Agenda item

Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan Update

The Head of Planning introduced the report.

The Chair asked what funding had been identified for the preferred site as there was a sitting tenant on the site and other issues involved which included ecology and flooding. Panel Members were informed nothing specific had been done as there will be costings involved for the deliverability of either site.

Panel Members noted that there was ongoing discussion with Network Rail, the current owner of the Pool Court Linear Park site. The Chair commented that according to the report the Pool Court Linear Park site  was of importance for Nature Conservation, and it also mentioned the dominance of Japanese

Knotweed on the site. Panel members were told the Japanese Knotweed was on the Lewisham’s owned piece of land , and irrespective of the choice of site, the Japanese Knotweed would be addressed.

Panel Members raised the validity of the information in the media about Network Rail wanting to sell A package of land to just 1 bidder, and were told that the Council was trying to negotiate buying the Pool Court Linear Park site from the package before it was sold. They also raised concern about officers not knowing how much the site might cost, and were told a budget had been set aside although the likely cost was not known. It was noted that the actual cost would depend on what needs to be done.

Councillor Curran said that as the cost was still uncertain it would be prudent for officers to do a cost comparison for both sites to include all the issues that might occur for both sites the additional costs. The Chair said this request should include comparison with bricks and mortar sites and this was agreed. The Chair thanked officers for the report.

RESOLVED that:

i.              the decision of the Mayor be noted.

ii.            the Mayor is requested to instruct officers to do cost comparison of both sites, in addition to the bricks and mortar alternatives before a decision is made.

Fire Safety Update

The Housing Strategy and Partnerships Manager introduced the Fire Safety Update report, and the Service Group Manager for Property, Asset Strategy & Estates introduced the response to the Sustainable Development Select Committee on Fire Safety in Tall Buildings.

The Chair asked if officers were sure all the tall buildings in Lewisham were now safe, and was told that as far as officers were aware there has been confirmation that they have all complied with all fire regulations. Panel Members highlighted 6.14 of the report about 1 landlord who might not be compliant, and Members suggested, naming and shaming them into submission. Panel Members said steps needed to be taken to prevent another disaster which could result in loss of lives.

Panel Members requested a publicly available list to maintain public’s confidence. Concerns were raised about not maintaining this process once the issue is out of the media’s focus. The Housing Strategy and Partnerships Manager said officers could instigate reviews going forward. The Chair said Scrutiny had requested information and were pleased work was done and would be ongoing. He said it would be useful for all Members to receive the report, plus a short briefing about progress on Grenfell Tower. The Chair thanked officers for the report.

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