plan period.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet

    Decision published: 03/02/2023

    Effective from: 11/02/2023

    Decision:

    Cabinet agrees the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2023-27.

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Nick Abrahams


    01/02/2023 - 23/00009 - Holiday Activity and Food Programme ref: 2676    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision –

    As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to:

     

    i)          Authorise the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to accept the Holiday Activity and Food Grant for 2023-24 (£5.56m) in full for use in accordance with the grant determination letter issued by the Department for Education and the relevant terms and conditions.

     

    ii)         Authorise the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to accept future allocations of Holiday Activity and Food Grant in full for use in accordance with the grant determination letter which will be issued by the Department for Education and the relevant terms and conditions, provided these remain substantially the same as the current.

     

    iii)        Delegate authority to Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to manage and deploy the accepted Holiday Activity and Food Grant in accordance with the grant conditions and arrangements detailed in this report, including entering into contracts, grant agreements and any other legal agreements, and be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.

     

    Reason for the decision

    The Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) has been successfully delivered in Kent for the past two years, under the wider Reconnect: Kent Children and Young People Programme.  It has been growing in popularity with eligible families, and has provided an invaluable form of support during school holidays to children and young people who ordinarily receive benefits related free school meals.

     

    The grant determination letter was received from the Department for Education on 20 December 2023, setting out the Authority’s funding allocation and the grant terms and conditions.  The grant needs to be accepted swiftly and authority delegated to enable the necessary arrangements to be made to deliver HAF provision during the Easter holidays, which commence 3 April 2023.

     

    Preferred option

    The preferred option is to accept the grant and to continue to delegate authority to the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to deploy the funding and manage arrangements in order to delivery Kent’s HAF programme.  The Education People are currently commissioned to manage the programme on behalf of the County Council and this arrangement will continue in the immediacy.

     

    Consultation

    The Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services has been consulted and supports acceptance of the grant and future service delivery.

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 01/02/2023

    Effective from: 09/02/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to:

     

    i)      Authorise the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to accept the Holiday Activity and Food Grant for 2023-24 (£5.56m) in full for use in accordance with the grant determination letter issued by the Department for Education and the relevant terms and conditions.

     

    ii)    Authorise the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to accept future allocations of Holiday Activity and Food Grant in full for use in accordance with the grant determination letter which will be issued by the Department for Education and the relevant terms and conditions, provided these remain substantially the same as the current.

     

    iii)   Delegate authority to Corporate Director Children, Young People and Education to manage and deploy the accepted Holiday Activity and Food Grant in accordance with the grant conditions and arrangements detailed in this report, including entering into contracts, grant agreements and any other legal agreements, and be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: David Adams


    30/01/2023 - 23/00008 - Gypsy and Traveller Service Improvement Project ref: 2675    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, I agree to procure and delegate authority to the Director for Growth and Communities to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to carry out a range of refurbishment and improvement works on the KCC owned Gypsy and Traveller Sites which will be funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Traveller Site Fund.

     

    Background:

    The DLUHC Traveller Fund was launched in May 2022 and welcomed bids for improvement and development projects on designated Gypsy and Traveller Sites.  The national fund was  £10million, and Local Authorities were invited to bid for individual projects not exceeding £1million per bid.  Due to the limited amount of funding available, and it being the first opportunity of its kind, there was a lot of interest in applying for the competitive fund.

     

    The Gypsy and Traveller Service submitted 7 individual bids, totalling £3.8million and were successful in all of them.

     

    All of the project plans will provide essential improvements and maintenance on site, which will ensure KCC is providing residential sites that are safe and well maintained.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services

    Decision published: 30/01/2023

    Effective from: 07/02/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, I agree to procure and delegate authority to the Director for Growth and Communities to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to carry out a range of refurbishment and improvement works on the KCC owned Gypsy and Traveller Sites which will be funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Traveller Site Fund.

    Division affected: Canterbury City North; Dover North; Malling Central; Malling North East; Sevenoaks Rural North East; Sevenoaks West; Sittingbourne North;

    Lead officer: Natalie Liddiard


    25/01/2023 - 22/00113 - Revised charges for non-household waste received at Household Waste Recycling Centres ref: 2674    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

     

    To give approval to increase disposal charges levied at the HWRCs for non-household waste materials and through the main delegations, via the Officer Scheme of Delegation, the Director of Environment & Waste is to review annually and publish charges in line with changing operational costs.

