Northampton Borough Council

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL Monday, 23 April 2012

YOU ARE SUMMONED TO ATTEND A MEETING OF NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE GUILDHALL NORTHAMPTON ON MONDAY, 23 APRIL 2012 AT SIX THIRTY O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING WHEN THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS IS PROPOSED TO BE TRANSACTED:-

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

2. MINUTES.

To approve the minutes of the proceedings of the Meetings of the Council held on 29 February and 12 March 2012.

3. APOLOGIES.

4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS

6. MEMBER AND PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Questions and the responses are attached.

7. CABINET MEMBER PRESENTATIONS

(Copy herewith)

8. OPPOSITION GROUP BUSINESS

Councillor Mason to make a statement on “NBC Sheltered Housing”.

9. CENTRAL AREA ACTION PLAN- SUBMISSION DOCUMENT

Report of Chief Executive (copy herewith)

10. NOTICES OF MOTION

(i) Councillor Wire DL to move and Councillor Eales to second:

“Labour introduced the St Crispins Street Fair in the early nineties with the assistance of both the showmen and dedicated and enthusiastic officers of the Council.

It brought pleasure to thousands of local residents, children and visitors to the Town. It became one of the biggest Fairs in the Country and it has been sadly missed.

The previous Tory administration presided over its demise by scrapping the event.

Council calls on the Administration to reintroduce the St Crispins Street Fair and having lost so many events over the last eight years bringing the event back will reinvigorate the Town Centre.

It will also be in line with the Councils ‘Love Northampton’, introducing the street fair would be a good start.”

(ii) Councillor Palethorpe to move and Councillor Gowen to second:

This Council is concerned that the Conservative Administration appears to be reneging on a promise by them to ‘hold a series of public meetings’ made at the last Council full meeting on 12th March 2012. The public meetings promised are just adding the issue to the existing NBC forum agendas.

This Council believes that while consulting with NBC forums is a welcome move this is not what was entirely meant at the previous full Council meeting.

This Council notes that forums are held at times which are unfriendly to those who work long hours during the week. So whilst forums are open many sections of the our population are unable to attend any of them.

This Council therefore calls on the Conservative Administration to honour its promise to hold an inclusive public meeting and believes,

- Such a public meeting should be widely advertised including posters in Greyfriars Bus Station.

- Advertising must start at least three weeks prior to the public meeting.

- The meeting to be held on a Saturday morning or afternoon in the Great Hall, Guildhall. A weekend means more people can come along and have their say.

- Open to all members of the public with seats allocated on a first come first service basis.

- Give a presentation and take questions from those members of the public present.

The panel should include the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and

invite the relevant portfolio on Northamptonshire County Council to attend. ”

(iii) Councillor Wire DL to propose and Councillor Strachan to second:

“One of the key policies of this Conservative Administration was to work closely with Saints and Cobblers.

This Council notes St. James still suffers from horrendous traffic and parking problems on most match days.

We understand the land that the two Claret Car Parks are situated on, is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). There seems to be no coordination between the HCA, NBC, Saints and Cobblers regarding these car parks. The car parks are falling into a state of disrepair.

This Council asks the Leader of NBC to clarify the status of the two Claret Car Parks on Walter Tull Way, which are permanently locked including on match days. And to further see that the car parks are brought back into use to ease the car parking problems in St. James.”

(iv) Councillor Subbarayan to propose and Councillor Capstick to second:

“This Council notes that it supports a successful credit union, known as ‘Northampton Credit Union’. This is a lifeline to many people in Northampton.

This Council also notes many people in the town fall prey to loan sharks and pay day loan companies which charge exorbitant interest rates as they are unaware that NBC supports the work of Northampton Credit Union.”

Therefore this Council asks that all our tenants be notified of the Northampton Credit Union and the process for applying. In addition this Council also asks the Cabinet Members for Housing and Community Engagement to promote the Northampton Credit Union as part of their work programme to tenants and the general public alike”.

(v) Councillor Glynane to propose and Councillor Beardsworth to second:

“This Council believes that the voluntary sector plays a crucial role in providing services and supporting communities and vulnerable people in Northampton, and that Northampton Borough Council has a duty to work in partnership with the voluntary sector.

This Council notes with dismay the tender that was submitted to Northamptonshire County Council for advice services, in direct competition with Community Law and Citizens Advice Bureaus who were previously providing advice services.

This Council believes that the outcome of the tendering process in initially awarding the contract to Northampton Borough Council created a potential conflict of interest and critically undermined the voluntary sector in Northampton.

This Council notes that the bid has since been withdrawn, but believes that a bid should never have been submitted in the first place.

This Council calls on the Executive to review the decision to bid and calls for a full independent inquiry, and public report, into why and how this bid was put into the County

Council in the first place.”

(vi) Councillor Beardsworth to propose and Councillor Meredith to second:

“This Council notes the Conservative group’s plans to consult on stock transfer of Northampton’s Council Housing.

This Council believes that this is not in the best interests of Northampton’s tenants who would stand to lose their right to buy, face higher rents and lose their democratic control over their landlords.

This Council further notes that the Conservative manifesto at the 2011 elections said:

“We recognise and value the special nature of Sheltered Housing in Northampton, and the need to protect vulnerable adults from uncertainty about the future of their homes. Because of this, Sheltered Housing stock would be retained under the control of Northampton Borough Council.”

This Council is alarmed by media reports quoting the Conservative Cabinet Member saying that Sheltered Housing may be transferred, in direct contradiction to this manifesto promise.

This Council calls on the Conservative administration to keep to their manifesto promise and protect sheltered housing from stock transfer.”

11. MATTERS OF URGENCY WHICH BY REASON OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE MAYOR IS OF THE OPINION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.

The Guildhall Northampton 13 April 2012 D. Kennedy Chief Executive Public Participation

1. Comments and Petitions

1.1 A member of the public (or an accredited representative of a business ratepayer of the Borough) may make a comment or present a petition on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers. A comment or presentation of a petition shall be for no more than three minutes. No notice of the nature of the comment to be made or of the petition is required except for the need to register to speak by 12 noon on the day of the meeting.

(Public comments and petitions will not be taken and the Annual Council Meeting or other civic or ceremonial meetings.)

NOTES i. Comments may be on one or more subjects but each person has no longer than three minutes to have their say.

ii. The same person may make a comment and present a petition on different subjects. In such instances that person will have three minutes to make their comment and a separate three minutes to present a petition.

2. Member and Public Questions

2.1 A member of the public (or business ratepayer of the Borough) may ask a maximum of two written questions at each meeting, each limited to a maximum of 50 words, on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers. Each question shall: • be submitted in writing and delivered, faxed or e-mailed to Democratic Services no later than 10.00am seven calendar days before the day of the meeting; and • include the name and address of the questioner and the name of the Cabinet member/Committee Chair to whom the question is put.

2.2 At the meeting, copies of all questions and the responses to them from the public and Members will be made available to the public and press. The Mayor may allow one supplementary question, without notice, that arises directly from the original question or response.

(Questions will not be taken at the Annual Council Meeting or at civic or ceremonial meetings or meetings called to deal with specific items of business.)

NOTES In respect of paragraph 2.1 above, questions may be rejected on certain grounds that are set out on page 4-12 of the Council’s Constitution and which may be viewed at www.northampton.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?fileID=1919 or by seeking advice using the contact details below.

3. Motions

3.1 A member of the public may register to speak to a motion under the ‘Notices of Motion’ item on the agenda. Registration to speak must be made to Democratic Services by 12 noon on the day to the meeting. Speaking to a motion is restricted to three minutes per person.

(The ‘Notices of Motion’ item will not be taken at the Annual Council meeting or meetings called for civic or ceremonial purposes.)

4. General

A member of the public may make a comment, present a petition, ask a question or speak to a motion at the same meeting subject to the restrictions set out above.

5. Contacts

Democratic Services: e-mail [email protected]

Tel 01604 837722

Mail Democratic Services Northampton Borough Council The Guildhall St Giles Square Northampton NN1 1DE

1 Agenda Item 2

MINUTES

OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF A MEETING OF NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL HELD AT THE GUILDHALL, NORTHAMPTON, ON WEDNESDAY, 29 FEBRUARY 2012 AT SIX THIRTY O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING

PRESENT: HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR Councillor Lane (in the Chair).

COUNCILLORS: Ansell, Aziz, Beardsworth, Begum, Bottwood, Capstick, Caswell, I. Choudary, N Choudary, Duncan, Eales, Eldred, Flavell, Ford, Glynane, Golby, Gowen, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Marriott, Mason, Mennell, Meredith, Oldham, Palethorpe, Parekh, Patel, Sargeant, Stone, Subbarayan, Wire DL and Yates

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Glynane declared a Personal interest in item 7, Council Wide General Fund Revenue Budget 2012-15 in so far as the discussion might refer to the Police Authority of which he was a member.

2. APOLOGIES. Apologies were received from Councillors Conroy, Davies, Nunn and Strachan.

3. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS. The Mayor reported the recent death of former Councillor Eric Billson DFC Bar, AEA who had served on the Council between 1971 and 1979 and had been Chair of the Highways Committee. The funeral was on 15 March 2012 at the Counties Crematorium at 12.30pm. Councillors were welcome to attend. Council stood in silence as a mark of respect.

The Mayor reported the death, earlier that day, of the Deputy Mayor’s mother in law.

The Mayor proposed that Council Procedural Rules be waived in respect of items 5,7,9 and 10 so that;

• Movers and Seconders of those reports have 10 minutes to address Council; • Other Group Leaders have 10 minutes each to respond including the moving of any amendments; • Seconders of any amendments made by Group Leaders to have 5 minutes to address Council; and • All other contributions to be limited to 5 minutes each.

The proposal was agreed.

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4. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Councillor Wire presented the Mayor with a 1,000 signature petition the result of the Labour Party’s Public Community Safety Campaign. He stated that the public were concerned about the Administration’s cuts to PCSO’s, CCTV and Street Lighting. He believed that the Administration were out of touch with public opinion. Later in the meeting the Opposition would show how these services could be maintained. The cuts to PCSO’s, CCTV and Street Lighting was a criminals charter. The Administration should listen to the public and be brave enough to reverse their proposals.

Ms Whitmore presented the Mayor with a 2,426 signature petition plus an ipetition with a further 142 signatures that she had collected with backing of the St James Residents Association supporting the retention of PCSOs. She stated that PCSOs were regarded as part of the community and even children could name at least one. Ms Whitmore believed that it would cost more in the long run to deal with incidents, damage to property etc. In some areas the introduction of PCSOs had led to a reduction in crime of 50%. She noted the launch of the “Love Northampton Campaign” that seemed ironic in the light of the proposed cuts to community safety. She urged the Council to find ways of being able to retain the funding including by talking other organisations. Ms Whitmore commented that although it was impossible to say how much crime PCSOs had prevented it was clear that there presence had a positive effect.

Ms Ralph stated that she had concerns for her personal safety; many areas were now dark and intimidating at night because of the switch off of the street lights. Cuts to PCSOs would only make the situation worse. During the day she was confident and active but no longer at night. She queried how many other people felt the same as her. Ms Ralph stated that the Council should reconsider this and discuss with the Police and the County Council how PCSOs could be funded.

Mr Dean, the Communications and Publicity Officer for Northampton Neighbourhood Watch Association, commented that Northamptonshire Police were in a difficult position with a growing population to deal with but that this was not being recognised by the Government in its funding of them. The Chief Constable had to maintain reserves in order to deal with emergencies such as the murder enquiry following the deaths of the Ding family the previous year. The Police Authority would be wound up in November and was not in a position to help with the funding of PCSOs. PCSOs were the eyes, ears and intelligence gatherers for the Police: they were the public friendly face of the Police. Mr Dean stated that predominantly through the work of PCSOs the following reductions in incidents anti social behaviour had been recorded between April and November 2011 as compared with the same period the previous year: New Duston- 59.9%, Old Duston- 30.3%, St James- 26.3% and Upton- 25%.

Mr Varnsverry commented that the Council should not underestimate the strength of public feeling about the cuts of PCSOs. The comments made and the two petitions

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presented to the Mayor were just the tip of the iceberg. Concerns had been expressed at residents meetings such as at Delapre and Briar Hill where a significant increase in crime had already taken place. These cuts were welcomed by criminals. The decision to cut funding of PCSOs was a bad one just as the decisions to have a Councillor Community Fund and an assistant to the Conservative Group Political Assistant were bad decisions in the current financial climate.

Mr Tuttle stated that he would like to propose that Greyfriars Bus Station should be retained and refurbished. He believed that this made sound sense. The proposed Fishmarket site was only half the size and would cost millions of pounds to develop. He noted that in Rotterdam a similar project to relocate a bus station had taken five years so far with all that implied in terms of disruption to the public. Mr Tuttle asked that the Council reconsider this decision: he believed that the new bus interchange was a white elephant.

Mr Croucher, noted that the 29 February was traditionally a day where the roles of men and women were reversed. He suggested that Councillors could, instead of voting for their proposals, vote with the public. He noted that the Council’s own public consultation had revealed that 71% of people did not support the proposed cut of funding to PCSOs. Fifty residents had recently attended an St James Residents Association meeting and had given unanimous backing to their PCSOs and applauded an update on their work. Over several years overall crime had reduced in St James despite a recent increase in violent crime. Mr Croucher noted the budget proposal to spend £2m on asking housing tenants if they supported a housing stock transfer; he queried how many PCSOs could be funded with this money. Mr Croucher believed that the public would see the Administration for what they really were by the decisions they would make later in the meeting.

5. CORPORATE PLAN 2012-2015 Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that set out the Council’s Corporate Plan for 2012-15 and noted that it focused on the Administration’s election manifesto. Councillor Caswell seconded adoption of the report.

Councillor Mason moved and Councillor Marriott seconded:

“That the Corporate Plan be amended as follows:

PAGE 6

Insert in the section headed “The long-term outcomes we want to achieve are:”

• Unitary and City status for Northampton with a limited expansion of the Borough boundaries.

Insert in the section headed “How we will do this.”

At the end of point 5 add,

• Progress plans for Grosvenor Greyfriars Shopping Centre regeneration and

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secure a planning application. Should a planning application again be delayed beyond 2012 we will begin to consider other alternatives.

At the end of the last point add,

• Actively support our sports clubs including through the development of retail (subject to the planning process)”.

PAGE 13

Insert in the section “How we will do this”. At the end of the last sentence add,

• Consult on any changes that may affect local residents’ homes or communities on any future developments including a ballot on all proposed stock transfers. “

Upon a vote the amendment was lost.

RESOLVED: 1. That the Corporate Plan for 2012-15 appended to the report be appr oved.

2. That the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council be delegated the authority to finalise the Corporate Plan and associated action plan in line with the budget decisions, service plans and any other consequent changes.

6. TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2012/13 TO 2014/15 Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that set out the Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Treasury Management Practices (TMPs) and TMP Schedules for 2012-13, the Treasury Management Strategy for 2012-13 and other associated treasury management information for 2012-13. Councillor Mackintosh seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED: 1. That approval be given to:

a) The Treasury Management Policy Statement at Appendix C of the attached Cabinet report b) The Treasury Management Practices (TMPs) Main Principles at Appendix D of the attached Cabinet report c) The TMP Schedules for 2012-13 at Appendix E of the attached Cabinet report d) The Treasury Management Strategy for 2012-13 at Appendix F of the attached Cabinet report, incorporating: (i) The Capital Financing and Borrowing Strategy for 2012-13 including: • The Council’s policy on the making of Minimum

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Revenue Provision (MRP) for the repayment of debt, as required by the Local Authorities (Capital Finance & Accounting) (Amendments) (England) Regulations 2008. • The Affordable Borrowing Limit for 2012-13 as required by the Local Government Act 2003.

(ii) The Investment Strategy for 2012-13 as required by the CLG revised Guidance on Local Government Investments issued in 2010. e) That authority be delegated to the Council’s Chief Finance Officer, the Director of Finance and Support, in liaison with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to make any temporary changes needed to the Council’s borrowing and investment strategy to enable the authority to meet its obligations.

2. That the following be noted: a) Adherence to the Council’s policy on reserves and balances (paragraph 3.2.13 of the attached Cabinet report). b) Compliance with the requirement under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 to produce a balanced budget (paragraph 3.2.14 & 3.2.15 of the attached Cabinet report).

7. COUNCIL WIDE GENERAL FUND REVENUE BUDGET 2012-15 Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that set out the outcome of the consultation process on the 2012/13 General Fund budget and the final formula grant settlement for 2012/13 and sought Council’s approval of the Cabinet’s proposals for the 2012/13 to 2014/15 General Fund budgets, Council Tax level for 2012/13 and indicative levels for 2013/14 – 2014/15. Councillor Mackintosh seconded adoption of the report.

