A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services and Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This seeks approval to the development options for this site. (Report No.116, agenda part two also refers) (Key decision – reference number 3959)

(Report No.115)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Councillor Taylor invited Mr John Jewson to present his deputation to the Cabinet.

Mr John Jewson, Vice Chair of FERAA, stated that he was representing the local community with regard to the proposed redevelopment of the Bury Street West Depot site and wanted to bring a number of concerns to Members’ attention. His deputation included the following issues:

·       Whilst the need for housing in the area was recognised it needed to blend in with the surrounding area. He was opposed to the overdevelopment of the site and highlighted the need for homes of sufficient size that residents would be proud of.

·       The need for adequate parking provision for such a large development site was highlighted. It was already a busy area. 

·       The site was adjacent to Salisbury House, the Bowls Club and Bury Lodge Park. Edmonton School had also been expanded. There would be a need for effective traffic control in the area.

·       The local community would have preferred to have seen the development of private housing which would attract high prices in the area. This revenue could then be used by the Council to build low cost rental accommodation elsewhere.

·       A community hall would be welcomed.

·       The need for easy access for emergency vehicles was stated.

·       The increased pressure on local GP surgeries, schools and dentists was a matter of concern.

·       Safety concerns were highlighted with regard to the proposed additional bridge over Salmons Brook.

·       Reassurances were sought with regard to the future of the Bowls Club and the bungalow located at 294 Bury Street West.

·       It was stated that it had previously been anticipated that extra ground would be provided to the park for recreational equipment for older children.

·       Councillors were encouraged to visit the site before making any decisions.

Councillor Taylor thanked Mr Jewson for his deputation and invited Councillor Erin Celebi to present her deputation to the Cabinet.

Councillor Celebi supported the points raised by Mr Jewson and expressed her concerns over the proposed housing scheme. It was recognised that there was a housing shortage in the Borough. Councillor Celebi stated her view that 3/4/5 bedroom houses should be provided which could be used to release pressure on the provision of temporary accommodation in the Borough. It was suggested that the proposed scheme would be better suited to other sites in the Borough as it was out of character with the surrounding area. Concerns were reiterated over adequate parking facilities and the congestion in the area.

Councillor Celebi raised a number of further issues in her deputation including: Salisbury House was a listed building which needed to be protected and reassurances were sought on what measures the Council would be taking; pressures on the local infrastructure including GP surgeries and schools were highlighted; the future of the Bowls Club was questioned; the protection of wildlife around Salmons Brook was raised together with the safety concerns around the area; it was suggested that the site would be best suited to fewer properties of a larger size; Bury  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9