Meeting documents

The Chairman welcomed the Major Projects and Estates Executive to the meeting and invited him to provide the Committee with an update on the Desborough Road re-development.

The Major Projects and Estates Executive informed Members that he had a detailed plan of the area which was undergoing massive re-development.  It was noted that at the town end of the redevelopment a couple of hundred residential apartments were going to be built and that at the Green Street end of the re-development discussions were still underway regarding the redevelopment of the Leigh Street factories which could potentially create 200+ new apartments. 

The Major Projects and Estates Executive went onto explain that the Wycombe District Council (WDC) were currently on the first phase of Baker Street (Aldi) and that a 30 unit small workspace scheme would start in June.  Members were informed that planning permission had been granted this week on Collins House at the bottom of Bridge Street.

The Major Projects and Estates Executive informed Members that changes had already been seen with the relocation to Dovecot MSCP of temporary long-term stay car park in Baker Street.  It was noted that there would be 90 minutes free parking at the Aldi site which would have 92 spaces and that 26 Pay & Display spaces had been kept back for patients of Riverside Surgery. 

Members were informed that the WDC had looked at the possibility of adding decking at East Richardson Street car park but it would be an extremely expensive solution which could attract anti-social behaviour. 

The Major Projects and Estates Executive informed Members that the proposed new temporary accommodation development on Desborough car park would displace 46 spaces.  It was noted that the lost spaces could largely be replaced in the last phase of the Baker Street redevelopment (on the old Grant & Stone site). 

In discussion Members were informed of the following:

• That issues with the Westbourne Street / Desborough Road highway area should be raised with the Highways Authority.
• With regard to the proposed new temporary accommodation on Desborough Road car park, it was hoped that the introduction of ANPR gateways and CCTV should help reduce criminal activities in that area.
• The suggestion that the Saunderton Lodge facility, which was felt not to be fit for purpose, should be located elsewhere be raised with the Housing team.  It was noted that the drugs and prostitution issues in that area should be raised with the Police.  Members felt that these schemes should be looked at holistically.
• Members expressed concern that the social housing on the old Bingo site at the west end of Desborough Road had not been developed.  Members asked if any pressure could be applied to request that the site be tidied up as it was felt to be an eye sore.  The Major Projects and Estates Executive suggested that Members raised their concerns through the Chairman or to the Chief Executive.  (The Major Projects and Estates Executive informed Members that it was not part of his role to negotiate with third party developers which was part of the role of the Planning team).
• The Major Projects and Estates Executive stated that he had found the changes made to the road layout (Bridge Street) encouraged drivers to slow down and have good manners.
• The Major Projects and Estates Executive informed Members that some retail was still planned for the Central Square site.
• Members were informed that ‘drive thru’ proposal was still under discussion.
• The Major Projects and Estates Executive informed Members that he had received some strong interest in the Cressex Island site.
• Members were informed that if Aldi was to open later this year 300 metres from Lidl it was likely to help alleviate the parking issues currently experienced at Lidl.  

The Chairman thanked the Major Projects and Estates Executive for attending the meeting and giving a very full update.