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Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee |
7 June 2023 |
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Reference from Council – Notice of Motion – Town Centre Strategy |
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Wards affected
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All, with particular impact for Bridge, High Street, East, Fant and North wards |
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Executive Summary |
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At the meeting of the Council held on 19 April 2023, a motion relating to the development of the Town Centre Strategy was moved by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor Jeffery. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.9.3, at the conclusion of the debate, there being no proposal to refer the matter directly to the Executive (now the Cabinet), the Mayor referred the matter to the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Policy Advisory Committee (matter now covered by the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee). |
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This reference makes the following recommendation to the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee: |
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That consideration be given to the motion relating to the development of the Town Centre Strategy with a view to making a recommendation to the Leader of the Council/Cabinet as appropriate.
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Reference from Council – Notice of Motion – Town Centre Strategy |
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1. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION
1.1 At the meeting of the Council held on 19 April 2023, the following motion was moved by Councillor Harper, seconded by Councillor Jeffery:
The Council is currently preparing a new Town Centre Strategy to guide the development of Maidstone for the next 10/30 years. As the report of 4 April 2023 to the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Policy Advisory Committee stated, all party consensus is essential to this project as it will clearly span multiple administrations over that time. Whilst a number of subject stakeholder Groups have been established there is one key group missing. There is no formal stakeholder consultation group set up for the representatives of the residents most closely affected, those in the current wards of Bridge, East, Fant, High Street and North. This can be addressed by establishing a formal stakeholder consultation group of the Councillors for these areas. The needs of residents close to the Town Centre are of a different nature to those who only visit it periodically, it is where local residents go for local shopping needs as well as their local pubs and restaurants and for local leisure and sports needs. It is a Town Centre for where they live on a daily basis rather than visit as a destination.
It is therefore resolved that:
1. The Council continues with the Town Centre Strategy on the basis of obtaining all party support; and
2. A Consultation Stakeholder Group of Town Centre Councillors for the current wards of Bridge, East, Fant, High Street and North be established so they can represent the needs of the local communities in and adjacent to the Town Centre area.
2. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.9.3, at the conclusion of the debate, there being no proposal to refer the matter directly to the Executive (now the Cabinet), the Mayor referred the matter to the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Policy Advisory Committee (matter now covered by the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee).
2. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND WHY NOT RECOMMENDED
Not applicable.
3. REPORT APPENDICES
A copy of the Briefing Note which was prepared to assist Members in their consideration of the motion is attached as Appendix A.
4. BACKGROUND PAPERS
Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 19 April 2023