Agenda and minutes

The Chair to welcome Members to the inaugural meeting of the Scrutiny Panel – The Impact of the move of the University of Northampton

The Chair welcomed all those present to the inaugural meeting of Scrutiny Panel 2.

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Gareth Eales and  Councillor Vicky Culbard.

Members to state any interests.  Declarations will be for the life of this Scrutiny Review.

Councillor Sam Kilby-Shaw, Councillor Jane Birch, Councillor Penny Flavell and Councillor Graham Walker declared   interests as the site of the new University are within their wards.  The declarations were declared for the life of this Scrutiny Review.

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

Thomas Appleyard, individual, addressed the Scrutiny Panel.  He commented that in his opinion this Scrutiny Review was welcomed and he went on to convey his concerns regarding confusion regarding the orbital road and that he felt this should open at the same time as the Relief Road.  He then commented about congestion and the impact on a town supermarket.  He urged the Scrutiny Panel to consider involving local residents in its evidence gathering.

Mr Appleyard was thanked for his address.

Patrick Cross, Chair, WASRA Residents’ Association, addressed the Scrutiny Panel.  He advised that he lives near to the current site of the University and is also an Associate Lecturer at the University.  He commented that there will be no student car parking on the new campus; acknowledging the provision of a park and ride which he felt would be good and robust but was concerned it will be located at Sixfields.  It could impact upon traffic around St James.    He felt there is a need for another park and ride in the opposite side of town.  Mr Cross felt this would make the park and ride system more robust.  He went on to comment about more signage needed and the possibility of residents’ parking around Waterside.

Mr Cross was thanked for his address.

The Scrutiny Panel to scope the review.

The Scrutiny Panel, considered in depth, the draft scope for the Review – Impact of the Move of the University of Northampton, making a number of updates and further inclusions.

AGREED:      That the scope of the Review –  Impact of the Move of the University of Northampton , is presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 20 June 2018 for approval.