Agenda item

The Forum referred to the update report that was circulated with the agenda pack for information and comment. The Chairperson welcomed Lea Hampton, Greg Cornish and Andrew Barron (Grainger) to the meeting who provided an overview of the report and subsequent updates that had taken place since the report had been generated. The following points were highlighted:

(i)              Marketing had progressed for land parcel M1, while parcel M3 was    delayed pending the outcome of the adjacent Blue Star Land          planning application.

(ii)             Confirmation was provided that the northern and southern allotments were complete, with final snagging works outstanding.

(iii)          A new play area off the western link road was opened in December.

(iv)          Planning approval for Town Park Phase B was received in         December and a tender pack was being finalised for works to     commence in 2026.

(v)            Discussions with the developer for the local centre and community building remained ongoing.

(vi)          Discussions were ongoing with the NHS regarding the health centre          land and meetings were due to be scheduled. In respect of the extra      care site, discussions were in place with Hampshire County Council        to move forward over the next six months.

(vii)                 Infrastructure works to access the cricket pavilion commenced on 16       February with an estimated completion for the pavilion by 2027.

(viii)                Updates were provided on the Blue Star Land planning application      regarding responses to highways comments.

(ix)          Confirmation was given that safe routes to school were completed and open to the public.

The Forum raised questions on the update received, which were responded to by Grainger representatives and relevant officers as summarised below:

(a)          A question was asked regarding the mud and condition of the        southern allotments car park. Further clarification was provided that      remedial works were proposed for the area.

(b)          Concern was raised that the allotments were not yet at the stage of         readiness suggested in the presentation.

(c)          A query was raised regarding whether plans for shops within the      village centre would be shared. It was noted that plans would be        shared once they were formalised with the developer.

(d)          Information was sought regarding meetings with the NHS concerning      the health centre land. It was reported that a meeting had recently      taken place involving the NHS and local representatives, initiated by Suella Braverman, MP to discuss obligations under the s106                   agreement. A further meeting would be arranged with Grainger, the NHS and the developer delivering the GP surgery on behalf of the               NHS in due course, with the intention of reporting back to the MP        with an action plan within the next 4-6 weeks.

(e)          The importance of communicating progress on the health centre to       the      district and parish council teams was emphasised so that               residents could be kept informed with up-to-date communication.

(f)         Comments were made regarding resident discontent with the rate of        progress on site infrastructure.

(g)        A question was asked regarding the management of reeds and                vegetation within the sustainable urban drainage system (SUDs) and       river areas. It was noted that the estate management company                     completed works and that ecologists provided positive feedback on             wildlife levels in the River Wallington.

          The Chair announced that it would be beneficial for ecologists to attend a future meeting of the forum to set out the management plan for these          habitat systems and outline how the plan benefits these areas. Lea   Hampton agreed to liaise with their ecologist to develop an approach.

          RESOLVED:

                     That the report be received and the comments raised by                 the forum as set out above, be noted.