Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Culbard and Meredith.

At this point, the Chair welcomed Jane Bunce, University of Northampton, (Co Optee) to the meeting.

Members to state any interests

There were none.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

There were none.

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 29 May 2018.

Subject to the update below being included into minute 4 – Deputations and Public Addresses in respect of Mr Cross’ address:

“there needs to be more and clearer signs for cyclist routes in and around the Town (especially the Drapery) so other vehicle drivers are more aware of cyclists and Residents around the south of Northampton including Delapre, Far Cotton et environs, need to be parking permit holders, so students do not park in their streets.”  In place of  “more signage needed and the possibility of residents’ parking around Waterside”

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 May 2018 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a presentation that sets the scene.

Derrick Simpson, Town Centre Manager, gave the Scrutiny Panel a presentation that set the scene.  He highlighted the salient points.

The Scrutiny Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         Over 12,000 expected at the University

·         The University recycles its own waste

·         The bio mast was referred to and it was noted that the Panel would have sight of this on its site visit.  The Co-Optee undertook to provide a report on the bio mast to the next meeting of the Scrutiny Panel

·         In response to a query regarding the ratio of students to accommodation; the Co Optee advised that there will be accommodation for 920 students on the new site, St John’s Halls has 426, around 1,000 at Park campus accommodation for 250 students at Basset Law.  In addition, there is accommodation around the town centre. It was noted that some students will continue to live at home, some will commute, for example from London and Milton Keynes.  There is enough accommodation for first year students who want to live on site, plus accommodation for 2^nd and 3^rd year overseas students.  Some students prefer accommodation in the town centre.

·         The Scrutiny Panel commented that student accommodation is putting pressure on the housing market in the town centre.    Parking was another concern that was raised.

·         The potential increase to the footfall for the town was commended.

·         Safeguarding and safety was referred to, in particular around the University Night club and the additional five Police Officers, paid for by the University.

·         In response to a query regarding cuckooing, the Co Optee confirmed that she had not received evidence of such a situation at this time.  There are robust partnership arrangements in place.

·         The Park and Ride facilities will be in operation from 7am to 10pm and a bus will come every ten minutes.  It costs £1 a day for anyone using it.

·         It was suggested that pick up should be from the car park only and not from the bus stops along the way, this would prevent people parking on-street and then catching the park and ride bus.  The Town Centre Manager undertook to find out if this could be possible.

·         In answer to a query about parking capacity; it was confirmed that this was adequate.  There are over 1900 spaces.   Discussions are ongoing about an additional park and ride car park; but should one be introduced it would not be immediately.

·         Additional CCTV has been installed in car parks, Becketts Park and the University Campus.  The University will monitor the CCTV in the campus.

·         The Scrutiny Panel commented that there is a need to widen the footpath opposite St John’s and Beckett’s Park and suggested that this be a potential recommendation of the final report.  It was further suggested that the road is classed as “dual use” whereby if pedestrians crossing, vehicles have to stop.

·         It was further suggested that this be suggested that this be a potential recommendation of the final report.

·         Regarding emergency planning, on-going work is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Scrutiny Panel to agree the list of core questions to be put to expert advisors.

The Scrutiny Panel considered the draft core questions and made updates.

AGREED:      That the core questions, as attached, are sent to the expert advisors, as detailed on the Scope of this Review

The Chair advised that the site visit would take place on 8 August  10 am at the University. It would last around 1.5 hours.   The tour will be led by the Director of Student & Academic Services, Jane Bunce  (Co Optee to the Panel.)

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the Community Impact Assessment (CIA) for this Review.

The Community Impact Assessment for this Review was approved and would be published on the Overview and Scrutiny WebPage.