Are you over State Pension age, or know someone who is?
If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings.
See flyer attached for more information.
Public Consultation on the Proposed Main Modifications to the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39
The Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39 was submitted to the Secretary of State for Independent Examination on 17 May 2024 and the Public Hearings took place in September 2024. Following the close of the Hearings, a number of Main Modifications have been identified that are required in order to ensure that the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant.
Kent County Council has now published the Main Modifications to the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39, along with the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal for representations.
You can submit representations during a 6-week period from Thursday 17th October 2024 to midnight on Thursday 28th November 2024.
All documents relevant to the consultation including supporting documents and guidance can be found on the Council’s online consultation portal www.kent.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste.
Representations can be submitted via our website www.kent.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste,via email to ku.vog.tnek@plwm or by post to Minerals and Waste Planning Policy, Planning Applications Group, Invicta House, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XX.
Prior to making a representation it is recommended that that you read the attached Guidance Note. Representations can be made online or using the attached representation form. Please note that representations received will be shared with the Planning Inspector for consideration and will be made publicly available on our website with all personal data removed. Those received after the deadline will not be considered. This process specifically invites representations on soundness and legal compliance of the Main Modifications and the guidance note explains the relevant soundness tests and statutory plan making requirements.
Should you have any queries or wish to speak to a member of the team, then please contact us on 03000 422370 or via ku.vog.tnek@plwm.
Views sought on accessibility in Tonbridge and Malling
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council want their council services to be accessible for everyone. They are seeking the feedback of its residents to see if they are getting things right or if there are any barriers to accessibility in the Borough, especially for those with disabilities. Examples may include when you want to get in touch with the Council, are making an application or using their website. Please complete their short survey to help identify any areas where improvements can be made, as TMBC are committed to supporting the needs of those with additional needs or access requirements. The survey will be closing in mid-October.
New picnic table commemorates Cllr Mike Dobson
Cllr Karen Dobson (far left) with her mum, Pat, (centre) and other family members at the new picnic table in West Wood.
A new seven-seat wheelchair-access picnic table was installed in West Wood in early August in memory of Cllr Mike Dobson, who served the community for over 40 years as both a Parish and Borough Councillor. The table has been generously donated by his family, and his daughter Karen is the current Vice-Chair of Hildenborough Parish Council.
Karen said: “I took Mum to visit the new table soon after it was installed and she is so pleased with it. I’d like to thank my fellow Parish Councillors for arranging for its installation and hope many people get to enjoy a rest or picnic there.”
The new picnic area also features a large plant trough which will be filled with plants that are suitable for the location in due course.
Home Upgrade Grant
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council understands that many households in our area rely on oil, LPG, electricity, coal, or wood for heating, which can be expensive and inefficient. That’s why we’ve secured government funding from the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, specifically designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes without gas central heating. Details regarding the scheme including upgrades available, eligibility criteria and contact details for the scheme can be found in the poster.
The scheme finishes on 31 March 2025, with applications likely to close in October 2024.
Women and Girls Safety Workshops
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council will be running free five week Women and Girls Safety Workshops at Church Farm Hall in Larkfield from Thursday 19 September. The Girls’ workshops will be held first from 6.15pm until 7.15pm and then the Women’s Workshops will follow on at 7.30pm until 8.30pm.
These are free to attend but attendees need to pre-register by emailing ku.vog.cbmt@psc
During the five weeks those attending will learn:
- That you don’t need to be strong or use strength to overwhelm an aggressor,
- That a handful of carefully crafted words can de-escalate most violent situations.
- About situational awareness and how to avoid situations where violence is most common.
- When de-escalation is not effective, you’ll be given tools to know how to act swiftly, effectively and without guilt.
Girls can attend the workshops on their own, or parents are very welcome to stay and observe if they wish.
Upon completion of the five weeks, attendees will receive an attendance certificate and a personal safety alarm.
Please see poster for more information.
The Leigh expansion and Hildenborough embankment scheme Spring/Summer newsletter
The new Leigh expansion and Hildenborough embankment scheme newsletter has been published recently, slightly later than planned due to limitations on government communications being imposed in the run-up to the General Election. Further updates will be posted as work progresses.
New speed warning for motorists
The parish council has erected a banner on Foxbush to remind motorists of the speed limit while more long-term speed awareness solutions are being explored with Kent County Council. The parish council also has a supply of wheelie bin stickers displaying the 30mph speed limit that are available on request – either call the clerk on 07818 329029 or e-mail ku.vog.licnuochsiraphguorobnedlih@krelc.
Local Transport Plan Public Consultation
Kent County Council has launched a county-wide consultation on its new draft Local Transport Plan. The Local Transport Plan is a statutory plan which is designed to set out the Council’s ambition and proposals for major changes to the transport networks and to help the Council make the case for future funding for delivering improvements.
If you would like to have your say regarding local transport in Kent, please take this opportunity to complete the Local Transport Plan Public Consultation. Visit kent.gov.uk/ltp5. For queries or to request hard copies of the consultation material, please e-mail ku.vog.tnek@5ptl or phone 03000 416595/. The consultation closes 8 October 2024.
Kent County Council are also hosting a number of drop-in events where they can take questions and help attendees with providing responses to the consultation. Visit https://letstalk.kent.gov.uk/ltp-drop-in-events for the list of dates and locations.
Tree Safety Survey
A safety survey has been carried out recently on the trees in West Wood, the Village Green and the Recreation Ground. We are looking forward to receiving the report and will then be able to arrange for any remedial work to be carried out to ensure the trees do not present a hazard to the public. Sadly, we still receive reports of trees having Ash Dieback from time to time, and if they are badly affected the trees may have to be taken down. Fortunately, we have not received any reports from the latest survey of any trees presenting a hazard that needs urgent attention. Trees can of course become unstable at any time after they have been inspected. If you spot a dangerously loose branch or other issue with one of the trees in the Parish Council’s Open Spaces that you believe needs to be checked out by one of our contractors, it would be helpful if you could please contact the Parish Council by e-mailing ku.vog.licnuochsiraphguorobnedlih@krelc, thank you
Some of the beautiful trees close to the playground in West Wood.
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