Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

a)    There is no scheduled test of the fire alarm during this meeting. If the alarm does sound, please leave the building quickly without collecting any of your possessions, using the doors signed as fire escapes.

b)    Assemble outside where directed. Await instructions before re-entering the building.

c)     Anyone who requires assistance in evacuating the building, should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Chair read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2026 (Minute Nos. 741 – 757) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 February 2026 (Minute Nos. 741 – 757) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

No interests were declared.

Controlled Parking Zone, Faversham

The Seafront & Engineering Manager, Mike Knowles, attended the meeting to present a proposal to introduce a controlled parking zone to resolve issues with parking in Court Street, Faversham. Introducing a controlled parking zone in the area would enable parking enforcement to take place without the requirement to attempt to paint double yellow lines on the cobbled setts, something when previously undertaken resulted in a number of complaints. Members and officers were keen to hear the views of the public before drafting the Traffic Regulation Order. Part of that process would be to conduct a formal public consultation.

The following comments were raised:

·       Could an update be given on completing work for the double yellow lines in Market Street?;

·       would blue badge holders and traders be able to park in the controlled parking zone?;

·       the Shepherd Neame Brewery was impacted by parking, could the zone be extended to include the junction at Market Place and Market Street as well as both sides of Middle Road?;

·       Ours Café had a permit to put tables and chairs on the pavement but frequent double parking in that area made it difficult;

·       the current signage was unclear, adding signage for the controlled parking zone would cause further confusion;

·       some signs that were installed during the pandemic should be removed;

·       could electric bollards be installed as they would be less confusing than signs?;

·       disabled access needed to be maintained in pedestrianised areas;

·       emergency services and commercial vehicles would still need to access the area;

·       residents would need somewhere to park on Sundays;

·       vehicles were parking across Middle Row blocking access;

·       what was the proposed date to start the controlled parking zone?;

·       how would the controlled parking zone be enforced?;

·       could cameras be used to help with enforcement?; and

·       why was it taking so long to repaint old faded double yellow lines?

The Chief Executive and Seafront & Engineering Manager responded that the contractor was having problems accessing the area where double yellow lines were to be painted. The Seafront & Engineering Manager confirmed that the Controlled Parking Zone parking restrictions would be the same as those on double yellow lines, so blue badge holders would be permitted to park for up to 3 hours (as long as they were not causing an obstruction), and the arrangements for loading and unloading. Officers would be happy to look at options to address the Shepherd Neame parking issues. Moving traffic issues outside of Ours Café was dealt with by Kent County Council and only the Police could enforce. Signage had been improved in recent years, there would be a separate sign for the controlled parking zone. If electric bollards were to be installed, they needed to be staffed at all times but that option could be looked at. The issue of residents parking on Sundays was raised previously and the proposal was for a Traffic Regulation Order to be changed to 7 days a week. A white bar marking could be installed to keep the entrance to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

The update report was noted.

The update report was noted.

The update report was noted.

The Minutes of the Swale Bus Partnership Forum held on 21 April 2026 were noted.

Faversham Town Council advised that they were setting up a Bus User Forum for residents. If anyone was interested in attending they should contact Faversham Town Council.

The Flooding Tracker Report was noted and the Chair asked that if anyone had any updates, they should email Councillor Charles Gibson.

It was noted that some of the items on the report were out-of-date. The Chair said he would take this up with Councillor Gibson.

A resident asked about who was responsible for pavement drains. The Chair asked details of the location of the drain to be emailed to him and he would look into it.

It was agreed that the Chief Executive Officers of South Eastern Water and Southern Water should be invited to a future Eastern Councillors & Residents Forum.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.

No issues were raised.