Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Environmental Management proposing a new environmental improvement scheme for St Ives.

Noted progress of Phase 2 of the St. Ives Environmental Improvements Scheme; approved the principle of the scheme for the purpose of public consultation and its submission to the Huntingdonshire Traffic Area Joint Committee for approval; agreed to seek financial contributions towards the cost of the scheme from Cambridgeshire County Council and St Ives Town Council; and requested that a further report on the scheme’s progress be submitted to a future meeting.

By way of a report by the Head of Environmental Management (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet considered proposals for Phase 2 of an environmental improvements scheme for the Market Hill and Bridge Street areas of St. Ives.

Members were acquainted with the background to the proposals which had been the subject of scrutiny by an Advisory Group comprising of local County, District and Town Councillors along with Overview and Scrutiny representatives and representatives from local consultative groups such as the Town Centre Partnership, Access Group and the Civic Society.  Having considered three options proposed for the Market Hill area and revised traffic orders for Bridge Street, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the progress of Phase 2 for St. Ives Environmental Improvements Scheme be noted;

  (b)  that the principle of the scheme for the purpose of public consultation and its submission to the Huntingdonshire Traffic Area Joint Committee for approval be approved;

  (c)  that financial contributions towards the cost of the scheme be sought from Cambridgeshire County Council and St Ives Town Council; and

  (d)  that a further report on the scheme’s progress be submitted to a future meeting.

To consider a report by the Head of Environmental Management proposing a new environmental improvements scheme for St Ives town centre, prior to its consideration by the Cabinet.

20 Minutes.

(Councillor P L E Bucknell, Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, was in attendance for this item).

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Environmental Management (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) proposing that public consultation was undertaken on a range of options for Phase 2 of the environmental improvements to the Market Hill and Bridge Street areas of St Ives.

By way of background, Members were advised that the options had been subject to scrutiny by an Advisory Group comprising County, District and Town Councillors together with Panel representatives and representatives from local consultative groups such as the Town Partnership, the Access Group and the Civic Society. The Panel also was reminded that its role in the process was to ensure that the Environmental Improvements Protocol previously approved by the Cabinet had been adhered to.

In noting the public consultation proposed on the options identified, the Panel expressed the view that extensive publicity for the consultation process should be undertaken. In that light, it was reported that a number of methods of engaging with the public would be employed during the consultation process. Discussion then ensued on bus services operating within the town centre. In so doing, the Panel were advised that access for buses would not be affected by any of the proposed options.

Having expressed satisfaction that the Environmental Improvements Protocol had been adhered to, the Panel

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be recommended

(a)  to note the progress of the scheme and consultation to date;

(b)  to approve the principle of the scheme and to take the necessary public consultation to identify the preferred option; and

(c)  to receive feedback at a future meeting.