(Minute 125)
The report of the Assistant Director City Development was submitted recommending an amended response to the Draft Submission Planning document being published by Teignbridge District Council.
Executive, on 20 November 2012, had considered a report on a proposed response to Teignbridge District Council on ‘Plan Teignbridge’. Councillor Clark, speaking under Standing Order 44, requested that the City Council’s response should adequately reflect local residents concerns that the associated infrastructure improvements such as schools, health and transport should be undertaken earlier in the development. Executive resolved to defer the item until this meeting to consider a form of wording of a response that would more explicitly address this issue.
The Chair reported that Councillor Clark had informed him that, together with the Chair of Alphington Forum, she had met with the Assistant Director City Development to discuss future school and health provision in south west Exeter. Councillor Clark was reassured that the Council had given a commitment to improved and ongoing joint working between authorities and she supported the revised recommendations.
Councillor Ruffle spoke on the item under Standing Order 44. He supported the revised recommendations in general but drew attention to a number of specific issues. He was concerned that the proposed expansion of Alphington Primary School to three form entry would create a premium on space and increase traffic congestion. Traffic congestion generally was the main issue of concern to residents. He fully supported the proposed new rail station at Marsh Barton which he felt would have a very positive impact and looked forward to its construction as early as possible. He was aware of the controversy around the provision of Gypsy and Traveller pitches and emphasised the importance of active management of the site. He welcomed the Plan’s respect for the flood plain and its acknowledgement of the need for green space between the Alphington and Teignbridge developments.
The Assistant Director City Development responded that the expansion of the Primary School to three form entry was not Devon County Council’s preferred option and that consideration was being given to an all-through school closer to Alphington. Members suggested that staggered start times and “walking buses” could help address congestion concerns. It was acknowledged that effective management of the Gypsy and Traveller site was critical.
Members were pleased to note the comprehensive consultation process that had been undertaken in respect of the development in the south-western side of the city and welcomed the engagement of local residents in the public meetings and workshops.
Executive resolved that the City Council’s response to Teignbridge District Council be based upon the following five principles:
i) Support for the overall level of growth proposed in the plan to meet the needs of the wider Exeter housing market area and in particular the South West Exeter urban extension to contribute to the future growth of Exeter;
ii) the City Council’s commitment to ongoing joint working and cooperation between the authorities and other service providers to deliver comprehensively planned sustainable communities;
iii) a commitment to work closely with Teignbridge and other service providers on respective infrastructure delivery plans; to identify and agree funding arrangements that seek to maximise the early provision of essential infrastructure;
iv) that officers seek to develop a more detailed infrastructure plan for SW Exeter/Alphington to inform the forthcoming Examination of Plan Teignbridge and accompany the adoption of the proposed development brief for land south of Alphington; and
v) City Council decisions on when and how much to invest in infrastructure from funds such as CIL to serve the wider development of south west Exeter will ultimately be a matter for Executive, members and officers will work closely with Teignbridge and Devon Councils to agree investment priorities and funding packages with regard to views expressed by communities during the various consultations.
(Report circulated)
(Minute 115)
The report of the Assistant Director City Development was submitted, seeking to formulate a response to the Draft Submission document that is being published by Teignbridge District Council.
The Assistant Director reported that the Planning Member Working Group on 16 October had noted and supported the report which will form the basis of the response to Teignbridge District Council.
Councillor Clark spoke on this item under Standing Order 44, conveying the views of residents in the Alphington area which she felt were not adequately reflected in the City Council’s response. Their concerns related to the draft infrastructure delivery plan and specifically the phasing of the primary and secondary schools, the health centre and highways improvements which they felt should be undertaken much earlier in the development.
Executive members emphasised the benefits of a single urban extension rather than piecemeal development and endorsed the huge importance of an adequate infrastructure to support sustainable development in the area. They referred to a number of measures which would mitigate the impact of additional traffic including the proposed rail halt and Park and Ride facility. Residents were urged to respond directly to the consultation; the public examination would provide a further opportunity to explore issues of concern.
Residents were assured of the close and co-operative working arrangements with Teignbridge District Council on the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Whilst the Council was able to comment on the draft submission they could not make demands on Teignbridge District Council. Regrettably the development would not attract the multi-million pound investment from Central Government that Cranbrook had received and the prioritisation of infrastructure facilities would necessarily reflect commercial viability.
Whilst noting the on-going dialogue with Teignbridge District Council in relation to these issues, Executive acknowledged the concerns of residents and proposed that a further report be made to Executive on 4 December addressing these specific issues prior to responding to the document.
Executive resolved that the proposed response to Teignbridge District Council be deferred pending a further report to Executive on 4 December.