Agenda item

(Report to follow)

Report DRR19/027

Members considered the progress of the West Wickham Leisure and Library Development and the feasibility study.

Approval was sought for the recommended design concept, as set out in the report together with approval to undertake soft market engagement with developers and housing providers to fully determine the extent of interest in the scheme.

The Strategic Commissioning Manager outlined the options set out in the report which were the result of feasibility work undertaken by Perfect Circle, a built environment consultancy.  Initial feedback included the views obtained from Ward Member briefings and engagement meetings with stakeholders.  Wider public engagement was still to be undertaken.

Visiting Ward Member Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP expressed his gratitude to the Director of Regeneration and the Strategic Commissioning Manager for consulting with him and Ward Member colleagues throughout the initial process.

Councillor Bennett reported that the existing leisure centre was not fit for purpose and too costly to maintain; a new leisure centre was therefore required.  In this regard, it was prudent to keep the public purse to a minimum and this could be achieved with the inclusion of housing.  Situated close to the mainline station, the site offered a brilliant opportunity for residential accommodation.  Although the proposed height of the building may cause concern, conditions to camouflage the development could be imposed via existing planning policies. 

Retaining the library was essential and officers should ensure that the book provision remained the same as that provided by the existing library.  The current facility would close just one week before handover. The site was suitable for the inclusion of residential accommodation.

Councillor Bennett urged Members to recommend Option 2c as the preferred way forward.

Visiting Ward Members Councillors Gray and Brock reiterated Councillor Bennett’s comments.

Councillor Evans raised concern in regard to the proposed mixed tenure of housing.  Referring to the current need for affordable housing, the Authority should lead by example and include affordable units when developing Council-owned sites.  A definite commitment for 35% permanent affordable housing should be applied in this case.

The Director of Regeneration confirmed that final costing for the schemes would be undertaken and all models were being assessed for the inclusion of affordable housing.

Councillor Stevens agreed that option 2c was preferable.  The scheme maintained a good balance with minimum space lost and included the correct mix of residential accommodation.  The Council had engaged with local residents who appeared to support the scheme as did users of the leisure facility.

A report outlining the value of the site would be submitted to the Committee in July 2019.

Discussions had taken place with the GLA in relation to grant funding.

In response to a question from Councillor Benington, the Director of Regeneration could not guarantee that the new library would operate in the same way as the Biggin Hill facility – Mytime did not have any rights regarding Group 2 facilities. 

With option 2c, there was scope to expand facilities in addition to the current café and meeting rooms.  As the scheme developed, the Council would work in conjunction with the successful operator on the new library design.  Retention of the current footprint was subject to debate moving forward.

Councillor Benington supported the inclusion of 35% affordable housing.

The proposed 25m lane main pool was accepted as standard.  Discussions had been held with the Diving Club who confirmed that this complied with their requirements although they were used to the existing 33m lane pool.  Discussions would continue.  As the proposed pool maintained a 2m depth throughout, a meeting with Sport England was suggested to discuss the option for a graduated pool.  Members were informed that Sport England would not be contributing funds.

The Director of Regeneration advised that further consultation would be put forward and feedback submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.  The Planning Department had been engaged to look at issues concerning trees which were not protected by TPOs and appropriate screening and treatments to soften the appearance of the proposed buildings.

RESOLVED that:-

1  the report be noted and the Committee’s comments be provided to Members of the Executive for consideration;

2  the Executive be recommended to approve option 2c on condition that at least 35% affordable housing was included.