Agenda and draft minutes

The notes were approved as a correct record of the meeting held 10^th July 2017.

The notes were approved as a correct record of the meeting held 17^th May 2017.

A project aiming to deliver ultrafast (1000Mb download & upload) speeds to local authority estates across West Sussex, procuring a single infrastructure supplier to establish a "full fibre" network in 8 key urban areas

The Head of Technology Services presented the briefing paper explaining details of a project aiming to deliver ultrafast network connectivity speeds to local authority estates across West Sussex, procuring a single infrastructure supplier to establish a “full fibre” network across 8 key urban areas.

The Group noted the paper and supported the recommendations.

The Director of Planning, Economic Development and Property and the Head of Property and Facilities presented the details of the Piries Place Car Park Redevelopment Proposal.

As the redevelopment in Piries Place had begun, there was a window of opportunity for the Council to demolish Piries Place car park whilst the development of the area was underway.

In the presentation Members noted the timing issues, the demand for parking in Horsham, the quality of the existing car park in Piries Place and the design options for redevelopment, along with the financial return.

Members noted the findings in the report by Peter Brett Associates on the current parking options, occupancy levels and future demand. The quality of the existing car park in Piries Place was considered to be sub-standard and the improvement or remodelling options were detailed  along with the option for complete redevelopment. If the project was approved there would be a mitigation strategy in place whilst redevelopment was underway.

The concerns raised by Members included the future projections or predicted number of spaces needed in the town centre, Members felt that there would continue to be a shortfall. Also, the lack of car parking in the rural villages in the District, although it was explained that this would be considered as part of a forthcoming overall car parking strategy. In addition, the potential to acquire extra ground floor space for the proposed new car park in Piries Place by approaching the landowners of the neighbouring area and property to explore the option to expand the footprint.

The officers took on board the concerns raised by the Members.

In conclusion, the joint PDAGs had no objections to the proposals, the preferred option was for five floors (ground floor plus four decks) and the Members asked the officers to take into consideration the option to expand the proposed new car park.

The Forward Plan extract for the Finance and Assets Portfolio was noted.

The Forward Plan extract for the Local Economy Portfolio was noted.