Members considered a report which provided an update on progress made in taking forward the resolution of Cabinet at their meeting on 6 March to submit a planning application to provide an additional 300 car park spaces on the existing Buckhurst 2 car park by providing a two storey elevated car deck; and set out the results of the public consultation.

The Chief Officer Environmental & Operational Services advised that Officers had been working with a Project Manager to take forward the Buckhurst 2 decked car park proposal.  To date architects, consultant engineers and planning consultants had been engaged to prepare for submitting a planning application.  This preparation had included commissioning a range of studies and surveys including those for transport, environment, heritage, arboriculture, ecology and a statement of community engagement.  It was anticipated that a planning application would be submitted in August and considered at the Councils’ Development Control Committee In October 2014. The Council’s planning consultants had been requested to take into account, wherever possible, the views gathered from the public consultation.  Subject to planning consent, construction works could commence on site in January 2015.  The completion date was targeted for April 2015.  Officers were currently exploring a range of options to ensure that adequate temporary parking was available throughout the construction period.

The Head of Transformation & Strategy advised that the consultation to find out the public’s views on the proposed additional parking had been carried out between 5 and 26 June 2014.  A questionnaire had been available online and from Sevenoaks Leisure Centre throughout the period, which received 278 responses, and more than 250 people attended public consultation exhibitions held between 5 and 7 June and 16 letters were also received during the consultation period.  He took Members through the responses and break downs as set out within the report.

The Chairman reiterated the reasoning behind the proposal.  There was a clearly identified need for additional long stay parking with limited space within the confines of the town centre.  It was acknowledged that the extra provision would free up current long stay car parking space for more short stay.

The Portfolio Holder for Local Planning & Environment was pleasantly surprised that only 12/13% said they did not want the car park.  There were many positive responses.  The Chief Officer Environmental & Operational Services confirmed that it was possible for the traffic lights at Pembroke Road to have their phases adjusted; this would in the control of Kent County Council (KCC).  As yet there was no date for the VMF implementation, but under the S106 agreement it had to be in place before the new M & S store opened.  It was noted that there may be a 'bedding down' period by the Council was dependant on KCC.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That

                      a)          the progress made in seeking to deliver additional car parking capacity at            Buckhurst 2 car park in Sevenoaks Town be noted;

                      b)          the views gathered through the consultation be noted; and

                       c)          the Equality Impacts set out at Appendix D to the report, be noted.