Agenda item
Wembley Area Action Plan - Publication and Submission
This report provides a summary of the consultation responses, explains the main changes that are being proposed to the draft Wembley Area Action Plan and recommends that the Plan be published on 25 March and made available for comment for 6 weeks. It is also recommended that it be submitted for examination subject to Full Council approval.
I have printed the appendices to the report (in black and white) separately and sent to members only. Spare copies will be available at the meeting for inspection. Members are advised to use your iPads to access the colour version of the appendices which are available only on the internet.
Minutes:
This report provided a summary of the consultation responses, explained the main changes being proposed to the draft Wembley Area Action Plan and recommended that the Plan be published on 25 March and made available for comment for 6 weeks.
Ken Hullock, Head of Planning and Transport Strategy in setting out the background stated that the reasons for producing the Area Action Plan (AAP) derived from the need to update and provide clarity to, the UDP policy, particularly the Wembley Regeneration Area chapter taking account of changing circumstances. It was a logical step in drawing up the folder of Development Plan Documents (DPDs) that would make up the borough’s development plan and ultimately supersede the UDP. The AAP also consolidated detailed policy and guidance currently contained in a number of documents, including the Wembley Masterplan 2009, the Wembley link SPD 2011 and the Wembley West End SPD 2008.
The Head of Planning and Transport Strategy continued that the Council had undertaken a series of public consultation on the AAP including the draft Plan, Preferred Options. These followed wide publicity including online, advertisement in the local press, Brent Magazine, road shows in Wembley Central Square, libraries, One Stop Shops. In addition, drop-in sessions were held at the Town Hall and in a shop unit at Wembley Triangle.
He drew members’ attention to the summary of responses to the consultation which generated 240 comments in total and for which reasons it was proposed that the Plan be amended. He also drew members’ attention to the timetable for progressing the Area Action Plan and Development Management DPD as set out in the report from the Assistant Director of Planning and Development.
In reference to the vision and objectives for Wembley, Councillor Hashmi stated that the reduction of car parking spaces was likely to have adverse impact on retail function of the area. He also pointed out that affordable housing provision was inadequate to meet the growing demand in the Borough.
The Head of Planning and Transport Strategy responded that the target was to achieve approximately 50% of housing development as affordable housing however, delivery of affordable housing was also based on viability of each scheme. In respect of parking provisions, he submitted that whilst parking provision in the stadium area had been reduced it had been counter-balanced by improvements to public transport network in the area in particular, Wembley Stadium, Wembley Park and Wembley Central stations. This view was also echoed by Councillor Singh.
The Head of Planning and Transport Strategy in response to the Chair’s enquiry stated that the Council was in constant dialogue with Transport for London (TfL) about existing bus routes and that junction improvements were also being sought as and when a development came forward.
Members enquired as to whether any negotiations were taking place with Chiltern Railways, the rail operator. Councillor Daly observed that the areas along River Brent was densely populated and requested officers to consideration to the provision of amenities including play spaces, gyms and leisure facilities. She also enquired as to whether officers had given any thoughts on Ealing Road as an international retail destination. This view also echoed by the Chair.
The Head of Planning and Transport Strategy responded that in discussions with Transportation officers, Chiltern Railways had confirmed that the services they inherited were limited by capacity which they were currently expanding. They added that the programme of expansion could lead to additional services to the Wembley area. On Ealing Road as an international retail destination, the Assistant Director of Planning and Development submitted that although officers had given consideration to it, lack of land space for additional development was hampering efforts. The Head of Planning and Transport Strategy added that work was in progress to improve the amenities along River Brent including semi-naturalisation of Wealdstone Brook.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the Executive be recommended to agree the revised draft Wembley Area Action Plan for publication and public consultation on 25 March 2013 for 6 weeks, and to recommend to Full Council agree that the draft Plan be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination;
(ii) that the Executive be recommended to agree the proposed responses to individual representations, as set out in the schedules attached as appendix 1;
(iii) that the Assistant Director, Planning & Development be authorised to make further editorial changes to the document prior to finally issuing it for public consultation;
(iv) that the timetable for completion of the Area Action Plan up to adoption and for bringing forward the Development Management Policies DPD as set out in paragraphs 3.42 and 3.43 of the report be agreed.
Supporting documents: