Agenda item

Report DRR15/067

The report outlined the Renewal and Recreation Portfolio Plan 2015/16 and described the new approach that had been adopted to improve the usefulness of the Plan.

The following updates were given in relation to the Plan:-

Aim 1, paragraph 1.2 (page 56) - The prominent plot of land (known as Opportunity Site B within the AAP), was a designated residential site for up to 70 units and would be marketed as such.  The site was currently being utilised as a storage depot for Bromley's improvement works. 

A development brief would be drafted outlining what would be acceptable and appropriate to build.  Members agreed that the site was an important gateway into Bromley and in this regard, recommended that the AAP stipulate the requirement for the design to be of good architectural merit. 

Performance Measures, paragraph 1.5 (page 58) - A Housing Zone Bid had been submitted and further clarification meetings were taking place with representatives of the GLA with a view to the full bid being considered by the GLA Housing Investment Team in September 2015.

Business Support Programme, paragraph 3.2 (page 62) – A legal grant agreement was currently being drawn up to cover a period of two years for the delivery by the Business Improvement District (Orpington 1^st) of the New Homes Bonus scheme.  Payment would only be made upon delivery of the agreed milestones.

Aim 5 – Business Growth Corridors (pages 64/65) – A number of posts had been recruited to develop the business investment and development plans for Biggin Hill and the Cray Business Corridor.  It was anticipated that this work would begin when the officers were in post in approximately 2-3 weeks’ time.  A further update would be reported at the PDS meeting in September.

Aim 7 – Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), (page 67) – The additional income expected from the Bromley CIL was not quantifiable as payment would be driven by applications of size and scale.  As with Section 106 Agreements, CIL reports would be submitted for consideration by E&R PDS Members.

Aim 8 – Planning Regulatory Functions (page 68) – The pre-application process required applicants to submit information in accordance with a detailed checklist.  In some cases, the requested information was omitted or officers required clarification and amendments which led to delays in determination.

The ‘other’ applications referred to in paragraph 8.1 (performance measures),  related to the determination of applications such as advertising, prior notifications, Certificates of Law and change of use etc.

It was agreed that whilst the report indicated the percentage of applications determined on target, future reports should also include response times for the remaining 40%.  It was also agreed that targets and achieved percentage rates for responding to TPO requests, Listed Building Orders and general enquiries be included in the Business Plan report.

Aim 11 – Enhance the Borough’s Leisure Facilities, paragraph 11.1 (page 74) – A 25 year management contract for the operation and management of the Churchill Theatre had been awarded to Qdos.

Paragraph 11.3 (page 74) – The length of lease agreed for Blackheath and Bromley Harriers to undertake the management and maintenance of Norman Park Athletics Track was unknown however, it was likely to cover a period of between 45-99 years.

RESOLVED that, subject to the amendments and additions outlined above, the Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree the draft Renewal and Recreation Portfolio Plan 2015/16.