Issue - items at meetings - London Road Central Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Report of the Director of Environment (copy circulated separately).

(1)       That the draft Supplementary Planning Document on London Road Central Masterplan be approved for the purposes of formal public consultation.

148.1              The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Environment concerning approval of a draft Supplementary Planning Document on London Road Central Masterplan for the purposes of formal public consultation (for copy see minute book).

148.2              The Cabinet member explained that the emerging masterplan had already been through an early round of consultation with stakeholders, an internal officer and member workshop last November, and a further workshop last week attended by members of two scrutiny committees and local ward members. He added that the document identified opportunities to upgrade the area, particularly in respect of the public realm and built environment, which would enhance the safety of the area and help local traders.

148.3              Councillor Mitchell praised the proposals relating to the public realm, permeability and prioritising pedestrians, but was concerned about parking spaces and that the SWAT analysis raised issues around traffic flow.

148.4              Councillor Kitcat echoed Councillor Mitchell remarks regarding traffic flow, highlighted issues around pollution and showed concern that the SPD did not seem to include anything to restrict a development proposal from Tesco.

148.5              In response to concerns the Assistant Director for City Planning explained that the SPD aimed to provide a creative framework for development in light of the current economic climate and that it had not been written with any specific developers in mind. The document was deliberately non-prescriptive and was meant to guide the council through the development process. He added that the SWAT analysis was intended to be open and honest, and any issues raised would be picked up during the consultation process.

148.6              The Assistant Director for Sustainable Transport assured councillors that urban mobility was important, with congestion and pollution both key to the existing Local Transport Plan. Once officers were able to better understand the impact of cumulative development it was hoped that a citywide transport model would be forthcoming.

148.7              RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendation:

(1)       That the draft Supplementary Planning Document on London Road Central Masterplan be approved for the purposes of formal public consultation.