Minutes:
734 PUBLIC SESSION
No issues were raised at this meeting.
PART B MINUTES FOR INFORMATION
735 SITTINGBOURNE TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN
Mr James Freeman (Head of Development Services, Swale Borough Council (SBC)) and Mr Ian Lewis (Project Manager, SBC) gave a presentation on the Sittingbourne Town Centre Masterplan.
The Head of Development Services outlined the proposals for Sittingbourne Town Centre as set out in the Masterplan. He explained that this would be a transformational change for Sittingbourne Town Centre and was a ten to fifteen year vision.
The Project Manager explained the transport proposals, including the closure of St. Michael's Road, the creation of a public transport interchange, the Northern Relief Road and two-way access along the High Street for buses.
The Head of Development Services advised that formal public consultation on the proposals would commence on 20th March 2009 until 27th April 2009 at 34 High Street, Sittingbourne. Newsletters and leaflets would be distributed to local residents to inform them of the dates and times.
The Chairman thanked Officers for their presentation and asked those present for comments.
A Member questioned the car parking provision for the proposed new dwellings and why the emphasis was on flats rather than houses. The Head of Development Services advised that the proportion of flats and houses was equal. Flats would be built over the retail units, whilst town-houses were planned for the Milton Creek area. He advised that, due to the central location of the new dwellings to the town centre and the proposed improvements to public transport, it was expected that there would be less parking provision for the new dwellings. Developers would be expected to provide a Transport Strategy and a Travel Plan with their planning application.
Mrs Lewis (Kent Association of Local Councils) made the following comments: what was the proposed parking provision in the town centre; was the new supermarket planned for the north or south side of the railway and would fire engines be able to access the new developments. The Head of Development Services explained that commuter car parking would be provided at the railway station and there would be car parking under the retail units. The developer could decide the location of the supermarket as part of their planning application.
A Member questioned whether the High Street would still be closed on Saturdays; where the Sittingbourne market would be located and what would happen to the carnival. The Project Manager explained that the High Street would remain open on Saturdays. The proposal was to allow buses to travel both ways along the High Street. The proposed civic square outside the station would provide a large enough area to accommodate the market and the route of the carnival could be discussed with the organisers nearer the time.
A Member commented on the impact of the proposals on Milton Regis High Street. The Head of Development Services confirmed that a Retail Impact Study had been completed and the Masterplan set out improved links to Milton Regis, which it was hoped would encourage people to visit this area.
A Member referred to the flood risk surrounding the Milton Creek area and whether it was appropriate to have an underground car park. He also questioned the provision of facilities for voluntary organisations and the importance of allocating the new dwellings to local people and discouraging buy to let.
Mr Brian Horton (Chief Executive, Swale Housing Association (SHA)) advised that SHA were in discussions with the developer on local housing needs. It was important to ensure that there was a mix of commuters and local workers living in the new dwellings.
The Head of Development Services advised that a comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment had been undertaken for the Masterplan. Buildings had been set back from the Creek area and living spaces would not be located at ground floor level.
Christine White (Director of Swale Council for Voluntary Services) advised that she sat on the Town Centre Steering Group and would ensure that facilities for the voluntary sector were represented in the proposals.
Mr Oswald-Jones (local resident) commented on the impact of the closure of St. Michael's Road for the emergency services. Mr Innes (Kent Fire and Rescue) raised concern that the proposals would significantly delay response times, particularly at night. The Project Manager stressed that meetings had been held with the fire and ambulance services and they were satisfied that the proposals were acceptable.
Mrs Savage (local resident) raised the following points: provision of GPs, schools, dentists and Police to cover the increased population; the need for a County Court in Sittingbourne; parking in the town centre should be free; a permanent traveller site was needed in the area and where would traffic go when the M2 was closed.
The Head of Development Services explained that a Gypsy and Traveller Policy was out to consultation which would address short-term site provision. The South East Plan would set out Swale's allocation of sites in the long-term but this was not yet resolved. With regard to the provision of community services, he advised that this would be addressed through the developer infrastructure document.
The Project Manager advised that the Northern Relief Road and Creek crossing would provide a new way out of the town.
Mr Jordan (Kent Association of Local Councils) asked for an indication of the number of dwellings proposed for the north and south sides of the railway. He emphasised the importance of improving public transport links between rural areas and the town centre. The Project Manager advised that the issue of public transport was being reviewed by the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel at SBC.
The Head of Development Services agreed to report back on the number of houses proposed on each side of the railway.
Head of Development Services
A Member raised concern regarding the condition of roads in new housing developments and questioned whether the developer would be allowed to build properties before the infrastructure and retail provision was completed.
Members raised further examples of housing developments where the developers had not completed the roads to the standards required by Kent Highway Services for adoption.
The Project Manager advised that the road infrastructure would need to be completed before any development could be undertaken due to the layout and size of the proposals. The Council had employed legal advisors to negotiate and agree contracts with the developer.
A Member made the following comments: what would happen if the developer did not have the funds to complete the Section106 requirements; high density housing was not desirable; what were the safeguards to ensure developers completed the road infrastructure and were the plans viable in the current economic downturn.
Mr Horton agreed that high density housing was not desirable and emphasised that the housing need in the local area was for two and three-bedroom properties. Any social housing built would have to meet the standards set by the Housing Association.
The Regeneration Director advised that Officers had looked carefully at the financial viability of the project to ensure it was 'future proof' and she emphasised that this was a long-term vision for Swale. Although KCC had responsibility for highways, she considered that SBC would want to hold developers to account over maintenance of housing developments.
The Head of Development Services advised that Section 106 agreements related to the land, not the developer.
A Member referred to a paper he had produced for the Local Engagement Forum which set out proposals for environmental improvement works in East Street, Sittingbourne. He requested funding support to engage the services of Groundwork Kent and Medway to undertake the proposed improvements.
Mr Ronan (Community Liaison Manager, Kent County Council) advised that the Local Engagement Forums would have funding for community projects from June 2009. He also referred the Member to the funding provided to each Kent County Councillor for projects in their area.