Issue - meetings

       To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place

That Cabinet:

In relation to the One Plan, and subject to any other minor alterations to improve its clarity:

1.    Note the contents and recommendations of the One Plan (Appendix 1);

2.    Recognise the One Plan as an evidence-based document to inform the Local Plan Review and future planning guidance; and

3.    Endorse the One Plan as a material consideration in the making of planning decisions.

In relation to the Chippenham Avon Project Master Plan, and subject to other minor alterations to improve its clarity:

4.    Note the contents and recommendations of the Master Plan (Appendix 3);

5.    Recognise the Master Plan as an evidence-based document to inform the Local Plan Review and future planning guidance; and

6.    Endorse the Master Plan as a material consideration in the making of planning decisions.

7.    Note the council’s intent to contribute funding of up to £1 million via Community Infrastructure Levy to the project, subject to match funding and contractual arrangements being in place which will be confirmed in a further report to cabinet.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure the regeneration of Chippenham town centre with the aim of boosting Chippenham’s economy, enhancing the environment and celebrating the town’s heritage.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council and Cabinet member for Military-Civilian Integration, Health and Wellbeing, Economic Development, Heritage, Arts and Tourism presented a report with the following two elements:

·       One Plan – to provide the basis for a Framework Masterplan for Chippenham with the aim of boosting Chippenham’s economy, enhancing the environment and celebrating the town’s heritage.

·       Chippenham Avon Project Master Plan – to provide improved flood mitigation and the public realm through the town centre as well as providing a focal point for the town.

The Leader explained that the Chippenham Town Centre Partnership Board (TCPB) oversees and coordinates the regeneration of Chippenham Town Centre and had a holistic approach to the economic, environmental and social well-being opportunities. Wiltshire Council has been working in collaboration with the TCPB which is chaired by the Member of Parliament for Chippenham and had a membership consisting of principal civic, community and commercial stakeholders. The board aims to establish a vision and blueprint for Chippenham and identify key tasks necessary for its delivery.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group commented on the meetings of the Partnership Board and the necessary conversations with landowners and anchor stores to inform the masterplan process. The Leader confirmed that the Partnership Board would be holding a further meeting soon, and the local MP for Chippenham would continue to chair these meetings. The Council were using the model employed for the Partnership Board in Salisbury, although the difference being that landowners have been included in Chippenham discussions.

Cllr Nic Puntis, Portfolio Holder for Flooding, provided detail about the issues being experienced with the radial sluice gate in this location of the River Avon and proposals for the river to be a connecting feature to the town centre. He confirmed that most of the costs were being met by the Environment Agency.

Cllr Clare Cape commented on the date of the next Chippenham Town Centre Partnership Board, whether the local MP had seen the proposals, and the role of the Council’s Planning Committee’s. The Leader explained that dates for future meetings of the Partnership Board were being set up and a meeting would be held very soon, he confirmed that the local MP had been aware of the proposals prior to the parliamentary elections, the One Plan had been approved by the Partnership Board and that each project would be subject to the submission of planning applications in due course.

Cllr Adrian Foster explained his concerns about the water levels falling once the work to the sluice gate are complete and the possible impact on river amenities, he also reminded Cabinet that the cycleways and footways along the river are well used.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

In relation to the One Plan, and subject to any other minor alterations to improve its clarity:

1.    Note the contents and recommendations of the One Plan (Appendix 1);

2.    Recognise the One Plan as an evidence-based document to inform the Local Plan Review and future planning guidance;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114