Agenda item

Mr Miller addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 9 – Low Emission Strategy and noted the importance of reducing air pollution and improving the air quality. He thanked Cabinet for the opportunity to take part in the scrutiny panel and commented that he would continue to monitor the progress and air quality in the Town Centre. He referred to the outcome of a recent High Court hearing between a development company and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which ruled on the adverse impact of poor air quality. He asked that Cabinet adopt the strategy with no further delay.

Councillor Hallam thanked Mr Miller for his participation and input into the Scrutiny Panel.

Mr Sawyer addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 9 also, and referred to section 4.5 of the report and noted that there had been no mention of consulting with community groups or campaigners. He questioned why there was still no Air Quality Management Report for 2016 and noted the poor air quality around the Bus Station. He questioned the Councils record on the transparency of collated date but congratulated the Council on the recent appointment of another Environmental Health Officer.

Mr Seamark addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 7- ‘Disposal of Land ad Lancaster Way, and stated that the report did not adequately address the concerns of the local residents. He noted that once the land was sold off it would no longer be under the control of the Council and questioned the length of time that the developers had been given in order to complete the legal documentation. He further suggested that corporate asset management fell under the remit of the Cabinet Member for Environment and questioned the validity of the decision making.

The Monitoring Officer explained that the decision making was being carried out collectively and transparently and in accordance with the regulations contained within the Constitution.

Ms Percival addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 7 and explained that residents had become aware of land being cleared alongside trees and shrubs and potential disruption to badger sets. She commented that during this time, residents were advised by the Police that there was nothing that could be done to prevent this; she further argued that if the Council were to dispose of the land, they would no longer have any control over it and commented that the open space had been used by children, public meetings and dog walkers and urged Cabinet not to sell the land.

Ms Gravett also addressed Cabinet in respect of Item 7 and questioned why the Council were proposing to sell off the open space and why sell it to the developer. She questioned the reasons why she had recently witness a traffic counter in the area and explained that for anyone who had driven along that road, would be aware that it was both busy and somewhat congested at times. She further questioned whether the Council had considered the impact the disposal of land would have on the young children and dog walkers. She noted that the sale would inevitably lead to further housing developments which would increase traffic and pollution in the area and urged the Council to reconsider.

Mr Gadson also spoke in respect of Item 7 – and commented that as a resident of Far Cotton, he was disappointed that only 2 options for consideration were presented in the report and suggested that there were further option that could be considered. He commented that Leah Bank Road had been built with full services and reported that 3 acres of green space had been given to Delapre Primary School on the proviso that green area would be kept and noted that residents and the allotment owners had offered to enhance and improve the green space as it was a local amenity.