Issue - items at meetings - Shoreham Harbour, Development Brief

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached)

            RESOLVED – That the Committee approve the draft development brief for a period of six weeks public consultation.

58.1         The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place informing members on the production of a development brief for Aldrington Basin and the South Portslade Industrial Estate and seeking approval to publish the draft brief for six weeks’ public consultation.

58.2         The Head of Planning and Public Protection explained that briefs were being prepared to give planning guidance to guide investment and interest from developers in the harbour area in advance of more formal planning documents which were under preparation. The planning briefs were intended to reflect realistic approach to regeneration following re-appraisal of previous larger scale proposals. Although the Brief would not have the status of planning policy, the process of undertaking a sustainability appraisal and consultation on emerging options did provide a degree of weight within the planning decisions process

58.3    Councillor Janio whilst referred to the level of traffic congestion in the vicinity of the site, it was problematic for traffic to gain access to or to exit the site, traffic re-modelling/a transport solution needed to be found as a matter of urgency. The Head of Planning and Public Protection stated that the brief was intended to encourage development but without creating a tipping point in respect of existing traffic flows.

58.4    Councillor Morgan referred to the limited number of specific sites identified as having the potential for mixed use development including residential and to the need for appropriate heights, particularly in Wellington Road, to be defined. He considered it was important for redevelopment of sites to enhance the public of realm and streetscape on Wellington Road.

58.5    Councillor Wealls queried reference to the site as a niche retail destination as he was not sure what this implied. For example although there was a very successful fish shop there, it was successful for very specific reasons this did not mean that it was a sustainable retail destination.

58.6    Councillor Mac Cafferty welcomed the brief which would provide a holistic and structured approach to the whole area.

58.7    Councillor Fitch also welcomed the report and the progress it represented.

58.8    RESOLVED – That the Committee approve the draft development brief for a period of six weeks public consultation.