The Regulation 18 stage of the Local Plan will be out for consultation from Monday 12 January until Monday 23 February 2026 at 5pm.

The consultation seeks feedback from stakeholders and the community on a series of questions about the Local Plan’s vision, objectives and Development Management policies. A refreshed Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report is also being consulted on.

The draft Local Plan Regulation 18 document and the refreshed Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report and evidence documents can be viewed on the Swale Borough Council website and responded to via our consultation portal. Comments can also be emailed or posted (referring to the question number being answered) to Lpcomments@swale.gov.uk or Planning Policy, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT.

Hard copies of the Local Plan Regulation 18 will be available to view at the 3 Council offices:

• Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne.
• Sheppey Gateway, 38 to 42 High Street, Sheerness.
• Alexander Centre, Preston Street, Faversham.

Hard copies of the Local Plan Regulation 18 will also be available to view at all Swale’s libraries:

• Boughton
• Faversham
• Teynham
• Minster
• Queenborough
• Sheerness
• Swale’s 2 mobile libraries

Whilst Sittingbourne library is closed for refurbishment works a hard copy will be available at The Swallows Leisure Centre reception, Sittingbourne.

A presentation and a Frequently Asked Questions document are available on the website explaining the document and how to comment.

People can purchase a copy of the Reg 18 Local Plan for £17.50 which includes postage.

If you have any questions, please email the team at Lpcomments@swale.gov.uk

This month we are shining a spotlight on Produced in Kent, who are a trade organisation dedicated to supporting & promoting all types of food, drink, hospitality, retail and craft businesses in Kent.

Produced in Kent supports a sector which includes 2,180 food & drink production businesses in Kent; contributes £1.5 billion+ to the local economy; makes up 63% of Kent tourism jobs and employs over 16,000 people.

As a trusted voice for the sector, they work with buyers, trade bodies, local authorities and major retailers - helping producers to access new routes to market and grow their sales.

They champion the businesses behind Kent's most iconic products: helping them reach new markets, grow sustainably, and stay proudly local.

Their services include:

• Business support & peer learning
• Industry networking & events
• Skills workshops & exclusive insights
• Marketing & brand building
• PR campaigns and trade exposure

Small Businesses can now enter The Small Awards 2026 to recognise their success and if shortlisted, receive free promotion to help their business.

Entries close at midnight on 28 February 2026.

The categories include:

• High Street Hero
• Bricks and clicks award
• Legacy award
• Supply chain champion
• New kid on the block
• Digital star
• Heart of Gold
• At your service
• Sole to sole
• Mission possible
• Net Hero
• Small Business of the Year Award

The judges will use the criteria relevant to the specific award, the strong performance of the on-going business and evidence of extensive community engagement.

We are inviting expressions of interest to tender for improvements and refurbishment to our control centre.

The contract will deliver a fully operational and compliant expansion of the Swale Control Centre facility to accommodate increasing operational demands.

This will involve refurbishing the existing infrastructure, which includes the addition of upgraded kitchen facilities and restrooms, along with the establishment of a new office and dedicated server room.

The expansion will also introduce a state-of-the-art control centre, significantly enhancing the room's capacity and size, and incorporating a meeting room and a private breakout area for staff.

The contract shall commence on 01/04/26 and terminate on 31/07/26. The council may extend the opportunity for a further three months.

The Common Assessment Standard must be submitted by 19 January 2026 on the Delta e-procurement system.