MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE SOUTH STREET DEVELOPMENT WORKING PARTY HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY, 1 MARCH 2002 COMMENCING AT 2.15 PM

Present :

Mr R G Mazillius (Chairman), Mr B E Abraham, Mr J R Adams (deputising for Mrs J L Wareham), Mrs T M Butchers, Mr M J Cunningham, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr R C Richards, Mr A T Tiltman (deputising for Mr A C Coburn)

Also Present :

Mr R R Barry

 1.        ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED :

THAT Mr R G Mazillius be elected Chairman.

2.        TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Working Party was established by the Resources Select Committee at its meeting on 1 February 2002. It was comprised of 11 Members from a range of Select Committees. The Committee’s Terms of Reference are :-

To scrutinise South Street Development proposals in the context of the potential relocation of Newport Fire Station.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Terms of Reference be noted.

3.        PROPOSED SOUTH STREET DEVELOPMENT - RELOCATION OF NEWPORT FIRE STATION

The Property Services Manager presented his report which outlined the different sites considered suitable for the relocation of Newport Fire Station. The Working Party were informed that eight site opportunities had been identified but when these sites had been considered in terms of location, Planning, Highway Access, Physical/Legal, Availability only three had been found to be suitable. These were:

Land at St Georges Roundabout

Land adjacent Newport Football Club

Land off St Georges Way

Members raised concern regarding the existing plans to construct a large roundabout adjacent to the St Georges Way site. Members were informed that this planned roundabout was intended to serve as a link for the proposed development of land at Pan Estate and was not as a direct result of the proposals for the relocation of the Fire Station.

Members were concerned about the size and location of the roundabout and the effect it would have on the local residents and the adjacent cycleway. The Working Party considered alternative traffic control methods.

The feasibility of developing land at the Riverway was discussed.

RESOLVED :

THAT under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public and press be excluded from the meeting for part of this item, on the grounds that there was likely to be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 8 and 9 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Members discussed the likely cost of purchasing and implications of developing the land at Riverway. It was agreed that because of the likely cost to acquire and develop the site it would not be considered any further.

The public and press were then re-admitted to the meeting.

RESOLVED :

           (i)        THAT the site of St Georges Way provides the best opportunity for the relocation of Newport Fire Station

           (ii)       THAT during the development process the following issues be considered:

Size and impact of any proposed roundabout or traffic scheme

SINC designated corridor

Implications for park and ride schemes

Flood plain risk

Impact on local environment

Foul drainage

           (iii)       THAT the Chairman of the Working Party be authorised to sign the minutes of this meeting as a correct record.

CHAIRMAN