Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee.

Resolved:    That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18^th March 2024 be agreed as accurate record.

The Interim Chief Executive presented the report on the delivery of the Town Deal and Future High Street Funds projects.

Members raised questions and responses were provided as follows.

The Chair asked about the Zanzibar Enterprise Units and if something would be put in place to maintain the existing layout.

– The design of the residential units would include a garden or public space underneath the new building.

Cllr Gorton wished for a refresher on the McCarthy and Stone Residential Development as well as feedback on the Astley Performing Arts Centre including timeframe for a decision on the latter.

– The McCarthy and Stone Residential Development was a retirement residential block for over 55 supported by a new business model featuring a Sainsbury’s supermarket to replace the current Waitrose. Good initial feedback had been received on the Astley Performing Arts Centre and discussions were ongoing with Capital & Centric about the new units which would be generic.

Resolved:    That the report on the delivery of the Town Deal and Future High Street Funds projects be noted.

Watch the debate here

The Planning Policy Manager presented the report on the Borough Local Plan.

Members raised questions and responses were provided as follows.

Cllr Gorton asked why the consultation period had been set to six weeks considering earlier discussions to potentially increase it to eight weeks.

– The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning was hoping this could be extended to eight weeks, six weeks being the minimum required. Regardless of the duration of the actual consultation the document would be accessible online in the week preceding the Special Meeting of the Committee scheduled on 11^th July which would leave additional time for everyone wishing to read it.

Cllr Grocott asked if the 11^th of July meeting would be a private meeting and if there were any dates set yet for consultation meetings for residents.

– The Special Meeting would be open to members of the public and the public consultation dates would be confirmed in the report to be presented then. All forms of feedback would be available.

Resolved:    That the update on the progress of developing a new Local Plan for the Borough be noted.

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The Chair went through the work programme for the months ahead.

Cllr Gorton asked about the Bus Gate proposal. Cllr Adcock commented that this had been discussed at the Health, Wellbeing and Environment Scrutiny Committee and that as the proposal was not happening there may be no need for a special meeting. Cllr Holland said that changes in national government could lead to a resurrection of the proposal and a close watch should be kept.

Resolved:    That the work programme be noted.

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Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no questions received from members of the public.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business.