PAPER C

Committee:     ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE

Date:               25 MARCH 2002

Title:               NEWPORT HARBOUR REGENERATION BRIEF

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to inform Members of the progress to date and the proposed consultation document. A copy of the document is enclosed for members of the Select Committee only. Further copies can be obtained from Committee Services.

BACKGROUND

Members will be aware that the Council have been promoting the regeneration of the east bank of Newport harbour through a planning brief prepared in 1999 which has seen the removal of commercial transport uses, opening up the quays to public access, the accommodation of the Classic Boat Museum, refurbishment of Jubilee Stores and the recent construction of the new Travel Inn, Medina Quay Pub and new access road.

The Executive in October 2001 agreed to update and extend the brief to include the west bank and to undertake public consultation as the basis for future marketing and to give future developers a clearer view of the Council’s aspirations for the harbour. The revised brief will become Supplementary Planning Guidance when finally approved by the Council but has to be subject to appropriate public consultation.

The appended document is a black and white reduced version of the brief which has been prepared for public consultation. Colour full size versions will be available at the meeting. Members will note that the brief takes into consideration not just the Council owned land but also adjoining land ownerships where they logically contribute to the overall regeneration of the area. Initial contact has been made with some of the businesses who recognise the potential for expansion, redevelopment or reuse in support of the regeneration of the area. As members will be aware, site services are proposing to relocate to a more advantageous wharf facility to enable their expansion and give access to larger vessels enabling the redevelopment of their site; Fairholme Estates have expressed an interest in redevelopment opportunities for some of their properties on Riverway; Odessa Boatyard has confirmed their interest in continuing to provide yacht support facilities for the Harbour and to expand their operations. The Newport Harbour Users Association have contributed to the preparation brief by providing details of their harbour visitors survey identifying perceived good and poor aspects of the harbour.

Members views are sought on the draft brief as the basis for initial consultation.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Cost of public consultation

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the draft brief (subject to any changes considered appropriate) be circulated to users of the harbour and adjoining land owners together with being made available to the wider public so that their comments and views can be taken into consideration by the Council before confirming a new brief for the Harbours regeneration.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Executive report 2 October 2001

Draft Brief for public consultation appended

Contact Point : D Moore ☎4558

                                                                      M J A FISHER

Strategic Director

                                                    Corporate and Environment Services