leader of tunbridge wells borough council

It comes after the Conservatives failed to secure the 10 seats they needed to retain overall control at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections earlier this month. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has voted in the head of the Lib Dem group as the authority's new Council Leader, ending two decades of Conservative rule. he first Tunbridge Wells Borough Council was elected prior to the boroughs official formation, in the 1973 United Kingdom local elections. https://www.timeslocalnews.co.uk/tunbridge-wells-news. "Despite the initial rebuff, I hope the opposition group leaders will now be prepared to discuss establishing good working relationship because that is what our residents and businesses both need and deserve.". Cllr Dawlings emphasised that the bulk of the Council Tax collected by the Borough is passed onto Kent County Council, Police, Fire services and for Parish and Town Councils. Matthew Sankey (pictured below) won the Speldhurst and Bidborough seat last week for the Tunbridge Wells Alliance Party by just 58 votes with a 50% share of the vote. "All the opposition wants what's best for the borough," he said. 28 Apr 2023 14:36:17 Having accepted the Leadership Cllr Chapelard announced his administration will be called the borough partnership. "But whether that will influence the others in his group, I dont know.". yDYQCXy:?eQUJZ[HZI_5&[(vPHpdMb As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Council structure Cabinet 6 Portfolio Holders Joint Meeting of the Area Committees when necessary Planning Committee Eastern Area Standards . The remainder are rural wards covering the other main towns and villages. The restricted area[clarification needed] immediately to the north and west of Tunbridge Wells lies within the Weald. Tunbridge Wells Alliance leader David Hayward this week said he had been trying to get hold of former leader Cllr McDermott in the hopes of striking a deal and feels all opposition parties are united in wanting what is best for the area. To be responsible for the Rough Sleeper Initiatives operating in both TW and T&M council areas and effectively direct and co-ordinate the various projects/activities, ensuring that use of the initiatives are maximised for the benefit of verified rough [1] This will be on the same day as other local elections . It means a deal needs to be struck somewhere but this still has not yet been done. The Council is composed of 48 councillors representing 20 wards across the borough. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can send you a weekly email packed full of interesting news and features. He said the idea was really exciting and could improve the attractiveness of the town. from Tunbridge Wells Green Party is standing 16 candidates on 4th May a full slate! The Boundary Commission is about to start an investigation to balance up the wards sizes across the Borough which inevitably will lead to many changes. There are also 3 seats belonging to Independents.[6]. The borough of Tunbridge Wells lies along the south western border of Kent, partly on the northern edge of the Weald, the remainder on the Weald Clay plain in the upper reaches of the rivers Teise and Beult. Since the last boundary changes in 2002, 48 councillors have been elected from 20 wards. Debs has a keen interest in conservation and local wildlife. "This late addition to the agenda comes after councillor Alan McDermott resigned from the post on Sunday, May 23. It felt like an extended family around the table all deciding whether they want to go in this or that direction. There is a 20 million deficit forecast over the next five years and thats got to be addressed. Brilliant! After the election, they held 24 of 48 seats. The Tunbridge Wells Alliance, a local party formed in opposition to the cancelled Calverley Square development, have 9 councillors, whilst the Labour Party hold 7 councillors. Former leader of the opposition, Cllr Ben Chapelard (Lib Dem), was voted through with 31 votes in favour, but all 13 opposition conservatives abstained. In a major upset for the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative Party won every single seat that the Lib Dems were defending in the election, providing the party with a majority in the borough, which was seen as traditionally pro-Tory, once more. from A Green In The Room Will Make The Difference, from Co-Leader Carla Denyer Visits Goudhurst, from A Green in the Room Makes a Difference, West Kent Radio Interview with Tunbridge Wells Green Party. Great article by Cllr Victoria White assessing the outcome of the Lib Dem - Alliance - Labour coalition's first term running Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Main Responsibilities 1. The Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been unseated by a UKIP candidate. Cllr Woodward, who has represented Broadwater since 2006, has also replaced previous mayor Joy Podbury. He argued the plans for Kingstanding Way on the North Farm Industrial estate provided: wonderful business and employment opportunities.. Cllr Dawlings said the recent speech where Boris Johnson suggested that green fields should be protected from development had not yet turned into revised government policy, so the existing Local Plan including the new development at Capel was continuing its approval process and was currently with government-appointed planning inspectors. But Cllr Hayward, a councillor for Pembury, said: "We have desperately been trying to get a response from