Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning Services on a suggested preferred approach for taking forward the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan.

Subject to minor changes to paragraphs 3.11 and 7.1.14 the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan - Preferred Approach was approved for further consultation.

The Head of Planning Services was authorised, after consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Strategy, to make any further minor amendments and approve the Sustainability Appraisal.

(Councillor T D Sanderson was in attendance for consideration of this Item).

With the aid of a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were reminded of the background to the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan.  Executive Councillors were acquainted with the contents of the Plan and, in particular, they discussed the Council's proposal for a west of town centre link road.  In expressing their support for the new road, Executive Councillors took into account the views of Councillor T D Sanderson.  Having noted the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Support) on the Plan, and subject to amendments in paragraph 3.11 to include expressions of support for measures to address problems at Hinchingbrooke Park Road and for opportunities to enhance access to and from the de-trunked A14 and to paragraph 7.1.14 to refer to the need to provide the link road after the A14 had been de-trunked and with the support of developer contributions, it was

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan Preferred Approach be approved for further consultation; and

  (b)  that the Head of Planning Services, after consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Strategy, be authorised to make any minor amendments and approve the sustainability appraisal.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning Services on a preferred approach for taking forward the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan.

(A copy of the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan has been enclosed separately)

(Councillor P L E Bucknell, Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Councillor T D Sanderson, Ward Councillor, were in attendance for this Item).

The Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy introduced a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the preferred approach for taking forward the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan. 

Although the Panel welcomed the proposals for the redevelopment and regeneration of the area, concerns were raised over the highway implications of the proposals and the possibility that the removal of the viaduct at the railway station would create an increase in traffic congestion.  The Panel suggested that a more aspirational approach should be taken in order to secure highway improvements as part of the action plan.  The Panel was informed that subject to Cabinet approval of the draft, further consultation would take place with the public and interested parties before a final draft was prepared for approval by Cabinet and Council and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State.

As ward councillor, Councillor T.D Sanderson addressed the Panel on the report.

RESOLVED

  that the Cabinet be advised of the Panel's views on the Action Plan.