Issue - meetings

This report set out the outcome of consultation on the proposals for a Masterplan for the Best Street/High Street area of Chatham. Cabinet approved a six week programme of consultation on 30 March 2010 and the comments received back were set out in appendix 1 to the report.

The Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 18 August 2010 and its comments were set out in paragraph 7 of the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been completed, as set out in appendix 3 to the report, and it was noted that it had not been necessary to carry out a full impact assessment.

Reasons:

To ensure there is an up to date planning framework for this important part of Chatham that will guide investment and planning decisions.

This report details the preliminary proposals for a masterplan for the Best Street/High Street area of Chatham. The six week public consultation has been completed and the results are the subject of this report. The Committee is being asked to consider any observations it may wish to make to the Cabinet on the draft masterplan, having regard to the consultation responses received.

Discussion

The Local and Regional Planning Manager introduced the report to the Committee and explained that significant efforts had been made to consult widely.  No major changes were suggested.  Certain minor changes were however proposed, as set out in the schedule of consultation responses included with the report.

Members then raised a number of issues, which included: -

·        Concern regarding the impact on traffic systems;

·        The fantastic response achieved by students from Rainham Mark school;

·        Concern over empty and derelict buildings close to the masterplan area and the impact they have on people’s perception of the area;

·        A view that the Nucleus Art Centre should be recognised in the masterplan;

·        Concern that the attitude and opinions of the public, as detailed in the report, will continue despite regeneration.

Officers confirmed that as the masterplan suggested provision of two car and two bus entry points to the centre it was not considered that amendments to the road network would be necessary.  In relation to the Nucleus Art Centre officers would consider giving it a higher profile in the masterplan.  In relation to people’s perceptions, it was explained that there were a lot of city centre regeneration schemes, which had achieved radical changes in perception and attitude.

Decision

The Committee recommended that the comments from Members are forwarded to Cabinet and recommend the Cabinet to adopt the Best Street/High Street masterplan.