Agenda item

a period of up to 15 minutes is available to deal with questions submitted to the Council in accordance with the Executive Procedure Rules;

E.31/17          

It was noted that two public questions had been received as follows:

From Mr Steve Arblaster:

Within the Alternative Concept Option there is still a “potential community facility”.

One of the key items identified in the independent survey was:

A significant area of green space should be included on the quayside, plus dedicated space for creativity (workshops, studios) and community use (eg picnic area, wide promenade, community rooms for youth groups/public gatherings/ concerts/exhibitions). To neglect

these in favour of residential buildings will not benefit the current community.

I argue that this theme is essential to support the key objectives of the master plan. Failure to quantify this now, showing empathy with all those you represent, will adversely affect the chances of improving local support for the project.

Can you assure us all that in parallel with the supply of truly affordable and community housing, that the above, via proper and thorough engagement with the entire community, will be a priority over the controversial 28 residential apartments at the southern end of the quay?

If you are unable to do so, please can you explain how you think that the predicted marginal return on these 28 apartments, and the permanent loss of this public open space, could ever benefit the South Hams, let alone Kingsbridge.

From Kingsbridge Town Council:

Given the Quayside report at 4.7 states that “neither scheme is currently viable (…) when considering delivery risks” will Members support the wishes of Kingsbridge Town Council, and 80% of the Kingsbridge community, that the only sensible route forward is to pursue your proposal at 7 for an Exit Strategy?

In acknowledging these questions, the Leader requested that item 6 – Kingsbridge Quayside Masterplan Update, be presented to Members, prior to responding to the questions presented.  He felt that the debate would allay some of the concerns raised.

Following the presentation of Item 6 – Kingsbridge Quayside Masterplan, Mr Arblaster felt that his question had not been sufficiently responded to and he sought further detail. 

The Leader then stated that the green space area referred to in the question would not go forward as it was part of Area 2 that had now been removed.  In terms of the part of the question relating to housing, the Leader confirmed that this would be a community led project and in consultation with the community.  It would be important to ensure that there were people to take on the houses built.  In addition, development on Area 3 would be in consultation with the Planning department. 

Mr Arblaster then asked how the people in the houses would be ‘entertained’.  Another Member responded that the area set aside as such had now been removed following the consultation exercise.

The Senior Specialist Assets added that officers would be working with Kingsbridge Town Council and there would be an element of managing expectations.

Cllr Chris Povey, Kingsbridge Town Council thanked the Leader for his response and stated that the Town Council would be open to working with officers going forward for the benefit of Kingsbridge.