Issue - meetings

This report sets out the Call-In by 15 Councillors of a Single Member Cabinet Decision about the naming of streets in the Keynsham redevelopment site.  The role of the Panel is to consider the issues raised by the call-in and to determine its response.

The Chair invited the Lead Call-In Councillor, Brian Simmons to address the Panel.

Councillor Simmons said that the rationale for rejecting the alternative proposals was inadequate, with the Cabinet report stating them only to be ‘unacceptable’ with no further explanation. He added that the decision would set a precedent that the wishes of local people are not taken into account.

Councillor Les Kew asked if he was questioning the method of the decision, the decision itself or both.

Councillor Simmons replied that he was questioning both aspects. He said that the Keynsham Development Advisory Group (KDAG) had made suggestions which have been ignored.

Councillor Roger Symonds asked if the public had been consulted on a name for the street.

Councillor Simmons replied that the matter had been discussed at two KDAG meetings and one meeting of the Keynsham Town Council. He added that a public exhibition had been held regarding the redevelopment.

Councillor Roger Symonds asked if the public had been specifically consulted on a name.

Councillor Simmons replied that he could not say for sure.

The Chair invited the Cabinet Member for Community Integration, Councillor Katie Hall to address the Panel.

Councillor Hall said that the decision she was asked to make was whether or not to object to the name Market Walk. She said that she had been given firm legal advice regarding the decision.

She said that she was aware that a number of names had been suggested by the public and that the consultation had been widened by the Council in an attempt to get a range of views. She added that it would be a great shame to hold up the development that had so far gone so well.

Councillor Rob Appleyard asked if she had seen the list of alternative names.

Councillor Hall replied that she had read the minutes of the Keynsham Town Council and a document containing a list of other names.

Councillor Douglas Nicol asked what the delay would be if an alternative name was to be sought.

Councillor Hall replied that it would be a delay of around six weeks to enable the Post Office to issue postcodes that would then enable other utilities to be connected appropriately.

The Strategic Director of Resources added that preliminary work had already begun and that any change could cause some confusion to occur.

Councillor David Martin asked if she was satisfied with the legal advice she had received regarding the decision.

Councillor Hall replied that she was and that it was important for the decision to be legally sound. She added that she had been given consistent guidance and that the process had been fully explained to her.

Councillor Les Kew asked how the name Market Walk was devised.

Councillor Hall replied that she was not party to any prior discussions.

The Strategic Director of Resources explained the stages of the decision to the Panel. He said that the suggestions made by KDAG and Keynsham Town Council had been passed to Councillor David  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31