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.

There were no declarations of interest.

To note the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2016.

Subject to the word “environment “ being added at the end of paragraph 4 (c) the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2016 were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.

Presentation by Mr Andy Jarrett, Head of Strategic Development Projects

The presentation by Mr Jarrett was in two parts. The first part provided the Working Group with an overview of the outcomes of the consultation exercise which included the public consultation days held on 29 and 30 November 2016 and the views expressed in pre-application discussions with other consultee’s such as Historic England, Kent Highways and the local planning authority.   

The second part of Mr Jarrett’s presentation put forward proposals to amend the proposed layout in the light of comments received during the course of the consultation process. The revised layout provided for an increase in the provision of open space and to realign car parking for the swimming pool. Also it was now proposed to clad the building in timber in place of corten steel.

Following discussion on the consultation responses and the Masterplan update 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 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 canalside), 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.