Agenda and minutes

To recice any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Simms (Chair), Abrahams, Gavan and Z Hussain.

Members to declare any interests and party whips in relation in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business to be considered as a  matter of urgency.

There were no urgent additional items of business to consider. 

To consider and comment upon the Friar Park Urban Village.

Further to Minute No. 5/23 (9 February 2023), the Board received an overview of the Friar Park Urban Village Masterplan proposals.  The site represented one of the largest brownfield development opportunities in the West Midlands region.

Following the completion of the concept stage, the Masterplan was seeking endorsement to set the principles and minimum quality standards for the scheme.  The design, tendering and planning application stages would be progressed upon the completion of the Masterplan.

                  The Service Manager – Growth and Spatial Planning outlined that key principles were:-

·                Decontamination of the Friar Park site;

·                Provision of 10 hectares of open and green space;

·                The building of 630 new homes, 158 of which would be affordable;

·                Potential expansion of the Millennium Centre.

The draft Masterplan had been amended subsequent to public consultation taking on board feedback from the consultation.  It was noted that response rates had been low, however the majority of feedback was supportive of the scheme.

Various representatives from relevant directorates and external bodies were in attendance to facilitate an in-depth analysis of the Masterplan.

The Board heard from a representative of Wednesbury Action Group who expressed reservations regarding the scheme.  In particular the following points were highlighted:-

·                Construction works would place additional demand upon the Highways Network;

·                A local bus route was due to cease operations which could create additional car usage;

·                An increase of residents in the locality would increase pressure upon schools and GP practices;

·                The number of responses to the public consultation had been low;

·                Environmental studies, including noise, air and light assessments were minimal;

·                The locality had high levels of pollution and this development could cause the air quality to deteriorate.

A baseline transport report had been conducted based on an assumption of 830 properties rather than the proposed 630, which identified no highways safety concerns.  A modest increase in traffic during morning (396 trips) and afternoon (441 trips) peak times had been identified, however this was manageable within the existing highways network.

The Board heard that representations had been made by the Council to Transport for West Midlands to preserve existing bus routes.  In addition, the scheme had incorporated pedestrian and cycle routes to ensure journeys would be able to be made sustainably.

The Group Head for Education Support Services outlined that calculations had estimated that 138 primary school places and 62 secondary school places were needed upon delivery of the scheme.  These places would be met via the existing school provision; there was sufficient availability in line with Schools Admissions Code requirements to meet the additional need.

School provision would be continuously monitored as the development progressed, it was not anticipated a new school would be required, however if demand was higher than predicted this could be met via funding from the Schools Capital Programme.

Air quality measuring stations were utilised, and the air pollution levels were found to be consistent with the average for Sandwell.  To safeguard air quality the Masterplan had ensured that properties were to be 15 metres away  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11/23

To note and review the Board’s Work Programme 2022/ 23 and the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Board noted its Work Programme for 2022/2023 and received the Cabinet Forward Plan.