Agenda item

Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited 2017-18 Business Plan

The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager introduced the report.

The Chair said that in the past Business Panel had requested that the number of the Company’s Directors be increased from 2 to 3, and for a non Executive Member input in the decision making process. The Chair said it was important that the Legal Team and the Constitution Working Party look at this closely especially as the Company is expected  to become more active. The Chair added that in the current situation it could be down to just one person making decisions, wehich he did not think was acceptable.

The Principal Lawyer said she was aware of some advice being given about the number of Directors in the Company. The Chair said when the proposal was made by Business Panel the feedback was that it was a welcome proposal, but no changes had been made to date.

Councillor Muldoon commented that as a Councillor for Rushey Green Ward, he has been questioned about the future of the Catford Cat. He said he was aware that the current Mayor had made a commitment that the Cat would not be going anywhere whilst he was Mayor, but as his term of office nears its end Councillor Muldoon was concerned about the Cat’s future. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager said he was not aware of any decision being made about the location of the Cat, and thought the local community would be involved in deciding the future of the Cat.

Councillor Mallory asked whether TFL were as committed as before to the Regeneration Project. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager said he had been part of the project for the last 2 years and during that time TFL had demonstrated very positively their commitment to the project. They had paid for all the work that had been done to date and were very keen to work with the Council.

The Chair said he heard rumours about moving the South Circular Road, and that Developers and Partners were to be appointed to do the work. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager informed Panel Members that it would take over two years into the programme before the appointment of a Developer. He added that the decision for the alignment of the road, the master plan briefing and the master plan architect would have to be in place before a Partner Developer was appointed.

The Chair said it had been mentioned in the past that the Partner Developer would be in place in March 2017. He asked whether there would be public consultation before this decision. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager said officers had already engaged with the public via Common Place, a web platform. He said the brief would be done in conjunction with Members public interraction. The Chair said officers should ensure wider member interaction and full public consultation to engage with the public and target groups. He added that this should be done before the Partner Developer was appointed.

Councillor Sorba stated that he would have thought it was Members’ duty and role to have a vision and direction instead of being led by others. He asked how Members could input into the process. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager said the Sustainable Development Select Committee had been engaged with the principles that were set up in a previous local plan.

Business Panel Members said they were concerned that some groups could be side-lined, and would ask that officers ensure the consultation process was sound and inclusive. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager said Common Place was just one of many platforms that would be utilised this included face to face meetings.

Councillor Johnston-Franklin said that officers should ensure plans were put in place and be mindful of leaving residential blocks empty as this could result in the creation of derelict buildings which could lead to a ghost town. The Capital Programme Delivery Services Manager said the Council had a good working relationship with Nottinghill and the masterplan would include a phasing plan to avoid empty places. Councillor Johnston-Franklin said it was important to keep the momentum going.

The Chair proposed that a recommendation should be sent to Council requesting that they direct the Constitution Working Party to review the governance of Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited, with a view to increase the current number of Directors to include a non Executive Member, this was agreed.

Business Panel also agreed to request that the Sustainable Development Select Committee and the Executive Director for Resources ensure that officers engage with all elected members before the masterplan brief is drafted, and proper public engagement should be done before the appointment of the Development Partner.

Action >>>>>> ED Resources & Regeneration, Head of Law, Interim Head of Scrutiny

The Chair requested the South Circular plan to be circulated to Business Panel Members, and asked Business Panel Members to attend relevant meetings when they are arranged.

Action >>>>>> ED Resources & Regeneration

RESOLVED that:

i.              the decision of the Mayor be noted.

ii.            Council be requested to direct the Constitution Working Party to review the governance of Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited, with a view to increase the current number of Directors to include a non Executive Members.

iii.           Officers engage with all elected Members before the masterplan brief is drafted.

iv.           Officers engage with the public properly before the appointment of the Development Partner.

v.            Officers circulate the South Circular Plan to Business Panel Members as soon as possible.