Agenda item

Mr Jamie Seamark addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 13- Disposal of Land at Lancaster Way as a representative of Buckingham Fields Community Action Group and commented that a previous Cabinet report had 4 conditions attached to the disposal of land, not all of which had been adhered to. He expressed concern that there had been a significant delay in the signing of the Section 106 Agreement from the approved ‘in principle’ planning consent.

Ms Antonella Mitchell also addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 13- Disposal of Land at Lancaster Way and questioned what the flood attenuation plans were for the area and when and where surveys would be undertaken with regards to the flood plans as she had concerns that there had been a lack of communication with affected residents. She further commented that to sell the proposed land would be a significant loss to local residents and that to approve development on the green space would have a detrimental effect on the area.

Ms Sara Gravett also addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 13- Disposal of Land at Lancaster Way and commented the area of land was the only green space for residents to use and that any development on the land would create a significant loss of wildlife and would leave children very little space to play. She commented that the area was covenanted for leisure use and urged the Council to reconsider their proposals.

Mr Alec Burt addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 13- Disposal of Land at Lancaster Way as Chairman of the Buckingham Fields Residents Committee and commented that it was not Council owned green space that was being disposed of but tax payers; the Council raised money through Council Tax and as Council tax payers the land could be perceived as being owned by residents and tax payers.

The Leader thanked the public speaker for their comments and it was clarified that the report would be brought to a future Cabinet meeting as per recommendation 2.1 (3) of the report.

Mr Colin Bricher addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 6A - Recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee -   Emission Strategy (action plan) and commented that the carbon emissions in Northampton were too high and that there were very concerning levels of air pollution. He voiced his support for Park and Ride, but stated that this had previously only happened for specific events. He further suggested that incorporating it into a Light Rail Network would be a more suitable option to consider and suggested the introduction of community it could be done piecemeal, starting with Buckton Fields to Castle station

Councillor Hallam, as the responsible Cabinet Member commented that the there was a misnomer in the belief that new roads did not improve Carbon Emissions and that often it reduced pollution as it decreased areas of congestion.

Mr Steve Miller (Green Party, Northamptonshire) addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 6A - Recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee -   Emission Strategy (action plan) and noted that he had attended and participated in the Scrutiny Panel and thanked the panel members for their work and inclusion. He commented that the proposed increase in electric vehicle charge points was very welcome but that there needed to be a lot more consideration given to providing realistic alternatives to car use and urged the Council to set a good example and to take a lead.