Councillor Mason moved and Councillor Marriott seconded:

“That the Northampton Labour Group propose the following amendments to the general fund budget, as tabled”:

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Retain funding of Police Community 100,000 100,000 100,000 Support Officers Retain full CCTV monitoring 39,000 39,000 39,000 Invest in 3 additional Neighbourhood 92,000 92,000 92,000 Wardens for 3 years Make a contribution for 2012/13 to NCC to 150,000 reinstate street lights in all sheltered

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housing areas Change part time Park Rangers to full time 69,000 69,000 69,000 and employ an additional park ranger for Beckets Park Delete Enhanced Housing Management 100,000 100,000 100,000 Charge 550,000 400,000 400,000 Funded by: Earmarked reserves 100,000 “Helping people through difficult times” reserve unused from last year’s budget Earmarked Reserves 100,000 Enhanced Housing Management Charge. Not required, removed from budget as 100% high risk Establishment of Councillor Community 67,500 67,500 67,500 Fund (savings from reducing CCF to £1500 per Cllr) Delete NBC Leader additional admin 17,000 17,000 17,000 support New Homes bonus (2012/13) 265,500 315,500 315,500 550,000 400,000 400,000

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote:

There voted for the amendment Councillors Aziz, Begum, Capstick, I Choudary, N Choudary, Eales, Gowen, Marriott, Mason, Mennell, Palethorpe, Subbarayan, Stone, and Wire DL.

There voted against the amendment Councillors Ansell, Bottwood, Caswell, Duncan, Eldred, Flavell, Ford, Golby, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Oldham, Parekh, Patel, Sargeant, and Yates.

There abstained the Mayor and Councillors Beardsworth, Glynane and Meredith.

The amendment was lost.

Councillor Beardsworth moved and Councillor Glynane seconded:

“That the following adjustments be made to the General Fund Budget: • Remove the Councillor Community Fund, saving £135,000; • Delete the post of Administrative Assistant to the Conservative Political Assistant, saving £17,000

And invest the savings in the following areas; • Reinstate the PCSOs saving at a cost of £100,000 • Reinstate the CCTV saving at a cost of £39,000 • Increase grants to the voluntary sector by £13,000”

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Upon a vote the amendment was lost.

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote on the recommendations contained in the report,

There voted for the recommendations Councillors Ansell, Bottwood, Caswell, Duncan, Eldred, Flavell, Ford, Golby, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, King, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Oldham, Parekh, Patel, Sargeant, and Yates.

There voted against the recommendations Councillors Aziz, Beardsworth, Begum, Capstick, I Choudary, N Choudary, Eales, Glynane, Gowen, Marriott, Mason, Mennell, Meredith, Palethorpe, Subbarayan, Stone and Wire DL.

There abstained the Mayor.

The recommendations in the report were agreed.

RESOLVED: 1. That the feedback from consultation with the public, organisations and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, be considered and welcomed (detailed at Appendices 1a to 1d of the attached Cabinet report). 2. That the Council’s representations on the provisional formula grant settlement be noted (Appendix 2 of the attached Cabinet report) 3. That the Council acknowledges the duties of the Section 151 Officer and the issues and risks detailed in the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (Appendices 7 and 8 of the attached Cabinet report). 4. That the draft Fees and Charges set out in Appendix 9 (of the attached Cabinet report) be approved. 5. That a General Fund budget for 2012/13 of £27.38m (excluding parishes), be approved (detailed in Appendices 4 and 5 of the attached Cabinet report) for its own purposes. 6. That Council does not increase the Council Tax for its own purposes, that is, excluding county, police, and parish precepts. 7. That authority is delegated to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Support to implement all budget options and restructures. 8. That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Support in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to transfer monies to and from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year. 9. The Council confirms the reserves strategy of protecting balances wherever possible to allow the option of supporting future years’

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budgets, aiming for a minimum level of unallocated general fund balances of £3.0m at the end of 2012/13 having regard to the outcome.

8. COUNCIL TAX 2012-13 Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that set out the final precept determinations from the major precepting Authorities (Northamptonshire County Council and Northamptonshire Police Authority, Parish Councils and the budget setting decision of the Council at Item 7 above.

Councillor Mackintosh seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED:

Northampton Borough Council (hereinafter referred to as “the Council” in this resolution) calculated the following amounts for the year 2012/13 in accordance with various regulations and RESOLVES for the financial year 2012/13 to:

Note that on 16/01/2012 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2012/13

a) for the whole council area £67,200 (Item T in the formula as: in section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended) b) for the parish precept area £17,680 For dwellings in those as: parts of its area to which a parish precept relates as in the attached appendix C

Set the Council Tax Requirement for its own purposes for 2012/13 (including parish precepts) at £15,059,443

a) Net expenditure on Council Services £14,083,152 including formula grant b) Parish Council Precepts £ 976, 291 c) Total Council Tax Requirement £15,059,443

Set the following amount in accordance with section 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:

a) Relevant Gross £145,441,764 Being the aggregate Expenditure of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in

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Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils. b) Relevant Gross Income £-130,382,321 Being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Sections 31 A (3) of the Act c) Council Tax Requirement £15,059,443 The Council Tax Requirement being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax Requirements for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act) d) Basic Council Tax £ 224.10 Being the amount at 3 including Parish Precepts (c) above (Item R) all divided by Item T(1(a) above)), calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts). e) Total of Special Items £1,812,003 This represents the total of Parish precepts and other special items in accordance with s34(1) of the Act (as shown at 2 above) f) Basic Amount of Council £197.13 Item (e) – (g) divided Tax for dwellings in parts of by tax base the area to which no special (resolution 2 (a)) in items accordance with

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s34(2) of the Act.

Note that the County Council and the Police Authority have issued precepts to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated in the table at 5 below.

Note that the Council, in accordance with Section 30 and 36 of the Act herby sets the aggregate amount shown in the tables at appendix 2 as the amounts of the Council Tax for 2012/13 for each part of its area and for each of the categories of dwellings.

Note that the Council’s basic amount of Council Tax for 2012 (for the borough’s own purposes and excluding special expenses) is not excessive in accordance with the principles approved under section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 .

Appendix B Schedules

Schedule A (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Council Special Special Basic Basic Tax Base Expenses Expenses Amount of Amount of Charge Council Tax Council excluding Tax Special including Expenses Special Expenses

£ £ £ £ Area: Billing 2,702 173,936 64.37 197.13 261.50 Collingtree 515 18,122 35.19 197.13 232.32 Duston 5,486 371,873 67.79 197.13 264.92 Great Houghton 287 20,910 72.86 197.13 269.99 Hardingstone 767 72,905 95.05 197.13 292.18 Upton 1,566 15,000 9.58 197.13 206.71 Wootton 6,357 390,326 61.40 197.13 258.53 Unparished Area 49,520 748,931 15.12 197.13 212.25

67,200 1,812,003

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Appendix B

Schedule B Basic Amount of Council Tax for each Council Tax Band

Valuation A B C D E F G H Bands £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Area: Billing 174.33 203.39 232.44 261.50 319.61 377.72 435.83 523.00 Collingtree 154.88 180.69 206.51 232.32 283.95 335.57 387.20 464.64 Duston 176.61 206.05 235.48 264.92 323.79 382.66 441.53 529.84 Great 179.99 209.99 239.99 269.99 329.99 389.99 449.98 539.98 Houghton Hardingstone 194.79 227.25 259.72 292.18 357.11 422.04 486.97 584.36 Upton 137.81 160.77 183.74 206.71 252.65 298.58 344.52 413.42 Wootton 172.35 201.08 229.80 258.53 315.98 373.43 430.88 517.06 Unparished 141.50 165.08 188.67 212.25 259.42 306.58 353.75 424.50 Area

Schedule C Major Precepting Authorities Council Tax for each Council Tax Band

Valuation A B C D E F G H Bands £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Northampton- 685.41 799.64 913.88 1,028.11 1,256.58 1,485.05 1,713.52 2,056.22 shire County Council Northampton- 128.80 150.27 171.73 193.20 236.13 279.07 322.00 386.40 Shire Police Authority

Schedule D Aggregate Council Tax for each Council Tax Band Valuation A B C D E F G H Bands £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Area Billing 988.54 1,153.30 1,318.05 1,482.81 1,812.32 2,141.84 2,471.35 2,965.62 Collingtree 969.09 1,130.60 1,29 2.12 1,453.63 1,776.66 2,099.69 2,422.72 2,907.26 Duston 990.82 1,155.96 1,321.09 1,486.23 1,816.50 2,146.78 2,477.05 2,972.46 Great 994.20 1,159.90 1,325.60 1,491.30 1,822.70 2,154.11 2,485.50 2,982.60 Houghton Hardingstone 1,009.00 1,177.16 1,345.33 1,513.49 1,849.82 2,186.16 2,522.49 3,026.98 Upton 952.02 1,110.68 1,269.35 1,428.02 1,745.36 2,062.70 2,380.04 2,856.04 Wootton 986.56 1,150.99 1,315.41 1,479.84 1,808.69 2,137.55 2,466.40 2,959.68 Unparished 955.71 1,114.99 1,274.28 1,433.56 1,752 .13 2,070.70 2,389.27 2,867.12 Area

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Parish and Town Council Precepts

2011/12 2012/13 Tax Precepts Council Tax Tax Precepts Council Tax Council Base £ Band D (£) Base £ Band D (£) Tax Increase

Billing 2,712 136,920 50.49 2,702 136,920 50.67 0.4% Collingtree 521 8,722 16.74 515 18,122 35.19 110.2% Duston 5,322 335,175 62.98 5,486 357,039 65.08 3.3% Great Houghton 289 20,910 72.35 287 20,910 72.86 0.7% Hardingstone 762 76,655 100.60 767 72,905 95.05 -5.5% Upton 1,453 9,000 6.19 1,566 15,000 9.58 54.6% Wootton 6,358 355,395 55.90 6,357 355,395 55.91 0.0%

Parish & Town Council Precepts including Special Expenses

Precepts Band D Special Expenses Total (£) Band D (£) (£)

Billing 50.67 13.70 64.37 Collingtree 35.19 0.00 35.19 Duston 65.08 2.71 67.79 Great Houghton 72.86 0.00 72.86 Hardingstone 95.05 0.00 95.05 Upton 9.58 0.00 9.58 Wootton 55.91 5.49 61.40 Unparished 0.00 15.12 15.12

9. HRA BUDGET, RENT SETTING 2012/13 AND BUDGET PROJECTIONS 2013/14 AND 2014/15 Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that sought approval of the HRA 2012/13 budget and the HRA forecasts for 2013/14 and 2014/15, rent increases, de-pooled service charges and other charges for 2012/13 and provided a brief update on the ongoing work on the direction of the HRA. Councillor Markham seconded the report. Councillor Mason moved and Councillor Marriott seconded: “The Northampton Borough Labour Group propose that £50,000 of the monies set

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aside for the stock option appraisal be used on a detailed satisfaction survey of all tenants and that the work on the stock option appraisal be cancelled until the outcome of that satisfaction survey is known and a judgement made as whether or not to proceed with the option appraisal dependent upon the outcome of the survey.”

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote; There voted for the amendment Councillors Aziz, Begum, Capstick, I Choudary, N Choudary, Eales, Gowen, Marriott, Mason, Mennell, Palethorpe, Subbarayan, Stone and Wire DL. There voted against the amendment Councillors Ansell, Bottwood, Caswell, Duncan, Eldred, Flavell, Ford, Golby, Hadland, Hibbert, Hill, King, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Oldham, Parekh, Patel, Sargeant and Yates. There abstained the Mayor and Councillors Beardsworth, Glynane and Meredith. The amendment was lost. Councillor Beardsworth moved and Councillor Glynane seconded: “That the stock transfer budget of £1m in 2012/13 and 2013/14 be scrapped and the monies used as a revenue contribution to capital to fund the build of affordable new homes on Council owned garage sites, on the same basis as the Woodside Way development.” Upon a vote the amendment was lost. RESOLVED: 1 That approval be given to: A) An average rent increase of 6.79% per dwelling, in line with the Government’s rent restructuring regime, convergence in 2015/16, to take effect from 2 April 2012. B) The de-pooled service charges listed in Appendix 6 of the report. C) The increase in existing service charges listed in Appendix 6 of the report, which includes Sheltered Accommodation Warden charges (including Eleonore House), Heating service charges, garage charges and Brookside Meadows service charges.

2 That the feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be considered and welcomed (detailed at Appendix 1 of the report). 3. That the Council’s representations on the draft HRA Self- financing determination be noted (Appendix 2 of the report). 4. That the changes to the proposed budget (detailed at Appendix 3 of the report), in light of the consultation responses, equalities issues and the Government’s Draft

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then Final HRA Self-financing Determinations be agreed. 5. That the HRA budget for 2012/13 of £50.2m expenditure (including options) be approved (detailed in Appendix 4 of the report).

6 That the Council acknowledges the issues and risks detailed in the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (Appendix 7 of the report). 7. That the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Support be delegated to implement all budget options and restructures. 8. That the Director of Finance and Support be delegated in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to: • transfer monies from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year. • update the budget tables and Appendices, prior to Council should any further changes be necessary • update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators report and Treasury Strategy report, prior to Council for any budget changes that impact on these.

9 That approval be given to the reserves strategy of protecting balances wherever possible to allow the option of supporting future years budgets, aiming for a minimum level of unallocated HRA reserves of £5.0m at the end of 2012/13 having regard to the outcome of the financial risk assessment and remaining at this level over the medium term and in line with the 30 year Business Plan.

10. CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2012-2015

Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that presented the Council’s Capital Strategy for 2012-13 to 2014-15, set out the proposed capital programme for 2012-13, and outlined the capital programme funding proposals for 2012-13 and future years. Councillor Mackintosh seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED: That approval be given to:

a) The Capital Strategy for 2012-13 to 2014-15, as set out in Appendix A of the appended report to Cabinet.

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b) The capital programme for 2012-13, including future year commitments, as set out in Appendix B of the appended report to Cabinet. c) The capital financing principles to be applied in 2012-13, as set out in the Capital Strategy, Appendix A of the appended report to Cabinet (pages 10-11). d) The proposed financing of the capital programme for 2012-13 and future years, as set out at paragraphs 3.2.16 in the attached Cabinet report and Appendix C of the appended report to Cabinet. e) That the Director of Finance and Support be delegated in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to amend the HRA Capital Programme to reflect the outcome of the bid for Decent Homes backlog funding.

f) That Cabinet be authorised, once the programme has been set, to approve new capital schemes and variations to existing schemes during 2012-13, subject to the funding being available and the schemes being in accordance with the objectives and priorities of the Council. g) That the Director of Finance & Support, as Chief Finance Officer, be authorised to approve new capital schemes and variations to existing schemes during 2012-13 where these are fully funded from external grants and contributions and the scheme being in accordance with the objectives and priorities of the Council.

11. PRUDENTIAL INDICATORS FOR CAPITAL FINANCE 2012/13 TO 2014/15 Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that set out the background to the prudential indicators, proposed prudential indicators for 2012-13 and the following two years, the executive summary from the Prudential Code (2011 Edition) (Appendix A of the appended report to Cabinet) and a commentary to support the individual prudential indicators (Appendix B of the appended report to Cabinet). Councillor Mackintosh seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED: 1. That the prudential indicators required under the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (2011 edition) as set out at paragraph 3.2.4 of the attached Cabinet report be approved.

2. That the delegation of authority to the Section 151 Officer be approved to make adjustments between the “borrowing” and “other long term liabilities” categories within the overall total of the indicators for the operational boundary and the authorised

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limit for external debt set out at paragraphs 3.2.4 (g) and (h) of the attached Cabinet report.

The meeting concluded at 20.50 hours

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MINUTES

OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF A MEETING OF NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH COUNCIL HELD AT THE GUILDHALL, NORTHAMPTON, ON Monday, 12 March 2012 AT SIX THIRTY O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING

PRESENT: HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR Councillor Lane (in the Chair).

COUNCILLORS: Ansell, Aziz, Beardsworth, Begum, Bottwood, Capstick, Caswell, N Choudary, Conroy, Davies, Duncan, Eales, Eldred, Flavell, Ford, Glynane, Golby, Gowen, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, Hill, Larratt, Lynch, Mackintosh, Malpas, Markham, Marriott, Mason, Mennell, Meredith, Nunn, Oldham, Palethorpe, Parekh, Patel, Sargeant, Stone, Subbarayan, Wire DL and Yates

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Glynane declared a Personal interest in item 7, Cabinet Member Reports in so far as the discussion included the Police Authority of which he was a member.

