Agenda item

The Principal Asset Manager introduced a report that asked the Committee to consider the final Slough Regeneration Framework Masterplan.

In March 2020 the Council had commissioned Urban Initiatives Studio to prepare a Regeneration Framework for Slough’s Square Mile.  This would set the vision and spatial framework for development in the town over the next 15 years.

Mr Hugo Newell, Director of Urban Initiatives Studio, was invited to address the Committee.

Members were provided with a presentation that explained that the role and purpose of the Regeneration Framework was to:

• Set out a clear vision and spatial framework for development and regeneration of Slough’s Square Mile.
• Identify the opportunities for growth and transformation on a site specific and area wide basis.
• Identify linkages and opportunities for improved movement, transport and access in particular for people travelling by foot, bicycle and public transport.
• Establish design principles and development parameters and potential development quantum contributing to housing growth targets and employment generation.
• Provide a strategic delivery plan setting out project phasing, priorities, timescales, and delivery approaches.

The Framework aimed to transform the centre of Slough into an attractive and vibrant urban centre, with economic opportunities and a new transport infrastructure that would attract business and promote sustainable modes of travel.

Following the conclusion of the presentation, the Chair invited Members to comment and ask questions.

During the course of the discussion, the following points were raised:

• Concerns were raised that there was insufficient information provided in the Masterplan in relation to transport, traffic management and the impact of regeneration on the town’s infrastructure.  It was highlighted that the development of residential dwellings would need to be accompanied by the creation of additional health care and education provision.  It was explained that the Framework Masterplan set the overarching vision and design principles, rather than identifying the detailed arrangements.  It was recognised that there would be a range of issues to address in the implementation stages of the Masterplan.
• A Member requested that the height of new buildings should be in-keeping with existing buildings within a locality.  In particular, the height of new buildings in the Grand Union Canal area should be restricted to three/four storeys.  It was explained that approval of future developments would managed through the planning process and individual schemes would be determined by the Council’s Planning Committee on a site by site basis. 

Discussion took place in relation to transport and some Members felt that in order for the Framework to be viable, and to ensure the town attracted business investment, Slough’s current transport network issues needed to be resolved as a priority.

During the discussion it was highlighted that the Masterplan aimed to encourage a shift from motorised travel to public transport, cycling and walking to reduce carbon emissions and address air quality issues.  In addition, improving public transport provision and pedestrian access would promote the local economy and increased the vitality and viability of the town centre.

The following recommendation was proposed:

(a)  That Cabinet be recommended to approve that as part of making public transport the dominant mode of travel, provision be made to allow Hackney and Private Hire vehicles to use the A4 bus lane immediately along with the rest of Slough regeneration framework as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

(b)  The Committee noted that the Slough Regeneration Framework is a corporate vision statement rather than a statutory planning document.

(c)  The Committee noted that the Slough Regeneration Framework would be used to inform the emerging Local Plan Spatial Strategy and policies for the Centre of Slough and at this stage it would enter the public consultation process.

(d)  That Cabinet be recommended to consider that in taking the safety of residents into consideration during the lockdown to come into force on Monday 14th September and to encourage the use of sustainable transport for commuters travelling between Slough and Heathrow Airport, the bus lane along the A4 should only be operational during peak hours. 

The proposal was seconded and put to the vote.  The proposal was subsequently agreed by the Committee.

In addition, it was proposed that the concerns raised in relation to traffic congestion, building heights, and the impact of regeneration on the town’s infrastructure be referred to Cabinet for consideration.  The proposal was seconded and supported by the Committee.

Resolved –

(a)  That Cabinet be recommended to approve that as part of making public transport the dominant mode of travel, provision be made to allow Hackney and Private Hire vehicles to use the A4 bus lane immediately along with the rest of Slough regeneration framework as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

(b)  The Committee noted that the Slough Regeneration Framework is a corporate vision statement rather than a statutory planning document.

(c)  The Committee noted that the Slough Regeneration Framework would be used to inform the emerging Local Plan Spatial Strategy and policies for the Centre of Slough and at this stage it would enter the public consultation process.

(d)  That Cabinet be recommended to consider that in taking the safety of residents into consideration during the lockdown to come into force on Monday 14th September and to encourage the use of sustainable transport for commuters travelling between Slough and Heathrow Airport, the bus lane along the A4 should only be operational during peak hours. 

(e)  That the concerns of the Committee regarding the following, be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration:

·  Lack of information provided in the Slough Regeneration Framework Masterplan in relation to transport, traffic congestion, and the impacts of regeneration on infrastructure, such as the provision of housing and health care.

·  The height of new buildings should be in-keeping with existing buildings within a locality.  In particular, the height of new buildings in Grand Union Canal area should be restricted to three/four storeys.