Decision details

Cabinet approval was sought for the draft Planning Brief for Kingshurst Village Centre and the carrying out of a public consultation process on the draft Planning Brief.

Members were advised that three different connectivity options had been considered as detailed in Section 7 of the Planning Brief and each option was based on a different approach to creating a main thoroughfare within the village centre which had been identified as a key design issue.

The proposed consultation on the draft Planning Brief would include consideration of each of the options and the degree to which they met the key objectives. The consultation work was essential for the purposes of informing the decisions that Cabinet would be required to make in future in respect of the proposed redevelopment of the Village Centre.

The rational behind the proposal was set out in the Planning Brief alongside environmental improvements, there was a case that redevelopment should rationalise and consolidate the commercial offer of the Centre to ensure that it was viable in the market. As seen at other centres, it was considered there was unlikely to be the need for the current quantum of retail floor space.

An important complementary element of the proposed scheme was the creation of better quality housing to meet local needs and deliver the housing requirement of the Local Plan. High quality residential development would support businesses and local services.

The provision of local health services would be retained to create a sustainable hub and there would be an opportunity to expand these services. There was also an opportunity to improve the provision of existing community uses to better meet local needs and create a more sustainable centre accessible by public transport.

Members in supporting the proposal requested that the appropriate parish councils be consulted, and Officers confirmed that affordable housing was included in the proposals.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the draft Planning Brief for Kingshurst Village Centre attached at Appendix 1to the report be approved;

(ii)  That delegated authority be given to the Director for Managed Growth and Communities, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth, to make minor changes as necessary; and

(iii)  That the carrying out a four week public consultation exercise on the draft Planning Brief be approved.