Councillor Capstick declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of WNDC and the West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Hadland declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of WNDC and the West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Aziz declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor N. Choudary declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Davies declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Flavell declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Golby declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Hallam declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Hibbert declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers

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as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Lynch declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Mason declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Meredith declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Oldham declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

Councillor Yates declared a Personal interest in item 15 (ii) Motion re Gasometers as a member of the Planning Committee.

2. MINUTES. The minutes of the meetings of Council held on 5 December 2011 and 16 January 2012 were agreed and signed by the Mayor.

3. APOLOGIES. Apologies were received from Councillors I. Choudary, King and Strachan.

4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS. The Mayor reported that this would be the last meeting of Council that David Bailey, Director of Planning and Regeneration would be attending before his retirement at the end of March; paid tribute to his service with the Council and presented him with a glass vase. David Bailey thanked the Mayor and Council for the presentation.

The Mayor reported on the Northampton in Bloom Awards for 2012 and stated that anyone wishing to participate should contact the Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Caswell.

The Mayor reported that the judging panel had agreed the following winners of the Heart of the Community Awards for 2012: Anne Ward, Shelly and Brendon Sutherland, Maureen Cook, Keith Holland-Delamere and Michael Leonard. The presentations would take place the following week.

The Mayor commented that he would be taking part in the London Marathon on 22 April and would be fund raising for Kids Aid, the Mayor’s Fund for the Housebound and Sports Diversity. He urged Councillors to sponsor him.

Councillor Wire DL stated that the eighth annual Harley Davidson Club bike run would take place on 14 April 2012 from Sixfields to the Town Centre. It was anticipated that 200 bikes would be taking part. To date the Club had raised over £22,000 for charity.

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Funds raised this year would go to Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

Councillor Larratt thanked the Mayor and past Mayors for their support of the Shine a Light on Tibet campaign including the Tibetan flag raising ceremony and commented that it was disappointing that the Chinese Ambassador had sought fit to challenge the right of the Mayor to be involved.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Mr Adams commented that Councillors had been interviewed on the radio the previous week and discussed housing matters. They should make sure what they said was accurate and shouldn’t say things that could be misquoted. He queried who would be entitled to vote if the future of the housing stock was put to a vote of tenants. DCLG advice was that all tenants including those with Introductory Tenancies would be able to vote provided that they held that Introductory Tenancy before the Stage 2 ballot was called. However, advice from the Council was that only tenants with secure tenancies would be able to vote. Clarity was needed.

Mr Tuttle referred to the redevelopment of the Town Centre and commented that many people though that the Fish Market site was too small for a bus interchange. He noted that in Southampton some 15 years previously the local authority had bulldozed a site in the early hours of the morning so as to avoid a public debate on the merits or otherwise of a particular scheme. He believed that that was not democratic.

Mr Baker commented that he endorsed the motions proposed by Councillors Glynane and Beardsworth later in the meeting. He commented that the trees by the Sheep Street toilets had already been removed even before planning permission had been applied for. It felt that everything was a done deal. Mr Baker also commented that the Gasometers were part of the Town’s industrial heritage and should be retained.

Mrs Isaac stated that the Town Centre was in a poor state but queried how demolishing the Fish Market to make way for a bus interchange would improve things. Over the years Northampton had grown a great deal and the population was expected to increase to 260,000 by 2016. She commented that Councillor Hadland had attended a recent meeting of the Far Cotton Residents Association and had answered questions about the bus station. It seemed to her that a few people held all the money: Legal and General wanted the land that the bus station sat on: they were looking after their own interests and not those of the public. She understood that they even got tax relief on the shops that were empty. Mrs Isaac asked why the bus station could not be put under the shops- that was what people wanted. She believed that the Council should consult the users of the bus station and discuss the results with Legal and General. Mrs Isaac believed that people did not want to go back to buses in the Drapery. The Bus Station and the Fish Market were part of the Town’s heritage and should be left alone.

6. MEMBER AND PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The Mayor advised that five questions had been received from members of the public and that they and the answers had been tabled in accordance with the Constitution.

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Mr Adams asked Councillor Markham, as the relevant Cabinet Member, how many “Notices of Extension” and demoted tenancies were used in 2011 and noted the answer as tabled. As a supplementary question he asked if the Cabinet Member agreed with him that most tenants were well behaved in contrast with the impression the media gave. Councillor Markham agreed and commented that Officers dealt with issues as they arose.

Mr Varnsverry asked Councillor Mackintosh as the relevant Cabinet Member, about the responsibilities for Officers and the Council as their employer as a result of the statement that a reduction of PCSOs would be offset by the work of the relaunched neighbourhood wardens and the newly established park rangers and noted the response as tabled.

Mr Varnsverry asked Councillor Eldred as the relevant Cabinet Member, what the powers of PCSOs were and how they compared with the Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens and Park Rangers and noted the response as tabled.

In the absence of Mr McNabb it was noted that his question and the response would be sent to him.

Mr Costello asked Councillor Hadland, as the relevant Cabinet Member, to report on the outcome of the public consultation on the proposed Bus Interchange and to publish the report that suggested that the refurbishment of the Bus Station would cost £30million and noted the response as tabled. As a supplementary question Mr Costello noted that the Planning Committee would only be able to take planning matters into consideration and that the planning process did provide an opportunity for adequate public consultation and asked whether MGWSP were agents of the Council and therefore whether the Council had a key role in consultation. Councillor Hadland confirmed that MGWSP were agents of Northamptonshire County Council and that the applicant would need to complete a statement of community involvement; the Planning Committee would need to agree that such a statement was adequate.

7. CABINET MEMBER PRESENTATIONS At this point each of the Cabinet Members made a presentation of their respective portfolios that had been circulated with the agenda.

Councillor Mackintosh submitted his Cabinet Member report and commented that Northampton Alive had pulled together all the key regeneration projects. Over 100 local business people had attended the Guildhall on 9 March and the exhibition had remained open for an hour longer than programmed due to the interest in it. Matters were progressing at a fast pace. He also noted that a meeting had taken place with the Secretary of State and partners to promote the case for a new railway station. Councillor Gowen asked if Councillor Mackintosh stood by his statement to Council on 16 January 2012 that he took community safety seriously. Councillor Mackintosh commented that he stood by his statement. Councillor Hibbert asked what sites the BIS Select Committee would visit whilst in Northampton. Councillor Mackintosh stated that they would visit Cosworth Engineering and other providers of apprenticeships,

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and the University, College and Barclaycard. Councillor Hill asked if a revamped railway station would be able to handle trains from a reinstated Northampton Bedford railway line. Councillor Mackintosh stated that this had been raised with the Secretary of State for Transport and would continue to be so. Councillor Stone asked for the current figures of victims of domestic abuse, those that had been given target hardening and whether the triggers had been identified. Councillor Mackintosh commented that Northampton acted as a hub and so people were attracted to it; he undertook to write to Councillor Stone with the most recent figures.

Councillor Caswell submitted his Cabinet Member Report and paid tribute to the staff who had kept services running during the recent bad weather. Councillor Eales asked that now the taxi consultation had ended what plans would be brought forward. Councillor Caswell commented that a report on the results of the consultation would be made to the Licensing Committee. Councillor Mason welcomed the new food waste service, noted the poor performance figures reported to Cabinet and asked what steps were being taken to remedy the situation. Councillor Caswell commented that the situation was being monitored. Councillor Meredith thanked Councillor Caswell for the outdoor fitness equipment that had been installed at Southfields. Councillor Caswell noted that £5,000 of the cost had been met by the County Councillor for that Division from their Councillor Empowerment Fund allocation. Councillor Ansell asked what other parks had benefited from the “I Love My Park” scheme. Councillor Caswell commented that park in general had been publicised and some new benches had been provided at Parklands Park. These benches had been dedicated to members of the public who had worked on behalf of the community. In total over £260,000 had been invested in the parks. Taken with the Park Rangers it showed the Administration’s commitment to the Town’s parks. Councillor Davies asked Councillor Caswell if he had any comment to make about the hosepipe ban announced earlier that day by Anglian Water and how people would be informed about it. Councillor Caswell commented that Officers would advise in due course and in response to a question from Councillor Beardsworth stated that the ban would apply to allotment holders. Councillor Meredith commented that the “I Love My Park” scheme had been appreciated and that it was a shame that it had now ended: he asked if funds could be found to keep it going. Councillor Caswell commented that the situation would be reviewed each year.

Councillor Markham presented her Cabinet Member report and congratulated the Director of Housing for securing £70,000 of funding from the Department of Health to help keep residents warm in the cold weather. Councillor Eales asked if the CESP programme was compulsory for all tenants. Councillor Markham commented that all tenants had been notified of the programme and would clarify the situation with him: she was aware that some tenants did not want the stone cladding. In answer to a question from Councillor Parekh, Councillor Markham agreed that there was a need for a register of HIMOs and that she had met with officers and an action plan had been agreed to divise one. Councillor Stone reported that comments had been made to her that the Gateway Project was not working and asked for timescales for when the Decent Homes procurement would begin. Councillor Markham stated that the Phase III programme had been notified to all Councillors but that commencement was a long way off. She wanted tenants to be onside and was happy to discuss any aspect of the programme with Councillor Stone. Councillor Beardsworth referred to

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the final paragraph of the report in respect of communal areas of flats and the risk of leaving items in them and asked if the old bin stores that were no longer used could be converted to garage mobility scooters. Councillor Markham commented that the advice of the Fire Officer had to be taken into account and that Housing Officers were working with individual tenants: some had chosen to downsize their scooters. In suitable circumstances former bin stores might be converted. Councillor Larratt asked if the Cabinet Member could confirm that a third of council housing would not be demolished as had been suggested by a Labour Councillor in a recent radio interview. Councillor Markham gave this confirmation and added that she would be happy to discuss the situation with any Councillor should they so wish. In answer to a question from Councillor Oldham, Councillor Markham confirmed that lifetime tenancies of sheltered housing would be maintained if the housing stock were to be transferred; the Council had the power to agree the terms of the transfer. Councillor Capstick asked how many homes could be made decent using the £2million budget set aside for consulting tenants about a housing stock transfer. Councillor Markham commented that £1million would be spent this year on consulting tenants and that this sum was intended to cover all costs associated with the consultation including planning and staff costs. It was her intention that the costs of the exercise should be transparent to everyone. She also commented that if £53million was needed to bring all the housing stock up to “decent” then £2million would not go far. In answer to a question from Councillor Glynane, Councillor Markham agreed to send him a written answer about how and how quickly the funding for keeping tenants warm in their homes would be spent.

Councillor Bottwood presented his Cabinet Member report. In response to a question from Councillor Golby, Councillor Bottwood commented that the Council had a document management system that was used in parts of the Council and consideration was being given to using it across the Council as a whole. £1.6million of savings had been achieved to date. Councillor Palethorpe commented that efficiencies were welcome and asked that the Cabinet Member and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning attend the Audit Committee on 19 March 2012 in order to discuss car park income. Councillor Bottwood agreed to attend. Councillor Davies asked how public consultation on the budget could be improved given the poor public attendance at the public consultation meeting and the low number of responses online. Councillor Bottwood commented that although meetings and access could be arranged the public could not be forced to participate. Councillor Beardsworth asked what confidence could the public have if their responses were ignored. Councillor Bottwood commented that the views of the public were listened to but difficult decisions had to be made. In response to a question from Councillor Glynane, Councillor Bottwood repeated that as much information as possible would be made available to the public but they could not be forced to respond.

Councillor Hadland presented his Cabinet Member Report and commented that he would attend the Audit Committee meeting on 19 March 2012. He also reported that the DCLG funding for the bus interchange had been confirmed. Councillor Wire DL noted the proposal to build on the St Johns surface car park and the resulting loss of 150 car park spaces: he commented that there did not appear to be a coherent strategy as to how these spaces would be replaced. He suggested that the car park

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be closed for three weeks to assess what happened. Councillor Hadland commented that there was a current surplus of car park spaces available over demand and that as the St Johns car park would be likely to close shortly it was not necessary to close it temporarily as suggested. In answer to a question from Councillor Stone, Councillor Hadland noted that the consultation on the CAAP had ended in December 2010 and that Cabinet, at a public meeting, had subsequently agreed changes to it; schemes were progressing in accordance with the plan.

Councillor Eldred submitted his Cabinet Member report and elaborated thereon. Councillor Glynane asked how many Jubilee Street Party packs had been requested to date and how many street parties had been confirmed and when would the management of the Parkland Community Centre transfer. Councillor Eldred reported that six applications for street parties had been returned so far and that there was a help line available to assist people. He also commented that he had met with representatives of Parklands Community Centre on 20 February and that they were now drawing up a business plan. He also noted that the proposed transfer of Far Cotton Community Centre was also progressing well. In answer to a request from Councillor Palethorpe, Councillor Eldred agreed to let all Councillors have a schedule of events for the year.

8. OPPOSITION GROUP BUSINESS Councillor Marriott commented that the Opposition had concerns about the approach of the Administration to public consultation; the bus station and the Fish Market being the latest examples. They believed that consultation was inadequate and that the public’s views were not being taken into account: neither the County Council or WNDC were responding to public concerns and the County Council was responsible for the design of the bus interchange. The Opposition wanted the Leader of the Council and the County Council to talk to bus users to explain why the Fish Market site had been chosen. The Opposition also had concerns that meetings of the Cabinet had no engagement with the public or with opposition councillors. The budget Cabinet meeting had been over quickly and there had been no reaction to the significant numbers of the public opposed to the cuts to PCSO funding, the bus station proposals and the Councillor Community Fund. It was accepted that Cabinet might have to make difficult decisions but they had not given any explanation of them. Councillor Marriott commented that the proposed Housing Stock transfer was another example where two relatively recent referenda of tenants had rejected an option for a housing stock transfer but the Administration planned to spend £1m this year of HRA money on tenant consultation about transferring the stock. The Administration needed to be more inclusive.

Councillor Mackintosh stated that it was important that the public understood the bigger picture. Northampton Alive had exhibited the major projects that were being progressed and suggested that the Labour Group should attended. Eight public meetings had been arranged to explain this vision; the first had been on the previous Saturday with the Northampton Rail Users Group. He understood the concerns expressed by the public but these were set against a bigger context. The cost of refurbishing Greyfriars was over £30million: the report had been made publicly

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available and the press had seen the problems within the building for themselves. He believed that the community safety concerns had been met. The Administration had reinvested in licensing, neighbourhood wardens and park rangers. The Council had to have a 30 year strategy for the housing stock and at the end of the month would take on £190million housing debt from the Government. At the same time it was trying that there was the right standard of housing for people. In his view the local elections had been the major consultation with the public.

Councillor Marriott commented that the Council was dealing with a world- wide recession. Labour Councillors would have attended Northampton Alive had they been invited. The public had real concerns about the bus station and these needed to be addressed. In respect of Community Safety he noted that the majority of suggestions put forward for Overview and Scrutiny reviews concerned Community Safety. Cabinet should explain if they did not agree with the public’s views.

9. MEETING CYCLE 2012/13 Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that sought approval to the meetings cycle for 2012/13and noted that the Cabinet meeting programmed for 24 July 2013 should be deleted. Councillor Caswell seconded adoption of the report as amended.

RESOLVED: That the Meeting Cycle for 2012/13 as amended be approved.

10. PAY POLICY Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that set out a pay policy statement for the financial year 2012 – 2013 in accordance with the Localism Act 2011. Councillor Caswell seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED: That the pay policy statement for the financial year 2012/2013, be approved as attached in the appendix to the report.

11. MARKETS ADVISORY GROUP Councillor Hadland submitted a report that sought approval of the establishment of a Market Advisory Group and noted that Appendix 1 should be amended so that the Chair would be independent and nominated by the Leader of the Council. Councillor Nunn seconded adoption of the report.

Councillor Mackintosh stated that the independent Chair would be Raymond Everall from the Town Centre BID.

Councillor Wire DL stated that he would be the Labour Group’s representative on the Market Advisory Group.

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RESOLVED: 1. That the establishment of the Market Advisory Group be approved.

2. That the purpose of the Market Advisory Group be to advise the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member leading on Market Matters on issues relating to the governance, strategic direction and operational management of the Market.

3. That the Market Advisory Group comprise three elected Members of the Council and will be established broadly in line with political balance.

4 That the Chief Executive be delegated, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, authority to appoint Members to the Market Advisory Group.

5. That the Market Advisory Group may co-opt lay members (such as market traders, town centre retailers and other key stakeholders) as it considers necessary and appropriate.

6. That the Market Advisory Group produce an implementation plan in response to the issues raised in the independent review within six months of its inaugural meeting, for consideration by the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member leading on Market Matters.

7. That the broad terms of reference for the Market Advisory Group set out in Appendix 1 of the report and as amended, be approved.

