Sustainable Community Action
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You need to consider what the information you have gathered tells you in the light of these questions: Write your answers here. Base them on the information you have gathered: Conclusion
F S W O T M
KEY: F = It's a fact, S = strength, W = weakness, O = opportunity, T = threat, M = need more info
Do the town and its surrounding countryside have established, strong links, and are these being maintained? If the links are weaker than they used to be, why is this? The current Local Development Framework of Tonbridge and Malling shows West Malling Parish and its surrounding parishes as protected by the two major protective policies.

Metropolitan Green Belt, to the west of A228. The area of "Best and most Versatile Agricultural Land" which follows the Greensand ridge paralleling the A20 east to west across the Borough. Only land to the west of Town Hill and between London Road and the railway line is not protected by this policy where no development is allowed unless a case of overriding need can be established.

W O
Bus Services from Mereworth, Ryarsh, Offham & Birling are getting worse, and parking in West Malling is an issue and therefore people less likely to visit West Malling W O
Summary: - Common links and concerns are protection of Countryside and preservation of heritage. But from hinterland its as easy to go to other locations for services (the exception is Post Office) thus a result is the weakening of links; W O
Looking at the quality of the surrounding countryside, its sensitive areas and its potential, are any areas in need of support/strengthening? West Malling is designated as a Rural Service Centre where development will only be permitted :-

within the built confines of the settlement or where there is a local justification relating to the housing, employment, community or social needs of the settlement and its environs.

T
Maintenance and even consider converting Footpaths throughout area to Cycle Paths W O
Summary:- Preservation of Green Belt and enforcement of planning regulations is essential W T
What are the changes that are happening in the surrounding countryside and how well these are being managed? How can the market town help with these changes to management practices? New Developments

There is a continuing trend towards replacement of productive agricultural and orchard land with pasturing for horses. This is particularly noticeable in land between the outskirts of West Malling and the bypass. Concern re development of Leybourne Grange vis a vis West Malling – specifically these developments seem to creep outside the original scope EG a new A20 Link now required

W O
Summary:- Too much new housing developments with no infrastructure to support them W O
What potential is there to increase the extent of community involvement in the management and conservation of the countryside? Summary:- More information necessary to encourage community involvement EG Planting of “Village Green” ; Parish Ownership and Maintenance / Support of Macey’s Meadow are good examples W O T


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