Swale Borough Council

Waste carriers were targeted earlier this month (Thursday 5th February) as part of a new regular crackdown on fly-tipping in the borough. 

 Swale Borough Council teamed up with Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit (CSU) to tackle suspected fly-tipping, collect evidence, and take enforcement action for waste related crimes. 

Officers stopped and searched vehicles transporting waste, checking their paperwork, and gathering evidence for further investigation, including serial numbers of unlawfully transported car parts.

Nominations are now open to recognise the contributions of community heroes here in Swale.

The Mayor’s Civic Award is asking for people to nominate hidden heroes who work to help others across the borough. 

Nominees can come from all ages and backgrounds; they just need to have made a difference to their local community and live in Swale.

The nominations are open until Tuesday 31st March and the winners will be selected by the Mayor of Swale, Cllr Karen Watson, and a panel of councillors.

Swale Borough Council has earned a national 'gold standard' for its work supporting residents facing domestic abuse.  

The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) awarded the council its top accreditation, highlighting its effective procedures for responding to abuse. 

This work is seen as a critical part of the council's services.

Domestic abuse is a factor in 22% of all homelessness cases the housing team manages, showing the complex challenges staff support residents with every day. 

The DAHA accreditation confirms the council's ability to: 

Swale Borough Council has voted to endorse a proposal that would see Swale join forces with Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe.

At a council meeting last night (Wednesday 19th November) councillors voted for option 4b, which would see Kent and Medway divided into four new unitary councils.

In the proposed system unitary councils would deliver all council services in one area, in the same way Medway Council currently operates.

The Public Inquiry stage of the Secretary of State's ‘call in’ of the proposed Highsted Park development has now concluded (wednesday 5th November 2025), almost a year since Swale Borough Council’s Planning Committee was set to determine the application.

The Public Inquiry was examining the two planning applications for a development of up to 8,400 homes to the south and east of Sittingbourne.  It is understood to be the longest inquiry for a housing-led scheme ever considered by the Planning Inspectorate.

Swale Borough Council (SBC) are consulting on their Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Lettings Policy and the consultation closes on Wednesday 17th December 2025.

The VCS Policy is extremly important to all local VCS Groups who use properities owned by the council, including us (106.9 SFM - Sittingbourne Community Radio) here at Swale House. Other VCS groups here in the building include SATEDA and Citizen's Advice Swale.

Swale Borough Council are urging residents can have their say on the future of the Kent Downs.

The Kent Downs National Landscape Team are working to update the management plan for this important designated National Landscape.

The management plan guide how the Kent Downs team: 

Members of the Swale Borugh Council’s (SBC) Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee have agreed for their draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to go out to consultation.  

SBC say "LCWIPs provide a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of residents by promoting active transport, through the creation of a network of well thought out and maintained cycling, wheeling and walking routes". 

The council’s draft plan aims to: 

Swale Borough Council wants people’s views on the future of public toilets in the borough.  

Members of the council’s Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee agreed to consult on the future of their 16 toilet facilities across Swale at their meeting on Thursday 10th July.  

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has announced the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2025, and among them are three bathing beaches on the Isle of Sheppey.

This year the beaches which have met the high standard required to be presented with a Blue Flag, Seaside Award, or both are: