Decision
Analysis
outcome: The proposed amendments to the PSPO were agreed, with an additional restriction prohibiting the unauthorised use of catapults, and the amended PSPO will go out for public consultation.
summary: The decision is about renewing and amending a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the borough, including new restrictions to prevent Anti-Social Behaviour.
topline: The Cabinet Member for Community Services has decided to renew and amend the Public Space Protection Order to include new restrictions to prevent Anti-Social Behaviour.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves restrictions on public spaces and could impact individuals engaging in certain activities.
affected_stakeholders: ["Residents", "Council", "Individuals engaging in restricted activities"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1862
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: (Report of Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive) The report gave details about the proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for 2026 and details of the consultation that must take place as part of the PSPO renewal process. The PSPO had been in place in the borough since April 2017 and was reviewed in 2020 and 2023. The current PSPO was due to end in April 2026 and could be extended for a further three years. The report proposed to proceed with a PSPO containing multiple restrictions. Some of these restrictions were the same as included previously, as evidence had been provided to show that the issues were continuing. In addition, the report proposed one new restriction to prevent camping in the Memorial Gardens, Tonbridge. Furthermore, it was proposed that the restriction relating to the use of drones be amended to ‘No person may launch or land a drone from any open space owned by the Borough Council without first obtaining authorisation from the Borough Council’. It was believed that each of the proposed restrictions would help prevent Anti-Social Behaviour in the borough. On the grounds of public safety and the protection of wildlife, Members supported the inclusion of a new restriction prohibiting unauthorised catapult use, whilst noting that enforcement was only applicable to those persons over the age of 16 years. Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Community Services RESOLVED: That (1) the proposed amendments to the Public Space Protection Order, be agreed, subject to the inclusion of an additional restriction prohibiting the unauthorised use of catapults; and (2) the amended Public Space Protection Order, go out for public consultation for a six-week period.
Date of Decision: July 16, 2025