Agenda item

The Strategic Director, Major Developments:

a.    presented a report which gave an update on the progress of the Economic Growth projects as part of the new Vision 2020 programme; it had been agreed that Performance Scrutiny Committee would receive a report each quarter from one of the Vision groups

b.    identified the priority projects which were:

o   Lincoln Transport Hub

o   Western Growth Corridor

o   Park Ward Regeneration Scheme

o   Development of a Markets Strategy

c.    advised that the public consultation had started for the Western Growth Corridor and dates were being confirmed for 5 Community Workshops, an E Questionnaire had been devised and there had been 113 responses to date, which included  a couple of emails and one letter

d.    explained the individual outputs and outcomes that existed for each project which were being collated into an overall package of measures along with a range of contextual indicators which  would provide a picture of the local economy

e.    invited members' questions and comments

Members considered the content of the report, asked questions and received relevant responses from officers as follows:

The initial question and discussion concerned the Central Market and at this point Councillor Helena Mair left the room having disclosed a disposable pecuniary interest in the matter to be discussed.

·         : The market refurbishment timescale appeared to be very long and traders had been moved out very early. Why was that?

·         : The Council was waiting for updated proposals from the architect which would then need to be costed. The building had Grade 2 listing which affected any changes both to the inside and the outside and involved lengthier planning. It was regrettable that some businesses were unable to continue trading and discussions had taken place on what to do as an interim measure rather than wait for the 'full package'. As the building was listed all changes would have to go before Planning Committee and Lincoln Heritage. There would be some cosmetic work carried out in time for the opening of the new bus station.

·         : What was happening with the outdoor fruit and vegetable stall?

·         : The type of construction that the trader wanted was unacceptable and could not be funded by the Council. Funding streams were not easily available and the refurbishment for the whole scheme was being carried out without external funding. Further discussions would take place with the trader however the Council did not want to make promises that could not be delivered.

·         : Doesn't the Market Charter for Outdoor Markets state that the Council should provide stalls?

·         : The Council provides indoor stalls and temporary outdoor stalls but would not be able to provide a permanent chalet type construction for the fruit and vegetable stallholder. As stated previously further discussions would be taking place.

Councillor Helena Mair returned to the meeting.

·         : With regard to the Western Growth Corridor the initial launch appeared as a 'whimper', most people didn't know anything about it and after digging in the website the consultation was due to end on 31 July 2017. This doesn't seem very fair on local residents. What was more concerning was that in October members that sat on the Planning Committee would be asked to make a decision on a flat drawing

·         The consultation had been planned for a while but the Council was unable to promote this until after the General Election. The Communications Office did put out a press release but for some reason this had not worked. It had been realised that this had not been ideal and lessons had been learnt. The first consultation event attracted 70+ people. Other public consultation and engagement events had been arranged and would be publicised on the website. After these events had taken place the concerns would be identified and where possible any adjustments would be made. Work had already taken place over 2 years identifying issues and producing key solutions.

·         : Do you think that the questionnaire should have had closed questions which would have been easier?

·         : The questions were open ended to allow people to give honest and detailed responses, with closed questions the Council could be accused of leading people in their answers

·         : Although the methodology was applauded it was felt that none of this information was out there in the public domain. Confusion exists over the closure date of the online questionnaire. There was a requirement to see the campaign 'beefed up' in order that people were made aware of what was happening.

·         : The online questionnaire would be open until Monday 18 September 2017. The dates for the engagement events would all be confirmed by week commencing 17 July 2017. The Communications Office would be assisting with the publicity of these events and getting the information onto social media. Open Plan would collate and identify issues and concerns from the completed questionnaires.

·         : Had the flood risk been taken into account for the development?

·         : Yes this has been taken into account and the Council has been assured by experts that the development would not increase the flood risk.

·         In no way was there an attempt to be awkward, stubborn or malicious but it was imperative that everything was done properly before any plans came before the Planning Committee with expectations of plans being approved without any issues.

·         : It was expected that there would be changes to the original plans as a result of the engagement events, workshops and questionnaires as this was a major planning application.

·         : With regard to the Vision 2020 update report and the quotes stating 'within budget' in order to be able to judge performance it would be helpful to have the figures involved.

·         : This was the first report of the Vision 2020 “Strand” report, the next report would have the budget figures and would be of better quality. This first report was to ascertain what the committee wanted to see and the comments received had been very helpful.

RESOLVED that the content of the report and comments made by members be noted and the report be referred to Executive.