Agenda and minutes

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Councillor Joy Capstick declared an interest as a member of the WNDC Board.

The Committee to carry out pre-decision scrutiny of the Nene Meadows Supplementary Planning Document

Richard Palmer, Planning Policy Team Leader, presented a report and addressed the Committee.  He confirmed that the report would be presented to Cabinet on 19^th February and that the Supplementary Planning Document followed plan policy in Northampton Central Area Action Plan.  It provided further guidance and was more detailed.

There were a number of Master plans for Nene Meadows which was put together and supported the evidence base for the CAAP.  The Plan was adopted in January 2013 and the policy referred to the need to undertake additional work.  There would be a hyperlink in the Committee report which linked to the SPD and subsequent proposals including the enabling development on council owned land to the west of Becket's Park. The SPD includes guidance to mitigate the impact of future development and to provide for a green frontage to the development.

During the course of drafting the SPD comprehensive engagement had been undertaken with stakeholders prior to public consultation. He outlined the vision and objectives which highlighted issues regarding an accessible destination for leisure and recreation, improved access and connectivity, the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural and built environment and University of Northampton campus.

There were seven key principles which were outlined as:-

1)    Becketts Park – opportunity for built development adjoining Becket's Park. Housing opportunities or two or three storey offices.

2)    Central Activity hub – One stop shop for visitors to Nene Meadows.

3)    Improving event space – key location four supporting these events

4)    Access and Connectivity

5)    Improvements to the public realm.

6)    Improvements to conservation, biodiversity and heritage

7)    Design and sustainability.

The public consultation was extensive and there were stakeholder workshops and also a database of interested parties, residents and the public who were informed of the SPD.  The public consultation was held between Oct and November 2013 and they had received 19 responses back which were either in support of the development or they had made comments on. 

The next steps in the process were that it would be presented to Cabinet on the 19^th February 2014 and if approved would be adopted.

Councillor Brendan Glynane commented that he would like to view the public comments and supported a lot of the principles.  He was not in support of the railway embankment being used for housing as it sheltered the rest of the park.

Richard Palmer confirmed that the Area Action Plan set the principle for the enabling development, which the Council had signed up to.  The impact was considered although the principle could not be changed.  The Wildlife Trust had made very detailed comments which spanned over five or six pages.  Officers took into account the comments made.  After the press release had been published there were a number of enquiries from the public, who were generally were happy with the plans once the details had been viewed and explained.

In response to a question from Councillor Joy Capstick, Richard Palmer confirmed that the University were not directly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.