Meeting documents

The Chairman welcomed the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development, Councillor Steve Broadbent.  The Chairman informed the Committee that he had attended the Special Cabinet meeting on 21 October where the Regeneration Strategy had been approved and passed onto the Shadow Executive for consideration.  He had been very impressed with Strategy as presented by Councillor Broadbent and had invited him to the Commission meeting for a discussion on the report.  The Chairman also noted that Councillor McCarthy, Chairman of the River Wye Task and Finish Group had also provided an excellent presentation on the findings of the task and finish group and thanked him for his enthusiasm and support.

Councillor Broadbent advised that the Regeneration Strategy provided a set of proposals to help grow the economy for the future. The Strategy covered the High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Marlow areas and aimed to increase the size of the local economy.  This would also contribute to the emerging Transport Strategy for High Wycombe.  An Innovation Growth Corridor identified in the Strategy included Cressex Business Park, Handy Cross and Wycombe Air Park.  The Strategy also supported the strategic business case for Future High Streets Fund work for High Wycombe.  One of the primary growth areas was Princes Risborough and it was recognised that with the expected housing expansion there would be different pressures in this area.  The Regeneration Strategy looked forward to 2050 and included bringing green and blue natural assets into future planning.  Councillor Broadbent noted that the Strategy supported the wellbeing and economic agenda, and celebrated unique natural assets such as the River Wye. 

Councillor McCarthy, Chairman of the River Wye Task and Finish Group (TFG) explained that the TFG had undertaken a vast amount of intensive work.  He understood that it was difficult to value the non-tangible assets of remaking the river through High Wycombe town centre, however he believed that the opportunity was to do it now or the project would never happen.  He hoped that this would be considered by the new Unitary Council when looking at the long term plans for the town centre.  The Chairman of the Commission commented that he was optimistic that this would be considered by the new Unitary Council.

The Commission raised a number of queries and made various comments as follows:

·       Concern was raised regarding the use of Abbey Way roundabout as a future green open space; the likely pollution and that it was sometimes used as a ‘run off’ for cars. 

·       It was requested that funding for restoration of roads be considered in some areas of the town centre and that the remaking of the river be considered by the new Unitary.  It was noted that replacing the existing culverts could cost £18 million.

·       Councillor Broadbent noted that Abbey Way was a good example of a project that could be part of a bigger future project.  It was hoped the new Unitary would see key aspects in the Strategy that could be portable to other areas of the county.

·       It was suggested that the response from the Shadow Executive regarding the Regeneration Strategy could be one of the first items considered by the new Unitary Council.

·       It was commented that the River Wye running through the town centre would be of benefit to the town. There was concern that suggested plans could be abandoned by the new Unitary Council and they should be given priority.

·       The Masterplan works should include remaking the River Wye through the town centre.  There was concern that if not then the river would never be brought back to the town.

·       The Abbey Way fly-over was not part of the River Wye suggested recommendations as it was understood that this would be dealt with in future plans for the town centre. 

·       A financial case would need to be made for the viability of returning the River Wye to the town centre. The future of town centres may not be just for shopping and High Wycombe could be a lifestyle destination town.

·       It was commented that if elected next May then some members would be part of the Unitary Council and part of the decision making.

The Chairman thanked the Cabinet Member for attending the meeting.