30 minutes will be set aside to allow members of the public to ask questions relating to the work of the Council. 3 minutes will be allowed per speaker. The order of speakers is at the discretion of the Chair and is normally taken in the order of agenda items, questions must relate to a report which is on the agenda for consideration. Notice is not required if you wish to speak at the meeting but if you require an answer to a question it is asdvisable to submit this in advance by contacting a member of the Democratic Services team or alternatively, by emailing kcritchel@dorset.gov.uk.
Minutes:
Mr Perry spoke in respect of the NQ office site and asked for an explanation as to why the development would be allowed to go ahead. He had hoped that the redevelopment of the site would repair the conservation area and revitalise the area, instead the office building was going to remain in place.
The Leader of Council explained that the NQ site needed to be separated from the Masterplan which aimed to redevelop the peninsular site, in addition there was a report on the agenda which set out proposals for the Commercial Road South sites. He explained that the sale of NQ was agreed on the basis that the higher bid was significantly more constrained by conditions and on balance the advice was to accept the second best bid which was unconditional. The Leader agreed to provide a full written response to Mr Perry.
Mr Farn circulated to the committee photographs of signs on the Rodwell Trail. He asked how the restrictions were to be implemented and how the 10 mph restriction for cyclists were to be enforced. He explained that the path was not wide and that people did not walk in single file. Mr Farn also complained about 4 uncollected black rubbish bags in Knightsdale Road and general lack of enforcement. The Leader of Council reported that a new company providing enforcement services would commence in January 2017 and that the Council would take Mr Farn’s views in account.
Mr Staniford addressed the committee in respect of the Commercial Road proposals. He explained that the Cosens Quay car park was the single biggest asset to every Charter boat operator in Weymouth. He stated that if it were to be closed the Charter industry would be dead within 12 months. He also asked where Weymouth berth holders would park if the sites were developed. The Leader of Council reported that it was still very early days but the council would like to advance plans for the town ahead of the potential unitary authority in 2019. He stated that there would be consultation with stakeholders. The Strategic Director, Martin Hamilton reported that there were no detailed plans for redevelopment of Commercial Road, the purpose of the committee report was to enable officers to start the next steps. The council would engage with users of the current facilities and those stakeholders who played an important economic role in the town. As part of the process the council would have discussions with all those with a business interest in the area.
Honorary Alderman Hutchings requested a written response to the question raised at the last committee meeting regarding the loss of car parking income as a result of a major event in the town. He stated that he could not find a copy of the minutes from the last meeting, The Democratic Services Manager reported that the minutes were available to view on the council’s website and that members of the public could also subscribe to updates for all committee information.