Issue - meetings

To gain Scrutiny comment on the ‘Bristol Temple Quarter Spatial Framework’ with a view to this comment being formally added to the Cabinet Report (target date for Cabinet: 4 October 2016)

It was planned that the Temple Quarter Spatial Framework would be presented to Cabinet for decision in October 2017.  Officers presented the consultation document and in response the following comments were made:

-          Officers confirmed that the current core strategy specified St Philips Marsh as an employment area but that that would be revisited as part of future Local Plan reviews.  It provides a valuable source of industrial land but, consideration would be given to the number of vacant buildings and capacity within the area.

-          Existing routes and access would be increased throughout the zone.  It was an aspiration that areas of public realm within the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone were as accessible as possible even though buildings would be private.  The privatisation of space would be resisted.  There was a key area of public space in front of the arena and also at the ‘Totterdown Basin’ where there would be access to the waterside.

-          Officers confirmed that Network Rail did not currently intend to privatise Bristol Temple Meads.  The Shaw Report had recently considered Network Rail land, however, and it was officers’ understanding that privatisation was not currently on the table.  The local authority had been proactive is setting out what they considered viable options and continued to engage with Network Rail to manage risk.  Network Rail continued to be part of the governance of the Enterprise Zone.

-          There was general support for the range of building heights proposed, including a limited number of the ‘tall buildings’ of 9+ storeys.

-          It was suggested that an impact study take place to consider the surrounding communities to the arena and understand better the impact of traffic on those communities.  The Three Lamps junction/ Bath Bridge was highlighted as an area of concern and officers confirmed it was being looked at as part of the study.

-          It was important to consider the effect of a new commercial centre on the city centre and existing hubs.  Officers confirmed forecasts were for population growth and incoming citizens when electrification took place.

-          Officers confirmed that the document planned for growth, infrastructure, investment and place shaping.  BCC was the planning authority and would continue to determine planning applications in the zone in accordance with adopted planning policy.

Comments raised would be fed back into the study. ACTION: Sam Mahony/Zoe Willcox.