     

    Reason for the decision

     

    KCC operates a network of 19 HWRCs across the county, a policy of charging for the disposal of non-household materials, namely soil, rubble, hardcore and plasterboard was introduced in June 2019. Prior to this, costs for charging for the disposal of vehicle tyres was introduced in 2012.

     

    Following a review of increasing waste disposal costs, it is proposed to raise charges in line with inflation, charges have not risen since the implementation of the policy. 

     

    Background

     

    Fees were initially set and agreed in 2019, these were determined by several cost factors including disposal and treatment of the material, haulage, contractor management fees, administration fees and resources for the implementation of the service. 

     

    Each year, operating costs are increased for haulage and disposal rates for each of the material streams. This proposal to increase charges is based upon actual inflationary changes, which are applied to each disposal contract.

     

    Prices have not been reviewed since the commencement of the policy in June 2019; it is proposed to increase charges by subsequent years of indexation, with actual inflation applied to the start of the 23/24 financial year.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded)

     

    The option to hold charges is discounted as the cost of delivering all aspects of the service has risen. The Council wishes to continue to offer this chargeable service as an option to residents rather than prohibit the acceptance of non-household waste materials at HWRCs.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026

     

    The success of this service has seen waste materials reduce since its implementation in June 2019, it has encouraged some re-use which supports the Waste hierarchy and reduced haulage levels and therefore carbon by avoiding transportation. 

     

    Data Protection Implications

     

    A DPIA has been completed.       

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment

    Decision published: 26/01/2023

    Effective from: 03/02/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to increase disposal charges levied at the HWRCs for non-household waste materials and through the main delegations, via the Officer Scheme of Delegation, for the Director of Environment & Waste to review annually and publish charges in line with changing operational costs.

    Division affected: (All Division);


    25/01/2023 - 22/00071 - Agreement for a lease and subsequent formal lease for new primary and secondary school at Alkerden, Eastern Quarry, Ebbsfleet ref: 2673    Recommendations Approved

    Decision:

    The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to agree to:

     

    1.     authorise the taking of an agreement for a lease for a term in excess of 20 years, in order that a new primary and secondary school can be built for use and occupation with the lease term to formally commence upon completion of the new schools in 2024;

     

    2.     agree that upon completion and satisfactory handover of the new primary and secondary school, Kent County Council shall take a formal lease of the new schools for a term of 999 years, commencing in 2024;

     

    3.     agree that upon completionand satisfactory handover of the new primary and secondary school, and taking of a formal lease, the Director of Infrastructure is authorised to enter into a 125-year lease to the Academy Trust;

     

    4.     note that the main heads of terms for the leases are already agreed and recorded within a section 106 agreement which Kent County Council is already a party to; and

     

    5.     authorise the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to take necessary actions, included but not limited to entering into relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as required to implement this.

     

    Reason for the Decision:

    Proposed taking of an agreement for a lease and formal lease over 20 years requires a key decision in accordance with the County Council’s Property Management Protocol.

     

    The agreement for a lease will need to be completed within the current financial year in order that a contract to build the new schools can be entered into to deliver the schools for 2024.

     

    Background:

    Kent County Council (KCC) entered into a section 106 agreement with numerous third parties on 28 March 2018, for the provision of a new primary and secondary school within the Eastern Quarry Development.  KCC has previously entered into section 106 agreements for the provision of two other primary schools within the development; one school has been built and opened (Cherry Orchard Primary School) and the other school is to be built at a future date.

     

    In accordance with Schedule 7 of the 2018 Agreement, the developer is required to build a new primary and secondary school at Alkerden, and upon practical completion of the buildings, grant a 999-year lease of their use and operation.

     

    Members should know that following a competition, as required by the Department for Education, Kent County Council determined both the provider and that the primary and secondary provisions would operate as an ‘All-Through School’.

     

    In order that the developer can proceed with issuing a building contract for the development of the new School, it requires the KCC to commit to the taking of a 999-year lease by first entering into an agreement for a lease, with a view to granting the formal 999-year lease upon completion / handover of the new school.

     

    Subsequently, KCC would grant a 125-year lease to the Academy Trust.