8. That the formal dissolution of the current Market Liaison Group be approved.

9. That the amendments to the Constitution detailed in Appendix 2 of the report be approved and the Borough Secretary be delegated the powers to incorporate any changes to the terms of reference agreed by the Markets Advisory Group at its inaugural meeting and otherwise agreed by Council.

12. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS Councillor Wire DL submitted a report that sought agreement to changes in the memberships of the Licensing and General Purposes Committees. Councillor Mason seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED: 1. That Councillor I Choudary come off the Licensing Committee and go onto the General Purposes Committee. 2. That Councillor Capstick come off the General Purposes Committee and go onto the Licensing Committee.

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13. APPOINTMENTS TO THE OF KINGSTHORPE MANOR AND TOWN CHARITY AND THE CHARITY OF HERVEY AND ELIZABETH EKINS Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report seeking the approval to appointments to the Kingsthorpe Manor and Town Charity and the Charity of Hervey and Elizabeth Ekins. Councillor Caswell seconded adoption of the report.

RESOLVED: 1. That Councillors Yates and Parekh be appointed to the Kingsthorpe Manor and Town Charity for a further four year period.

2. That Mrs Margaret Greenwell be reappointed to the Charity of Hervey and Elizabeth Ekins for a further three year period.

14. APPOINTMENT TO THE PARKING AND TRAFFIC OUTSIDE LONDON ADJUDICATION JOINT COMMITTEE Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report seeking a appointment to the Parking and Traffic Outside London Adjudication Joint Committee.

RESOLVED: That Councillor G olby be appointed to the Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Adjudication Joint Committee.

15. NOTICES OF MOTION (i) Ms Watson commented that is was hardly surprising that the public were apathetic when Councils do as they please. Councillors sometimes said that it was only the vocal ones that spoke out but for everyone who did there were many more who agreed with them. In respect of the Gasometers whether one loved or hated them people had views about them that should be considered. In other parts of the country there were good examples of where they had been incorporated into schemes. In similar fashion there were many more people who were against the Fish Market proposal than were in favour of it. But would the Council listen? She believed that people wanted to see change as an improvement. The old and the new should complement each other. Ms Watson believed that there should be an open and honest debate.

Mr Mallard commented that the Gasometers were unique examples of late Victorian engineering. He did not want to see bulldozers move in before decisions had been made. Mr Mallard commented that the Council had not had a good record over the last 40 years in terms of preserving the Town’s architectural heritage. He noted a quotation by Daniel Defoe who had been complimentary about the buildings and the layout of the Town. He commented that the bus station was in the ideal location and was warm and dry. He queried why people would want to go back to the old days and how would the present 40 bays fit into the proposed 12? He believed that people wanted to carry grocers from Sainsbury’s to their bus easily and not have the longer walk to the Fish Market. He noted that the bus he had arrived on that evening had been unable to find a bay at the bus station to offload from.

Page2610 Council Minutes - Monday, 12 March 2012

Mr Barlow commented that this issue had gone global: he had received an e-mail from Australia asking about the issue. He believed that the Silver Street Interchange needed to be twice the planned size. The present bus station had 24 bus bays, 3 coach bays and a taxi rank. There were 300 vehicle movements per hour per day. He commented that if the whole of the site were available then that would allay many fears. Bus users were not happy with proposed split nature of the facilities. Mr Barlow asked if any thought had been given to moving the three remaining businesses out. This would allow for the facilities that were needed to be provided. People did not want to wait for buses out in the weather. The way forward needed to be considered carefully as the decision would last for 25 or 30 years.

Mr Croucher commented that he supported the motion. These proposals had been discussed frequently by the St James Residents Association. There were concerns that the interchange would not be large enough and that a few pictures in the press were not sufficient justification for not refurbishing the bus station. He asked what would happen in 2026 with the growth of the Town if more public transport were needed bearing in mind developments in the Enterprise Zone were not providing car parking. Mr Croucher believed that that matters were going backwards if people would have to wait out in the weather for buses. He also believed that there should be a full report on how the current situation had been arrived at. H e stated that the Fish Market should be retained for quality goods and that other options for the interchange should be considered. He also asked what the resource costs of demolishing the bus station were.

Councillor Beardsworth proposed and Councillor Glynane seconded:

“The council needs to be sure every avenue has been explored concerning the location of the new bus interchange and that it is in the right place and large enough to deal with growth of the town. We ask the Cabinet for a full report about the process that led to the decision to locate the replacement bus interchange on the Fishmarket site.”

In moving the motion Councillor Beardsworth noted the proposed amendment to add an additional paragraph to be moved and seconded by Councillors Mackintosh and Hadland and which had been circulated and indicated her acceptance of it. The motion now to read as follows:

Welcomes the release by the Conservative administration of the breakdown of costs to refurbish the current bus station and a breakdown of the £30.6 million costs and notes that refurbishing the bus station in its current location would be a

Page2711 Council Minutes - Monday, 12 March 2012

block to future development of the town.”

Councillors Mackintosh and Hadland indicated their consent that the motion as tabled be altered to include the proposed amendment.

Upon the proposal being put by the Mayor, Council agreed to the alteration of the motion.

Councillor Bearsworth proposed and Councillor Mackintosh seconded that the altered motion be further amended by the inclusion of a third paragraph to read:

“Recognises public concerns and calls on Cabinet to hold a series of public meetings to listen to those concerns.” The altered motion now to read:

Recognises public concerns and calls on Cabinet to hold a series of public meetings to listen to those concerns.”

Upon the proposal being put by the Mayor, Council agreed to the further amendment of the motion.

Council debated further amended motion.

Upon a vote the further amended motion was carried.

(ii) Mr Varnsverry commented on the proposal that the two gasometers should be demolished later in the year for the development of the Enterprise Zone. If this took place it would be the latest of a long line of similar instances where the Town’s heritage had been lost. It was possible for the framework to be incorporated in a new residential or commercial use. He noted that the Localism Act required that pre application consultation took place. Consultation during the planning application process itself would be too late. He noted the claims that the southern gasometer could not be reused because a sewer would have to be re- routed and that this was too expensive to do. He also commented that there was as much of the gasometers below ground as there was above it. All the issues should be considered and he believed that this represented a significant opportunity.

Page2812 Council Minutes - Monday, 12 March 2012

Mr Bricher commented that a heritage gateway and an Enterprise Zone were good news for Northampton and also upon the Council’s poor record in maintaining its historic fabric. He queried whether the Express Lift Tower and the Kingswell Street school building were also under threat. Employment, a decent shopping centre and a bus station were needed but not by sweeping everything in their path away. With some thought the gasometers could be incorporated just as a bus station could be at least partially included as part of the new shopping centre. Mr Bricher noted that the MP for Northampton South whilst dismissive of retaining the gasometer by the roundabout, agreed that there was a good case for keeping the older one to the south. He noted that they did not have to be kept for heritage sake but as had been said could be incorporated into a scheme and used as part of the Enterprise Zone: for example in Kings Cross where the frame was to included in a housing development. The structure by B&Q would enhance the Enterprise Zone if it were to be used for something. Mr Bricher considered that the newer gasometer could not stay where it was but should be removed and perhaps used elsewhere such as at the Ironstone Railway or the Northampton and Lamport Railway or offered to an open-air museum around the country. He believed that whilst not all gasometers should be preserved, if none were then there would be no record left of them. All options should be considered before they were demolished.

Mr Croucher referred to the comments made earlier in the meeting about Northampton Alive and commented that gasometers could be converted as in Dublin and at Kings Cross. There was a need to see what others had done with them. The past and present could be used to create the future. He noted similar calls by a Councillor to revive the old Northampton Bedford railway line that had been closed down by the Conservatives. He believed that people would be keen to occupy such a converted property. Mr Croucher noted the Council’s poor record in retaining the Town’s heritage and felt the current situation was a wonderful opportunity.

Councillor Glynane proposed and Councillor Beardsworth seconded:

“This council:

Notes the progress which is being made on development of Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone and welcomes the investment and employment opportunities this will bring to the town.

Notes that demolition and removal of the gasometers located on St Peter’s Way and Towcester Road is anticipated to take place before the end of 2012.

Acknowledges the concerns which have been expressed by members of the public at the proposed loss of these structures, which have formed local landmarks for over one hundred years.

Notes the comments of English Heritage that the south gasometer structure was constructed at some point between 1887 ands 1901 and is of considerable local

Page2913 Council Minutes - Monday, 12 March 2012

interest as part of Northampton's industrial heritage.

Recognises public support for the retention and integration of the external structure of the south gasometer, Towcester Road, Northampton, within a new landmark building at the Waterside Enterprise Zone.

Instructs officers to liaise with the landowners - National Grid – and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation and to consult with the public to identify options for the gasometers which could enable this part of Northampton’s industrial heritage to form part of the modern commercial landscape.”

Council debated the motion.

Upon a vote the motion was lost.

(iii) Councillor Nunn proposed and Councillor King seconded:

“Council welcomes the launch of Love Northampton, a partnership initiative involving Northampton Borough Council, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership, Northampton Town Centre BID, Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Saints, Royal & Derngate, Northampton Town Football Club, Northants County Cricket Club, Northampton Leisure Trust, and local businesses and individuals.

Council believes that initiatives such as Love Northampton will play a key role in attracting people into Northampton and supporting economic growth in the town.

Council is pleased to note that the efforts already being made by Northampton Borough Council and its partners through initiatives such as free and reduced fee parking (introduced in October 2011) and Town Centre events are helping Northampton buck negative national trends, and have already contributed to an eight percent increase in Town Centre footfall this Christmas compared with the same time last year.”

Council debated the motion.

Upon a vote the motion was carried.

(iv) Councillor Ansell proposed and Councillor Sargeant seconded:

“Council congratulates The Queen on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee and her 60 year reign as Monarch, a milestone only previously reached by Queen Victoria.

Council thanks Her Majesty for her tireless service to the British public and the people of the Commonwealth, and welcomes her renewed commitment to the service of the nation.

Page3014 Council Minutes - Monday, 12 March 2012

Council encourages residents of Northampton to enjoy the many events planned in and around the town in celebration of Her Majesty’s long reign and future commitment to her subjects.”

Council debated the motion.

Upon a vote the motion was carried.

(v) Councillor Wire DL moved and Councillor Mason seconded:

“This Council notes that sub-letting of NBC Houses is a persistent problem in many of our communities due to a small minority of tenants.

This Council believes that the problem of sub-letting causes aggravation for the many of our rule-abiding tenants, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. This is not acceptable.

This Council further notes that despite efforts sub-letting continues to be a problem.

This Council therefore requests the Cabinet to set up a working party made of a representative of each Group and the Portfolio Holder to come up with robust proposals to crack this long-term problem. The proposals would be presented to cabinet before October. “

Council debated the motion.

Upon a vote the motion was agreed.

16. MATTERS OF URGENCY WHICH BY REASON OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE MAYOR IS OF THE OPINION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. There were none.

The meeting concluded at 21.20 hours.

Page3115 Council Minutes - Monday, 12 March 2012 Agenda Item 6

Page32 Page33 Page34 Page35 Page36 Page37 Page38 Page39 Page40 Page41 Page42 Page43 Page44 Page45 Page46 Page47 Page48 Page49 Agenda Item 7

Council Date: 23 April 2012

Cabinet Member Presentations

Report of the Leader of the Council

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment

Report of the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance

Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing

Report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise & Planning

Page50 Leader of the Council

Northampton Borough Council

Date: 23 April 2012

I am pleased to inform everyone that Cllr Bottwood is now doing well having received hospital treatment following his heart attack last month. I am sure all members will join me in wishing him a full and speedy recovery and a quick return to the Guildhall.

On 26th March we announced that the Borough Council is working with Local Government Shared Services (LGSS), the organisation set up to share services between Northamptonshire County Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, to explore the potential of joining the partnership. LGSS was set up more than a year ago to provide a wide range of support services for both local authorities. Since the establishment of LGSS, the two founding authorities have saved £11 million and to join the partnership could pave the way for savings for Northampton Borough Council in administration and other back office costs. The Borough Council is at an early stage in negotiations with LGSS and no decision has yet been made over which services could be included in any sharing agreement. LGSS provides a full range of back-office services, including IT, HR, finance, property and asset management and other services.

The Northampton Alive Roadshow meetings have started with members of the Cabinet and myself going out and speaking to the public at a series of public meetings. The meetings map out how the major regeneration projects of the town fit together to attract investment, jobs and economic growth, and cover key projects like the Grosvenor/Greyfriars development, Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, Castle Station, St John’s and Avon Nunn Mills.

On Tuesday 13 th March the Guildhall was privileged to host a meeting of the Business Innovation and Skills Select Committee. This was a real vote of confidence from the Government in the work we are doing here in Northampton to attract investment, improve skills, create jobs and improve our local economy.

Page51 I was pleased to attend the celebration on 21st March at Alliston Gardens Community Centre to mark the transfer of fifteen community centres to eight different community organisations. Improved relations between this authority and community groups has facilitated this transfer, which will in turn help to secure and improve these facilities for the future.

Both the Skateboard Park at Midsummer Meadow, and the proposed University student accommodation at St Johns received planning consent on 3rd April, and construction will begin on both projects in the near future.

On 23 rd March TS Laforey was formally awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Northampton. This was undoubtedly a proud day for them, but it was also a pleasure for this Council to be able to recognise their positive contribution and dedication to the town.

The Town and County Big Jubilee Picnic will take place from 12 noon to 6pm on Sunday 3rd June. The vintage-themed event will celebrate the foods, fashions and music of the Queen's 60-year reign, with the emphasis firmly on fun.

The 2012 Olympic Torch will be passing through our town on the morning of 2nd July. This is a fantastic once in a lifetime event that I hope all members of the council will attend with the public to show their support and enjoy the occasion. The Flame will start its journey through the town from Weedon Road near Gambrel Road. It will be carried into the town centre via Bridge Street, Drapery, through the Market Square, Abington Street, past the Guildhall, down Guildhall Road, on to Victoria Promenade and through Becket's Park

To mark the 200th Anniversary of the death of Spencer Perceval, The Mayor will be laying a wreath at the statue in a short ceremony at The Guildhall at 5.15pm on 11th May 2012.

Northampton Youth Forum has been running a campaign to tackle hate crime since last summer, and have been awarded the Northamptonshire County Council and the Children and Young People's Partnership award for "Outstanding Contribution to Anti-Bullying Work", and has also recently been nominated for a National Diversity Award.

I would like to give my congratulations to everyone who received Heart of the Community Awards this year. These awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of residents who are working hard for their communities, and represent the best of our town.

Community Safety

The priorities and action plan for the Community Safety Partnership 2012/13 have been agreed. Key priorities for 2012/13 are Violent Crime, Serious Acquisitive Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour & Domestic Abuse.

Page52 Priority location work to tackle serious acquisitive crime and help victims of burglary in hot spot locations continues. The main focus areas are Standens Barn, Bellinge, Spencer, Kings Heath, Kingsley/Phippsville, Abington The Mounts.

Leaflets have been distributed to raise awareness of Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) in five Eastern/Central European languages to raise awareness of the Order.

A further awareness event to support the ‘Killing with Kindness’ campaign took place on the Market Square on 13 th April to help raise awareness around street begging.

A further two sessions of Domestic Abuse training for front line staff has been undertaken. A total of eight sessions have been run in Northampton this year with a total of 176 staff from NBC, NCC, Northants Police and NHS receiving the training.

An Easter ‘E’ message has been circulated to all students providing crime prevention advice and personal safety information in partnership with the University of Northampton.

Our Town Centre car parks have again been recognised with the Park Mark ® Safer Parking Award. The award has been renewed at 11 Northampton Borough Council car parks and shows the council is working hard to deliver safer parking. This, along with free parking and reduced parking charges in the Town Centre, is part of a wider plan to encourage shoppers into Northampton.

An awareness raising campaign to tackle issues of vehicle crime began in April 2012, focussing on theft from vehicles and vehicle security.

Junior Wardens

Another four schools have signed up to join the junior community wardens scheme being championed by Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire Police. Pupils from Greenoaks Primary, Sunnyside Primary, Vernon Terrace Primary and Woodvale Primary will be trained over the next few months to become junior community wardens and take an active role in the community. The group of 131 children are following in the footsteps of pupils from four other schools who have successfully completed the ten-week course and graduated as junior community wardens.

Page53 Legal Services

The department has maintained its LEXCEL quality accreditation and achieved a 100% pass of its core requirement. The external inspector has also noted a number of areas of good practice within the service following a three-day inspection. LEXCEL is administered by the Law Society for England & Wales and is sought by many private Practice firms.

