Agenda and draft minutes

No apologies received

Cllr Parker declared a non-pecuniary interest in the first presentation as he lives within the area of development being discussed.

This will be an update on local regeneration initiatives and the strategy in place for local job creation and wider regeneration

The catalyst to the regeneration is the high speed train service.  The context for the Thames Gateway is that it has seen a re-structure of employment over the last 10 years.  The loss of jobs in the manufacturing services has been a concern.  Whilst employment has been replaced in some sectors we have not seen the number of high skill jobs coming through that we would expect, partly because of the opportunity for employment sites.

The main focus is around Ebbsfleet and the Thames River site, looking at capacity for 10,000 jobs over the next 15-20 years but this will depend on the economic circumstances.

In terms of housing there is a capacity for 9,300 houses over the next 15-20 years and there is a balance between re-housing and employment.  One of the focuses throughout the work is to maximise opportunities for local people, particularly in terms of work and an area where we expect to work on our doorstep.  We need to try to safeguard that.  It poses challenges for us locally.  The importance is very much around skills and high levels of attainment to meet these jobs.  We need to look at transferable skills.

We have received an application for 790,000m2 of mixed development - banking, financial services and other office space.  The market has not been right to bring that forward as yet.

Springhead Park – 50,000m2 approved July 2003, reduced to 32,000m2 in January 2009, reducing office space. 

Northfleet Rise – Quarter Master Plan approved January 2008 proposal by Land Securities for 167,000m2 of development comprising up to 75,000m2 of office space.

Swanscombe Peninsula – around Britannia Refined Metals through to Grove Road – because of a number of constraints there it is seen as a long-term site.  Need to look at how it can be unlocked in terms of development.

Northfleet Embankment – looking at mixed use development.

Outline planning application for mixed use re-development including up to 510 homes and 46,000m2 employment floor space B1 office space, industrial and storage and distribution.  Statutory consultation ends this week.

Northfleet Embankment East – TT Electronics, AEI Cables.  Number of sites acquired by SEEDA which have been marked on Master Plan for mixed use development.

South of Coldharbour Road at the side of Morrisons.  Seen as high profile site because of access to road network.  Has outline planning application 2007 for 5,000m2 of B1 office and light industrial units looking at short term leases.  Could be brought forward earlier.

what are the issues for the local area? What other things could be done to improve the local economy and create jobs?

Q. New proposed developments in Coldharbour/Thames Way will take traffic right through residential accommodation?

A. New junction for A2 is supposed to serve new station.  Need to maximise river and rail capabilities.  Kimberly Clarke are interested in that and the more that can be done to take traffic off roads the better.  Each application will b e looked at carefully in terms of implications for putting traffic onto the road, particularly heavy traffic.

Q. There was talk about improving or re-locating Rosherville School but no further mention.

A. KCC withdrew their requirement for a new school in that area.  Cllr Christie expressed disappointment that the Area Education Officer had not been communicating with the Head or Governors and would make sure they contact them.

Q. Commuting issue?

A. We are trying to encourage people to work and live locally and draw back some of the commuting.

Q. Access to Northfleet Embankment. How are people without cars going to access facilities?

A. Integration is an important issue.  There is more scope to do that on the western side.  Issues around shared facilities, improved access and walkways, shared green space, trying to ensure the new is not separate from the old.  Need to ensure benefits for existing communities.

Flats: In terms of the market we know family provision needs to be made and it is very much a live debate and there has been negotiation in terms of the North West for a move in that direction.

Ebbsfleet is a key priority in terms of employment at the moment.

Arriva Garage, Northfleet – Had an application in for housing some years ago and enquired about re-locating to the land where the new Police Station has now been built but were told it was not suitable for a bus garage.  It is crying out to move because it has been expanded.  There is a lot of concern with residents about the noise and pollution and it is time they were moved.  Simon Hookway to check whether they have made representation on the Local Development Framework.

Who is responsible for enforcement of lorries as it is not working?

Information needs to be fed back to the Highways Authorities and the Police. It could be an issue we could take up with the businesses involved as they should be using specific routes.

What is happening about re-locating the Football Ground? There is a long list of people locally looking at sites to relocate.  The way to do that is through the Local Development Framework.

Table 1 issues

• Although land is becoming available for building new offices and light industrial sites there does not seem to be much indication of business growth.  Is there anything that County and the local council can do to encourage new companies? Is there any funding available? Is there any new money for new skills to encourage genuine new business because that is what is needed?

• People move out of new offices once their subsidy runs out so what is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Also present will be representatives from the Gravesend Citizens Advice Bureau to help answer questions on what is being done to support people facing financial and economic difficulties at this current time

It is a group of initiatives pulled together at KCC to help Kent residents over the recession.

Kent Credit Union will mean:

• Fast-track access to CAB debt advice
• On-line and telephone support centre
• Crack down on loan sharks
• Financial advice for school leavers
• Raising awareness of Kent Benefits Partnership
• Free Home Energy surveys

      The Credit Union is a financial co-operative focused on delivering service for members and authorised by the FSA.  Investments are 100% guaranteed.

The proposal – to offer range of financial services to savers and those wanting loans.

To establish a Credit Union by October 2009.

KCC lead a cross-sector steering group.

Why do we need one? High area of financial exclusion.

It relies on people in the community to spread the word in locations where it might work.

Timetable:

Jan/Feb                     Complete Business Plan and formal application for submission                              to the FSA

April/May                   Finalise funding and support arrangements

April-Summer                       Prepare for operation to open for business

October 09                 Open for business

What we need:

• Trusted intermediaries and champions – staff working closely with families etc.
• Savers and borrowers

Who will make decision about people borrowing?

      Paid members of staff and a loans officer.  It will be based on people’s ability to pay.

The Business Plan is on the website at www.kentcreditunion.org.uk.

Queries to be e-mailed to:  caroline.hooper@kent.gov.uk or Emily.haswell@kent.gov.uk

what can be done by public services and others to support business and individuals in the recession?

Brief feedback from each of the tables on the priorities and issues identified.

Items for future agendas:

• Police/community safety
• Education and young people (secondary school)
• Highways signage
• Green open space