Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the interim head of development and regeneration. 

Cabinet considered the report of the interim head of development and regeneration.  This updated Cabinet on the recent engagement with the local community on the Berinsfield community investment scheme.  The public was asked to identify which range of projects they would like to see in the village and the scale of new housing development they would find acceptable to pay for the community facilities. 

Cabinet noted the feedback from the local public that indicated support for large scale improvements with higher levels of new housing.  Cabinet considered that this feedback provided sufficient local support to move to stage 2, which would include preparation of a detailed masterplan, design and strategy and would:

·         complete all technical studies and surveys

·         engage with landowners and their agents to negotiate land acquisition

·         develop detailed cost plans for all components of the project

·         carry out appropriate market testing analysis for housing and other components

·         carry out financial modelling and risk analysis including scenario testing

·         complete specific planning, housing and economic strategies

·         develop briefs and specifications for new community facilities and open space

·         provide delivery options

·         carry out governance and funding proposals

·         develop a masterplan suitable to support planning applications

Most residents had favoured the higher levels of facilities provision and associated larger numbers of new housing.  However, Cabinet considered that the council should obtain a larger sample of respondents to support a future planning application.  This could be done by testing which of the following two high level development scenarios would be regarded as a preferred option by local residents:

(i)        2,000 to 2,100 new homes and:

·         a viable all-through school for primary age and up to 14 year olds

·         a large community hub with health centre

·         protection and enhancement of green space

·         street and parking upgrades

·         a new sports and leisure centre

(ii)       1,700 to 1,999 new homes and:

·         new primary schools – refurbish current school and provide one new primary school

·         a large community hub with health centre

·         protection and enhancement of green space

·         street and parking upgrades

·         a new sports and leisure centre

The leader agreed to further discuss the detail of the survey questions with the officers. 

RESOLVED: to

(a)     authorise commencement of Berinsfield Community Investment Scheme Stage 2 including preparation of a detailed masterplan, design and strategy for the delivery of social, environmental and economic improvements sought by the community of Berinsfield; and

(b)     carry out a survey amongst local people to decide on which of the following (i-ii) will become the preferred option for level of improvement and scale of development:

i)     either 2,000 to 2,100 new homes to make viable a range of improvements including an all-through (primary and up to 14 years) school

ii)    or 1,700 to 1,999 new homes to make viable a range of improvements including refurbishment of current primary school and provision of a new primary school.