Agenda item

S Pointer advised that EDAW were unable to attend this meeting but would be attending the meeting on 14 December 2006. 

He advised that the purpose of the presentation was to update the Steering Group on the progress to establish the growth options for Northampton and to present the emerging growth scenarios.  There would also be information provided in relation to the next steps to complete the study. 

The objectives of the study included reviewing the housing base-line position, identifying factors that could influence the location and form of development and ultimately to determine the most sustainable direction of growth to 2026 and then 2031.  EDAW were currently at the stage of developing and analysing the preferred direction of growth options. 

S Pointer then advised the Steering Group in relation to the number of new homes that were being planned for, a good percentage of which could be located within the existing urban area.  Essential to the process was to have an understanding, before the housing development was started, of what future services and infrastructure that would be required to support the growth.  This included offices, schools, health service provision and open space. It was important that a sequential approach was taken in that brownfield sites should be considered before greenfield.  The Steering Group were reminded of the principles for sustainable growth which included creating safe, welcoming and inclusive places, the efficient use of land and the achieving of social diversity. 

It was noted that three themed growth scenarios had emerged, scenario one focused on neighbourhood centres, scenario two focused on urban renaissance and scenario three was employment and skills base led.  Work had been undertaken in identifying the advantages and disadvantages associated with each scenario.  It was stressed that the scenarios were merely designed to promote debate and discussion around the most appropriate direction of sustainable growth.  S Pointer explained how the scenarios would evolve into options and this involved the creation of a menu for growth, which would include the best elements selected from each scenario.  Ultimately realistic and deliverable options would be generated and tested against a range of land suitability criteria.  It was anticipated that the potential options for growth would most likely be, following the application of environmental, social and economic drivers, a hybrid including the advantages and benefits of each scenario. 

In terms of the timetable, it was noted that the scenarios would be discussed at a technical workshop on 20 November 2006 and a draft document in relation to the potential options for growth would be prepared in late November 2006.  Feedback would be received from the Officer Programme Board on the draft options in late November/early December and the views of Councillors on the Steering Group in relation to the draft Study Report would be sought at the meeting on 14 December 2006.  It was anticipated that the study would be finalised in late December 2006. 

The views of the Steering Group were then sought and a discussion ensued in relation to the number of new dwellings.  In relation to the housing figure the Steering Group commented that it was essential that all parties were clear in relation to these figures when the study was presented and J Morgan requested that the Steering Group be provided with information in relation to how the figures were compiled and their source.

The Steering Group expressed disappointment that EDAW had been unable to attend and make the presentation themselves and C Thomas advised that every effort had been made to persuade them to attend but they had confirmed they would definitely be attending the meeting on 14 December 2006. 

R Pulling requested that the Borough Council of Wellingborough be invited to attend the technical workshop on 20 November 2006 and questioned whether the study would have any indication of phasing.  C Berry confirmed that it was anticipated that there would be an indication of phasing included in the final study document.  The Steering Group then discussed the importance of effectively managing the employment opportunity aspect of the study and the view was expressed that presentation did not give the emphasis to the importance of the delivery of infrastructure that had been anticipated.

Councillor Townsend requested clarification as to the way forward after the presentation on 14 December 2006 and how details of the study would be advised to all Councillors from all three Local Authorities.  The Steering Group stressed the importance of there being buy-in by all Councillors and the importance of managing this process effectively was acknowledged. 

The Steering Group discussed the timing of this and agreed that at this stage the study was more of a technical appraisal rather than a detailed consideration of the options.  C Thomas suggested that the briefing, that it had already been agreed would be provided at the next meeting, would assist this process.  S Pointer suggested that once the report had been finalised a presentation be made in January to the Councillors from all four Local Authorities to ensure that a consistent message was conveyed in terms of the study and the implications thereof.  It was suggested that professional assistance may be necessary in terms of packaging the presentation and the information provided for circulation. 

AGREED: (1) That the progress in relation to the Northampton Longer Term Growth Option Study be noted.

                     (2) That the Borough Council of Wellingborough be added to the list of invitees for the technical workshop being held on 20 November 2006.

                     (3) That a presentation be made during January 2007 to the Councillors from all four local authorities in relation to the findings of the study, the detail of which to be considered by the Programme Board.

(4)     That if necessary professional assistance be sought in

        packaging the presentation in January and the

                             information for wider circulation and consultation.

(5)   That the Steering Group be provided with details as to how the housing figures were compiled and their source.