Litigation

Since 15th February 2012 the department has prosecuted or taken the following court action:

• £350 fine plus £400 costs for cigarette dropping • Two Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Orders • Health and Safety cases resulting in £5,000 fine to a Director and £10,000 fine to a Company. • Two ASBOs for two years each, restricting the subject from entering a certain area in Duston and from causing harassment, alarm or distress to any person in the Borough of Northampton • Unauthorised subletting £475 costs • Five year ASBO to restrict entering an area and being found drinking in the street

Benefit Fraud • Twelve month Conditional Discharge - £400 costs • 60 hours unpaid work - £100 costs • (s112 SSAA 1992) 80 hours Community Work and £100 costs

Commercial and Corporate

Since the last report six Right to Buy sales have been completed, three TPOs have been confirmed and eight properties have been disposed of. The Stagecoach Agreement has also been completed in connection with the Greyfriars Bus Station.

Councillor David Mackintosh Leader of the Council

Page54

Cabinet Member Report for Environment

Northampton Borough Council

Date: 23 April 2012

Environmental Services

During the month of February, over 188 tonnes of food waste were collected. Once the service has had time to bed in, figures for participation levels and tonnages collected can be more accurately assessed.

Environmental Health

Campaign posters and lamppost stickers have been going up across the town as the council’s Neighbourhood Wardens start a three-month crackdown on dog owners who do not clear up after their pets. Verbal warnings, written warnings and Fixed Penalty Notices of £80, which if not paid could lead to a fine of up to £1,000, will be handed out to those spotted not clearing up their dog’s mess. Patrols will take place in known hotspots, initially offering advice to dog walkers on the correct disposal of dog waste, to then be followed up by targeted enforcement. The campaign will also appeal to the public to report incidents and problem areas to the council so that action can be taken.

Licensing

• A driver induction course was held on 19 th March and was attended by twenty applicants. • Multi agency checks on vehicles were undertaken on 15 th and 16 th February and 15 th and 22 nd March. • The Prince of Wales public house has withdrawn its magistrate’s court appeal in relation to its license revocation. • The Taxi Age Limit consultation has now closed and the findings have been analysed. Final reports are being prepared to go before the Licensing Committee in early May. • Licensing Committee informed of Governments intention to introduce changes to Licensing Act within the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill on April 6 th (although not confirmed). • The review and restructure of Licensing has now been completed.

Carbon Management

Around 40 representatives of small and medium sized businesses from in and around Northampton, attended an Energy Efficiency Breakfast on 1st March. This event, run in conjunction with the Carbon Trust provided straightforward advice and useful energy saving tips to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

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Air Quality Management Areas

Air quality in Northampton is improving with four areas of the town where traffic pollution had exceeded target levels now well within acceptable limits. On 18 th April the Air Quality Management Area (AQMAs) status of Barrack Road, Park Avenue North, A45 (Riverside) and Lumbertubs Way was considered by Cabinet.

The AQMAs were established after target levels for nitrogen dioxide, associated with traffic emissions, were exceeded. Our monitoring and assessment work has confirmed that traffic emissions and pollution levels in these four areas are now within acceptable limits. We intend to build on this and are currently developing an action plan outlining the steps we will be taking to further improve air quality in these parts of the Borough.

Councillor John Caswell Cabinet Member for the Environment

Page56

Cabinet Member Report for Community Engagement

Northampton Borough Council

Date: 23 April 2012

Events

The 2012 Olympic Torch route was announced on the 19th March and identifies the route moving from the west of the town, through the town centre and leaving in the east via Beckets Park. The Council will be contacting and meeting with businesses and partners affected by the route.

The Council has organised meetings with school coordinators and is working with Northamptonshire County Council to ensure as many local school children as possible are able to watch this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Torch relay is one of a number of significant events being planned for the town centre and our parks and open spaces this summer. Other national events coming to the town include Godiva Awakes, Lion Heart and Games Time, as well as regional and local events like Race 4 Life, Music Festival, Diwali, Olympic Sports and the Jubilee Party and others. We want Northampton to be the venue of choice for people to visit this summer.

The Town and County Big Jubilee Picnic will be Northampton's main Jubilee event and will take place from 12noon to 6pm on Sunday 3rd June and will begin with a short outdoor service at All Saints' Church followed by a procession to Delapre Park and Abbey. The vintage-themed event will celebrate Her majesty’s reign with the foods, fashions and music of the last sixty years, and people are invited to bring along their own Jubilee or vintage- themed picnics, or to visit the Jubilee pub and food court while they enjoy six hours of fun and entertainment. The Big Jubilee Picnic has been organised by Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council, and will be hosted by HM Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Lady Juliet Townsend LVO. The event will also be supported by a number of local partners and businesses.

The Jubilee Street Parties pack has been launched, offering advice & guidance for anyone wishing to hold their own street party. The deadline for applications is the 4 th May.

Culture & Heritage

Arts Council England have confirmed £119,100 of transition funding for 2012- 13. The money will be used to provide additional activity around the Cultural Olympiad ‘World at your feet’ exhibition and other business improvement initiatives.

Page57

Museum

The newly refurbished Museum and Art Gallery is on target to be officially launched on 12 th April, with preview tours between 4 th and 11 th April.

Neighbourhood Working

The current Junior Wardens programme has now concluded. The “graduation ceremony” will take place on 18th April and a new programme will start after Easter.

Joint working with the Police and Sheltered Housing has resulted in a new Sector office being established in South-West Sector at Spencer Haven following the closure of Gladstone Road.

A major public event was held in the Guildhall on 11th April to celebrate the achievements of Change of Scene participants.

Community Centres

A celebration took place to mark the transfer of 15 community centres to eight different community organisations on 21st March. The event at Alliston Gardens Community Centre saw around 40 members of management groups gathered to mark this new beginning The centres and their new management groups are: • Community Spaces Northampton is managing Bellinge, Briar Hill, Kingsthorpe, Rectory Farm, Southfields, Standens Barn and Vernon Terrace community centres. • Alliston Gardens and Semilong community centres are being managed by Alliston Gardens Youth and Community Centre • St James community centre is being managed by the Doddridge Centre • Spencer Dallington centre is being managed by Deafconnect • Camp Hill centre is being managed by its established management committee • Kings Heath centre is being managed by the Need to Know Centre Northampton • Abington community centre is being managed by its established management committee • Pastures centre is being managed by its established management committee

Customer Services

Annual Billing for Council Tax in March is traditionally the busiest time for Customer Services staff and this years performance in relation to call handling and visitors was exceptional due to effective resource allocation and proactive planning. The Customer Services and Council Tax Teams worked seamlessly together to support customers effectively through this very busy period.

Page58

Community Governance Review

The borough wide Community Governance Review (CGR) has continued through March with various community information events, including:

• Central Area Board briefing • Community briefings at Lings Forum, the Guildhall and in the Grosvenor Centre • Forum briefings at LGBTQ, Diverse Communities, Pensioners and Youth • CGR briefing at Parklands Residents Association • CGR consultation at Wootton & East Hunsbury Parish Council

Seven CGR petitions have been set up by Councillors, which are available on the Borough Council website. The deadline for petitions is 27th April 2012, and hundreds of signatures have already been received and validated against the electoral register. After the consultation has ended any proposals will be subject to a referendum and consideration by Full Council and implemented at the local elections in May 2013.

Partnership Fund

23 local charities and community groups have been given a total of £550,000 through our Partnership Fund to help them continue their positive work in our town’s communities. At this time it is more important than ever that the Borough Council supports these organisations to make our town a better place.

Northampton Leisure Trust

The Sport Relief Mile took place at Becketts Park on Sunday 25 th March with over twenty Northampton Leisure Trust volunteers assisting on the day. The event was well attended with around 1,300 people taking part.

Membership sales are continuing to do well and are currently 5% up against the same time in 2011. Trilogy memberships are at an all time record high of 6796, along with swimming lesson enrolments which are at 2033.

After 3.5 years the 'Eastfield and Spencer Sport and Physical Activity Project' funded by Sport England and a range of partners finished in February 2012. The Project has exceeded all targets set by Sport England.

The Big Lottery funded 'Northampton Improved Places for Play' programme finished at the end of March 2012. The Play Development Team have exceeded all of the targets set during the 3.5 years the programme was in place and has been hailed a huge success.

Page59 Northampton Borough Council, Northampton Leisure Trust and the County Sports Partnership have joined together to introduce Parkrun at the Racecourse every Saturday morning. Parkrun is a national initiative which provides weekly free 5km runs, and allows competitors to record their 5km times online and compare their times nationally.

Councillor Brandon Eldred Cabinet Member for Community Engagement

Page60

Cabinet Mmeber Report for Finance

Northampton Borough Council

Date: 23 April 2012

Local Government Shared Services (LGSS)

Northampton Borough Council is in the early stages of negotiations with LGSS, the organisation set up to share services between Northamptonshire County Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, to explore the potential of joining the partnership.

LGSS was set up more than a year ago to provide a wide range of support services for both local authorities. Since the establishment of LGSS, the two founding authorities have saved £11 million and to join the partnership could pave the way for savings for Northampton Borough Council in administration and other back office costs.

LGSS provides a full range of back-office services, including IT, HR, finance, property and asset management and legal, and has proved that it can deliver cutting edge services in a way that enormously reduces costs and allows members to focus on frontline services

Finance

We have now completed the financing for the buy out of the Housing Revenue account. The buy out was compulsory and as a result will mean the Council now self – finances its stock of social housing and retains the rental income collected each year. As we approach year-end we are preparing our financial management system for the production of the end of year statutory reports. These reports and other work completed during year-end will ensure we meet our statutory obligations. A meeting of Chief Finance Officers took place during the week commencing 26 th March and discussed some of the Localisation reforms impacting on our financial management, and a meeting of councillors from across the county is also planned. In particular the localisation of Council Tax support, business rates retention and Council Tax discount reform were reviewed.

Page61

Revenues and Benefits

During March the service successfully produced and dispatched year end Council Tax bills and benefit notifications, which involved the production and processing of over 100,000 documents. As we move towards year – end we will complete the final work required to closedown the 2011/12 financial year and prepare the system for 2012 / 13. Work – loads within benefits increased in February and March, following the implementation of a new national system called ATLAS 2. We have already implemented the first phase of ATLAS, which saw changes to tax credits being loaded straight into our benefits system. The second phase picks up all changes to national benefits. Duplication and early problems with the data being received requires a review in order to ascertain if a change is required. Improvements to the system are expected following the completion of year – end. The next phase of our citizen account was completed at the beginning of March. This phase allows benefit recipients to review details of their claim online, and to review notifications electronically instead of receiving paper copies through the post. This is another step in offering the widest range of access channels to our customers and reducing costs for the Council. We are continuing to contact and offer support to benefit recipients impacted by reductions in housing benefit. In March we sent further correspondence detailing the changes and highlighting where people need to come for help.

On 19 th March a local resident was pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court to claiming over £4,000 in benefits she was not entitled to following an investigation by Northampton Borough Council's benefit fraud team. Northampton Borough Council will continue to take action against anyone who steals money intended to help the town's most vulnerable residents by cheating the system to get benefits they are not entitled to.

Facilities Management

The refurbishment of the Jeffrey Room has been completed. The new design and technology available in the Jeffrey Room will ensure that public and private meetings can run as smoothly and comfortably as possible. Two events in March worthy of note were the visit of the Business Innovation and Skills Committee and the launch of Northampton Alive. The Councils facilities team successfully supported these high profile events.

Page62 ICT

The Capital Project to upgrade Microsoft Office and Exchange has started. This is an essential upgrade to a critical piece of software which supports efficient services to our customers.

A trial of technology which supports Councillors and staff to securely access council e-mail and calendars from any smart phone has now finished. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and the business case recommends its roll-out to support more flexible working.

The Website improvement project is underway. The team are currently reviewing website content to ensure that it is focussed on the tasks and information that our customers most often need to access.

Councillor Alan Bottwood Cabinet Member for Finance

Page63

Cabinet Mmeber Report for Housing

Northampton Borough Council

Date: 23 April 2012

Northampton Borough Council has secured nearly £150,000 from the new Preventing Repossessions Fund to help struggling homeowners. Northampton has received the 12th largest allocation in the country, which will be used to offer small interest-free loans of less than £5,000 to those at real risk of losing their homes, or grants to help ease debt pressures and give them a chance to get back on top of their finances. The right advice and support on managing debts is crucial for homeowners who are struggling financially, and this funding will be a lifeline to those who are facing the threat of having their homes repossessed.

Empty Homes Funding

The Council has been awarded £1.9m to bring 105 empty properties back into use as affordable housing. This was the 11th highest funding awarded in the country. The programme to deliver the 105 properties will happen in stages over a three-year period from April 2012 to March 2015. Properties need to meet the criteria of being privately owned and vacant for more than six months. There are currently around 900 properties that fall into this category in Northampton.

The council is currently identifying the 105 properties suitable for the scheme and these are likely to range from flats to family houses in different areas of Northampton. Once finished, rents will be set according to the government's new Affordable Homes programme at 80% of market rents, and the properties will be allocated to people with housing needs on the council's housing register.

Property Maintenance Operatives

Following a successful pilot of Personal Desktop Assistants (PDAs) the devices are to be rolled out to all housing operatives working in voids and repairs. Use of these devices will significantly reduce the amount of paper used as all jobs would be received and completed via the device, it will also enhance customer service as we will be able to communicate and reschedule works whilst the operatives are out in the field. The devices will reduce the need for the operatives to visit the depot as frequently, as they will be able to work direct from home, reducing lost time, mileage and fuel usage which will have a positive effect on environmental issues and also lower costs. De-pooling The rent notices for 2012/13 were sent out to all tenants and for the first time included details about the costs of the services they receive. Housing staff worked in partnership with Contact Centre staff to deal with the anticipated

Page64 queries. Less than 50 queries were initially received but there will of course continue to be queries raised about the rent and service charges throughout the year.

Tenancy Sustainment Contract

In order to address low-level anti-social behaviour and other less serious breaches of tenancy conditions the Council has formally adopted a Tenancy Sustainment Contract, which is believed is the first of its kind. The contract will last for a period of 6 months but may be extended by mutual consent. It allows an achievable action plan to remedy the breach, formally recorded by the caseworker and monitored at agreed intervals. The contract is voluntary. If a tenant agrees to sign the contract then they are bound by its terms and understand that if the breach is not remedied then the Council reserve the right to commence legal proceedings. The contract can be used as evidence to demonstrate that we have attempted to work with the tenant. If the tenant refuses to sign the contract then similarly this can be used in evidence if necessary at a later date. The contract will be particularly beneficial for those tenants identified as vulnerable as it would allow for the tenant to commit to regular engagement with identified support services and to set out achievable actions aimed at remedying the breach, ensuring a greater likelihood of sustaining a tenancy that may have otherwise failed.

Consultation

There will be extensive consultation on a number of new and revised strategies and changes to policies such as allocations and homelessness as a result of the introduction of the Localism Act.

Mary Markham Cabinet Member for Housing

Page65

Cabinet Member Report for Regeneration, Enterprise & Planning

Northampton Borough Council

Date: 23 April 2012

Town Centre Operations

In February 2012, 12,627 visitors took advantage of the one-hour free parking in our pay-on-foot multi-story car parks an increase of 2.8% in comparison with January 2012. To date around 54,000 visitors/shoppers have taken advantage of the free parking offer.

The number of visitors and shoppers taking advantage of the reduced 1 & 2 hour parking in the Town centre increased by 11.8% (in excess of 6,000 vehicles) in comparison with 2011 parking figures.

The standardisation of car parks will be introduced by late May to enable all legislative processes to be undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements.

The council continues to work closely with market traders and local businesses around the market square to help promote and build the market and Town Centre as a venue for visitors and shoppers alike.

Market Advisory Group

Raymond Everall, a well known local businessman, has been appointed as the independent chair of the Market Advisory Group.

Northampton Town Centre Limited (BID)

The BID has signed an agreement with Northamptonshire Police to provide a PCSO with specific responsibility for the BID area and the Police will provide a second PCSO to match the BID’s investment. This agreement runs from 1st April 2012 – 31st March 2013 and will be reviewed on an annual basis.

The BID has partnered with the Northampton Retail Crime Initiative (NRCI) in joint funding two Town Centre Rangers to help businesses, support visitors & shoppers and provide a more welcoming experience to the town.

The BID will be supporting new projects and initiatives in the town centre including Northampton in Bloom, Safari Northampton, Christmas, refurbishing street furniture, enhanced cleaning, marketing & promotion as well working with the Borough and County Councils on local matters.

Page66

High Street Innovation Fund

On 29 th March the Government announced that Northampton would be one of nine towns and cities in the East Midlands to receive £100,000 of funding for high street improvements following the Portas Review. We are working with the BID and other partners to explore the best ways of using these funds.

St James Local Development Order

On 7th March Cabinet approved the creation of a Local Development Order for the St James area of the town. The Development Order will help simplify the planning process for businesses looking to build or upgrade facilities in St James, and is a key factor in making our Enterprise Zone a success.