Alan.". treeves@thekmgroup.co.uk. TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL CABINET MINUTES of the meeting held at the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RS, at 6.30 pm on Thursday, 20 April 2023 . Conservative Tunbridge Wells Council Leader Tom Dawlings outlines key achievements and upcoming 2022 delivery in the Tunbridge Wells Times newspaper news article published on the 2nd February. Earlier plans for an active travel route along the A26 which Borough Council officers had worked on for some time and for which Government funding had been secured had had to be abandoned when these failed to get the support of Kent Highways officials due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Conservative leader Cllr Tom Dawlings said he wanted to look at new options for a cycle and pedestrian route linking Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. The leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has resigned. On the state of shops in Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Dawlings noted that the Pantiles area was currently buzzing and he expressed optimism that the empty BHS store would soon attract a new retailer. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Our plan is about where we can make the biggest difference . The Sherwood ward councillor said: "It was not unexpected but, for the Conservative group to assume still, they are the leading party is arrogant. He said the Council was looking at ways of helping the local economy by connecting the top and bottom of Tunbridge Wells more effectively. In 2021, the Conservatives, who made significant gains across the country in that years local elections, continued to lose ground to the other parties in the council. Your email address will not be published. In recent years she has been hands-on with house restoration. The Government insists that this is [], Read More from A Green in the Room Makes a Difference, We hope everyone had a good Christmas even if their water had to be trucked into Tescos carpark for collection Water played a big part in shaping a year [], Read More from A fairer and Greener New Year. The email also includes a reminder for your bin collection day and tells you when new planning applications have been submitted near your house. A string of villages lies across this plain, from Brenchley and Horsmonden to Benenden and Headcorn. Cllr McDermott says Tom Dawlings, the new head of the Tory party, has attempted to arrange to meet the other three party leaders to strike a deal, a claim denied by Tunbridge Wells Alliance leader David Hayward, with negotiations all set to continue during this week's council meeting. After last week being appointed the new Tory leader, Cllr Dawlings, who represents Benenden and Cranbook, said he contacted the leaders of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, Labour and the Liberal Democrats on Thursday morning. The Liberal Democrats were also criticised by the Conservatives for their plans to use parts of the Common for cycle and bus lanes. RLL E(hr&I&OIK%V#S+:){))| w One year of the Lib Dem - Alliance coalition: what have they done for Tunbridge Wells? It takes its name from its main town, Royal Tunbridge Wells. "Councillor McDermott was elected leader in May 2019. 1.1 The report relates to the Council's commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030 and promote and carry out positive actions for the conservation and enhancement of our local environment. After the return to in-person Common Council meetings earlier this summer, a small group of residents asked Council to consider holding hybrid meetings (allowing public participation both in-person and by remote video conference). He says he feels all opposition parties are united in wanting what is best for the area. Cllr Blackwell 2: Plans for Hub Theatre are Very Unrealistic, Cllr Blackwell 1: Cllr Oakford is incorrect on State of Victoria Hall, Shock Resignation of Conservative Town Councillor, Cllr Oakford 2: Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall to Run Hub Theatre, Cllr Oakford 1: Confident of Overcoming Sport England Objection. Members of the Council elected Councillor Tom Dawlings as new Leader at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 26 May. Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Tunbridge Wells Borough Council May 2022 - Present1 year Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom Student Voice/Communicating for meaning. Our Education Directory has everything you could possibly need! . Local News; National News; Tunbridge Wells Conservatives . On May 4th, vote for [], Read More from Penny Peerless Paddock Wood East, Geoff Mason our Chair was interviewed by Martin Webber at West Kent Radio ahead of next Thursdays Borough Elections. Read more:Fresh plans for new health spa and accommodation at popular pub and restaurant. About TW Social. Plan meals, try new foods and explore cuisines with tested recipes from the country's top chefs. "Some of the services provided by our major contractors are presently less than satisfactory. Read Pascack Press 4.24.23 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey) on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Cllr Pound believes Cllr Dawlings will be a better leader of the council than Cllr McDermott was. Alliance - Labour coalition's first term running Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The content is clear and concise and you do not need to wade through a load of reading. In an interview with Southborough News, Cllr Tom