Decisions

Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Local Plan Working Party held on 21 March 2019.

Resolved to:

1.    Agree the change to the Local Development Scheme timetable;

2.    Note the progress on the site selection work;

3.    Note the progress on drafting the new Local Plan policies and encourage Members who wish to make suggestions on their content to forward these to the Portfolio Holder, Cllr Barnard, to pass on to officers for consideration; and

4.    Note the progress on the local Green Space assessment methodology, subject to this being amended to reflect in the criteria the importance of green spaces to local communities that are not well served by other nearby public recreation land, following consultation with the Local Plan Working Party on the precise wording.

Cabinet considered a report on a new jetty for the river Thames with access from the bandstand in the Riverside car park.

Spelthorne Borough Council has one of the longest stretches of the river Thames along its border, outside of the London Boroughs, extending for around 11 miles.  The river Thames is regarded as a key asset of the Borough, and the Council is keen to maximise its potential. There has been a very strong demand for a stopping off point in Spelthorne for commercial boat trips along the Thames for many years, but limited opportunities for riverboat companies due to the lack of exclusive access to moorings.  

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

·         to provide a licence for exclusive use of part of the moorings opposite the old Town Hall

Resolved to approve the construction of a new jetty with access from the bandstand in the Riverside Car Park, Staines-upon-Thames.

Reason for Decision

The introduction of a new jetty for the exclusive use of commercial riverboat operations would increase the competitiveness of Staines-upon-Thames as a destination and increase the number of visitors to the town which would support our retailers.