MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

8 JUNE 2021

REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND LEISURE COMMITTEE

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCKMEADOW COMPLEX

 

Issue for Decision

At the 16 February 2021 meeting of the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee, the Further Development of the Lockmeadow Complex was considered.

Traffic congestion was raised during the debate, with the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee requested to review the slowness and reluctance in dealing with the Section 106 monies associated with the McDonalds, 2-8 Hart Street Planning approval.

Recommendation Made

That the Committee review the slowness and reluctance in dealing with the Section 106 monies associated with the McDonalds, 2-8 Hart Street Planning approval.

Reasons for Recommendation

The Leisure Property Manager introduced the report and explained that Phase I of the improvement works to the Lockmeadow leisure complex had been completed in December 2020. The Phase II developments had been presented to the Policy and Resources Committee on 10 February 2021 and consisted of three parts: create a food hall; expand the existing outside terrace; and install a children’s play area.

The Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee were informed that Kent County Council, as highways Authority, had received funding for an investigation into the traffic flows and to examine the possibility of a one-way system, on the surrounding roads. A timetable for the works would be shared with the Committee, when available. In response to questions, the Director of Finance and Business Improvement explained that the Phase II proposals had previously been endorsed by the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee during its October 2020 meeting, with the plans having been presented to the Policy and Resources Committee meeting for budget approval. The Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee were then presented with the developments again for their comments.

Concerns were raised regarding the amount of traffic in the local area with particular reference to Hart Street, and the road improvements necessary to the area. The speed at which the Section 106 (S106) monies had been used by the Highways Authority to carry out road improvements was questioned. It was felt that the use of S106 monies should be further considered by the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee’.

Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended

None.

Background Papers

Minutes Template (maidstone.gov.uk) – Minutes of the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee Meeting held on 16 February 2021.

Appendices

None.