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 on Thursday 4 April 2024. [12 noon 3 clear working days before the meeting]
The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday on Tuesday 9 April 2024. [midday the working day before the meeting]
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Monday 25 March 2024. [10 working days before the meeting]
Decision:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions submitted but that one question and two statements had been received from members of the public in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Disposal of Land at Wessex Fields, Riverside Avenue).
Public Question received from Conor O’Luby
The draft Local Plan says Wessex Fields 'would provide at least 2000 new jobs', a figure based on building a roads flyover (A338-Wessex Fields Link application). Strategic Transport Policies T1 and T2 make it clear that all new development must prioritise active travel and public transport. How does the Cabinet square this contradiction?
Response by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade
The new draft local plan does not state that there is a need for 2000 jobs on the Wessex Fields site, that reference goes back to the previous local plan which is prior to the existing extensions to the hospital and other improvements.
The local plan does recognise that the types of jobs that are required on that site being primarily around research and health and suggests that any residential development should be in the form of key worker housing. Therefore, by establishing jobs which have associated onsite homes we would expect that most of these new workers and residents would be walking or cycling to work.
It's also worth noting that the site is well connected to public transport and active travel routes and there is really no contradiction in terms of prioritisation of active travel for this site.
Public Statement received from Siobhan Harrington, CEO, University Hospitals Dorset, NHS FT
This is a win-win decision. The land has unique value to NHS & partners.
Health-led campus leads to high-quality jobs, like research & education.
We need more homes, especially for the NHS key workers, who will walk to work.
UHD is an environmental custodian who can make this a net zero site.
This proposal is popular, common-sense use of the land. It’s supported by neighbouring landowners.
We’re local, with a long-term view. We have every interest in making this work.
Expert opinion has set the price, following the due process, so a fair deal for taxpayers.
We’ve developed a joint vision for the site, over many years. BCP are no longer leading on developing the site, UHD is best placed to progress this.
UHD’s track record includes £24m Pathology Hub, £13m for electrical upgrade, Net-zero buildings. We are keen to further deliver, with partners, the vision for this site.
We recognise the severe financial pressures on BCP and appreciate that professionally managed Day Centres cost more than other types of day opportunities. That said they are ‘tried and tested, and fit for purpose’, and it is important when comparing alternatives to compare ‘like for like’. I fear that the level of support and care presently provided by our Day Centres is unlikely to be present in many of the alternatives being considered.
Public Statement from Rob Whiteman, Chairman, University Hospitals Dorset, NHS FT (Statement will be read by Richard Renault)
We are ... view the full decision text for item 129
Minutes:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions submitted but that one question and two statements had been received from members of the public in relation to Agenda Item 7 (Disposal of Land at Wessex Fields, Riverside Avenue).
Public Question received from Conor O’Luby
The draft Local Plan says Wessex Fields 'would provide at least 2000 new jobs', a figure based on building a roads flyover (A338-Wessex Fields Link application). Strategic Transport Policies T1 and T2 make it clear that all new development must prioritise active travel and public transport. How does the Cabinet square this contradiction?
Response by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Vikki Slade
The new draft local plan does not state that there is a need for 2000 jobs on the Wessex Fields site, that reference goes back to the previous local plan which is prior to the existing extensions to the hospital and other improvements.
The local plan does recognise that the types of jobs that are required on that site being primarily around research and health and suggests that any residential development should be in the form of key worker housing. Therefore, by establishing jobs which have associated onsite homes we would expect that most of these new workers and residents would be walking or cycling to work.
It's also worth noting that the site is well connected to public transport and active travel routes and there is really no contradiction in terms of prioritisation of active travel for this site.
Public Statement received from Siobhan Harrington, CEO, University Hospitals Dorset, NHS FT
This is a win-win decision. The land has unique value to NHS & partners.
Health-led campus leads to high-quality jobs, like research & education.
We need more homes, especially for the NHS key workers, who will walk to work.
UHD is an environmental custodian who can make this a net zero site.
This proposal is popular, common-sense use of the land. It’s supported by neighbouring landowners.
We’re local, with a long-term view. We have every interest in making this work.
Expert opinion has set the price, following the due process, so a fair deal for taxpayers.
We’ve developed a joint vision for the site, over many years. BCP are no longer leading on developing the site, UHD is best placed to progress this.
UHD’s track record includes £24m Pathology Hub, £13m for electrical upgrade, Net-zero buildings. We are keen to further deliver, with partners, the vision for this site.
We recognise the severe financial pressures on BCP and appreciate that professionally managed Day Centres cost more than other types of day opportunities. That said they are ‘tried and tested, and fit for purpose’, and it is important when comparing alternatives to compare ‘like for like’. I fear that the level of support and care presently provided by our Day Centres is unlikely to be present in many of the alternatives being considered.
Public Statement from Rob Whiteman, Chairman, University Hospitals Dorset, NHS FT (Statement will be read by Richard Renault)
We are ... view the full minutes text for item 129