Decision details

To receive as information a report on the programme and provide any high level steer for its implementation.

Matter for Decision

At its meeting on February 27, 2014, Council agreed to create a programme to improve selected local centres in the city.  The program would run from the 2014/15 financial year and include a total budget of £635,000.00 to 2017/18.  At least three projects would be undertaken for completion by 2018/19).  The purpose of the report was to set out the planning policy background to local centres; proposed criteria in the selection of projects; and expected approval and consultation arrangements for the programme.

Decision of Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places

The Executive Councillor resolved:

     i.        to approve the proposed approach to the Local Centres Improvement Programme for the years 2014 to 2020 as set out in the Officer’s report, specifically:

a)           the audit criteria and approach to the selection of local centres;

b)           the need for a report back to the October 2014 meeting of the Customer and Community Services Committee with the outcomes and recommendations from the local centres audit and selection process; and

c)           the creation of a Project Board to oversee the projects once agreed by the Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Urban Design and Conservation Manager.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

     i.        Expressed disappointment that more could not be done for Mitcham’s Corner.

    ii.        Members praised the work done by the Friends of Mitcham’s Corner and expressed the hope that the gyratory system could be removed.

   iii.        Councillor Robertson requested an amendment to the report to reflect the fact that the station area included parts of Petersfield and not just Trumpington.

The Executive Councillor stated that the importance of Mitcham’s Corner had been recognised, A Chesterton co-ordinator would be appointed and a sensible, long-term approach could be agreed including investigation of funding options.

The Urban Design and Conservation Manager stated that work was on-going with the County Council and spending money on short term window dressing would be poor value for money. He suggested that Members might wish to consider a two centre plan in October, with the option of holding funding for a third centre, Mitcham’s Corner, for the future.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.