Decision

The Cabinet has decided to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order requiring dogs to be kept on leads in The Grove park for public consultation.

Analysis

outcome: The proposed Public Spaces Protection Order to require dogs be kept on leads in The Grove Park has been approved for public consultation.

summary: The decision at stake is whether to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order requiring dogs to be kept on leads in The Grove park in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order requiring dogs to be kept on leads in The Grove park for public consultation.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves restrictions on dog owners in a public space, which could be seen as limiting their freedom and enjoyment of the park.

affected_stakeholders: ["Residents of Royal Tunbridge Wells", "Dog owners", "Local community"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3044

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area.  We are seeking residents’ views and experiences to help assess whether a ‘Dogs on Leads’ order is needed to ensure The Grove park in Royal Tunbridge Wells remains a safe and welcoming space for all users.

Content: Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area.  We are seeking residents’ views and experiences to help assess whether a ‘Dogs on Leads’ order is needed to ensure The Grove park in Royal Tunbridge Wells remains a safe and welcoming space for all users. RESOLVED – That the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order to require dogs be kept on leads in The Grove Park be approved for public consultation.   REASON FOR DECISION:  The consultation will allow the Council to determine whether current behaviour was having a detrimental, persistent and/or unreasonable impact on the quality of life of those in the locality.  

Date of Decision: July 24, 2025