Dawlings (pictured below) said he spoke regularly with the opposition group leaders. Council Leader Ben Chapelard said: 'The Council is a force for good. The budget will be addressed by the full council in February. In depth news and views about the town of Southborough in Kent in England 27,000 visitors to site since 2016! Cllr Chapelard said: We have come together to form this administration with one single and only objective: doing the best for our residents and our borough.. Placemaking is fundamental to the Council and as the new Planning Policy . A good team leader able to build confidence in colleagues of all skill . Sadly my approach to sort out some matters in advance of the Full Council meeting on 26th May were rebuffed. The council is working to improve its energy efficiency and catch up with a backlog of maintenance including repairs to the leaking roof and repainting of the windows. Councillor Woodward has represented Broadwater since 2006. The council is planning to draw on reserves to cover the budget shortfall caused by a loss of income from charges (as a result of the Covid pandemic) and rising costs of staff, utility bills, waste collection and parks maintenance. "We have major matters to address the local plan; the climate emergency and our net zero target for carbon emissions by 2030; our property assets and completion of the Amelia Scott. Political control of the council since 1973 has been held by the following parties:[2], The leaders of the council since 1998 have been:[3]. The largest party, with 16 councillors, are the Liberal Democrats. <> The content is clear and concise and you do not need to wade through a load of reading. Ben Chapelard of the Lib Dems, the party with the most councillors, will now head up the council. .news-img { width: 40%; height: auto; float: left; margin-right: 20px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 470px) { .news-img { width: 100%; height: auto; float: none; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px;} }. On 13 May 2022, the TWA released a statement claiming that negotiations with the Liberal Democrats on forming a new administration had not begun, rejecting claims by Chapelard in the Kent and Sussex Courier that discussions were ongoing. The Liberal Democrats more than doubled their presence. %PDF-1.7 Some of the services provided by our major contractors are presently less than satisfactory. On the Speldhurst and Bidbrough by-election result, Cllr Dawlings said the result was hugely disappointing and the Conseratives had had an admirable candidate in Rowena Stanyer who took 46% of the vote. The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Plan 2022-24 "Building a Better Borough" contains a commitment to develop a pesticide & herbicide policy. Bob Atwood, who was elected leader of the council in January 2011, lost to Piers Wauchope of UKIP . This caused the Conservatives to lose their majority, creating a minority administration. "All the opposition wants what's best for the borough," he said. There's a fantastic opportunity for a planning specialist TWBC. He argued that the cross-party collaborative agreement on plans to rent out the surplus space in the Town Hall for co-working showed that the different groups were able to work effectively together. Weve all come to serve our residents. This plain is part of the so-called Garden of England, named for its extensive orchards and former hop farms, sheep and cattle. Members of the Council elected Councillor Tom Dawlings as new Leader at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 26 May. "But in the balanced state the council is now in, working more closely together is all the more important. Mike Calvert writes climate breakdown is the most important challenge we will face in our lifetimes. Plan meals, try new foods and explore cuisines with tested recipes from the country's top chefs. This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), the Conservatives failed to secure the 10 seats they needed to retain overall control at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections, Cllr McDermott survived a leadership challenge at the Conservative AGM. Councillor Tom Dawlings (above) said the plan, which earmarks land across the borough for housing, employment, leisure and infrastructure, would be submitted, as scheduled, to the . 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Cllr Dawlings also says he wants to look at improving the refuse services in the area. This page is not available in other languages. Tom Dawlings (Con), a ward member for Benenden and Cranbrook, has . This state lasted for two years until 1996, when the Liberal Democrats gained a majority in the borough for the first time in its history. Even the former leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said "I really don't know" if the Calverley Square scheme will survive the aftermath.. Work was timetabled to start in five months but with a Conservative majority now of just eight and opposition parties along with some Conservatives preparing to oppose the scheme, this day may never come. A record 662 new homes were built in the last 12 months, including 272 affordable homes. But despite the changes to the new-look chamber, they remain deadlocked after the Conservatives failed to secure the 10 seats they needed to retain overall control at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections earlier this month. Council control before election. Planners Want Evidence from Public that Royal Victoria Hall has Historic Value, TV Architect Ptolemy