Agenda item

The Cabinet Member(s) will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions.

The Divisional Director for Project Management introduced this item to the Panel. He said that the overall redevelopment of the former railway lands in Radstock had been a priority for the Council as it provides much needed affordable housing units and creates job opportunities. He added that the B&NES highway works on track to be completed by the end of April.

The Chair commented that the apprentice opportunities were welcome as well as the links to the local college. She said that the local traders however still remained unconvinced of the benefits. She added that the loss of five mature trees through part of the works was disappointing.

The Chair asked for confirmation that the order of developing areas had changed and that Area 3 would now be developed before Area 1.

The Divisional Director for Project Management confirmed that that was the case and that Area 1 would be financed through the house sales on Area 3. He added that the reserved matters application for Area 3 would be submitted shortly. 

The Chair commented that if cobbled stones were to be used within the development this would cause a problem for disabled people and those with mobility issues. She asked if this could be looked into.

Councillor Gerry Curran asked if there was any update on the Household Waste / Recycling site in connection with BWR.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that they were actively working with Crest on the matter and that Household Waste was likely to transfer to the Pixash Lane site in Keynsham. He added that options for Recycling were being assessed.

Councillor Gerry Curran asked what progress was being made on the Westmark site as that had been considered a possibility for Key Worker Housing at one time. He added that he had heard a rumour of it being used now for student accommodation.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that he was aware of the interest in having student accommodation on the site but that a decision would be made as part of the planning process.

Councillor Gerry Curran asked if the surface problem relating to Victoria Bridge was being addressed.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that a problem had been identified with the bridge anti-slip surfacing (peeling away from deck beneath) and that it was being attended to by the contractor as it was in the early stages of the defects liability period. He added that testing and trialling of alternatives were underway to define a permanent solution and that the contractor was regularly visiting site to keep it in a safe and usable state.

Councillor Gerry Curran asked when the London Road redevelopment would be completed.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that a further £200,000 of additional works had been requested and that the project was now due for completion by the end of April.

Councillor Gerry Curran commented that although the Grand Parade & Undercroft application had been refused by the Development Control Committee it was a project worth pursuing. He added that consideration should be given to use of the Parade Gardens entrance and a café / fine dining establishment rather than simply two fine dining establishments.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that the Council has a duty to provide a disabled access and that a different market for the project may now be undertaken.

The Chair said that she had been informed of traffic flow problems around the Abbey due to the location of the new University bus stops.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that he was sure that the Group Manager for Planning Policy & Transport was aware of such matters.

The Chair asked if the recurrence of leaks in the roof of St. Nicholas’ School, Radstock was being addressed, as requested by a meeting of the governors

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that the reported problems are being resolved.

The Head of Housing addressed the Panel. He said that he was happy to take questions on the update paper that had been circulated to the Panel.

On the matter of Young Peoples Housing Needs the Chair commented that the ECOTEC report had only researched the area of the Somer Valley and that she would appreciate seeing more information on this subject as a whole after the elections. She acknowledged that advice was now available in The Hollies and the Keynsham Civic Centre whereas before young people had to pay to come into Bath.

The Head of Housing suggested that one topic that a future Panel might like to look into would be Student Accommodation and that the Council should be encouraged to keep an ongoing dialogue with the Universities.

Councillor Steve Hedges wished to offer his thanks to the Head of Housing, the Divisional Director for Project Management and their officers for all their work over the duration of the Panel.

The Head of Housing replied that his staff had welcomed the opportunity of working with the Panel.

Councillor Gerry Curran commented that he agreed with the comment relating to Student Accommodation and the Universities. He added that housing really was one of the biggest issues that the Council faces in the future.

The Head of Housing commented that affordability was a real concern. He added that the figure of ‘Right to Buy’ properties was not exceeding the number of new homes being built in the area.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel thanked both officers for their reports.