Public Issues
To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is 12 noon, 3 clear working days before the meeting.
The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday the working day before the meeting.
The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting.
Minutes:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions submitted but that three questions and one statement had been received by members of the public, all relating to Agenda Item 11 (South Part of Beach Road Car Park).
Public Question received from Peter Schroeder, Chairman of the Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs Residents Association
In what way does the Council think that reducing available parking by the planned sell-off, will improve either the quality of life or the economic well-being of the residents of Poole?
Response by the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places
Thank you for your question which relates to the loss of parking and the associated impact on quality of life. this car park has been underused for many years and even in the peak summer months people avoid using this car park and instead choose to park on residential roads or in illegal and dangerous places.
The previous Borough of Poole established that it was not good value for money to retain this car park and agreed its sale and not good value for the taxpayers of Poole and now BCP, and that it would be better served in reallocating part of this site and creating new homes here instead.
The sale of part of the site will also allow the remaining car park to be modernised so that the spaces are suitable for use by those who need it and the assessment shows that the overall change in the number of spaces will be adequate to meet the needs.
We are separately looking at the issues faced by residents on local roads like Lakeside Road who are negatively impacted by thoughtless drivers blocking their access, behaving in an unruly manner late at night and we believe that supporting their calls for on street parking measures will improve their quality of life.
The economic value of new homes paying council tax and spending money in the local economy will more that outweigh the relatively low income from the car parking as is demonstrated in the report which you will hear about later. Furthermore the building of new homes will generate developer contributions that will support community infrastructure and affordable housing for the wider area.
Public Question received from Roy Pointer
The sale of the south portion of the Beach Road car park identifies the need for a business case for the upgrade/retention of the remainder. This business case could fail if considered in isolation. Can the Council assure residents that the potential for the WHOLE site be considered and appraised as one project linking the case for the part sale with the upgrade of the remainder thereby avoiding the latter being unviable due to tha sale of the former?
Response by the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places
The business case for delivery of improvements to the rear car park is being expedited. Funding will be met through PWLB (Public Works Loan Board) borrowings and access arrangements will be ... view the full minutes text for item 79