Decision details

The Chair had agreed to take a late item of urgent business in respect of Saltram Close Estate.

Members were advised that the reason for the urgency for the report on Saltram Close Housing Estate was to try to achieve the draw down of grant by Servite from the Housing Corporation as there would be no roll-over. The three parts of this major Estate Regeneration Scheme are linked by the single planning scheme and these changes need to be tied up before the other elements can be progressed.

It was a virtual necessity that the disposal of part of the Housing Estate land, which would require a further report to the Executive, was on a finalised and clear-cut planning basis. The Housing Service would need to ensure that the project was delivered by the end of March 2006.

The reason for lateness was that negotiations for the sale of the Council’s land had not been concluded; agreement had been reached in principle, at officer level only, on 17 January 2006. The different aspects of the scheme and the different procedures inter-related but have caused delays to each other. The Chair of PASC has agreed to take it as a late/urgent item.

Planning Applications Sub Committee approved the Saltram Close Planning Application on 12 September 2005.  The approval committed the Council and it’s partners to undertake further consultation and dialogue with the residents of Saltram Close Housing Estate to finalise interventions on site A; this report described the outcome of resident consultation.  Paragraph 6 onwards highlighted the changes to the original application in more detail and members were asked to note this and receive a further application in due course.

Two objectors spoke; one resident felt that a properly resourced and managed Community Centre would be an asset and provide activities for young people that could potentially reduce crime and vandalism.  The Vice Chair of the Residents Association spoke and advised members that 56% of the local residents did not want a community centre.  Members were advised that residents felt the consultation process had been very effective.  They had held 2 meetings with the Metropolitan Police and their methods of stopping and questioning youths; dispersing them where appropriate, had proved very successful.

The Housing Officer addressed concerns about the decking and explained that it’s removal would be part of phased works; the timetable for which would be fixed by May.  Members were advised that officers had met with Church representatives with regard to the community centre and the underpass would be removed as part of the forthcoming flat development.

RESOLVED

Members noted the changes to proposals for Site A, following resident consultation.  They asked to be circulated this item before it is considered again under Delegated Powers.  They also stressed the importance of ongoing consultation with Education and Housing and the service directors were asked to note this.