     

    Options Considered:

    No other options were considered as KCC are already legally bound under the terms of the 2018 agreement to enter into the 999-year lease.  KCC could consider seeking a formal variation to the 2018 agreement not to enter into the lease, but this is not considered necessary as there is demand for the new schools to be delivered and open at this location in 2024.

     

    How the proposed decision supports the Interim Strategic Plan:

    The decision supports Outcome 2 (Securing sustainable infrastructure) and Outcome 6 (Opportunities for Children and Young People).

     

     

     

     

    Decision Maker: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services

    Decision published: 25/01/2023

    Effective from: 03/02/2023

    Decision:

    As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I:

     

    1.    agree to authorise the taking of an agreement for a lease for a term in excess of 20 years, in order that a new primary and secondary school can be built for use and occupation with the lease term to formally commence upon completion of the new schools in 2024;

     

    2.    agree that, upon completion and satisfactory handover of the new primary and secondary school, Kent County Council shall take a formal lease of the new schools for a term of 999 years, commencing in 2024;

     

    3.    agree that, upon completionand satisfactory handover of the new primary and secondary school, and taking of a formal lease, the Director of Infrastructure is authorised to enter into a 125-year lease to the Academy Trust;

     

    4.    note that the main heads of terms for the leases are already agreed and recorded within a section 106 agreement which Kent County Council is already a party to; and

     

    5.      authorise the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to take necessary actions, included but not limited to limited to entering into relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as required to implement this.

    Division affected: Dartford Rural;

    Lead officer: Andrew White, James Sanderson


    20/01/2023 - 22/00112 - M20 Junction 7 Capacity Improvements ref: 2671    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

     

    To give approval to:

     

    1. Subject to a successful bid, delegate to the Corporate Director of Finance the authority to accept up to £5.4m of Community Infrastructure Levy funding from Maidstone Borough Council to deliver the M20 Junction 7 Capacity Improvements scheme aimed at reducing congestion, queuing, and air pollution.

     

    1. Adopt the M20 Junction 7 Capacity Improvements scheme shown on Drg. Nos. 70040984-GA-0101 T01 and 70040984-GA-0102 T01 for implementation.

     

    1. Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport the authority to enter into the appropriate land, development and funding agreements and the award of the construction contract, and all other acts and consents and any subsidiary contracts required to allow the scheme to be implemented.

     

    1. Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport, under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member, any further or other decisions as may be appropriate to deliver the M20 Junction 7 scheme.

     

    Reason for the decision

     

    Approval of highway improvement scheme proposals and authority to enter into funding agreements, progress with detailed design and award the construction contract.

     

    Background

     

    M20 Junction 7 at Maidstone experiences significant congestion which without intervention will be exacerbated by the development of the Kent Medical Campus and housing developments in the area.

     

    To the north of the junction, the A249 provides a strategic link to the M2 at Junction 5 and then into Swale. To the south, it provides access to Maidstone and the A20.  Immediately south of the junction, the A249 connects to Bearsted Road, providing access to the Newnham Court Shopping Village, the developing Kent Medical Campus, and the Eclipse Park office, retail and hotel business park.

     

    The proposed scheme will implement traffic signals at the M20 Junction 7 roundabout and improve the walking and cycling infrastructure through the junction, mitigating the current barrier from north-south between Maidstone and Swale Districts through providing 4 new toucan crossings and a re-aligned shared use pedestrian/cycle path to connect with the existing infrastructure.

     

    The proposed M20 J7 improvements will complement and enhance the benefits of the £14.657m A249 Bearsted Road improvement scheme (Decision 22/00025).  Together, the proposed M20 J7 improvement and the A249 Bearsted Road improvement form an integrated package of measures to reduce congestion and support new high-quality development. Both parts of the package were identified in the Kent Local Transport Plan (2016-2031) and will unlock the development of 100,000m2 of specialist medical facilities and related uses, including 25,000m2 of offices and research and development facilities and 3,000 highly skilled jobs at the Kent Medical Campus (KMC).

     

    The benefits from improved capacity will be shorter, more reliable journey times and reduced queues for all road users. Reduction in queuing will also reduce the production of carbon emissions and health and well-being benefits will be provided by increasing active travel.

     

    Following successful applications to the NPIF for funding towards the Bearsted Road improvement, an application was made to National Highways (NH) (formerly Highways England (HE)) for £4.7m from its Growth and Housing Fund to deliver the proposed M20 J7 improvement. Unfortunately, this fund was subsequently withdrawn, leaving that part of the package unfunded, although NH remains strongly supportive of the scheme.

