Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 8^th September 2015 and to authorise the Chairman to sign them.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Officers will provide a presentation to the group on the Rainham and Beam Park Masterplan and Planning Framework.

The group received a presentation on the Rainham and Beam Park Masterplan and Planning Framework.  The group noted that in March 2015 a public consultation street survey had been carried out in relation to the area.  At that time 84% of people surveyed were keen to see investment into the rundown industrial areas along New Road in order to provide quality new local homes, job opportunities, facilities and green spaces.  87% agreed that a Masterplan for the area should be created in order that a framework was set for the character of the area, together with the types of homes and facilities that were needed.

A further round of consultation was carried out over October and November 2015,, this time 94% of respondents agreed that they were keen for investment in the area and 76% agreed to a Masterplan should be created.

Officers further highlighted that 81% of those surveyed were keen for the proposals to include a mixture of new homes and apartments, a new train station, health facilities and local centre with community facilities at Beam Park, improved bus service and a new primary school within the masterplan area.  It was also agreed that New Road should become more pedestrian friendly and there should be new green spaces connecting to existing green infrastructure.  It was important that the legacy of the area was considered.

Members raised concerns about the knock-on effect that traffic on the A13 could have on the current A1306, when there is a problem/ accident and how this may be further affected with proposals of the A1306 Beam Parkway.  Officers explained that they now had secured funding from TfL to detailed design and feasibility work and traffic flows would be a key component of this.

Members raised further concerns about that area being on a flood plain and with the recent flooding in the north of the country this could be a concern to the residents in the south of the borough.  Officers explained that the Flood Defence Studies had been remodelled to take into account recently revised Environment Agency 100+ years + climate change standards and whilst the area was in the flood plain, the area the proposed flood mitigation measures in the Masterplan were adequate.  This had been approved and signed off by the Environment Agency.  Members felt that covenants needed to be included for the new residential properties so that driveways would be kept as soak aways.  Officers stated that at a previous meeting the information on the Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) had been discussed and this would be included in the framework for the area.

Members also raised concerns about the number of parking spaces made available within the development.  Officers explained that whatever came forward from developers would need to go through the planning process and the Masterplan was guidance to developers.  Any approvals of planned developments would need to be in line with the London Plan, and it was hoped that the results of the consultation with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.