Agenda item

Councillor Bittleston introduced the report on the progress of the implementation of the Sheerwater Regeneration project.  The report covered a number of areas, including the outcome of the recent pre-planning consultation exhibition held on 18 January 2018 and the development of new leisure facilities at the Bishop David Brown School.  The scheme had been significantly reviewed by Thameswey Developments Ltd and Thameswey Housing Limited since having been appointed to take the development forward.  The report therefore sought approval to authorise Thameswey to submit a new hybrid planning application based upon the information in the report.

Councillor Bittleston referred to a letter sent by the Sheerwater Residents’ Association in regard to the Compulsory Purchase Order and responded to the points raised, in particular reiterating the arrangements for the valuation of properties, referring to advice received from the Council’s Monitoring Officer. 

Councillor Bittleston concluded the introduction by thanking Councillor Davis and the other Councillors on the Sheerwater Regeneration Oversight Panel for having unanimously support the report and the recommendations contained therein.  Councillor Raja and Councillor Aziz both referred to representations they had received from home owners within the regeneration area and their concerns over the property valuations.  In response, Councillor Bittleston again advised Councillors that any residents dissatisfied with the valuation provided by Frazers could seek a valuation from the District Valuer, whose valuation would then be honoured by the Council regardless of whether it was higher or lower than the valuation reached by Frazers.  It was added that, at the request of the Oversight Panel, any home owners reluctant to receive a valuation from Frazers could ask the Council to appoint the District Valuer without first receiving a valuation from Frazers.

Councillor Bittleston responded to other points made and agreed with the sentiment expressed by other Members that the process had taken too long to reach this point.  However, it was hoped that the development would now progress quickly, with the first of the construction work to start in May 2018.

The Council was directed to the recommendations before them.  The Council agreed the recommendations without progressing to a vote, though noted the request by Councillor Aziz and Councillor Raja to record their opposition to the proposals.

RESOLVED

That (i)    the Update Report be received;

          (ii)   Thameswey Developments Limited be authorised to submit the revised Hybrid Planning Application as outlined in the report;

          (iii)  the revised timetable for the consideration of the Compulsory Purchase Order at the Council’s Meeting in October 2018, with the consequential extension of time for the agreement of voluntary sales by private owners, be agreed;

          (iv)  the Community Charter be amended to authorise the use of the District Valuer to determine valuations of properties where owners do not wish to use Frazers or dispute Frazers valuation;

          (v)   Officers be authorised to engage with private owners to encourage them to consider voluntarily selling their properties to the Council; and

          (vi)  Sheerwater Football Club be designated as a Priority User for the new 3G Football Pitch, the construction of which is scheduled to start in Summer 2018.