Agenda item - Presentation on Section 106 Funding from Preston Barracks Development

21.1    An officer gave a brief overview of the general proposal behind Mithras House at Preston Barrack were detailed such as the construction of 1388 student bed spaces, 369 residential units along with an entire portfolio of ongoing proposals. The officer further outlined the allotted Section 106 monies and emphasised that this was about supporting infrastructure and surrounding requirements.

21.2    Residents had the following enquiries, concerns and statements:

·         Residents enquired what provision was planned for Moulsecoomb park and the wider Moulsecoomb area as this was the site being built on

·         Concerns were expressed regarding the consultation that confirmed the proposed spending of section 106 monies specifically that residents were not part of this and that in their absence; student accommodation and University staff were over represented as potential recipients and beneficiaries

·         Residents enquired who was ultimately responsible for the section 106 spending proposals

·         It was stated that housing for students constituted a disproportional increase over residents and the Moulsecoomb community

·         Concerns were further expressed regarding the impact of parking as a result of an influx of the expected increase of student cars

21.3    Officers responded to residents with the following:

·         Although not planned, it was hoped that all Section 106 spending would have a wider community benefit including parks

·         An officer stated that the Moulscoomb Leisure Centre would be receiving £250,000

·         It was emphasised that spending proposals were intended to mainly benefit the new residents of Preston Barracks

·         It was clarified that there was no bidding process for Section 106 money and that this was determined by the planning process

·         It was stated that prospective housing would not just be solely for students and a further viability assessment would be considered

·         Parking plans had not yet been finalised

21.4    The Chair clarified the purpose of Section 106 money and emphasised the potential effect of the money in the area. She gave a brief overview of the process followed by planning and the developers.

21.5    RESOLVED – that the panel note the report.