Delapre Abbey

Members of the public were offered the rare opportunity to look inside the Delapre Abbey on 17 th and 18 th March as part of a bid by the Friends of Delapre Abbey to raise donations towards its restoration, which is being led by Northampton Borough Council with support from the Friends of Delapre Abbey and the Delapre Preservation Trust.

Bus Interchange

Work has started to prepare land around the site of the proposed new bus interchange that would allow for the future development of the land. Plans for the town's new bus interchange are due to be submitted soon. A week long exhibition to show the public how the results of the previous consultation exercise influenced the design was held in the One Stop Shop during the week commencing 16 th April.

If the Planning Application is approved, the Borough Council, County Council and WNDC will have the green light to start work on a brand new bus interchange starting in the late summer.

Northampton Arts Collective vacated the Fish Market site by the due date (31 March) to enable new bus interchange proposals to come forward, and they will move into their new premises in Guildhall Road shortly. We are grateful to NAC for their co-operation throughout the process.

Delapre Bell Tower and Clock

The historic belltower and clock at Delapre Abbey has now been lifted back into place on the roof of the stable block following a full restoration programme to put the clock back into working order for the first time in 20 years. The roofing work has been carried out by local company Moulton Roofing, while the restoration of the clock and wind vane has been undertaken by specialist company Smith of Derby. Delapre Abbey is Northampton Borough Council’s key heritage project and this on-going

Page67 programme of work is intended to bring more of the building back into public use as well as to safeguard it for the future.

Abington Park Lake

Work to fix the footpath that circles the middle boating lake in Abington Park and underpin the concrete beam that provides its supporting surround began on 26 th March. For almost two years a 40-metre stretch of the path has been fenced off because of subsidence due to fluctuating water levels that has washed away some of the material under the lakeside footpaths. The Environment Agency, which has been instructing Northampton Borough Council on the project, has said that now is the best time to undertake the work, and we will be working with the both the Environment Agency and contractors to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum.

Planning and Regeneration

The proposed University student accommodation at St Johns received planning consent on 3 rd April. Construction is expected to commence in June/July, with completion and occupation in January 2014. This will be the first major development on site in the Waterside Enterprise Zone which came into force officially on 1 st April.

The Skateboard Park at Midsummer Meadow received planning consent on the 3 rd April. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-August.

Two new neighbourhood planning projects have been granted front-runner status by DCLG for Spring Boroughs and Blackthorn Good Neighbours. These projects receive £20K each to enable them to work with the Council on neighbourhood planning.

The Stage 2 transfer of planning powers from WNDC was successfully completed on 31 st March. NBC now has all its planning powers back from WNDC, but will continue to work closely with the Development Corporation on the regeneration of the Town Centre.

The Northampton Alive exhibition is to be held in the Great Hall during the week commencing 23rd April. The exhibition is to show the progress on the regeneration of the Town Centre, to provide more information about the individual projects. Officers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Presentations at residents groups, Forums and the University have been successful in showing the overall vision for the regeneration of the town centre.

The dedication of land for St John highways infrastructure has been exchanged with the County Council.

Page68 Waterside Enterprise Zone

Three expressions of interest bids for the Growing Places Fund for Enterprise Zone infrastructure and development proposals have been agreed by the SEMLEP Board to be considered at final stage in the Spring.

A marketing advisor for the Enterprise Zone has been appointed. This is an important position as high quality marketing of the Enterprise Zone will be essential to ensure the required level of inward investment.

SEMELP received an additional £6m growing places funding from central government during March. NEP also received additional funds and we are working with both to maximise the benefit for Northampton.

Councillor Tim Hadland Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning

Page69 Agenda Item 9

Appendices: 1

COUNCIL 23 rd April 2012

Agenda Status: Public Directorate: Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning

Report Title Central Area Action Plan – Submission Document

1. Summary

1.1 The Council is seeking to progress the Northampton Central Area Action Plan (CAAP) through to adoption as a Development Plan Document. The document provides for future land allocations and sets out planning policy for future development proposals affecting the Central Area of Northampton up to 2026. The CAAP will form part of the Local Development Framework, replacing some of the saved policies contained in the adopted Northampton Local Plan (June 1997).

1.2 Full details on the CAAP, its progress and the consultation process can be found in Appendix 1. This Appendix is a report which was considered by Cabinet on the 18 th April 2012.

2. Recommendations

2.1 It is recommended that Council approve the CAAP for submission to the Secretary of State for examination in accordance with Regulation 22 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended 2012).

3. Report Background

3.1 The pre-submission draft CAAP was published for formal representation in November 2010, under Regulation 27 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2004 (amended 2008). In November 2011, focused changes to the CAAP were published for consultation following progress made on key town centre projects which impacts on the contents of the CAAP. Further information can be found in Appendix 1.

3.2 The Submission document incorporates the responses to the Focused Change representations, as well as proposed changes resulting from the consultation to the pre- submission draft in November 2010 (these changes were resolved at Cabinet on the 16 th March 2011) plus other minor changes related to changes in facts and figures or circumstances and references to the most up to date documents. All these changes have been incorporated into the document, which is the Submission CAAP.

D:\moderngov\Data\AgendaItemDocs\1\7\0\AI00037071\$el2lt4ls.docPage70 3.3 It is of significant importance for the CAAP to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Examination. Once submitted, the CAAP will carry increasing weight as a material consideration when it comes to determining planning applications, particularly where there are no outstanding representations. It will also fill the policy vacuum currently facing Northampton resulting from the Northampton Local Plan having been adopted in 1997.

3.4 The Planning Inspectorate has been informed of the Council’s intention to submit the CAAP; this will enable the allocation of a Planning Inspector, who will independently examine the Plan. Whilst no date has been confirmed at this stage, examination would be anticipated to take place in the autumn.

4. Implications (including financial implications) 4.1 Resources and Risk

See Appendix 1.

4.2 Legal

See Appendix 1.

4.3 Other Implications

See Appendix 1.

5. Background Papers

See Appendix 1.

Report Author and Title: Paul Lewin, Planning Policy and Heritage Manager Telephone and Email: Extension 8734, [email protected]

D:\moderngov\Data\AgendaItemDocs\1\7\0\AI00037071\$el2lt4ls.docPage71 Appendices APPENDIX

CABINET REPORT Report Title Central Area Action Plan – Submission Document

AGENDA STATUS: Public

Cabinet Meeting Date: 18 th April 2012

Key Decision: Yes

Listed on Forward Plan: Yes

Within Policy: No

Policy Document: Yes

Directorate: Regeneration, Enterprise and

Planning

Accountable Cabinet Member: Councillor Tim Hadland

Ward(s) All

1. Purpose

1.1. The aims of this report are to:

1.1.1. Update Cabinet on the outcome of the Central Area Action Plan (CAAP) Focused Changes consultation undertaken in November / December 2011, and provide a summary of the representations together with proposed Officer recommendations.

1.1.2 Seek approval to submit the Central Area Action Plan and its supporting documents to the Secretary of State for Examination.

1.1.3 Seek approval for any additional minor changes to the Submission CAAP and its supporting documents, if any, to be made through delegated authority

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2. Resolutions

2.1 Cabinet is requested to:

2.1.1. Agree the Officer recommendations to the representations made to the Focused Changes consultation, as summarised in paragraphs 3.1.5 to 3.1.7 and set out in detail in Appendix 1.

2.1.2. Approve the subsequent amendments to the policies, arising from the Focused Changes, as part of the Submission CAAP, as shown in paragraph 3.1.7.

2.1.3 Agree that the Central Area Action Plan incorporates the schedule of minor amendments http://www.northampton.gov.uk/downloads/120410_Copy_of_Submission_Sch edule_of_Change_Table_April_2012_V2.doc as part of the Submission document for consideration by the Secretary of State.

2.1.4. Agree that the Head of Planning is granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning) to make any necessary further minor amendments, including factual updates, to the CAAP, prior to submission to the Secretary of State.

2.1.5 Agree that post Submission, the Head of Planning be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning) to make suggested amendments to the CAAP, which might be required to enable its progression through the Examination process.

2.1.6. Seek approval from Council to approve the CAAP, incorporating the changes set out in the Schedule of Changes, (http://www.northampton.gov.uk/downloads/2.1.6_- _Final_Submission_CAAP_April_2012_V2.doc) for submission to the Secretary of State for examination in accordance with Regulation 30 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended 2008).

3. CAAP Focused Changes

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 The Council is seeking to progress the Northampton Central Area Action Plan (CAAP) through to adoption as a Development Plan Document to provide for future land allocations and to set out policy guidance for future development proposals affecting the Central Area of Northampton up to 2026. The CAAP will form part of the Local Development Framework, replacing some of the saved policies contained in the adopted Northampton Local Plan (June 1997).

3.1.2 It is of significant importance for the CAAP to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Examination. Once submitted, the CAAP will carry increasing weight as a material consideration when it comes to determining planning

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page73 applications, particularly where there are no outstanding representations. It will also fill the policy vacuum currently facing Northampton resulting from the Northampton Local Plan having been adopted in 1997.

3.1.3 The pre-submission draft CAAP was published for formal representation in November 2010, under Regulation 27 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2004 (amended 2008). Members were informed of the outcome of this exercise through a report to Cabinet in March 2011. The representations received at this consultation stage have been used to make minor amendments and also have informed the more significant focused changes to the document that were consulted upon in preparation for the Submission of CAAP.

3.2 Focused Changes

3.2.1 Since March 2011, progress has been made on both the Grosvenor Centre and Greyfriars Bus Interchange projects, which are key projects within the Central Area. These changes were deemed to have an impact on some of the policies in the pre-submission CAAP, which required further changes to be made to the affected policies. In addition, responses to the pre-submission consultation required further changes to other policies in the CAAP.

3.2.2 The Council sought legal advice on the impact that the changes proposed to the pre-submission draft policies 1, 8, 12, 15 and 19 would have on the policy direction of the CAAP. It was advised that the proposed changes did not fundamentally change the direction of the Plan in terms of its overall strategy, that the Council should publish the alterations as Focused Changes to the Plan. The focused changes were released for formal representation in November and December 2011, for a period of 6 weeks as follows:

3.2.3.1 Policy 1: Strategic Objectives – this policy contains a list of Strategic Objectives, which form part of the supporting strategic aims for the CAAP Vision. It was considered more appropriate to remove the contents of Policy 1 and add it to the text to support the CAAP Vision.

3.2.3.2 Policy 8: Bus Interchange – the pre-submission policy identified a set of criteria for assessing a viable location for a new bus interchange. It was subsequently agreed that the former Fishmarket site be allocated for a new bus interchange. This required Policy 8 to be changed from a criterion based policy to a site-specific allocation, reflecting that decision.

3.2.3.3 Policy 12: Town Centre boundary – the consultation to the pre-submission draft raised issues, which required changes to be made to this policy. Changes were made to provide clarity whilst strengthening its conformity to Planning Policy Statement 4 (Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth).

3.2.3.4 Policy 15: Meeting Retail Capacity – this policy includes allocations for retail provision within the Primary Shopping Area. The sites allocated were the Grosvenor Centre, the former Fishmarket site and the Drapery. Since the former Fishmarket site has been identified for providing a new bus interchange, additional retail provision has been identified in order to meet future retail requirements in the Central Area up to 2026. The replacement

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page74 site is identified as Abington Street East, as it provides a viable alternative to the Fishmarket.

3.2.3.5 Policy 19: Abington Street East – following the allocation of the former Fishmarket site as a new bus interchange, the Abington Street East site was found to provide a viable retail site, capable of being delivered in the latter part of the plan period. This policy provides site-specific guidance to assist its future delivery.

3.3 Response to the Focused Changes

3.3.1 A total of 22 representations were received, including those from statutory consultees (English Heritage and Natural England). A more detailed response to the representations to the Focused Changes, together with Officer recommendations, is provided in Appendix 1.

3.3.2 Key responses received and Officer recommendations by policy are summarised as follows:

3.3.2.1 Policy 1: Strategic Objectives – 2 responses were received.

1 respondent expressed support for the deletion of Policy 1.

Recommendation : Approve the Focused Change to delete the Strategic Objectives from Policy 1 and insert them as new supporting text para 3.5.3 to the CAAP Vision. In addition there are additional amendments (underlined) to the wording of the text as indicated in paragraph 3.1.10 of this report.

New paragraph 3.5.3 for Submission CAAP

To meet the Vision for Northampton Town Centre , the Council will seek to ensure that development proposals are consistent with ensuring that the following Strategic Objectives are delivered:

. SO1 – Regeneration : Expanding retail, town centre facilities and the scale of employment opportunities in the centre to match Northampton’s future role as a Principle Urban Area at the heart of its sub-region, maximising the use of previously developed land . SO2 – a well designed Town Centre : Ensuring development of the highest standard that reflects the rich architectural heritage and adds to the sense of place . SO3 – a destination of choice : Revitalising the Market Square at the heart of the Town Centre and create and develop cultural initiatives based around St John’s and the Derngate Theatre area . SO4 – a walkable centre : Making the Central Area pedestrian friendly and ‘walkable’, with an improved public realm and linkages between key destinations . SO5 – public transport and cycling : Ensuring good public transport and cycle accessibility . SO6 – a safer environment : Providing an appealing and safe environment within the urban framework and along the Waterside

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page75 . SO7 – repopulate the Central Area : Substantially increasing the resident population through the redevelopment of redundant industrial areas and the regeneration of Spring Boroughs . SO8 – sustainability : Ensuring the Central Area develops in a sustainable manner and help create a positive framework for action on climate change

Following the removal of Policy 1, all the policy numbers from the pre- submission draft have been amended to reflect this change. For example, Policy 2 on Promoting Design Excellence in the pre- submission draft will become Policy 1 in the Submission CAAP. These changes are reflected in the policy numbering below .

3.3.2.2 Policy 8 : Bus Interchange – 6 responses were received.

1 expressed support for the proposal. Responses mentioned the requirement for the bus interchange to be located adjacent to the new shopping centre, and that it should have strong connections with the town centre, Drapery, Market square and the former Royal Mail site in Barrack Road. Objections, in the form of a petition, were expressed about the demolition of the Fishmarket. Concerns were also expressed about the reduction in the number of bays proposed and further that the Fishmarket site selection process was inadequate.

Recommendation : Approve the Focused Change to amend Policy 8 from a criterion-based policy to a site-specific policy to reflect the allocation of the former Fishmarket site as the preferred location for a new bus interchange.

Submission Policy 7: Bus Interchange: Fishmarket

A new high quality Bus Interchange will be developed at the Fishmarket site, which will improve the experience of visitors, shoppers and workers coming into the Central Area. The Bus Interchange will have:

. Sufficient capacity to cater for bus demand up to 2026 . A flexible future-proofed design to allow for any future expansion of the Bus Interchange . Strong connections with the rest of the town that promotes movement to the Grosvenor Centre (Policy 18), Drapery (Policy 33) and the Market Square . Building frontages which positively address the character, setting and scale of adjoining buildings, Sheep Street and the wider townscape . A public transport information and ticket centre . An undercover waiting area and floorspace for ancillary retail uses . Real Time Information Systems for bus services and CCTV

Policy 12 : Town Centre boundary – 3 responses were received.

1 respondent supported the revision. A further response challenged the conformity of the policy with national guidance. The third response sought clarification on the boundaries for sequential testing.

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Recommendation : Approve the Focused Change to ensure conformity with national planning policy guidance.

Submission Policy 11: Town centre boundary

The ‘town centre’ boundary as defined on Figure 8.1 Proposals Map will, for the purposes of sequential testing, be the preferred location for main town centre uses, with the exception of retailing where the Primary Shopping Area will prevail, followed by edge of town centre sites.

Developments of main town centre uses of more than 1,000 square metres gross proposed outside the town centre boundary will be subject to an impact assessment.

3.3.2.3 Policy 15: Meeting Retail Capacity – 6 responses were received.

Responses proposed challenging the robustness of the overall amount of retail floorspace proposed and its consistency with the Core Strategy, the lack of alternative options proposed to the Fishmarket at pre-submission and the “town centre only” approach. Another sought clarity on delivering convenience floorspace.

Recommendation : Approve the Focused Change to reflect the change in retail site allocation from Fishmarket to Abington Street East and provide clarity on gross and net amounts of floorspace. (as underlined). Paragraph 3.1.7 of the report refers in respect of Policy 15.

