Issue - meetings

The progress of the scheme and the results of the consultation were noted.

The St Ives Environmental Improvements project was deferred for three years to allow time for the production of a scheme which meets the majority of the requirements of the interested parties and would not proceed without commitments by the County Council and St Ives Town Council to make financial contributions to the project.

Agreed to forward the results of the Bridge Street consultation to the County Council to take forward any amendments to the parking order regarding the loading bays and the disabled bays.

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Environmental Management (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the views expressed during consultation on options for environmental improvements to Market Hill, St. Ives.  As there had been no consensus on a preferred option and in the current financial climate together with St. Ives plans to mark its 800th Anniversary, it was decided to defer the improvement works for three years to enable a scheme more adequately reflecting the wishes of residents and for contributions to be sought from the County and Town Councils.  It was, however, agreed to report to the County Council the results of the consultation on arrangements for traffic management in Bridge Street to take any necessary action.

RESLOVED

(a)  that the progress of the scheme and the results of the consultation be noted;

(b)  that the St Ives Environmental Improvements project be deferred for three years to allow time for the production of a scheme which meets the majority of the requirements of the interested parties and will not proceed without commitments by the County Council and St Ives Town Council to make financial contributions to the project; and

(c)  that the results of the Bridge Street consultation be sent to the County Council to take forward any amendments to the parking order regarding the loading bays and the disabled bays.

To receive a report by the Head of Environmental Management on the outcome of the consultation undertaken by the Council on the St Ives Environmental Improvements Scheme.

20 Minutes.

With the assistance of a report by the Head of Environmental Management (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel were acquainted with the outcome of a consultation exercise undertaken by the Council as part of the second phase of environmental improvements to the Market Hill and Bridge Street areas of St Ives. Members were reminded that their role in the process was to ensure that the Environmental Improvements Protocol previously approved by the Cabinet had been adhered to in advance of any works being carried out.

The Panel were advised that the consultation had revealed that there was no clear majority amongst respondents for any of the three options that had been presented for consultation. It was reported that the results of the consultation had been subject to scrutiny by an Advisory Group, comprising County, District and Town Councillors, together with Panel representatives and representatives from local groups such as the Town Partnership, the Access Group and the Civic Society. The Advisory Group had suggested that as no consensus for any of the options had been gained, the scheme should be deferred from its planned start date of January 2010 to enable a review of the options to take place. Additionally, the view had been expressed that the deferment would be timely given the current economic climate and the impact that works would have on local retailers within the Town and upon the planned celebrations of the Town’s 800^th anniversary in 2010.

Having expressed their satisfaction that the Environmental Improvements Protocol has been adhered to, the Panel considered the proposed options available to the Council. The Panel has concluded that the preferred option should be the deferral of the scheme. It was further suggested that the situation should be reviewed in 12 months time to allow for the formulation of a scheme which more adequately suited the requirements of the Town. It was also suggested that financial contributions should be sought from the County and St Ives Town Councils. Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Cabinet be recommended to

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

(b)  defer the project and review the scheme in 12 months to allow time for the production of a scheme which more adequately suits the requirements of the Town; and

(c)  seek financial contributions towards the cost of the scheme from the County and St Ives Town Councils.