Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 6.

The Chairman drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

There were none.

Members who have an interest to declare are asked to:

  a)  State the Item Number in which they have the interest

  b)  The nature of the interest

  c)  Whether the interest is personal, or personal and prejudicial

Any Member who is unsure about the above should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer prior to the meeting in order to expedite matters at the meeting itself. 

There were none.

There was none.

At the time of publication no notifications had been received.

There was none.

This report provides an update in respect of housing delivery and the projects currently managed by the Development & Major Projects Directorate.

The Strategic Director for Development & Major Projects introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the directorate was focused on delivering Sustainable Economic Growth as set out in the Economic Strategy of April 2010 and the Smart Economic Growth Cabinet paper of November 2010. The delivery of this is manifested through Business development and support, Regeneration and Development projects, Housing Delivery and the continued delivery of Capital projects.

He added that there were significant challenges ahead in bringing forward development but there were also major opportunities through Bath City

Riverside, Bath Western Riverside, Bath Quays South, Manvers Street, Norton Radstock Regeneration, MOD Sites, Keynsham, Somerdale and Temple Street. All of which could and should have significant ability to help the economic growth and development agenda. The Directorate is currently reviewing its capacity and organisation in order to respond to this agenda.

Councillor Barry Macrae asked if he felt he had enough resources and the backing of the new administration.

The Strategic Director for Development & Major Projects replied yes, subject to a review currently underway or additional activities being required.

Councillor Cherry Beath, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development added that she was aware of the staff resources that were required and was very appreciative of the hard work that the officers do.

Councillor Barry Macrae commented that he would encourage the Panel to ensure the directorate does have the resources it needs.

Councillor Paul Fox asked what the current status on work relating to the West of England was.

The Strategic Director for Development & Major Projects replied that the West of England Partnership submitted a proposal to Government to form a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) covering the West of England area inSeptember 2010. In October 2010 it was announced that the West of England was successful and that the Enterprise Zone would be in Bristol Temple Quarter.  The LEP Board agreed to the establishment of Enterprise Areas – in Bath this would be Bath City Riverside - and should proceed with establishing its Board. He added that the purpose of the LEP is to support the delivery of sustainable economic growth and private sector jobs in the West of England.

The Strategic Director for Development & Major Projects addressed the Panel on some of the Council’s Major Projects.

KeynshamTown Hall:

Further consultation and engagement with the local community about the regeneration of Keynsham town centre will take place in Autumn 2011. The timescale for the wider consultation is intended to allow the new Cabinet to consider options about the best way to deliver a well thought out scheme that will support the regeneration of Keynsham, including the Riverside building, take account of Somerdale and provide the best possible value for money for the local taxpayer.

The public consultation will cover all elements of the scheme such as building design and materials, new streets and spaces, traffic and parking, and how the scheme will contribute to the wider regeneration of Keynsham town centre.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Council is required to adopt and publish a Housing Renewal Policy.  This policy is periodically reviewed and revised as required.  It sets out how Housing Services will provide assistance, including financial assistance, to help low-income, elderly, disabled and other vulnerable residents to undertake essential repairs and adaptations. 

Councillor Will Sandry asked for the report to be noted as the Cabinet had adopted the revised policy as a matter of priority on the 13^th July 2011. 

Councillor Steve Hedges commented that the Panel must maintain its role of overview.

The Associate Director for Housing & Health explained that normally a report such as this would have come to the Panel prior to a decision being made, but due to the removal of around £700,000 from the budget an urgent decision was required to be taken.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.

This item gives the Panel an opportunity to ask questions to the Cabinet Member(s) and for them to update the Panel on any current issues.

The Cabinet Members had nothing further to add from the contributions they had made during the debate on the previous agenda items.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel (Appendix 1) as well as information to help Panel members identify any additional items for the workplan.

The Chairman introduced this item to the Panel.

Councillor Paul Fox asked if the Medium Term Service Plans and Service Action Plans would still be debated by the Panel in November and January.

The Chairman replied that yes they would.

Councillor Will Sandry asked for the Panel to receive a report on the quality of HMO accommodation (Houses of Multiple Occupancy).

The Chairman suggested that should form part of the report due in March 2012 in relation to the House Condition Surveys.

Councillor Brian Simmons asked if the Panel could look at flood mitigation.

The Chairman replied that the Planning, Transport & Environment Panel had been designated to lead on this work area.

The Panel RESOLVED to agree with the proposals made above.