Agenda item

To agree the Ecology Mitigation Programme prior to Radstock Regeneration

Councillor Eleanor Jackson said she was speaking as Meadow View resident.  The other residents in the road felt that this was a misuse of Council funds and it was the developer's responsibility to look after the ecological mitigation. 

Councillor Jackson questioned whether £400k should be put in this programme.  Councillor Jackson felt that this would set a worrying precedent because developers would now claim that their site was not viable.

Councillor Jackson also said that these proposals did not leave any way for a proper scrutiny for this measure, if executed by the B&NES Council.

Councillor Jackson requested that this report should be sent back for a further consideration.

Debra Porter said that the Council would need to commit to claims made by the developer.  Debra Porter also said that it was important that the Council should not inflate the ecological value of a significantly diminished ecological resort.  The ecologist would accept the package but only if it does what it said it would.  Debra Porter suggested that the proposed money should go elsewhere instead of where it was proposed by the report and called this report  a financially unviable plan.

Colin Currie addressed his concerns on the plan and also his concern that the developer would not look after the ecological mitigation. 

Jason Shore in an ad hoc statement said that he was speaking in support of the regeneration project.  Jason Shore also said that he did not understand why the regeneration had not happened yet and there was nothing in Radstock to keep people in the locality.  The focus should be on building more shops in Radstock.  In his view, the trade was declining in Radstock and soon it could become a ghost town.

Hayley Worth in an ad hoc statement said that she had lived in Radstock for long time and asked for how long Radstock would stay the same place.  Hayley Worth said that more homes and shops would give more opportunities to people in the area.  The regeneration should start and the town should be moving forward.

Councillor John Bull in an ad hoc statement said that the purpose of the paper was to agree the allocation of the funding to this particular project in Radstock.  Councillor Bull expressed his concern that money had been paid to developers for something which they were responsible for under the planning decision.

Nettie Williams in an ad hoc statement said that she worked with Radstock families for some time and that the regeneration of Radstock should continue to happen.  This plan showed a great level of commitment for the future of Radstock.  The Victoria Hall refurbishment had had a big impact on Radstock so further regeneration could only move Radstock forward.

Shane Kitchen in an ad hoc statement said that he grew up in Radstock and that had business in Radstock.  Shane Kitchen would like to see the regeneration move forward.  It would increase employment and contacts with Bristol and other cities.

Councillor Ben Stevens introduced the item by saying that he listened to the concerns on mitigation and ecological impact though he was satisfied that this plan could go forward.  Councillor Stevens said that for far too long the Norton Radstock Regeneration project had been held up by a small group of people and that he was quite happy that there were people in Radstock who wanted to move forward. 

Councillor Stevens moved the proposals.

Councillor Simon Allen seconded the proposal. 

Councillor Allen said that 26 years ago the last train left Radstock train station.  Councillor Allen said that there were still people who did not want Radstock to move forward. Councillor Allen also said that he was pleased that there were residents who wanted to move forward with the regeneration of Radstock.  This would deliver affordable homes for people of Radstock.  What had been happening in Radstock now, in terms of the regeneration, was a positive thing. 

Councillor Tim Ball said that Radstock would need to move forward and supported the plan.

Councillor Paul Crossley said that there was no mishandling of money in Radstock.  Radstock is an important part of B&NES.  Councillor Crossley read out paragraph 5.5 of the report and said that this was good news for Radstock and it would allow regeneration to happen.  Councillor Crossley also praised the Victoria Hall regeneration. Councillor Crossley said that the Cabinet would move Radstock forward and this plan was good news for Radstock. 

Councillor David Dixon said it was great to see younger families in the Chamber tonight.  The Victoria Hall had been a success.  This plan had been created to enable regeneration happening.  This would provide new homes and more amenities to local community.  This paper was a big step forward in delivering the regeneration of Radstock.

Councillor Ben Stevens summed up that we would need to continue momentum.  Councillor Stevens also said that this paper facilitates the regeneration 

On a motion from Councillor Ben Stevens, seconded by Councillor Simon Allen, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that the Council will work in partnership with Norton Radstock Regeneration Company and its development partner Linden Homes Ltd to undertake the responsibility to deliver the Ecological Mitigation, Compensation and Management Plan for the former Great Western Railway lands to support the delivery of new highway, homes and jobs in Radstock; and

(2) To ALLOCATE up to £400k of the existing capital budget for the capital costs of the Ecological Mitigation, Compensation and Management Plan with future revenue costs met from associated savings in corporate borrowing costs.