     

    Subsequent bids for Local Growth Funding and Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Round 1 were unsuccessful, but developer contributions of £1,062,429 have been secured and banked.  Due to the importance of delivering this infrastructure improvement, two further funding bids have been submitted (please see financial section below for further detail):

     

    -           A bid was also submitted to LUF Round 2 in August 2022 because although the Round 1 bid for the M20J7 was unsuccessful, feedback received from the DfT suggested the bid was strong and could be resubmitted as a Round 2 bid.

     

    -           A bid was submitted in July 2022 to Maidstone Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund for infrastructure.

     

    If the LUF Round 2 bid is successful, a grant offer letter will be issued that needs to be signed and returned to accept the grant.  The grant conditions will be reviewed by Invicta Law and KCC Finance prior to signing, and will only be signed and returned to DLUHC if the risk to KCC is deemed acceptable.  A current condition of the funding is that an element of spend is achieved in the 2022/23 financial year.  As the funding decision is now delayed until the end of 2022, this requirement may change.  However, it is necessary to seek the authority to proceed with scheme delivery prior to the funding award to make it possible to proceed at pace if this remains a requirement following a positive funding decision.

     

    If the bid(s) are not successful then delivery of the scheme will not proceed and no further costs will be incurred.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded)

     

    Do Nothing (Not delivering Bearsted Road or M20 Junction 7) – Discarded - the current congestion and unreliable journey times through the junction would be exacerbated by planned development in Maidstone. This would not be in line with Framing Kent’s Future 2022-26.

     

    Do Minimum (Deliver the Bearsted Road scheme only) – Not preferred - The Bearsted Road scheme and the M20 J7 scheme are both required to deliver the full benefits in terms of reduced journey times through the junction.  The final 25% of the Kent Medical Campus (KMC) will only be unlocked with the delivery of both schemes.  Due to current inflationary pressures; the longer the delivery of the full scheme is delayed, the higher the cost will be.  However, if the most recent funding bids are not successful; this do minimum option will be delivered as a standalone scheme.

     

    Do Optimum (Deliver both Bearsted Road and M20 Junction 7) – Preferred option - Modelling has shown this would dramatically reduce queueing on the A249 southbound approach. There would be some increase on the northbound and eastbound approaches, but queues here would remain short and the overall level of queuing at J7 would be acceptable and manageable.  This option would cost an additional £8.3m, but this will be externally funded and is required to deliver the full benefits and unlock growth. 

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 (https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/corporate-policies/our-council-strategy)

     

    Delivery of the M20 Junction 7 Capacity Improvements supports the first three priorities of Kent’s Future 2022-2026 as follows:

     

    Levelling Up Kent - The scheme will improve travel conditions, reducing journey time delays and queues at a key road junction critical for the provision of an effective and efficient transport network in the Maidstone and Swale region. This will provide a catalyst for economic growth and housing development. In so doing, the M20 J7 Improvements will increase opportunities to access more skilled and better paid employment opportunities, and reduce unproductive time spent in traffic congestion. The scheme output of reduced congestion will make public transport trips more reliable.

     

    Infrastructure for Communities – The scheme will enable the full build out of the KMC, providing the necessary infrastructure before the development is completed.  By offering improved cycling and walking connectivity, a barrier to active mode travel will be removed and encourage more use of active travel engendering greater well-being and better health.

     

    Environmental step change - Improvements to J7 aims to reduce queue lengths and waiting time for approaching traffic, thereby reducing NO2 emissions in this AQMA.  The scheme will also provide new cycling and walking infrastructure which will connect with existing facilities complementing the cycling and walking improvements in the Bearsted Road scheme. This will encourage cycling and walking to the KMC and other sites, helping reduce congestion and improve air quality, health and well-being.

     

    Data Protection implications

     

    A DPIA is not required for the scheme.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 20/01/2023

    Effective from: 28/01/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, I agree to:

     

    1. Subject to a successful bid, delegate to the Corporate Director of Finance the authority to accept up to £5.4m of Community Infrastructure Levy funding from Maidstone Borough Council to deliver the M20 Junction 7 Capacity Improvements scheme aimed at reducing congestion, queuing, and air pollution.

