Agenda item

Report of the Interim Director for Growth, Planning & Housing

7.1     The Committee received a report that provided an update on the public consultation on the draft Church Street masterplan which took place between the 7^th September and 29^th October and informed the Committee about the proposed next steps.

7.2     Barbara Brownlee, Interim Executive Director for Growth, Planning and Housing, introduced the report. She explained that the consultation asked stakeholders for views on the practical implementation of the Church Street Masterplan which is laid out around 4 themes (Health and Wellbeing Board; Homes; Markets and Enterprise and Making Connections).

7.3     Barbara Brownlee summarised the different ways that stakeholders had been engaged, which was set out in paragraph 3.5 and at Appendix B of the report: she also highlighted which elements had worked well and those that had not from which lessons would be learned for future consultations.

7.4     The Committee was provided with the headline consultation feedback.  There was a positive response to increasing density, support for a 20 mph zone and more parks and open spaces and the reinstatement of public toilets. Whilst respondents were generally in favour of more affordable housing there were differing views on its location with many not wanting it to be next to where they are living. Leaseholders had enquired how the regeneration would affect them. Concerns had also been raised about the impact of living in the vicinity of on-going development.

7.5     Barbara Brownlee stated that the Council had made a number of pledges to residents. These included that other than in unforeseen circumstances residents would only have to move once; all residents will have a right to return; all existing numbers of social housing will be reinstated; at least 35% of new housing will be affordable and that over 50% of the total housing will be affordable.

7.6     The committee commended the wide range of consultation approaches that had been used and concluded that the consultation process had been well thought out and implemented. It noted some of the approaches that had not worked well and that would not be used in future.

7.7     The delivery of the Church Street Master Plan will run until 2032. Members asked about the merits of having such a long term strategy when government and possibly affordable housing policy will change over this time. Officers were also asked how the Council can meaningfully engage with stakeholders on such a lengthy timeline particularly with those who live in the parts of Church Street where regeneration is not programmed to take place for many years. Barbara Brownlee explained that the regeneration is about the long term stewardship and obligation by the Council for the area. It is not focused just on those presently living in the area but also about future generations. She advised that the principles and commitments previously referred to had been clearly outlined during a meeting with potential development partners.

7.8     Deirdra Armsby, Director of Place Shaping, addressed the committee. She explained that prior to joining the Council she had been Director of Planning and Regeneration at the London Borough of Newham. She provided a perspective on long term regeneration based on her direct experience. She explained that in 2001 Newham began a regeneration of Canning Town which would run over 30 years with very similar aims and principles to the regeneration of Church Street. Since then of a target to build 20,000 homes, 1300 homes had been built. She advised that following the economic downturn in 2008-09 the Council made the decision to defer s106 payments in recognition of the impact on the market. She advised that over the long term the Council will need to recognise and react to what is happening in the market. It should keep its commitments but adapt as required.

7.9     Members stated that some residents wanted to understand the financial elements around viability that would impact on the affordable housing provision. Barbara Brownlee explained that there is a subgroup of the Futures Steering Group (FSG) that is considering such issues and that if members are aware of any residents with a particular interest in participating in this they should let her know.

7.10    ACTIONS:

1.     Provide the committee with a breakdown of the funding sources and amounts committed to the Church Street Masterplan.

2.     Provide the committee with details of the financial business case around viability and the contribution towards affordable housing provision. (Action for: Barbara Brownlee, Interim Executive Director for Growth, Planning and Housing)