Issue - items at meetings - Edward Street Quarter Draft Planning Brief

Report of the Strategic Director; Place (copy attached).

            That the Economic Development and Culture Committee approve the Edward Street Quarter, draft planning brief attached as an Appendix to the report for consultation with members of the public and other stakeholders. 

72.1    The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place seeking approval to consult on a draft planning brief (attached as Appendix 1 to the report) which had been prepared in respect of the Edward Street Quarter development area.

72.2    The Major Projects Officer gave a detailed presentation highlighting the key elements and preferred development option which it was intended would provide 20,000 sq m of office space, 65 residential units and 3,000 sq m of retail space. It was explained that the draft brief was intended to provide a planning framework for development which would integrate the New American Express building into the surrounding area and would secure a strategically important mixed use urban quarter including offices, residential units, ancillary retail and other services. Public consultation regarding the proposals (including a public exhibition) would be undertaken over a six week period and would be used to inform any changes to the draft planning brief, which would be brought back to the Committee for formal approval by autumn of that year.

72.3    The Chair, Councillor Bowden, stated that currently, neither, “Milner Flats” or “Kingswood” had been included in the area to be covered by the development brief, although their inclusion was the subject of on-going discussions. Overall the brief could create huge opportunities for the area.

72.4    Councillor Fitch commended the work carried out by officers in drawing up the development brief. It represented an exciting venture with the potential to create additional employment opportunities in the area. In answer to questions it was confirmed that discussions with Amex continued and although in the current economic climate it was difficult to specify the number of jobs which would be created significant interest had been shown in the office/retail elements of the scheme

72.5    Councillor Mac Cafferty echoed Councillor Fitch’ comments and welcomed the attempt to re-establish the street frontage of the area. The Council had strong partnership arrangements in place and he considered that it was important to capitalise on that resource. Councillor Hawtree concurred in that view and considered that getting the street frontage “right” would be key to future regeneration of the area.

72.6         Councillor Morgan considered that the brief needed to be viewed alongside the ten year redevelopment plan which took in the Sussex County Hospital and the transport network including the Old Steine/Valley Gardens. It was important to adopt a flexible approach in order to provide long term coherence in a changing economy. There appeared to be broad cross party support for the approach being taken.

72.7    Councillor Brown stated that she especially welcomed the proposals for greening of the development area especially in relation to Tarner Park and other areas within the development area which suffered from poor quality townscape and public realm.

72.8    RESOLVED - That the Economic Development and Culture Committee approve the Edward Street Quarter, draft planning brief attached as an Appendix to the report for consultation with members of the public and other stakeholders.