Policy and Strategy / Consultation: Q.1 The councils media release (13th August) states that they intend to carry out improvements to the promenade which includes demolition of the Boardwalk Café. Given that the councils ‘Statement of Community Involvement’ document states in Section 1.1 that “The council is legally obliged to comply with its statement of community involvement” why is the consultation process not mentioned within the media release the council has published? And why has the community not been consulted as to the café’s potential demolition given it is part of proposals for the promenade? Q.2 As the councils Local Development Framework is currently in development and the council has faced opposition for a number of sites along the seafront, which include: - Tynemouth Outdoor Pool, - Whitley Bay Shelters, - Boardwalk Café which has a petition of +2000 signatures against demolition ...Would the council therefore consider appointing a ‘neutral’ facilitator such as Planning Aid to help develop a holistic strategy for our coastline with the community duly engaged as part of the process? Q.3 The Mayor states that the proposal outlined in the councils recent media release ‘is an important milestone… to build on the heritage and character of the town, whilst delivering the essential improvements that are needed to make sure Whitley Bay is an attractive and appealing visitor destination’. Have any character or townscape appraisals been carried out in the area to define this heritage and appeal, and if so are they for public viewing? Demolition: Q.1 The council has announced its intention to clear the Boardwalk Café without any community consultation. Has the council at ‘any point’ stopped to consider the community may even wish to carry out a Community Asset Transfer? If the demolition proceeds as the council has outlined, at the end of this month, when can the residents expect to see the promenade improvements take place? Q.2 Would the council consider using the outlined demolition costs to refurbish the cafe? ...(as the group has shown in a very short space of time that there is considerable support to retain it). Q.3 Does the council have funding in place now for the promenade improvements to take place, or do they depend upon financial contributions from planning applications which may be forthcoming.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:05:00 +0000
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