Agenda and minutes

Before the commencement of business Councillor David Godfrey reminded members of the Council’s approved rules for working groups, a copy of which had been previously circulated for ease of reference. He reminded members that the Working Group did not have any decision making powers and that its meetings were governed by the rules covering confidentiality.

He reminded members that it was essential for them to maintain an open mind at all times and to avoid any suggestion of pre-determination. It would be for the Planning and Licensing Committee to determine the planning application and members who sat on the Working Group as well as the Planning and Licensing Committee should seek appropriate guidance from the Monitoring Officer in order to ensure that there was no evidence of pre-determination and to ensure members did not fetter their discretion.   

Members of the Council should declare any interests which fall under the

following categories*:

a) disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b) other significant interests (OSI);

c) voluntary announcements of other interests.

None.

The Working Group noted as background information the decision taken by the Leader of the Council on 27 November 2015 relating to the establishment of the Princes Parade Working Group.

Presentation by Mr Andy Jarrett, Head of Strategic Development Projects.

Presentation by Mr Andy Jarrett, Head of Strategic Development Projects.

Following the presentation and discussion the Working Group agreed to make the following recommendations to Cabinet:

a)    The Recreation Centre specification as set out below:

•      1 x 25m x 6 lane competition equipped swim pool

•      Spectator seating (100 person)

•      1 x 4 lane x 12m teaching pool  (visible from the café seating area)

•      Swim village changing /Dry Change facilities

•      100 station fitness gym (overlooking sea)

•      3 x Fitness Studios

•      Sports fixtures/fittings/equipment throughout building

•      Café / Vending area /Kitchen

•      Staff Management/admin suite /staff changing facilities

•      Adequate storage for all activity areas /First aid room

b)    The Recreation Centre to be located towards the east of the site with its car park on its east and the pools facing north;

c)    The Recreation Centre design to be stepped with a low sloping pool  roof, to be of high quality design incorporating materials to reflect its historic and coastal environment.

d)    The illustrative masterplan to reflect the approach of the emerging masterplan with the main through road to the north of the site, and to include 150 high quality homes including 30% affordable dwellings, strategic open space of at least 4.9 hectares(including improvements to the promenade and canal side), generous provision for pedestrians, cyclists and public car parking.  The building line to sit at least 12 metres from the edge of the seawall.

e)    A further report be brought to Cabinet dealing with options for construction and operation of the Recreation Centre and the method of disposing of land for housing.

The meeting concluded with the Working Group noting that two consultation days would be held as follows:

Seabrook Church Hall, Seabrook Road – Tuesday 29 November, 11 am to 5pm.

Hythe Town Hall, High Street, Hythe – Wednesday 30 November, 2pm to 8pm.

All Council members were free to attend either one or both of the consultation meetings. 

None.