Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy seeking approval to allow the Draft Public Realm Strategy to progress to a 6 week period of public consultation prior to recommendation of adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document.

RESOLVED:

That the ‘Gloucester Public Realm Strategy 2016 - Public Consultation Draft’ be approved for a six week period of public consultation.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy which sought approval to allow the Draft Public Realm Strategy to progress to a 6 week period of public consultation prior to recommendation of adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document.

Councillor James commented that the existence of high quality public realm stimulated private sector development, and that whilst the majority of public realm works were the responsibility of the Council, some works were undertaken by developers, and a consistency of approach was required. He advised that an action plan, outlining short term improvements was being developed, noting that the policy had been presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee at their meeting on the 30^th January 2017.

Councillor Norman referring to paragraph 8.2 of the report warned that the City Council could utilise only those resources that were available to them and would need to consider ring fencing budgets or earmarking funds to make available for the project.

Councillor Watkins thanked officers for preparing the strategy commenting that it was an opportunity for the Council to consider how they could make the City accessible for everyone, including individuals who had mobility impairments. She welcomed responses to the consultation and encouraged community groups and individuals with mobility issues to share their views.

Councillor James advised that Overview and Scrutiny Committee had requested that list of consultees be considered to include disability and mobility awareness groups. Responding to Councillor Norman’s comments regarding the finance, he noted that some improvements would be delivered through large scale developments such as Project Pilgrim. He acknowledged that the Council would need to think creatively about ways to finance improvements to other areas of the City, and in particular the gate streets.

RESOLVED:

That the ‘Gloucester Public Realm Strategy 2016 - Public Consultation Draft’ be approved for a six week period of public consultation.

To receive the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that proposes that the draft of the ‘Gloucester Public Realm Strategy 2016’ be approved for a six week period of public consultation

The Chair welcomed Councillor Paul James (Leader of The Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy) and Anthony Wilson (Head of Planning) to share the proposal that the draft “Gloucester Public Realm Strategy 2017” be approved for a six week period of public consultation.

Councillor James explained the importance of the Public Realm Strategy and urban environment to attracting private investment into the City. He said that key to the strategy was a consistent approach to both the quality and appearance of the public realm throughout the City. He said that as the public realm would be part funded by the Council and part funded by the private sector, the Council would consult stakeholders for input during the six week consultation. He said that after this consultation, the Public Realm Strategy would become part of supplementary guidance to the City Plan.

Anthony Wilson informed the Committee of an amendment to the document in the agenda. He explained that Section 3.8 of the Public Realm Strategy had been removed from the strategy and added to an action plan to be acted upon in the short term.

Councillor Dee stated that the linkages to the City Centre were of great importance and that he had concerns that the linkage beside the old prison was not mentioned in the Public Realm Strategy. He stated that as this was one of the flatter linkages, it needed to be developed in an attractive manner. Councillor James noted Councillor Dee’s comments and explained that this linkage would be part of the Blackfriars redevelopment.

Councillor Lewis praised the City’s current provision of seating but requested this be expanded, as this would be of particular benefit to older members of the community and would make the city appear busier. He stated a preference for seating made from warm materials rather than cold materials such as stone.

Councillor Haigh asked for clarification regarding Paragraph 4.1 of the report, as she said that this paragraph did not meet its stated purpose of addressing ABCD considerations. Councillor James stated that it referred to the public having a say on the document, not suggesting they install the public realm themselves.

Councillor Hawthorne stated that the maps contained within the Public Realm Strategy required clarification and that the lack of landmarks and road names made it difficult to orientate oneself. The Chair agreed with this and Councillor James said this would be looked into.

Councillor Hawthorne asked for further details regarding engagement with vulnerable groups, as outlined in section 4.9 of the Public Realm Strategy. He particularly wanted to raise concerns regarding the impact upon people with dementia of new and modern street furniture which can compound the confusion they experience. Councillor Hawthorne asked for clarification on what considerations had been given to this and how the disability user audit in section 4.9 of the strategy would be undertaken. Councillor James explained that vulnerable groups would be consulted on a project by project basis to assess the impact and necessary adjustments required.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77