Agenda item
LDF - Wembley Area Action Plan
Having adopted the Core Strategy of the LDF in July 2010 and with the Site Specific Allocation DPD to be adopted this month, it is now proposed to produce a Wembley Area Action Plan as agreed by the Executive in November 2010. This report explains progress to date and how it is proposed that the Plan be taken forward.
Minutes:
Ken Hullock, Policy Manager introduced a report that explained progress to date in producing a Wembley Area Action Plan as agreed by the Executive in November 2010 and how the Plan was proposed to be taken forward. He outlining the progress to date he stated that officers had begun the process of gathering evidence and were currently drafting Issues and Options papers which was intended to form the basis of the initial public consultation. Views will be sought from residents and other stakeholders on what they think ought to be in the Plan. It was intended that the consultation would take place in September. Ken Hullock drew members’ attention to a number of issues identified for consideration during the public consultation as set out in the report which would be added to the final consultation before it was agreed. He also drew members’ attention to the timetable for preparing the area action plan adding that due to a reduction in available resources, the timetable had changed from that originally agreed by the Executive. He continued that the on-going gathering of information would end in December 2011, the draft plan to Committee in February 2012 and adoption by July 2013.
In the ensuing discussion, Councillor Hashmi emphasised the need for adequate car parking spaces in town centres, the merits in ensuring that buses were allowed to drive into retail and town centres and the supply of affordable housing in the area. In responding to the above, Ken Hullock stated that there was a need to balance the impact of cars which would also require road improvements. He added that a business case would need to be put before the bus companies for his suggestion to be accepted. He continued that due to the downturn in economic activity and the consequent reduction in bigger developments, it was not always feasible to secure more affordable homes as part of a development.
Councillor Singh suggested that measures be taken to ensure cheaper public transport fares and thus encourage more people to the town centre. Councillor McLennan noted the proliferation of betting shops in the Wembley area and enquired about stricter planning controls that could be adopted to curb their growth in Wembley. Councillor Van Kalwala referred to the growing number of student accommodation in the area and expressed concerns that this could materially alter the character of the Wembley area.
In responding to the above, the Policy Manager stated that issues about public transport fares were not within the remit of the Council. With respect to the growth of betting shops, he stated that (see Horatio for legal reasons). He continued that planning applications granted and to be submitted for student accommodation were around the stadium area which did not have any special character and where it was felt that students would be better able to cope with the impact of the activities from stadium and arena.
Councillor Kabir noted the diversity implications of the report and suggested that the involvement of the voluntary sector in view of the diverse population in the area. This should be additional to the full statutory public consultation that would be carried out in preparing the DPD, an Impact Needs / Requirement Assessment (INRA), and an Equalities Impact Assessment.
Councillor Sheth, Chair, enquired about the level of influence that the authority had over the London Mayor’s transport policy and strategy. He also sought an update on the proposed alterations to Wembley Triangle and Wembley Court Parade. In reply Chris Walker, Assistant Director of Planning stated that the Council would have an opportunity to comment on the London Mayor’s consultation document and thus feed into the strategic plans of the transport policy. In addition the Council developed local ideas which were fed into our local investment plans and subject to a good business case being made, were funded by Transport for London. The Policy Manager added that consultants had been engaged to examine the options and advise on safe measures for the bridge and improve pedestrian movements. In respect of Wembley Court Parade, he stated that officers had had discussions with a number of developers but due to the downturn in economic activity, no firm proposals had been received.
RESOLVED:
that the proposals for processing the Area Action Plan to adoption be noted.
Supporting documents: