Agenda item

The Charter requires approval as a consultation draft prior to engagement work with the Community and Stakeholders. Paul Brockway from Atlas will present the Charter to Members and engage in discussion around its key issues and ambitions. Presentation slides are attached.

Councillor Appleyard withdrew from the Chair for this item having declared an interest (detailed at item 4). Councillor Barry Macrae took the Chair for this item.

Paul Brockway and Ian Collinson (ATLAS) gave a presentation which covered the following:

·  Draft Foxhill Regeneration and Development Charter

·  Who we are – ATLAS (Advisory Team for large applications)

·  Explaining the draft Charter

·  What is it?

·  Where has it come from?

·  When and how is it proposed to be used?

·  Further refinement and Public Consultation

(a copy of this presentation is available with the agenda papers for this item)

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Macrae stated that he felt this it very positive that people with experience are dealing with this but stated that ‘partnership’ is key.

Councillor Goodman explained that he was part of the process and that the Charter is a very high level document with not a great deal to dispute. He stated that residents want to feel heard and their views, particularly homeowners, must be noted. He stated that there is no real detail as to how the aims will be met without disrupting people. He stressed the need for partnership and that resident’s comments be taken on board. Paul Brockway (ATLAS) explained that the document says ‘listen’ and that while the high level aspirations are being set at the moment, discussion is needed around delivery of the ambitions. Louise Davidson, Team Manager Enabling and Development stated that this gives officers a remit to talk to members, officers and planning developers. Mike Grist (Curo) stated that this is the start of the process and gives a structure, he also stressed the need for partnership working.

In response to a query from Councillor Darey, Paul Brockway explained that the Charter is a live document and has a purpose through the lifetime of the scheme.

Councillor Goodman (ward Councillor) explained that the new Foxhill Residents Association have transformed the way the discussion has taken place. He explained that ATLAS has arranged three workships which have been superb so far. He commends the Charter to the Scrutiny Panel.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development – Councillor Anketell-Jones explained that he has attended a workshop with ATLAS. He explained some reasons suggested as to why estates have failed in the past and the main reason is that community and environment were overlooked.

David Belham (Foxhill Resident Association) stated that a community cannot just be grown. He explained that Curo are not listening to them and there is a lot of damage to make good. He stated that the home-search event is ill timed as there are not yet plans for which houses are being demolished which has worried residents.

In response to a query on the timeline, it was explained that the consultation time is short, outcomes will be reported to informal Cabinet in March and the final report should be available in the Summer.

It was RESOLVED that the Panel note the report and that an update report will come back to the Panel at a later date.