Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth will be held to account for matters within her portfolio relative to this Committee 

Discussion:

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Councillor Chitty attended the meeting to be held to account for the areas of her portfolio that fell within the remit of this committee.  Members asked questions and Councillor Chitty responded as follows: -

• Regeneration of Chatham Town Centre

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth advised that regeneration works were continuing in Chatham Centre with the introduction of a creative quarter at one end of the High Street. However, she confirmed that there was still more work to be done. Major developments had slowed as a result of the current economic climate. She referred to the Pentagon Centre and advised the Committee that whilst there had been proposals drawn up to revitalise the Centre, unfortunately, the owners of the Centre had been unable to proceed with the works in the current economic climate. However, the desire to undertake these works remained. She advised that funding for regeneration works in Chatham had been received through the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and she was hopeful that this would continue.

She did not accept that the town centres of Canterbury and Maidstone were comparable with Chatham as they were located within a different demographic area.

In response to comments that both Canterbury and Maidstone had undergone significant investment, the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth informed the Committee that there continued to be the desire for investment in Chatham Centre and she referred to the substantial improvements to the river walk, the investment made by individual companies to improve their stores, recent works to the former Theatre Royal and the recent addition of the Big Screen. In addition, Chatham High Street had been substantially improved at its Rochester end following the removal of the flyover. These works had opened up this area and considerably changed its atmosphere. Employ Medway, a successful venture was located within this part of Chatham and creative industries were moving into this area. It was however acknowledged that there was still work to be carried out on the regeneration of Chatham Centre.

• Medway City Estate and its transport infrastructure

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth advised the Committee that regular discussions had taken place with businesses on the Medway City Estate over the years on a range of issues affecting the Estate. At these meetings, the issue of the transport infrastructure for access to and egress from the Estate had occasionally been discussed. She accepted that the difficulties were even more challenging when roadworks were taking place.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth advised that the Leader had obtained LEP funding to investigate and deliver an initiative to alleviate the problem. This funding would be available in 2015.

• Local Plan

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth confirmed that there was a cross party group that dealt with issues relating to the Local Plan. It was unfortunate that the previous Government and the current Government had continued to move the goalposts as to the requirements of a Local Plan and, as a result, Medway Council, along with a number of other local authorities had had to withdraw its Local Plan.

In response to a question as to commitment to the provision of housing in Medway, the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth advised that the level of housing requirement was established via a process set by Central Government. Work was underway to identify potential land availability for housing. Lodge Hill planning application had been approved by the Council and was now with the Secretary of State for a decision.

• Affordable housing

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth confirmed that this authority supported provision of affordable housing to a level of 25% or over in new developments.

• Lack of consultation with Ward Councillors on transport projects within their Wards

In response to concerns raised by a Member as to the lack of consultation with Ward Councillors on a transport project undertaken in Luton Road, the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth confirmed that Ward Councillors had a right to be advised of works being undertaken in their Wards and she suggested that the Member concerned raise this direct with the Officers concerned.

• Chatham Town Centre Forum  - Terms of Reference

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth advised that the Forum had led the request for a review of its terms of reference and, as the Council sponsored the Forum in terms of Officer support time, the Council was involved in this work.

In response to the question as to how over £27k had been raised through Town Centre Promotions, the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth advised that some of this funding had been received via a Section 106 obligation.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth concluded by stating that in Medway, businesses were thriving and unemployment was decreasing. Employment opportunities were available and the Council was doing all it could within its powers to help people find work including the setting up of new businesses. She advised that on average about 47% of new businesses were successful, but that in Medway 83% of new businesses were successful. In addition, Medway had been successful in finding nearly 3,000 placements for apprenticeships.

Decision:

The Committee expressed its appreciation to the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth for attending the meeting and answering Members’ questions.