Submission Policy 14: Meeting Retail Capacity

The Council will accommodate 61,000 sq.m (gross) / 45,000 sq.m (net) of comparison retail floorspace and 4,500 sq.m (gross) / 3,000 sq.m (net) of convenience floorspace in the town centre in the period to 2026. The majority of this will be delivered at:

2016 – 2021:

. Grosvenor Centre Redevelopment Site – up to 37,000 sq.m gross / 24,000 square metres net (as per Policy 17 Grosvenor Centre Redevelopment)

2021 – 2026:

. Abington Street East and adjoining buildings – 9,000 sq.m gross / 6,000 sq.m (as per Policy 18 Abington Street East and adjoining buildings) . Buildings and land on Drapery and College Street – 17,000 sq.m / 11,000 square metres net (as per Policy 33 Drapery)

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3.3.2.4 Policy 19: Abington Street East – 5 responses were received.

Responses include a statement that the town centre already has sufficient shopping provision; concerns were also raised on the adverse impact on the historic building (the library) and the loss of an important civic service in the form of a library. A petition objecting to the Grade II listed building being redeveloped to provide additional retail provision was also submitted.

Recommendation : Approve the Focused Change to reflect a new retail site allocation at Abington Street East and provide the additional underlined changes in response to representations to the Focus Changes as referred to at paragraph 3.1.7 Policy 19 of the report, (underlined).

Submission Policy 18: Abington Street East

The Northampton Central Library and adjoining properties fronting Abington Street and St Giles Street will be regenerated to:

• Retain, preserve and enhance the character of the Northampton Central Library building, and respect the setting of the Derngate and St Giles Conservation Areas • Provide up to 6,000 sq.m net of comparison retail floorspace on land between Abington Street and St Giles Street • Provide the opportunity for the continued provision of the library and clinic services either within the regeneration site or elsewhere within the Central Area • Contribute to the improvement of the shopping frontages along Abington Street Primary Shopping Frontage and St Giles Street Secondary Shopping Frontage through incorporating the principles of the Shopfront Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document

3.3.2.5Officers have considered each representation raised and prepared specific responses to those issues (Appendix 1). Officers have also continued to engage with key stakeholders, including English Heritage and Northamptonshire County Council, to address the issues raised as part of the exercise. (Appendix 2 shows how these changes have been amended for Submission).

3.4 Other Changes

3.4.1 Following the completion of the Focused Change consultation, Overview and Scrutiny requested that Submission Policy 18 (currently Policy 19) on Abington Street East be amended to address the concerns raised about the impact of the loss of the library. The redevelopment of the site is dependent

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page78 upon providing deliverable alternatives to the current library service. It is proposed to amend Policy 18 to reinforce the Council’s commitment towards its heritage asset. The provision of library services lies within the jurisdiction of the County. However, the Borough Council will continue to work in partnership with the County Council in seeking to establish opportunities for taking forward the provision of the library service in central Northampton.

3.4.2 The pre-submission CAAP refers to the Council’s vision for Northampton as a City. Following a series of consultation exercises and updated evidence base, it was agreed that Northampton should remain as a town centre. The Pre- Submission draft West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy’s vision for Northampton is that it will become a Principal Urban Area.

3.4.3 The CAAP will include a reference to the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone designation, which commenced on the 1 st April 2012. Much of the Enterprise Zone is included within the boundary of the CAAP. The Zone is a significant national designation that should assist in the delivery of the vision, strategic objectives and site-specific policies within the CAAP. However, it is not considered that the Enterprise Zone status requires material amendments to policy, as the bid was made fundamentally on the basis of site-specific policy contents of the Pre-Submission CAAP.

4. The next stage: CAAP Submission

4.1. In preparation for submission to the Secretary of State, Officers have made proposed changes to the CAAP. The Submission document incorporates the responses to the Focused Change representations, as well as proposed changes resulting from the consultation to the pre-submission draft in November 2010 (these changes were resolved at Cabinet on the 16 th March 2011) plus other minor changes related to changes in facts and figures or circumstances, references to the most up to date documents. All these changes have been incorporated into the document, which is the Submission CAAP.

4.2 The CAAP submitted to the Secretary of State will be subject to independent examination by a Planning Inspector; Regulation 30 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended 2008) refers. Regulation 30 also requires the following documents to be submitted alongside the Submission CAAP:

• Consultation Statement • Sustainability Appraisal • Technical Papers • Equality Impact Assessment.

4.3 Consultation Statement : Provides details of the consultation exercises undertaken in preparing the Plan, a summary of the responses received, together with Officer responses provided at each stage of the CAAP preparation process: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/downloads/Reg_30__1___e_Statement_of_C onsultation.doc

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4.4 Sustainability Appraisal : Appraises the social, environmental and economic effects of the policies contained in the Submission CAAP. This process is iterative, (i.e. it was undertaken from the start of the plan preparation process) and has ensured that decisions made on each policy satisfy the approach to sustainable development . http://www.northampton.gov.uk/downloads/4.4_- _CAAP_Submission_SA___Non_Technical_Summary___EVA___v2_.doc

4.5 Technical Papers: A series of site specific and thematic papers have been drafted to explain the approach taken to policy development and to provide clear justification for the policies contained in the CAAP. The Technical Papers also provide details of the evidence base used to support each policy and consider how each policy is to be delivered.

4.6 Equality Impact Assessment : Although not a legal planning requirement it demonstrates how the CAAP policies fulfil the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010.

4.7 The Planning Inspectorate has been informed of the Council’s intention to submit the CAAP; this will enable the allocation of a Planning Inspector, who will independently examine the Plan. Whilst no date has been confirmed at this stage, examination would be anticipated to take place in the autumn. As part of the examination process, officers might want to agree to or suggest amendments to the Plan either as a result in change in national guidance, to address representations made, or deal with specific issues raised by the Inspector so that it is more likely to be found sound as part of the Examination process. It would help the speed of the Examination Process if these changes could be suggested by officers in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Planning and Regeneration. If proposed changes are material to the contents of the Plan, these will be reported to Cabinet. For smaller changes the Inspector is likely to incorporate them in his/her report, which will be reported to Cabinet following the examination. This written report will propose one of the following options;

• It is sound and does not require any further amendment • It is sound but requires further amendment before adoption or • It is unsound and cannot be adopted.

4.8 The first two outcomes will provide the opportunity for moving swiftly towards adoption, providing up to date policies for the Central Area upon which to assess future planning applications. Although the recommendations contained in the Planning Inspector’s report are not binding upon the Council, any departure would require clear justification .

4.9 Cabinet is recommended to approve the Submission CAAP and its supporting documents for independent examination. Members to note that the following Submission documents are available for viewing in the Member’s room: CAAP Submission, CAAP Technical Papers, Consultation Statement and Sustainability Appraisal. In the event that further minor changes are required to either the Submission CAAP or its supporting documents (for example factual updates or improving legibility), Cabinet is requested to delegate

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page80 responsibility for these changes to Officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning.

5. Choices

5.1 There are three choices available to Cabinet:

5.1.1 A. Approve the submission of the CAAP for Examination, subject to any further minor amendments being made through delegated Authority.

5.1.2 B. Approve the submission of the CAAP for Examination, with further minor changes being reported back to Cabinet.

5.1.3 C. Not approve the submission of the CAAP for Examination.

5.1.4 Option A would ensure that the CAAP is submitted to the Secretary of State in May, allowing for Examination to take place sometime in the autumn. This means that the Council will be able to have an adopted and up-to-date development plan for the Central Area in early 2013. This is to be supported particularly since the last adopted development plan was approved in 1997.

5.1.5 Option B would result in a delay in the submission of the CAAP to the Secretary of State for Examination, therefore delaying the adoption process. Further minor amendments will relate to legibility, grammatical changes and factual updates to the Plan.

5.1.6 Option C would result in a significant delay in the submission of the CAAP to the Secretary of State for Examination, therefore lengthening the policy vacuum that currently exists.

6. Implications (including financial implications)

6.1 Policy

6.1.1 The CAAP will, upon adoption, replace a significant number of the saved policies contained within the adopted Northampton Local Plan (June 1997). It will also form part of the statutory development plan for the Central Area, providing an up to date policy framework, guiding future development proposals.

6.2 Resources and Risk

6.2.1 The Local Development Framework is both time consuming and complex. External influences, affecting policy direction, can lie beyond the control of the Council, and impact on the content and policy direction of the development plan. Such factors include changes to national planning policies arising through the publication of the draft National Planning Policy Framework and the introduction of the Localism Bill. Further there is the risk of being found unsound at examination if the Plan is deemed not to have met the required regulations. To address this issue, Officers have taken precautions in terms of risk analysis and support from both the Planning Officers Society. Counsel

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page81 Advice has also been sought on the plan content and procedure in order to minimise the risk of being found unsound.

6.2.2 The Planning Inspectorate also provides advice prior to the examination of a Submitted Development Plan. If deemed necessary, the Planning Inspectorate can undertake an exploratory meeting, which will seek to clarify and/or resolve issues of contention prior to examination.

6.3 Legal

6.3.1 The CAAP has been prepared in accordance with the relevant Regulations of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended 2008) and advice from Counsel. The weight attached to the Plan is a material consideration, which is to be taken into account in determining planning applications. Once the Plan is submitted for independent examination, its weight will be significantly increased, particularly where there is no challenge to a particular policy.

6.4 Equality

6.4.1 A full Equality Impact Assessment of the Plan has been undertaken in line with the requirements contained in the Equalities Act 2010. This will also be submitted to the Secretary of State.

6.5 Consultees

6.5.1 Throughout the plan preparation process, Officers have engaged extensively, both formally and informally, with the public, stakeholders and partnering organisations. The Plan reflects the comprehensive input of both statutory and non-statutory consultees since the start of the preparation process.

6.6 How the Proposals deliver Priority Outcomes

6.6.1 The progression of the CAAP will meet the Council’s priority to regenerate the Central Area, as identified in the Corporate Plan 2011-2014. In particular, it will contribute significantly towards achieving priority outcome CP6: Driving the development of a confident, ambitious and successful Northampton, through the implementation of a sound planning policy framework that will promote and support the development of a vibrant town centre. The policies in the CAAP will support sustainable growth for local business, jobs and housing; regenerate key sites and develop awareness of the town as a great place to live, visit and work. It will promote the town’s heritage, cultural and social opportunities.

6.6.2 It is essential that the CAAP be submitted and subsequently adopted to allow for future investment and prosperity in planning the future direction of the Central Area, and in establishing and widening the role of Northampton as a principal urban area within Northamptonshire.

6.7 Other Implications

6.7.1 None.

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page82

7. Background Papers

7.1 Northampton Central Area Action Plan Focused Change, November 2011 7.2 Sustainability Appraisal update, November 2011 7.3 Central Area Sites Feasibility Study update, September 2011 7.4 Northampton Bus Interchange Appraisal Report, June 2010 7.5 Northampton Central Area Pre-Submission Draft, November 2010 7.6 Sustainability Appraisal report, October 2010

Paul Lewin, Planning Policy and Heritage Manager, extension 8734 Richard Palmer, Team Leader, Planning Policy, extension 7279 Noreen Banks, Senior Planning Officer, Planning Policy, extension 7835

Jmd/committees/cabinet report template/12/04/12 Page83 APPENDIX 1 CAAP FOCUSED CHANGES REPRESENTATIONS CAAP Policy Summary of response Officers response Policy Outcome ID CAAP General The Council has not published evidence A summary paper of CAAP No change. 0002 of how objections from previous CAAP representations at Pre Submission has (Central Area Action Plan) consultations been agreed and published as part of a have been examined / taken into account. NBC Cabinet Paper. In addition, Technical Papers which justify CAAP policy and examine representations were published at Pre-Submission stage and have been updated for the Submission stage. Page84 New designated shopping frontage on St For clarity the deletion of Policy 1 from No change. Giles Street is cross referenced to ‘new the CAAP has led to the re numbering of policy 13’. There are no references to CAAP policy so Policy 14 will become Policy 13 in the focused change CAAP. Policy 13 in the Submission CAAP.

The council have not published an The evidence base for designating No change. evidence base / audit trail showing how frontages includes Retail Frontages and alternative shopping frontages were The Primary Shopping Area: Technical considered during policy formulation. Report , which was subject to six public consultation, and the Town Centre Shopping Survey which is updated periodically and monitors the A1 % on a number of other frontages, outside of those formally designated in CAAP policy.

The Council’s approach to A2 uses in The Council feel that the approach to No change. shopping frontages is neither justified nor designated frontages is in accordance consistent with national planning policy with PPS4. In addition, the Use Classes Order clearly distinguishes between A1 and A2 uses. CAAP n/a No comment 0001 CAAP n/a No comment 0040 CAAP Policy 8 The bus interchange should be located The Fishmarket site lies adjacent to the No change. 0041 adjacent to the new shopping centre. proposed extension to the Grosvenor Centre (Policy 18) and has good links to Page85 the rest of the town centre. CAAP General There is currently spare transformation Noted. No change. 0042 capacity at sub stations in the Central Area to accommodate further growth. However, as developments comes forward each will need to be considered on its own individual merits through the normal planning process. CAAP n/a No comment 0005 CAAP n/a No comment 0043 CAAP n/a No comment 0013 CAAP Policy 19 The town centre already has enough The East Midlands Regional Plan, the No change. 0044 shops. West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and the CAAP evidence base all identify a shortfall in retail floorspace in Northampton town centre.

The majority of retail units within Northampton town centre aren’t of sufficient size / scale to cater for modern retailing. CAAP Policy 1 New development must follow the surface Noted. Policy 6 of the CAAP states that No change. 0007 water management plan hierarchy. No new development within the Central new surface water connections to the Area will not increase the flow of surface existing combined and foul sewers should water or foul sewage to the combined occur. network. Page86 CAAP n/a No comment 0008 CAAP General Outlines various heritage constraints and Noted. It is considered that site specific No change. 0048 expresses concerns relating to the policies, when read in conjunction with negative impact on the historic Policy 2 (Delivering Design Excellence), environment in relation to the following provide sufficient reference to the sites; Abington Street East, (Policy 18) importance of heritage assets and Drapery (Policy 32), Fishmarket Bus conservation areas. In addition, when Interchange (Policy 7) and the Market developments come forward they will be Square (Policy 31). subject to individual Heritage Assessments. CAAP n/a No comment 0044 CAAP Policy 1 Support the deletion of Policy 1 from the Noted. 0011 CAAP as the Strategic Objectives will be used as monitoring indicators.

Suggests a text change to Strategic The Plan will be amended to reflect this The amendment does not Objective 2. ‘ SO2 – Ensuring representation. impact on policy. Minor development is of the highest standard, amendments to the that protects and enhances the supporting text will be significance and setting of heritage introduced as part of the assets, while contributing to the rich submission process. architectural heritage and adding to the sense of place’ . CAAP Policy 8 Policy 8 should make provision for the It is considered that the Policy 8 read in No change. 0011 appropriate protection of buildings in the conjunction with Policy 2 (Delivering conservation area, as well as ensure that Design Excellence) signposts the the Bus Interchange appropriate provision importance of preserving and enhancing Page87 is made for archaeological assessment conservation areas and heritage assets. and evaluation during the construction As the development site lies partially period. within a conservation area and is adjacent to listed buildings a full heritage assessment will be required to support the planning application. In addition, The Bus Interchange Site Selection Appraisal Report underpinning Policy 8 highlights the potential for archaeological remains on the site; therefore an archaeological assessment will also accompany a future planning application.

The Fishmarket site has been promoted The Council acknowledge that the No change. as the bus interchange site very late in Fishmarket site has been put forward as the planning process and the preparation the preferred development site at a late of the CAAP. Indeed, the delivery of the stage. However, the identification of a Bus Interchange is timetabled to reach deliverable and viable site became planning application stage in February necessary to ensure the delivery of 2012, before the CAAP has reached the wider town centre regeneration e.g. the examination stage and therefore pre Grosvenor Centre (Policy 18). judge the planning policy process. Furthermore Policy 8 is underpinned by an up to date and robust site selection process, see The Bus Interchange Site Selection Appraisal Report (MGWSP, 2011).

The Bus Interchange Site Selection The methodology used to undertake the No change. Appraisal Report (MGWSP, 2011) does site selection appraisal took into account not adequately address the historic heritage issues/constraints, and English Page88 environment. Any proposals for the Heritage’s views were taken into account demolition of buildings in advance of an as part of this process. In addition, the assessment of the merits of a detailed same methodology has been used to development proposal would be identify suitable bus interchange sites inappropriate and premature. elsewhere in the UK. In addition, any planning application for the Fishmarket site would include a Heritage Assessment to assess the full extents of any heritage impacts.

In addition, it is worth noting that English Heritage took the decision not to formally list the Fishmarket building following a recent application made by a member of the public.

