Issue - meetings

The Lead Member of Planning and Infrastructure introduced the report and stated that the site required general maintenance and visual improvement. If agreed, the improvements would be funded from the existing budgets within Parking Services. 

The Head of Environmental Services and Public Realm highlighted the collaborative working between several council teams, including involvement from the Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager, in producing the proposed improvement scheme.

In response to questions, the Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure confirmed that signage would be installed to reflect the ‘Go Green Go Wild’ initiative. The designs proposed would ensure that the site was visually attractive but easily maintained, with preference given to native plants. The Head of Environmental Services and Public Realm stated that the Parking Services Manager would be informed of the concerns expressed in relation to ensuring that the planters would not become unkempt. The tiered planting within the scheme would be suitably watered. 

The Committee expressed support for the proposal as it would ensure that the site was well maintained and visually appealing to those visiting the town centre, whilst positively benefitting biodiversity. The importance of re-wilding that was well maintained was reiterated.

RESOLVED: That the Lead Member for Planning and Infrastructure be recommended to approve the proposed Planting and Maintenance Scheme to improve the King Street Car Park, as detailed in section 2 of the report.