Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval of amendments to the draft Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan following public consultation.  Members’ agreement was also sought to enable preparation of a final document for endorsement and subsequently adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document.

The approved draft Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan for public consultation was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.  A copy of the questionnaire and project summary leaflet were attached as Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 detailed all comments recorded.

A public consultation commenced on 22 March until 29 April 2017.  Members were advised that the public consultation had highlighted concerns that a certain element of a project in the draft Masterplan could impact negatively on waterside businesses and the character and appearance of the historic waterfront and that certain projects should have a higher priority in the draft Masterplan.  Overall the plan had been positively received.

The report set out a number of proposed amendments to the draft Masterplan.  Members were informed that if agreed a final copy of the Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan would be brought to the next meeting of this Committee.

Some Members raised concern regarding the level of response received to the consultation and drawing conclusions from such a small number.  It was noted that a single response may have been representative of a local amenity group or business that has a number of members or employees.  The Urban Design Officer outlined how the Masterplan had been compiled over the last four years with significant stakeholder engagement to get to this stage.  All stakeholders had been advised of the consultation and in response to a further question Members were advised of the publicity undertaken to inform the public of the consultation via the local press, the Council’s website and a permanent exhibition in the Council offices for the duration of the consultation period.

In response to a question regarding the response to question 2f – Maritime Heritage Members were advised that this was reflective of similar responses received to question 2b – Waterfront Environment.

A concern was raised regarding the proposed bridge across the River Chelmer.  The Urban Design Officer clarified that the Movement and Connectivity Framework in the draft Masterplan was proposing a connection or link to improve public access to the waterside as Policy S5 states.  Review of movement and connectivity around the whole Masterplan area had identified a weak link for the Essex Coastal Path at this point.  The opportunity had been taken by stakeholders to include a safe and attractive walking and cycling route away from the Fullbridge crossing and Market Hill route to better connect The Causeway Regeneration Area, Maldon Central and the Leisure Quarter for pedestrians and cyclists as stated in Policy S5.  The Strategic Planning Policy Manager advised that the Masterplan provided a framework for various projects to come forward and the footpath/cycle connection across the river would be one of these. 

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that the bridge be removed from the Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan.  This proposal was duly seconded and upon a vote being taken was agreed.  Subject to this the other proposed amendments to the Masterplan were agreed.

The Chairman extended the thanks of the Committee to the Urban Design officer for her hard work and putting the consultation in a form which was easy to understand.  Thanks were also given to the Planning Policy Officer present at the meeting.

RESOLVED

(i)                 that the proposed amendments to the draft Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan following the public consultation, be agreed;

(ii)               that Officers be granted approval to prepare a final Maldon and Heybridge Central Area Masterplan to be considered by this Committee at its meeting on 14 September 2017 prior to recommendation to the Council for approval.