Suggested text amendments to Policy 8, It is considered that there is sufficient No change. to ensure historic building frontages are detail and clarity in Policy 8 together with maintained and the character of the All Policy 2 (Delivering Design Excellence) Saints Conservation is preserved / to ensure heritage assets and the enhanced through this development. character of conservation areas are preserved and enhanced. CAAP Policy 15 The retail floorspace figures for the Plan The retail floorspace requirements in the No change. 0011 were established in 2010, since this time Plan are considered robust and broadly the economic climate has worsened and consistent with those in the West housing growth has slowed. The Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy. robustness of the retail floorspace figures in the CAAP can be challenged.

Alternatives options for new retail sites, A number of alternative retail sites were No change. Page89 replacing the Fishmarket, have not been considered prior to the pre-submission considered prior to pre-submission stage. stage. The retail technical paper outlines the sites which were assessed and consequently accepted or rejected. CAAP Policy 19 The regeneration of the Abington Street It is considered that there is sufficient No change. 0011 East site for retail purposes may result in detail in Policy 19 together with Policy 2 the demolition of historic buildings or (Delivering Design Excellence) to ensure unacceptable changes to a Grade II listed heritage assets and the character of building. conservation areas are preserved and enhanced. In addition, as identified by English Heritage, any planning application would be supported by a full heritage impact assessment.

The town centre would be losing an The CAAP states that the provision of No change. important civic service, the library, library services will be maintained either through the development of this site. as part of Abington Street East PPS4 highlights the need for diversity of development or elsewhere within the uses in town centres. The alternative Central Area. location for a new library, stated in the plan, would result in the presence of the This policy represents a long term library in the town centre being proposal as the site is not required to downgraded. meet retail provision until post 2021. In any event, the provision of library services is not a planning policy consideration for the Council. The provision of library services in the Central Area is service provision matter that lies within the responsibilities of Page90 Northamptonshire County Council.

The evidence base report identifying the It is considered that there is enough No change. Abington Street site as a viable detail in Policy 19 together with Policy 2 development option does not recognise (Delivering Design Excellence) to ensure the heritage impact of proposals. heritage assets and the character of conservation areas are preserved and enhanced. In addition, as identified by English Heritage, any planning application would be supported by a full heritage impact assessment.

In addition, English Heritage disagree The impact of the policy will be greatest No change. with the Sustainability Appraisal of the during the construction / redevelopment CAAP which states the negative impacts period. Any proposal will be assessed of Policy 19 will be greatest during the against Policy 2 (Delivering Design short-term development / redevelopment Excellence) and Policy 19, the Council phase and will diminish in the medium – believe the design criteria in these long term. policies is sufficient to ensure the character of this heritage asset is preserved over the medium – long term. CAAP Policy 12 The reference point for an impact The reference point for an impact No change. 0020 assessment is the Primary Shopping assessment is the town centre Area, not the town centre boundary. The boundary, as set out in Planning Policy town centre boundary is the reference Statement 4 point for all other town centre uses.

A sequential assessment, as well as an Reference to the sequential assessment No change. impact assessment, must be undertaken has not been removed from Policy 12. for retail use outside of the Primary Proposals for main town centre uses Page91 Shopping Area and the Town Centre outside of an existing centre will be Boundary for all other town centre uses. subject to a sequential test, as per As reference to the sequential test has PPS4. been removed from Policy 12 it is therefore considered unsound. CAAP Policy 15 The Plan promotes a ‘town centre only’ An additional paragraph as suggested No change. 0020 approach rather than a ‘town centre first’ would repeat national planning policy as approach and precludes acceptable retail set out in Planning Policy Statement 4. development outside of the town centre. An additional paragraph should be added stating that new retail development outside of the town centre boundary will be supported provided it meets the test of PPS4. CAAP General The Grosvenor Centre redevelopment is The Council and its development partner No change. 0020 the Council’s main focus for delivering Legal General have signed a developer new retail floorspace. However, the agreement and are committed to the delivery timetable for the Grosvenor delivery of the Grosvenor Centre Centre planning application and scheme, as outlined in Policy 18 of the development on site raises significant plan. In addition, significant progress has challenges. In the meantime the been made in relation to delivering a convenience floorspace capacity in the new bus interchange (Policy 8) to allow area will continue to grow and not be the Grosvenor Centre scheme to come addressed. On this basis it is considered forward. that the Council’s approach to new convenience retailing is not effective and The Council also wishes to highlight its neither deliverable nor flexible. flexible approach to dealing with retail planning applications, in the context of CAAP and PPS4, as recent planning Page92 permissions have been granted at Tesco Mereway, Abington Street Tesco, Sainsbury’s at Gambrel Road, Netto at Far Cotton and the Certificate of Lawfulness for open A1 consent at Nene Valley Retail Park, which provides evidence of flexibility. CAAP Policy 8 Legal and General are in full support of Noted and accepted. No further changes to policy. 0021 the proposals for new bus interchange, Minor amendments to which Northampton Borough Council will supporting text will be be responsible for delivering; any considered as part of the supporting text for Policy 8 should be submission requirements. amended to reflect this.

Suggests various text changes to Policy 8 The Council consider that the current No change. The planning to remove specific delivery requirements approach to Policy 8 is acceptable. application is the appropriate for the new interchange and build more stage to consider the detail flexibility into the policy. raised by this representation. CAAP Policy 12 Legal and General support the amended Noted 0021 policy which directs retailing to the Primary Shopping Area and reduces the threshold for the submission of an impact assessment for town centre use proposals. Changes to the policy now make it consistent with national planning policy. CAAP Policy 15 Policy 15 should clarify if the proposed Noted and accepted A small change to policy text 0021 floorspace for each of the retail sites is a for clarity. gross or net figure. CAAP Policy 19 The timetable for the delivery of Policy 19 It is considered that this would result in No change. Page93 0021 should be included in the policy for unnecessary repetition and be completeness. inconsistent with the presentation / content of other site specific policies in the Plan. CAAP General Amend paragraph 3.3 to clarify that the Noted. Minor text change to 0021 owners of the Grosvenor Centre are supporting text. committed to delivering the extension of the Grosvenor Centre in line with indicative timetables following the relocation of the bus station.

Northampton Borough Council should be Noted and accepted Minor amendments to the added to the monitoring table as a monitoring table, to provide an responsible agency for the planning accurate reflection of the approval of the Grosvenor Centre. responsible agency. CAAP Policy 15 Policy 15 lacks the certainty to deliver the Planning applications for main town No change. 0016 identified need for convenience centre uses are first considered against floorspace that is required to create more town centre options, edge of centre sustainable shopping patterns and deliver options and then out of centre, in the CAAP strategic objectives (this is also accordance with the Sequential reflected in that Policy 19 only promotes Approach in PPS4. PPS4 does not convenience floorspace). The Royal Mail recognise Plan boundaries, such as the Barrack Road site is ideally placed to CAAP boundary, to direct new retail meet this need. floorspace provision. Windfall sites arising within the town centre boundary will continue to provide a focus for meeting the need for convenience floorspace.

Page94 The CAAP evidence base concluded that All planning applications will be a foodstore should be actively considered considered on their individual merits and in a town centre location. However, the will tested against the guidance in PPS4. likelihood of convenience provision, of a In the case, a planning application for a scale that meets the identified need, superstore has been submitted and is being accommodated on windfall sites likely to be considered before the within the town centre boundary is very examination of the Central Area Action unlikely especially when NBC’s own retail Plan. consultant confirmed there are no sequentially preferable sites within the town centre boundary. Policy 15 should state that in the absence of any suitable floorspace coming forward in the town centre the Central Area should be considered.

Minor amendments, the new Tesco on Noted and accepted. Minor change required for Abington Street is not an ‘extra’ and the clarity. floorspace totals in Table total 60,000 sqm, not 61,000 sqm. CAAP Policy 1 Policy 1 provides a good summary of These objectives are required as No change. 0016 strategic policy aspirations. These should indicators, by which the rest of the be retained. policies can be effectively monitored. This would be better achieved including the objectives as supporting text in line with the CAAP vision rather than a specific policy. CAAP Policy 8 The revised is policy seeks development Policy references the connections to No change. 0016 to have strong connections with the town destinations within the immediate vicinity centre, Drapery and the Market Square. of the bus interchange site. The Royal Page95 Royal Mail are promoting pedestrian Mail site is a significant distance away route improvements to the north of the from the proposed bus interchange site, town centre as part of their application for and lies outside the town centre a foodstore at Barrack Road. Policy 8 boundary. Whilst the Council recognises should reference the need for the importance of strengthening links development to have strong connections between public transport hubs and to the Royal Mail Sorting Office. developments sites having an exhaustive list of all potential sites within a 10-15 minute is considered overly onerous. CAAP n/a No comment on Focused Change Noted Updated supporting text for 0025 document. Reference to on going work Policy 6 following an evidence regarding the Central Area Drainage base update. Assessment,

Concern that there is insufficient reference to the Northampton Central Area Drainage Assessment and that this assessment, although progressing, is not yet complete. The Drainage Assessment is considered to be a crucial part of the evidence base for the CAAP to demonstrate whether there is reasonable prospect for the timely delivery of necessary infrastructure. We would like to reiterate that in order to demonstrate that the NCAAP is deliverable, solutions to the potentially restrictive constraints must be identified (e.g. separate surface water from combined systems) and any mechanisms (such as policy stipulations or commuted

Page96 sums) secured. CAAP Policy 12 Policy 12 is not explicit in the wording, the The wording in Policy 12 is considered No change. 0026 policy could be interpreted to state that appropriate. the preference for applying the sequential approach is the Primary Shopping Area, then the edge of centre. CAAP Policy 15 The updated WN Retail Study identifies It is recognised that the timing for the No change. 0026 64,600 sqm gross (45,200 sqm net) of delivery of the floorspace in the CAAP in comparison floorspace to be delivered not consistent with the WNJCS. between 2010-2021. However, the CAAP However, priority is attached to the identifies 61,000 sqm gross (45,000 sqm investment of the Grosvenor Centre net) comparison floorspace and 4,500 proposal as a crucial regenerator of the sqm convenience floorspace between town centre, meeting the majority of 2010-2026. Therefore the policy will not retail capacity within the town centre. be consistent with Policy N2 of the WNJCS. The Borough Council is reluctant to promote additional sites in advance of the delivery of the Grosvenor Centre. Therefore further retail provision should be considered post 2021. Further, representation from Legal and General indicates the concern for other significant retailing opportunities coming forward in the town centre prior to the opening of the Grosvenor Centre.

The quantum for convenience floorspace Planning applications for retail uses are aligns with Policy N2 of the WNJCS. first considered against in primary However Policy 15 does not identify a site shopping area options, town centre Page97 or sites to account for this capacity. Policy options, edge of centre options then out S9 of the pre-submission WNJCS advises of centre, in accordance with Sequential a sequential approach for Approach in PPS4. Windfall sites within accommodating this retail need, it is not the primary shopping area and the town clear from the wording of Policy 12 as to centre boundary remain the focus for whether this policy aligns with S9. meeting the need for convenience floorspace. CAAP Policy 8 Petition in strong objection to the It is considered that Policy 8, when read No change. 0045 demolition of the former Northampton in conjunction with Policy 2 (Delivering Fish Market building on Bradshaw Street, Design Excellence), provides sufficient Northampton for the purpose of provision reference to the importance of heritage for a new bus interchange. 105 assets and conservation areas. In signatures and comments raising the addition, when developments come following issues: forward they will be subject to individual Heritage Assessments. • Damage to the town’s heritage due to The Plan identifies various sites for the No change. the demolition of the Fishmarket; delivery of new leisure facilities. In • Loss of a leisure destination in the addition, the Council in partnership with town centre; the County Council have successfully • A new bus station is not needed relocated the Arts Collective to a town • The proposed bus station is too small centre site. • Waste of money A new bus interchange is needed to No change. allow for the expansion and regeneration of the Grosvenor Centre. In addition, the current bus station is an eyesore, attracts crime, and does not provide an efficient use of land. The age and condition of the structure has significant Page98 financial implication for the Council in terms of maintenance and management.

Throughout the site selection process No change. the capacity of a new bus interchange has been a key consideration. The current bus station has an over supply of bays and is not subject to an efficient timetabling of movement. The site selection process shows that the Fishmarket site is capable of the catering for future demand. Any planning application will be required to demonstrate this fully. In addition, bus operators were involved in the site selection process and have been supportive of the Fishmarket site.

Public sector funding used to deliver the No change. bus interchange will allow for further town centre regeneration to take place e.g. the Grosvenor Centre. This in turn will promote further investment in the town from retailers and increase visitors numbers. The Council will also save a significant amount of financial resources in replacing an outdated facility which requires significant maintenance. CAAP Policy 19 Petition in strong objection to the Grade II The East Midlands Regional Plan, the No change. 0046 listed building of Northampton’s central West Northamptonshire Joint Core Page99 library of Abington Street, Northampton Strategy and the CAAP evidence base being converted and developed into a all identify a shortfall in retail floorspace shopping precinct. 175 signatures and in Northampton town centre. The comments raising the following issues: majority of retail units within Northampton town centre aren’t of • The town centre doesn’t need sufficient size / scale to cater for modern anymore shops. retailing. • Loss of a popular community / civic service This policy represents a long term • Damage to the town’s heritage proposal as the site is not required to meet retail provision until post 2021. In any event, the provision of library services is not a planning policy consideration for the Council. The provision of library services in the Central Area is service provision matter that lies within the responsibilities of Northamptonshire County Council.

It is considered that Policy 19, when read in conjunction with Policy 2 (Delivering Design Excellence), provide sufficient reference to the importance of heritage assets and conservation areas. In addition, when developments come forward they will be subject to individual Heritage Assessments. CAAP Policy 8 Concern relating to the reduced number The current bus station has an over No change. 0047 of bays to provided as part of the bus supply of bays. Transport movements interchange. In the future more people could be provided more effectively Page100 will be using the bus, thus more capacity without raising the need for providing will be required. further capacity.

The site selection process shows that this site is capable of catering for further demand. Any planning application will be required to demonstrate this. Policy 8 also includes a reference to the design of the building to be flexible and future proofed in order to support any future expansion, as required. CAAP Policy 19 The library building should be retained as The provision of a library in the Central No change. 0047 a library. In addition, the frontage of the Area has been retained. Maintaining the library building should be retained. frontage of the library building will be considered at the planning application in the context of CAAP policy and national policy/legislation, particularly as the library is a Grade II listed building. CAAP Policy 15 Policy 15 allows for 65,500 sqm of Amend Policy 15 to accommodate No change. 0033 comparison and convenience floorspace 60,000 sqm of comparison retail being provided in the town centre up to floorspace across the three sites 2026. However the policy makes identified. provision for the delivery of 60,000 sqm of retail floorspace, and in the longer term. This leaves a shortfall provision of 5,500 sqm, of which 4,500 sqm is convenience.

The Plan in its current form effectively All other planning applications for main provides a moratorium on development of town centre uses are first considered Page101 retail uses outside the town centre and against in centre options, edge of centre lacks a strategy for meeting need prior to options and then out of centre, in 2016 accordance with the Sequential Approach in PPS4. Windfall sites within the primary shopping area and the town centre boundary remain the focus for meeting the need for convenience floorspace.

The Council also wishes to highlight its flexible approach to dealing with retail planning application, in the context of CAAP and PPS4, as recent planning permissions have been granted at Tesco Mereway, Abington Street Tesco, Sainsbury’s at Gambrel Road, Netto at Far Cotton and the Certificate of Lawfulness for open A1 consent at Nene Valley Retail Park .

Consultation Respondents

CAAP ID numbers used when analysing the representations made at Pre-Submission stage have also been used in analysing Focused Change representations for consistency purposes. Page102 CAAP 0001: Coal Authority CAAP 0002: Shire Consulting (on behalf of Barclays Bank plc) CAAP 0005: Northamptonshire Police CAAP 0007: Anglian Water CAAP 0008: Theatres Trust CAAP 0011: English Heritage CAAP 0013: Natural England CAAP 0016: GL Hearn (on behalf of Royal Mail) CAAP 0020: Osbourne Clarke (on behalf of ASDA Store Ltd) CAAP 0021: Drivers Jonas Deloitte (on behalf of Legal and General) CAAP 0025: Environment Agency CAAP 0026: West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit CAAP 0033: Turley Associates (on behalf of Ropemaker Properties Ltd) CAAP 0040: NHS Confederation CAAP 0041: Pytchely Parish Council CAAP 0042: Western Power Distribution CAAP 0043: British Pipeline Agency CAAP 0044: Member of the public CAAP 0045: Member of the public - petition CAAP 0046: Member of the public - petition CAAP 0047: Wootton and East Hunsbury Parish Council CAAP 0048: Member of the public Total Consultation responses: 22

Policy Number of policy issues raised Policy 1 3 Page103 Policy 8 6 (Inc 1 petition - 105 signatures) Policy 12 3 Policy 15 6 Policy 19 5 (Inc 1 petition - 175 signatures) General Comment 5 No comment 8 Total: 36