     

    1. Adopt the M20 Junction 7 Capacity Improvements scheme shown on Drg. Nos. 70040984-GA-0101 T01 and 70040984-GA-0102 T01 for implementation.

     

    1. Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport the authority to enter into the appropriate land, development and funding agreements and the award of the construction contract, and all other acts and consents and any subsidiary contracts required to allow the scheme to be implemented.

     

    1. Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport, under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member, any further or other decisions as may be appropriate to deliver the M20 Junction 7 scheme.

    Division affected: Maidstone North East; Maidstone Rural East; Maidstone Rural North; Maidstone South;


    20/01/2023 - 22/00111 - Folkestone 'A Brighter Future' Levelling Up Fund Round 2 Bid ref: 2670    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

     

    As the Cabinet member for Highways and Transport I propose, subject to a successful bid to Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for Levelling Up Fund Round 2 (LUF2) for £19,791,819 to deliver the Folkestone ‘A Brighter Future’ scheme, I agree to:

     

    I.         Delegate to the Corporate Director of Finance the authority to enter into a delivery partner agreement with Folkestone and Hythe District Council, to deliver the transport and public realm elements of the Folkestone ‘A Brighter Future’ scheme aimed at improving gateway to town centre, public realm and town centre connections.

     

    II.        Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport the authority to enter into the appropriate land and development agreements, commission detailed design and relevant surveys and the award of the construction contract, and all other acts and consents and any subsidiary contracts required to allow the scheme to be implemented.

     

    III.      Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport, under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member, any further or other decisions as may be appropriate to deliver the Folkestone ‘A Brighter Future’ LUF.

     

     

    Reason for the decision

     

    Approval of highway improvement scheme proposals and authority to enter into a delivery partner agreement, progress with detailed design and award the construction contract.

     

    Background

     

    Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has submitted a bid to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for Levelling Up Fund Round 2 for £19,791,819 to deliver the Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme.

     

    The scheme aims to address the issues that the town centre currently faces. Folkestone town centre suffers from high vacancy rates and an overall poor-quality urban environment. It has been struggling over recent years and has seen a 16% drop in footfall over the last four years which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vacancy rates in the town centre currently are very high at 14.7% and the scheme will aim to reduce this through improved access and public realm.

     

    The Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme has three key areas of focus to improve Folkestone town centre:

     

    1.    Station Arrival and Town Centre Connections

     

    2.    Improved Gateway to the Town Centre and Bouverie Square

     

    3.    Folca, Sandgate Road and Town Centre Public Realm

     

    If the bid is not successful, then delivery of the scheme will not proceed and no further costs will be incurred. The officer time spent to date on assisting with the bid has been met from existing revenue; but if the bid is successful this will be capitalised against the project.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026 (https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/corporate-policies/our-council-strategy)

     

    Delivery of the Folkestone- A Brighter Future supports the first three priorities of Kent’s Future 2022-2026 as follows:

     

    Levelling up Kent – Folkestone is a level 1 priority area as defined in the Levelling Up Fund criteria, meaning it is the highest priority for LUF intervention.

     

    Infrastructure for communities – The scheme will enable the further and continued rejuvenation of the Folkestone area.

     

    Environmental step change – The scheme promotes and encourages pedestrian and cycle travel to and within the town centre. The benefits of the scheme will help towards delivery of Kent’s goal towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded)

     

    As the potential delivery partner for the scheme; KCC were not involved in assessing the options for the scheme. FHDC developed the Folkestone Place Plan in 2021 to define the scope of the scheme. A total of six possible options were considered in the Folkestone Place Plan as follows: Station Arrival and Town Centre Connections, Improved Gateway to the Town Centre and Bouverie Square, Sandgate Road and Town Centre Public Realm, F51 Environs and Payers Park, Harbour Line & Tram Road, and Sunny Sands.

     

    Following the creation of the six above options public consultation was sought to get an understanding of key stakeholders’ opinions of the proposals. Upon completion of this stage, it was concluded that three of the six projects would proceed as described in the background section above. The discarded options still present viable future projects however, as part of this scheme (Folkestone- A Brighter Future) will not be developed further.

     

    The KCC options to consider regarding the scheme relate to accepting the delivery partner role or not:

     

    Do nothing: Discarded - Do not act as delivery partner for the scheme; FHDC would have to manage this themselves. This would carry reputational risk as well as affect the relationship between KCC and FHDC. The timescales of the LUF2 grant would make it difficult for FHDC to deliver the highway works involved within the conditions of the grant.  There would be no additional cost to KCC but time spent on assisting with the bid to date would not be able to be capitalised and claimed from the LUF2 grant.

