Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Members were asked to declare any interests they may have in the business on the agenda and/or declare that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillor Kitterick declared that he was a member of the Co-Operative Party and had a Co-Operative bank account.

Councillor Aqbany declared that he had a Co-Operative Bank account.

Councillor Willmott declared that he was a member of the Co-Operative Party, had a £1 share in the Co-Operative Retail Society and had a Co-Operative Bank account.

Councillor Connelly declared that he had a Co-Operative Bank account, and that he was a Trade Union Official for the Communication Workers’ Union, and that, if the Eco Town development went ahead, this could lead to the creation of more postal worker positions.

The Corporate Director, Regeneration and Culture, submits a report that informs Cabinet that a Draft NationalPlanning Policy Statement (PPS) on Eco-towns is expected in late October 2008, and updates Cabinet on the contents of the new “Vision” for the Leicestershire Eco-town that was made available on the Co-operative Group’s (Co-op’s) website on 10^th October 2008. Cabinet is recommended to note the report and the imminent release of the draft PPS on Eco-Towns.

The Corporate Director, Regeneration and Culture, submitted a report that informed Cabinet that a Draft National Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on Eco-Towns was expected in late October 2008, and updated Cabinet on the contents of the new “Vision” for the Leicestershire Eco-Town that was made available on the Co-Operative Group’s (Co-Op’s) website on 10 October 2008.

Councillor Willmott thanked Councillor Kitterick and all officers involved in preparing the report and stated that the report was being considered by Cabinet following an undertaking made at Council in response to Members’ questions on the issue. He also stated that all political groups had been offered presentations by the Co-Op and there had been extensive coverage in the media. He stated, therefore, that it was the right time for Cabinet to formulate an opinion, based on current knowledge about the proposal.

Councillor Kitterick gave an outline of how the current proposals related to the five tests previously set out by Cabinet. He stressed that comments made related to opinion at this stage only, and that Cabinet reserved the right to change this opinion at a later stage, if strict conditions could not be met. He stated that discussion had taken place on whether to postpone consideration of the matter, due to the delay in production of the PPS, but it was clear that there was a need for a resolution at this stage. He also stated that neighbouring authorities may have differing priorities and views from Leicester City Council.

With regard to the five tests, Councillor Kitterick stated that the assurance that at least 30% affordable housing would be provided was welcome, and that the Council would ask Government to increase this number in order to address need in the city. Previous experience of new developments in the surrounding area had highlighted the need for the new Eco-Town to contain adequate community facilities. Regarding the impact on the environment, the contribution of at least 68% of open space, in the form of a Great Park, was a welcome contribution, and a development of 15,000 homes would enable large scale environmental technologies to be developed, and an opportunity for the town to be a net exporter of energy. Regarding transport issues, Councillor Kitterick stated that the ambition for one parking space for every two houses was welcomed and a tram system into Leicester City was essential. He stated that the scheme would have multiple advantages for the regeneration of the city, including the development of a tram system, creation of construction jobs and affordable housing provision. More work was required on assessing the employment benefits of the proposed town.

He stated that Cabinet noted the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board that the development could have a serious effect on the traffic on the A47, and would ask the Co-Op to reconsider this issue.

Councillor Kitterick stated that English Partnerships would be requested to assess the proposal through the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). This was because it would impact on other potential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

The meeting closed at 5.46pm.