Local News

Swale officers, investigating allegations of a sexual assault in Sittingbourne, have issued a CCTV image of a man they would like to identify.

At around 1.40pm on Thursday (21st October) afternoon a woman reported that an unknown man grabbed her from behind while she was walking along Charlotte Street. It is alleged the suspect touched her over her clothing. The victim was able to get away and the suspect left the scene.

As part of their enquiries, officers would now like to speak to the man pictured. Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01795 417119, quoting reference 46/211600/21. You can also contact Crimestoppers FREE and anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or using the online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-ano....

The High Court has rejected an appeal by Wheelabrator to overturn a decision by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to refuse permission for its new Kemsley North energy from waste (EfW) plant here in Sittingbourne.

Welcoming the decision, Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for the climate and ecological emergency at Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: “Whilst incinerating waste with energy recovery forms an important part of the waste strategy, we must recognise that it low in the hierarchy. It is much better to produce less waste in the first place and recycle more of the waste that does arise. In Swale we are working to divert more food waste from the general waste bins. Collected separately, food waste goes to an anaerobic digester which feeds methane into the national gas grid and produces a fuel conditioner used in local agriculture.”

The Court ruled (on Friday 8th October) that the extra capacity of the proposed plant is not required under Kent County Council’s revised Minerals and Waste Local Plan and could have provided a disincentive to recycle more waste.

Wheelabrator, which has been acquired by First Sentier Investors and rebranded ‘enfinium’ — was granted permission to increase the capacity of its Kemsley K3 plant to process an additional 107,000 tonnes of waste per year, giving a maximum capacity of 657,000 tonnes.

At last night’s (Wednesday 6th October) Council meeting, councillors unanimously agreed to change the way Swale Borough Council makes decisions by moving to a committee system.

Councillors have agreed that the council’s current leader-and-cabinet led structure, where most decisions are taken by fewer people, will be replaced with a committee system, which will come into effect at the annual council meeting in May 2022.

The new system will mean decisions are made by politically balanced committees representing all councillors.

Cllr Roger Truelove, Leader of the Council, told SFM News: “This will be more democratic. It ensures that when people go to vote they will know that their elected members will no longer be excluded from major policy decisions. Swale is a diverse borough with diverse politics and the cabinet system does inevitably exclude both communities and members. Cabinets belong at Westminster but are not appropriate to local councils, with more intimate contacts with different communities. This will not prevent the Coalition delivering on its agenda. We will have a majority on the committees. But going forward, beyond the elections of 2023 the committee system will lead to a more consensual approach to local politics, which in my long experience, is what most local voters want.”

Cllr Mike Baldock, Deputy Leader with responsibility for constitutional change, told SFM News: "This is a huge decision for the us to have taken, and I am delighted we have taken the whole council with us on this journey. Good politics is about listening and working together to support our residents and our communities. The committee system will help ensure everyone's voice is heard better."

Cllr Alan Horton, Leader of the Opposition, told SFM News: “The Conservatives have worked constructively with the Coalition to bring about this important change as it gives all Councillors an opportunity to speak for their communities and be involved in decision making. This is a fundamental change in how ward councillors are able to represent their residents​ and how the council makes decisions. We believe it is important that all voices are heard and we are looking forward to being able to better serve our residents from May next year.”

For more information about the change in governance and what it will mean for Swale Borough Council please click here.

Councillors have approved a new draft planning enforcement strategy and service charter outlining how breaches of planning permission are handled.

Swale Borough Council sought approval of the new draft strategy and charter at last month’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday 22nd September. The strategy sets out how the council protects the borough’s built and natural environment from unauthorised developments. It includes identifying priority issues for the service and explains what action can be taken.

The charter explains how the planning enforcement process works, to help people and partners like parish councils understand how investigations are carried out.

Cllr Mike Baldock, cabinet member for planning at the council, told SFM News: “We’ve been working on an improved enforcement strategy and service charter since the beginning of the year, and following a successful, eight-week consultation earlier this summer, cabinet has approved our plans. It’s important that we protect the borough against unauthorised developments now and into the future. The strategy will help us do this, as well as provide a more transparent planning service for residents and give a clearer picture of what the planning process entails".

He went on to add: “It will also provide a more consistent and effective communication between us and local parish and town councils. We made a commitment to renew local democracy and make the council fit for the future in our corporate plan, and the updated strategy and charter are just one of the ways we’re sticking to our priorities".

The full report can be found here.