Present: Lesley Mavin, John Hutchinson, Patrick Conway, Carole Lattin, Richard Hornby, John Ashby, Pat Conway,
- Apologies. Val Hawes, Chris Fletcher, Chris Powell
- Notes of the previous meeting on 23 September Agreed
3 Sustainability theme.
Noted a discussion between GRA and BPC with other invitees would take place 7pm, 21st November 2024 at Belmont Club. The purpose is to stimulate discussion and seek views about possible policies. Carole advised that John Lowe, Sue Childs, David Miller and John Ashby had agreed to attend and provide a short presentation on their experiences particularly with the City of Durham NP.
Further noted the Belmont & Gilesgate NP under Sustainability had listed the following: Sustainable Living/Lifestyle; Transportation; House and Building Design; Natural environment; Climate Change. John A advised Sustainability was a ‘golden thread’ running through the CoD NP.
Agreed a short introduction by Richard/Patrick would precede short presentations from John L, Sue, David, and John A. lasting approximately 30-40 minutes, followed by open discussion. The meeting would conclude with a brief summary and next steps. Carole agreed to take notes. Information about the event to be circulated to BPC and GRA by Patrick and Richard.
- NP – next stage
Following detailed discussion it was agreed
a) Work had progressed reasonably well but given available time by NPWG members, it was necessary to appoint a consultant experienced in the preparation of NP’s
b) The consultant should, if possible, be appointed from April 2025 and charged with preparing a draft NP by the end of September 2025 for review by DCC and the external examiner.
c) NPWG to prepare a brief for a consultant, undertake procurement and manage the consultancy, receiving regular updates for comment.
d) NPWG to provide regular updates for BPC and GRA
e) Richard and Patrick to initiate discussion with
i) DCC regarding suitably qualified and experienced NP consultants
ii) Jo Anne Garrick regarding, without prejudice, likely costs
f) Patrick to prepare a report for the BPC November meeting seeking agreement to proceed, following discussion with BPC Finance chair. This report to be shared with NPWG prior to that meeting
g) Financing of the work to be sourced from BPC and Locality when hopefully the a 2025 round of applications opens.
- NP work programme November 2024 – April 2025
After taking into account the decision to hopefully appoint a consultant it was agreed to concentrate on preparing the brief. Looking at the themes agreed
a) Housing. Work largely completed with the AECOM report and draft policies discussed on 23/9.
b) Unallocated Land. Further consideration in relation to draft Housing policies
c) Sustainability. Meeting on 21/11 should hopefully progress this theme
d) Features and Facilities. Lesley progressing
h) University Development. Richard to arrange meeting with Hannah Shepherd and Matthew Wright week commencing 6 January 2025 but not Thursday!
I) Retail and Leisure. Possibly rename Retail and Commerce or similar. Further work needed
Noted Transport warrants detailed attention and a public meeting on this topic and other matters to be arranged, possibly for 11 February 7.30pm
6 Next NPWG meeting
Monday 25th November 2.30pm Belmont Community Centre. Venue to be confirmed
PC/221024