Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed attendees to the meeting.

Apologies were received from Susie Simkins, Cllr Steve Bowles, Christine Urry, Rachael Marber, Cllr Wendy Matthews and Cllr Peter Stanhope

There were none.

The minutes of the meeting held 5^th May 2022 were agreed as an accurate record.

·         Five Points Roundabout

·         New trees and ecology

·         Bike racks

The team at Pinewood Studios were introduced and gave a presentation on the progress from Pinewood which was appended to these minutes.

The following points were highlighted:

PDSF development updates- Five Points Roundabout

• The application for Five Points Roundabout would be determined at the Strategic Sites meeting in February or March.
• The procurement process was underway by Pinewood and would be subject to detailed design as specified by s278. If permission is approved, it was anticipated construction would commence summer or autumn 2023.
• It was highlighted the map on the presentation provided an overview with the shaded boxes showing more detailed drawings.
• It was anticipated the work would take nine to twelve months to complete. Traffic management and road diversions would be agreed as part of the s218 agreement.
• It was highlighted ward Members would be included alongside interested parties and Council officers to liaise about traffic management.
• Discussions were ongoing with the Cabinet Member for Transport and the capital management team assessing options. There was the potential to undertake essential drainage works during the roundabout construction.
• It was highlighted the community would be updated during the project and advised of highways disruption. A Member requested social media communication to explain to residents the different stages of the project. There would be a stakeholder group which would meet frequently with Members allowing information to be disseminated to the wider community. A dedicated email address for residents to report any issues was discussed and the importance of informing residents of any changes to the schedule. In addition, the contractor would provide an onsite lead to liaise with local residents.

Community Matters under PSDF

• Cycles racks were installed to support the use of the shuttle bus which is offered free for local residents.
• As part of the S106 agreement Pinewood Studios offer National Film and Television School bursaries for local young people within a five-mile radius. The fifth scholarship had been awarded the £15,000 sponsorship. Local community groups were encouraged to promote the bursary and the success of sponsored NTFS students.
• There was a discussion regarding the shuttle bus provided by Pinewood Studios. It was highlighted the shuttle bus route was directed by the S106 agreement. There were 700-800 free passes issued to residents within a two-mile radius of the studios. There was a request for the shuttle bus to stop at Iver Station however, it was highlighted there was not currently a safe space for buses to stop at the station. It was also highlighted if the current planning application was approved a cycle route would run from Pinewood Studios to Iver Station. It was noted the shuttle bus services Pinewood Studios, Slough, Uxbridge and Gerrads Cross Station however, it was not a hop on hop off service.

The Futures Festival was hosted by Pinewood Studios in November 2022 and welcomed over 3,700 students for an immersive event to inspire and educate young people about the filmmaking industry. Twenty-three schools and colleges across Buckinghamshire attended and students were able to meet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

·         Parking and traffic management

·         Litter and waiting taxis/private hire vehicle

M Wright, Pinewood Studios advised the six oak trees which had died were replanted today. The trees had been planted nearer the site boundary on a field as part of phase three away from the clay ground which was hindering growth. It was confirmed phase three planning consent was granted last year however, there was no planned start date as of yet.

In response to concerns regarding litter on the site boundary there was monthly patrols around the area of fencing. Rabbit wire had been installed along the boundary and it was hoped the area looked tidier. A Member highlighted polystyrene on the boundary and detritus on Pinewood Road cycleway and pavement. It was confirmed that whilst Pinewood Studios do own sweeper vehicles they would not have insurance to sweep public pavements. The Highways Officer for Buckinghamshire Council confirmed a local area technician would assess the pavements and seek to have the trees and bushes sided out. 

Members of the Board raised concerns about waiting taxis in Pinewood Green and potential safety and environmental issues. It was advised Pinewood had reminded customers and contractors not to ask drivers to wait in their vehicles as they had access to the reception area. A taxi waiting area at Pinewood Studios was under consideration and the practicalities were being reviewed. There was a discussion that no waiting signs, traffic wardens or parking restrictions could be considered as solutions. It was highlighted Pinewood security do record number plates and contact companies regarding nuisance parking however, vehicles cannot be moved from public highways.

An update was provided on parking and traffic management, the sky visitor system allowed visitors to pre-register their vehicle details reducing queue times. A planning application was underway for a multi-storey car park with capacity for 800 vehicles removing the need for 1200 vehicles entering Pinewood Studios main entrance. The redistribution of traffic was essential to reduce parking in the surrounding areas. There would be designated areas for taxis and waiting zones. Over 300 pine trees would be planted around the car park to increase biodiversity and to shield noise. The car park was anticipated to start in May 2023 with a contractor selected.

All Pinewood Studios consultations, upcoming projects and planning applications were available to view at Pinewood Studios Communications Hub (pinewoodcommunications.co.uk). There was a request for further engagement from Pinewood with community groups and for events to be held in the community.

A Member of the Group highlighted the maintenance of ditches behind the houses on Pinewood Green. The ditches had been subject to flooding and needed clearing as some concrete posts had collapsed between Pinewood and the Council’s land. It was confirmed Pinewood had met with John Rosetti regarding this issue and a solution would be sought and discussed with the relevant community groups. 

·         Terms of reference

The Terms of Reference would be discussed at the next meeting.

There was a discussion regarding the Colne Valley Regional Park’s objection to the Screen Hub development.

A Member queried if there would be a footpath from Seven Hills Road eastwards. It was advised whilst this was not a condition on the current Screen Hub UK application, it was included as part of the S106 agreement. If the application was approved a footpath would be installed from the main gate turning left. It was advised the S106 agreement would be published after the Strategic Sites meeting in February.

A Member of the group raised the issue of flooding and discharge in the area and concerns around the source of this. It was highlighted in October and inspections had taken place. It was confirmed the water was not running from Pinewood east however the issue would continue to be investigated. Members were advised to report further discharge and water to the Environment Agency.

To be confirmed.

The date of the next meeting would be confirmed, it was advised after Easter would be a suitable time.