     

    Do something: Act as delivery partner for the transport and public realm aspects of the scheme, ensuring that the works and materials are delivered to a high standard and do not present a maintenance liability going forwards.  This will also ensure that KCC has active involvement in the scheme design and delivery.  There will be no cost to KCC as all officer time and overheads will be capitalised against the project.

     

    Data Protection implications

     

    A DPIA is not required for the scheme.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 20/01/2023

    Effective from: 28/01/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, subject to a successful bid to Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for Levelling Up Fund Round 2 (LUF2) for £19,791,819 to deliver the Folkestone ‘A Brighter Future’ scheme, I agree to:

     

    I.             Delegate to the Corporate Director of Finance the authority to enter into a delivery partner agreement with Folkestone and Hythe District Council, to deliver the transport and public realm elements of the Folkestone ‘A Brighter Future’ scheme aimed at improving gateway to town centre, public realm, and town centre connections.

     

    II.            Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport the authority to enter into the appropriate land and development agreements, commission detailed design and relevant surveys and the award of the construction contract, and all other acts and consents and any subsidiary contracts required to allow the scheme to be implemented.

     

    III.          Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport, under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member, any further or other decisions as may be appropriate to deliver the Folkestone ‘A Brighter Future’ LUF scheme.

    Division affected: Folkestone East; Folkestone West;


    20/01/2023 - 22/00110 - Thames Way Scheme - Kent Thameside Strategic Infrastructure Programme ref: 2669    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

     

    The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport is asked to give approval to progress the Thames Way scheme through the stages of development and delivery as indicated below and specifically for:

     

         I.      Approval to delegate the scope change decision, required to allow the scheme to proceed through to detailed design and for the Ebbsfleet Central Application to be determined, to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member.

        II.      Approval to delegate the decisions to enter into the appropriate land, development and funding agreements, and all other acts, consents and any subsidiary contracts required to allow the scheme to be progressed to the appropriate Corporate Director.

      III.      Approval to carry out any public engagement or consultation required for the Thames Way scheme;

      IV.      Approval for any further decisions required to allow the scheme to proceed through to detailed design to be taken by the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

     

    Background

     

    The Kent Thameside Strategic Transport Infrastructure Programme (STIP) is a package of transport improvements with the broad aim of delivering improvements at key locations across the transport network that would enable the planned level of development to be realised supporting the growth agenda for Dartford, Gravesham and Ebbsfleet. Two previous decisions were taken on the matter (Decision 07/01108) and (Decision 12/01953). Considering the substantial time since the previous decisions and scale of development which has taken place during this time, it is proposed to seek a further Key Decision relating specifically to the Thames Way Scheme, a project within the STIP.

     

    The Thames Way Scheme (formerly known as Thames Way Dualling) is a proposed junction upgrade and dualling scheme within the Ebbsfleet area (Dartford and Gravesham border). The scheme, as currently approved within the STIP programme, would upgrade 1600m of single carriageway to dual carriageway from Stonebridge Road to Springhead Road with improvements to four key junctions on this route. The Thames Way area is due to be developed by EDC, these plans include upgrading three of the four junctions within the scheme area but will not dual the Thames Way. 

     

    KCC have commissioned further modelling work to determine whether the updated trip data supports the dualling of Thames Way. It is expected that the dualling will not be required and the benefit from the junction upgrades alone, will be sufficient to realise the required additional network capacity. Full results of this commission will be included within the Decision Report. 

     

    Options to progress the scheme are discussed:

     

    Options

     

    Option 1 (progress with the Thames Way scheme as previously proposed i.e. dualling and junction upgrades) - least preferred option. The dualling and junction improvements along Thames Way will increase the capacity of Thames Way. The dualling will likely have up to a moderate adverse effect on local species and adverse effects on landcover due to the destruction of local vegetation. Plans for the development of Ebbsfleet Central will not be able to progress in their current form, delaying housing build out for Dartford and Gravesham. The cost for this scheme, without considering current inflation rates, is predicted at £14.4m. This exceeds the available funding.

