Agenda item

(Report by Mr A Wilkinson, Managing Director Environment & Regeneration)

(1)               The Committee received a report setting out the progress and issues relating to the Ashford Growth Area. 

(2)               The report informed Members of the proposal for the County Council to enter into a formal collaboration agreement with the three main Ashford’s Future Partners, Ashford Borough Council, South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and English Partnerships and the proposed establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as a key new element in the delivery structure for Ashford’s Future in Delivering Growth to Ashford. 

(3)               The collaboration agreement was being developed in a effort to put the partnership on a more formal basis.  This will outline those areas that the partners agree to deliver.  The collaboration agreement will be complimented by a programme for development (effectively a Business Plan) for the partnership.  This programme will identify lead partners for key projects and those projects to be developed by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)

(4)       The Committee noted the implications of these proposals for the County Council which included:-

(a)                the democratic accountability over public investment in Ashford;

(b)                potential conflicts of interest (e.g. by locating the programme and the SPV delivery functions together);

(c)                Membership of the new SPV and partnership boards; and

(d)                the resource implications for the County Council.

(5)       The Committee noted that the revised arrangements as proposed should retain the confidence of the Department of Communities and Local Government and improve the Ashford’s Future Partnership’s chances of securing adequate ongoing funding for the Ashford’s Future programme including adequate revenue funding for the SPV team and the programme management role carried out currently by the core team.  The report also set out for the Committee an update of activity for the Ashford’s Future Partnership.

(6)       Mr Angell welcomed the SPV and felt that this was a good way forward.  He also indicated that he welcomed the appointment of the Interim Managing Director.  He did however have some concerns over KCC’s representation and felt that as a local Member he had very little input into what was going to happen in Ashford.  Mr Gough responded that the County Council was a key player in the SPV and the Ashford Partnership Board but he acknowledged that communication with local Members was vital.

(7)       Mr Angell also expressed concerns that the town was overcrowded and overpopulated.  He mentioned specific problems associated with Junction 9 and 10 on the M20 particularly when Operation Stack was in place.

(8)       Finally he answered questions relating to the water efficiency measures being referred to in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

(9)       In response, the Committee noted that any major transportation scheme would be dealt with and considered by the Joint Transportation Board.

(10)     In response to a question relating to how scrutiny of bodies such as the South East England Development Agency took place Mr Gough responded that he was very much in agreement with enhanced scrutiny of these types of quangos.

(11)     In conclusion the Committee noted that the County Council would continue to have a very important role in the development of Ashford and in making a major contribution to the “growth” agenda.  The Committee noted that the revised arrangements of the Ashford’s Future Partnership would assist in formalising and streamlining the County Council’s input.

(12)     RESOLVED that the Committee support in principal the proposal to establish  a  SPV to support the delivery of the Ashford’s Future programme subject to funding being made available to cover establishment and operational costs in the current and future years.