Dean Condemns Hub Design as Poor, Theatre Experts are Concerned About Southborough Hub Plans, Parking Zone May Be Way Forward in Pennington Road, Apathy as Royal Victoria Hall set for demolition, Southborough Doctors Will NOT Move to Car Park for Now, Southborough Doctors Confirm Move to Car Park, Councillors Still at Odds over New Southborough Hub, Hopes and Fears over Hub as Scheme Heads to Planning Stage, July 11-17: Final Hub Public Consultation, Southborough Society calls for Town Museum and debates Library, Local Election on Thursday: Party Pledges, Lloyds Bank Southborough: Closure Seems Inevitable, Town Council says its Intention is to Preserve Remaining Ridgewaye Fields, Labour Supporters Ask for More Protection for Remaining Ridgewaye Fields, Refurbishing the Existing Theatre is Cheaper Option, Insists Save RVH Campaign, Glenn 3: Demolishing the Royal Victoria Hall. After 1976, when the council was re-elected, the Conservatives controlled of seats. APOLOGIES CAB155/22 Celebrating Tunbridge Wells Women in Business to recognise International Womens Day. A new plan for Tunbridge Wells borough was approved by Full Council on 1 March 2023 Book a bulky or electrical item collection, Homeless, vulnerable or at risk of homelessness, Setting up your business in Tunbridge Wells. 2,541 followers. One third of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in Kent, England, is elected each year, followed by one year without election. On [], Read More from Debs Keech Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, Alasdair can usually be found on his bike either coaching, competing or cycling local routes. By Geoff Mason | 13 April 2023. Announcing a new cabinet he revealed that four seats had gone to the Lib Dems, while both Labour and the TWA will have two each. "The boundary commission is about to start an investigation to balance up the wards sizes across the borough which, inevitably, will lead to many changes. But in the balanced state the Council is now in (24 Conservative Members, 24 Opposition Members) working more closely together is all the more important. He said: Ive been on the council for nearly 12 years and the advice I was given was as a leader of the opposition you think you know your way around the council, but when you become leader there will be things you werent aware of that sometimes crop up. Carla met Geoff Mason our candidate in Goudhurst and [], Read More from Co-Leader Carla Denyer Visits Goudhurst, With less than 3 months to go to the May local elections, this year youll need to show photo ID before you can vote. endobj The Conservatives 23 council seats are now outnumbered by the 25 seats held by opposition parties. Tunbridge Wells borough council (TWBC) took aim at Sunak's comments over the summer, when a video emerged of him speaking to Conservative activists in the area during the previous Tory . Over the next five years if we dont do anything about it we will have another 20 million hole in the council finances. Cllr Dawlings also noted that the Borough Councils Local Plan covered more than housing. The Town Hall co-working initiative which opens up additional space inside, released from digital automation for start-up & small businesses. Tunbridge Wells Social offers something for everyone - entertainment and activities for all ages, tips and workshops for healthy living and . Alasdair wants to help the borough council make more sustainable decisions especially about local transport [], Penny is a local gardener, small business owner and mum to a primary aged daughter. Full Council Executive (Cabinet) Tunbridge Wells Borough Council operates under executive arrangements, also known as the 'Leader and Cabinet' model. x]o8=@EDIInqe,$B')N"KCpC_U~7U/j:{b*;im~v=}$`>%iOlyzryszr`"`7w'3"p8T7 :fktzy'a?NOFG-X8 H!OYp ZI\ '|!v.\M39K+G,|6bv3 GkS"y0]L1S;CY8cL(yG}BApz+SIxwM[LF$KY8Y/vY tI17S=sxq ce. Wxr/?p{EOx&vVk5},\L3zj08z|)smC)~._:Xcq1sufksCF j)cFA*p ~r&BD()RG)d4u_}9|y. The Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells council has been defeated by a new party set up in protest to a multi-million pound development. Cllr Dawlings said there was cross-party support for efforts to upgrade the existing Town Hall building. More. Hub plans win over Tunbridge Wells Planning Committee, Multiple Errors of Fact in Planning Officers Report supporting Hub, say critics, Southborough Society Pledges Full Support for Council Hub Scheme, Key Planning Decision Next Week as Hub Project Team Ignore Petition, Petition Against Current Hub Plans Reaches 1,000 signatures: Local Priest says pay attention, Heritage Asset Status awarded to Royal Victoria Hall But Only Just, Soccer Club on Ridgewaye says Trust in Hub Project Team Has Evaporated, Backstage Pictures Reveal Secrets of Condemned Royal Victoria Hall amid New Delay to Planning Verdict, 84% of Planning Comments Still Oppose Hub Plans, Tunbridge Wells Theatre Boss Calls For Old Southborough Theatre to be Demolished, Hub Project on Track says Southborough Council, Six Reasons to Save the Superb Royal Victoria Hall, Sport England says No to Hub building plans. View the profiles of our Wells Fargo Board of Directors. Tom Dawlings, who led the Conservative group in the council, disagreed with Chapelards accusations of council maladministration and complacency and arrogance, naming as some of his administrations successes 54 million in grants distributed to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction of the Amelia Scott building in the town centre.

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