Minutes:
The following oral question was received from Ms Davina Misroch on behalf of the Friends of Community G:-
‘What consultation has been done with the local community who live/work in and near Site G following the BTCAAP Inspector’s decision in summer 2010 that a separate masterplan be created to guide the future development of this area; and is the CPO of residential properties still being considered?’
The Portfolio Holder responded as follows:-
· Development Site G, inclusive of Ethelbert Close, has been part of the early iterations of the AAP from 2008 onwards.
· The Council took the decision to produce the masterplan in co-operation with a potential development partner. This was explained in a letter to residents dated 16 February 2011.
· The procurement of a development partner commenced in the summer of 2012. The Council provided an update in a letter dated 10 July 2012. In the Autumn of 2012 a part 2 report was considered by the Council Executive which highlighted that the initial procurement round 3 bidders had expressed an interest in developing Opportunity Site G.
· In July 2013, the Council Executive resolved to grant Muse Development Ltd preferred developer status and enter into an exclusivity period of 12 months to allow for further negotiations, including the production of a viable masterplan. A letter was sent to all residents and interested parties on 8 July 2013 with an update and invitation to a meeting with Councillors (including Ward Councillors) and Council Officers on the evening of 25 July 2013 at Bromley Town Church. The event on 25 July 2013 was attended by over 100 residents, adjoining occupiers and interested parties. The aim of this meeting was to provide a forum for members of the community to discuss progress and outline next steps.
· A follow up letter was sent to residents on 13 August 2013 clarifying questions raised at the meeting on 25 July 2013. Highlighted in this letter was the fact that the Council would be working with Muse Development to develop plans and make detailed assessments about the viability of any scheme. Work currently continues with Muse on finalising a viable scheme for land north of Ringers Road and south of Churchill Theatre.
· A commitment was made to residents whose properties may be affected to contact the Head of Renewal to discuss their individual circumstances. Approximately 30 residents/owners from Ethelbert Close and Ringers Road have been in contact directly since August 2013.
NB:
1. Progress and update are reported to every Renewal and Recreation Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee, 17 since February 2011.
2. The current database of residents currently stands at over 1,200 names and addresses (regularly monitored)
3. A webpage on this scheme exists on the Council’s website which includes details of the scheme as well as major Council decisions on the project.
4. Land Charges records clearly indicate the development on land searches.
Ms Misroch had attended the meeting held on 25 July 2013 and along with many attendees had considered the proposals to be a fait accompli. As a supplementary question, she asked why more in-depth consultation with the community as a whole had not been undertaken.
Ms Misroch was informed that the event held on 25 July 2013 was held to highlight the Council's aspirations for the site and as soon as Muse developed a solid scheme worth discussing, then a full public consultation would be carried out.
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It was reported that a letter had been received from Liz Keable, Chair of Mottingham Residents' Association who raised concerns in regard to the current proposals set out in Item 6d - Bromley Library Service - Proposal for Reorganisation. A written response would be sent to Ms Keable.