Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Directors of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking Members’ approval of the Draft North Quay Development Brief (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) for public consultation for six weeks from Monday 3 February.  It was noted that the Development Brief was a requirement of the Local Development Scheme 2019 / 21.

The report provided background information regarding the adoption of the Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan as a Supplementary Planning Document by the Council in December 2017.

The Draft North Quay Development Brief set out the national and local planning and policy framework for development and regeneration in the North Quay defined area.  The draft Brief had been prepared with business and stakeholder engagement in addition to specialist input from external agencies and organisations.  Public consultation was now required for a minimum of six weeks to progress the Brief through to adoption by the Council.

In response to questions raised by Members, the Strategic Theme Lead – Place, provided the following information:

·                 The related Flood Risk Assessment was due to be completed in Spring 2020.  The flood resilience document from the Environment Agency had referred to some of the tidal defences requiring attention but these would be captured through Section 106 agreement.

·                 There was permission for further car parking on a site adjacent to Tescos.

·                 There was no bridge included and connectivity was via Sadds Wharf and Station Road.

·                 Planning Policy D1 and the supplementary Maldon Design Guide were recommended to be referenced in any design proposals.  In addition the Maldon Conservation Area, listed buildings and locally listed building had been highlighted in the design principles.

In response to a comment, it was agreed that the highlighting in Figure 11 of the brief ‘existing residential houseboats’ would be amended to more accuracy reflect the location of these houseboats.

RESOLVED that subject to the above amendment, the Draft North Quay Development Brief (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) be approved for public consultation.