     

    Option 2 (Halt the scheme) – Given the level of development in the area, by 2036, it is expected that the Thames Way Springhead Road junction will be unable to function effectively during both the AM and PM peak. Presuming Ebbsfleet Central receives planning permission, three of the four junctions within the original scheme will be upgraded by this development improving the capacity across the western end of Thames Way.

     

    Option 3 preferred option (Descope the scheme to upgrade the Thames Way Springhead Road junction only) – The junction improvement will improve capacity at the Thames Way Springhead Road junction. Thames Way will remain single carriageway across the route. Presuming Ebbsfleet Central receives planning permission, the remaining junctions will be upgraded by this development improving the capacity across the western end of Thames Way. The descoped scheme will likely result in a reduced impact on the local species and landscape. There is also a reduced need for land acquisition.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026

    (https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/corporate-policies/our-council-strategy)

     

    Delivery of the Thames Way junction improvements supports the first three priorities of Kent’s Future 2022-2026 as follows:

     

    Levelling Up Kent - The scheme will improve travel conditions, reducing journey time delays and queues and provide necessary connectivity to local housing developments in the Ebbsfleet area. In so doing, the Thames Way junction improvements will increase opportunities to access more skilled and better paid employment opportunities, and reduce unproductive time spent in traffic congestion. The scheme output of reduced congestion will make public transport trips more reliable.

     

    Infrastructure for Communities – The descoping of the scheme will provide the necessary junctions improvements to support road loads as developments continue. 

     

    Environmental Step Change - Improvements to Thames Way junction aims to reduce congestion for traffic, thereby reducing NO2 emissions.  The descoping of the scheme will have a less adverse impact on local environment and species.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 20/01/2023

    Effective from: 28/01/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, I agree to give approval to progress the modified Thames Way scheme through the stages of development and delivery as indicated below and specifically for:

     

    I. Approval to delegate the scope change decision, required to allow the scheme to proceed through to detailed design and for the Ebbsfleet Central Application to be determined, to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member.

     

    II. Approval to delegate the decisions to enter into the appropriate land, development and funding agreements, and all other acts, consents and any subsidiary contracts required to allow the scheme to be progressed to the appropriate Corporate Director.

     

    III. Approval to carry out any public engagement or consultation required for the Thames Way scheme.

     

    IV. Approval for any further decisions required to allow the scheme to proceed through to detailed design to be taken by the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment & Transport under the Officer Scheme of Delegations following prior consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

    Division affected: Northfleet & Gravesend West; Swanscombe and Greenhithe;

    Lead officer: Abigail Roscoe


    20/01/2023 - 22/00114 - Transport for the South East - Strategic Investment Plan ref: 2672    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

     

    As Leader, I propose to:

     

    1. Endorse the Strategic Investment Plan prepared by Transport for the South East (TfSE) and support TfSE with its implementation.

     

    2. Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to take, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, the actions necessary to implement the decision.

     

    Background

     

    The Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 amended the Local Transport Act 2008 to allow the creation of Sub-national Transport Bodies (STBs). There are now several shadow STBs in England, with Transport for the North becoming the only statutory STB since April 2018.

     

    Transport for the South East (TfSE) is a partnership of 16 Local Transport Authorities and five Local Enterprise Partnerships. In July 2020, TfSE’s Shadow Board adopted a Transport Strategy. TfSE then embarked on a series of Area Studies and Thematic Strategies (Freight, Future Mobility and Decarbonisation) in August 2020, completing these in summer 2022. These studies collectively provided the evidence base for a Strategic Investment Plan that TfSE published in draft in July 2022 and undertook a public consultation on. At the TfSE Partnership Board on 14 November 2022, the Board membership endorsed changes that had been made to the Strategic Investment Plan given consultation feedback. This included consultation feedback made by Kent County Council. TfSE constituent member authorities are now tasked with endorsing the Strategic Investment Plan. Following this, TfSE will then submit the Plan in Spring 2023 to central Government for their consideration.

     

    Data Protection Implications

     

    A Data Protection Impact Assessment is not required as this project does not require the processing of personal data.

    Decision Maker: Leader of the Council

    Decision published: 20/01/2023

    Effective from: 28/01/2023

    Decision:

    As Leader, I agree to:

     

    1.    Endorse the Strategic Investment Plan prepared by Transport for the South East (TfSE) and support TfSE with its implementation.

     

    2.    Delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to take, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, the actions necessary to implement the decision.

    Division affected: (All Division);