Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation on the proposed Waterfront Scheme.

The Sub-Committee received a presentation on the proposed Waterfront scheme. The Development Management Consultant highlighted the benefits of the scheme which included; local employment economic regeneration; and increased industry confidence. The presentation highlighted how proposals for the site had changed across the years and compared the new scheme to other local schemes in respect of height and massing. The Development Management Consultant explained that the demise envelope would cap the new scheme at a height of 30 metres.

The Sub-Committee queried what ‘suitable mitigation’ against flooding could look like and were advised the EA would likely want to be satisfied about mitigation against the impact of flooding but to also provide betterment. The Chair added that Arora’s architect for the scheme had experience of dealing with flood risk mitigation in similar locations.

The Sub-Committee queried whether there would be public mooring for boats and were advised that the actual river front was outside of the schemes demise envelope. The Group Head Assets stated that at this stage there would be a lot of questions that could not be answered, many of the details would be worked out as part of the developer’s public consultation and planning process. The Group Head Assets reminded the Sub-Committee that the Council would not be involved in the design.

The Sub-Committee stated that they hoped the developer would engage with the design codes and were advised that if it were a statutory, material planning document at the time then they would have to work with it. It was explained that the Council other than as LPA could not direct any part of the development, but any planning policies etc would have to be adhere to as with any application.

The Sub-Committee asked how long it would be before meaningful income was received from the project. It was advised that as the answer would likely disclose confidential information the meeting would need to enter closed session.

It was proposed by Councillor Howkins, seconded by Councillor Clarke and resolved to exclude the public and press be excluded for the following agenda items, in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it was likely to disclose information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in being able to undertake even-handed negotiations and finalizing acceptable contract terms.

The meeting returned to open session.

The Sub-Committee resolved to note the presentation.