Members considered a report which set out a proposed Masterplan for Swanley and Hextable for public consultation.  The Masterplan set out a 20 year Vision for regeneration.  It provided the means of formulating a cohesive and ambitious Vision for medium to longer term regeneration and growth and provided a focus on the large scale infrastructure projects needed to help achieve a positive transformation.

Members received a presentation from representatives of Tibbalds, BBP Regeneration and Urban Flow and Members took the opportunity to ask questions.

Members discussed the report and presentation and were in support of the aspirational Vision.  Members were keen that the public be widely consulted and suggested the period of consultation should be extended from 6 to 8 weeks.  The need for a consultation strategy was discussed, to ensure the best possible communication with residents, stakeholders and neighbouring areas.

Public Sector Equality  Duty

Members were reminded of the requirement, under the Public Sector Equality Duty (section 149 of the Equality Act 2010) to have due regard to (i) eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act 2010, (ii) advance equality of opportunity between people from different groups, and (iii) foster good relations between people from different groups.  As above, subject to the outcome of public consultation the Masterplan Vision would be refined as an Area Action Plan element of the new Local Plan. The preparation and adoption of a Local Plan would directly impact on end users, and the impacts would be analysed via an Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) to be prepared alongside each key stage of plan making.

The Chairman moved and it was

Resolved:  That it be recommended to Cabinet that

a)     a Masterplan for the future regeneration and growth of Swanley and Hextable be considered and the Vision agreed and Scenario 3 the transformational growth option, be taken to a full 8 week public consultation;

b)     a full detailed consultation strategy be put in place; and

c)     authority be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder, to make any subsequent changes to the Masterplan as necessary.