Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Goldspink, Phil Thompson (Deeping Gate Parish Council); Thornhaugh Parish Council; Wittering Parish Council, Ian Glew (Ufford Parish Council), June Woollard (Barnack Parish Council) and Di Parkin (Eye Parish Council).

The minutes of the meeting held 3 October 2007 were approved as a true and accurate record.

Paul Keymer and Ann McHugh gave an overview of the LAA and Community Strategy, including providing an update on the work of the Rural Working Group.

Cllr Winslade emphasised the importance of addressing strategic transport issues. Assurances were given that the LAA and Community Strategy were based on a strong body of evidence and robust scrutiny.

Dale McKean sought clarification on whether “congestion” and “log jams” were being addressed through the LAA. Representatives of Opportunity Peterborough confirmed that the new LAA would continue a target on reducing congestion.

Peter Lee asked about the geographical scope of the two documents. It was confirmed that both covered the Unitary Authority area, however it was noted that cross boundary co-operation was an increasingly common feature in work of this nature.

Ann McHugh agreed to supply Dale McKean with a copy of the transport action plan.

Steve Compton gave a presentation on the role of Opportunity Peterborough, and provided a summary of the projects currently being under or proposed to be undertaken by OP.

Clarification was requested on GAF. It was confirmed that GAF was designed to bridge the gap between funding which could be derived from the developer and what was required. Steve Compton confirmed that the City had received the second largest allocation in the country.

Pat Murphy sought clarification on the future role of the Great Northern Hotel. Officers acknowledged the publicity issued including illustrations without the hotel was not helpful, however it was noted that there is significant land available for development.

Dale McKean expressed concern about the lack of employment related development in villages, and drew attention to a particular example of unutilised brown field land. Steve Compton to liaise with Dale McKean outside of the meeting.

John Blair introduced the report, and provided an overview of the budget proposals.

Clarification was provided on how efficiencies related to capital spending were reported.

Adrian Day and Peter Gell provided an overview of the licensing process, and the potential role that Parish Councils could play in the process.

Cllr Holdich highlighted an issue with “Temporary Event Notice” licences, where functions finished after midnight. Officers confirmed that “TEN” licences lasted from 00:01 to 23:59, and any function finishing after midnight would count as two days against the permitted quota.

Item deferred

The Forward Look was noted. It was further noted that the “new direction for planning” and “IT and support of Parish Councils” would be added to the April agenda.

Meeting closed at 7.30 p.m.