Agenda item

To receive a presentation by the Director of Environmental and Community Services and the Great Fen Project Manager.

(A report by the Director of Environmental and Community Services is attached).

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

(Councillors Mrs M Banerjee, E R Butler, S J Criswell, P G Mitchell and J S Watt, Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Delivery) were also in attendance for this item).

The Panel received a presentation by Mr C Gerrard, Project Manager of the Great Fen Project (copies of the slides are appended in the Minute Book) outlining the scope of the project, its background, management arrangements and recent developments.  A copy of a report to be submitted to the Cabinet meeting on 20th November 2008 outlining a proposal for future governance arrangements was also circulated for comment. 

 In considering the content of the presentation and the Cabinet report, Members expressed some reservations about the way in which the project was progressing. Specifically comments were made in relation to the perceived acceleration of the development of the project which, while welcome in itself, might have adverse short term implications for some of the local people most directly affected. Comments were also made about the loss of arable land in the current climate of global food shortages and the need for improved communication with local communities in close proximity to the project.

The Panel also discussed the proposed future creation of a Visitors Centre for the project and in doing so commented on the need to improve accessibility to Woodwalton and Holme Fen, especially car parking at an early opportunity. However it was accepted by Members that accessibility, together with the proposed location of the Visitors’ Centre were likely to form part of the Great Fen Masterplan which was expected to be published in Spring 2009.  Following questions about the financial viability of the Centre, the longer term management of the project and the source of any subsidy potentially required, Members were informed that financial contributions would be obtained from a number of sources.  Members also were informed by the Project Manager that the success of the project should not be perceived purely in economic terms and that the environmental and social benefits to the District also needed to be taken into consideration.

 In response to a specific question concerning proposals to convert land used for arable crops into grazing which would generate methane production, the Project Manager explained that it was anticipated that the Great Fen Project would reduce CO² gas emissions and would become a  future net sequester for green house gases.

Members also emphasised the important role that the District Council played in the Great Fen Partnership as the only democratically elected body of the various partners who could represent local people and the local economy. A need was highlighted to improve communication with all Members concerning the project as a whole given its significance and importance.

Having concluded that the District Council could best influence and guide the project in the interests of the local area and its residents by continuing involvement in the Project Steering Group, the Panel

RESOLVED

  (a)  that the proposed principle of entering into a Collaborative Agreement in respect of the Great Fen Project for a five-year fixed term on a renewable basis be supported; and

  (b)  that the detailed content of the agreement be the subject of a future report to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Support).