Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2019 be approved as a correct record.

There was a presentation from Stephen Chaytow and John Harpur, Directors of Manchester and East Midlands Rail Action Partnership, on the Peaks and Dales Rail Link Project.  Raising awareness, reasons for reinstating the rail link, Network Rail, passenger demand, access to benefits, changing fortunes, MEMRAP’s Emissions Study, quarry freight, climate change and next steps were outlined.

Issues discussed included:

·         Emissions and pollution from shunters and Class 66 freight at Peak Forest/Peak Dale.

·         Recent Derbyshire University study.

·         Rail gradients.

·         Aim to switch to rail cargo rather than road.

·         Funding available of £500m and 1 mile of rail costing £220m.

·         Feasibility study for the Monsal Trail route costing £400k to £500k.

·         Work underway on hybrid diesel/battery trains.

·         Desk and walking surveys undertaken.

·         Previous structural surveys not being accessible.

·         Need for an alternative route for walkers.

·         Operational rail history, routes and freight use in the Borough.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be received with thanks and an update welcomed when further plans are available.

There was a report on the proposal to prepare the Derbyshire Strategic Planning Framework and to identify possible implications for the Borough Council.

Issues discussed included:

·         Framework not carrying the same weight as the Local Plan.

·         Elected member involvement.

·         Involving neighbouring authorities.

·         Decisions for local authorities separately on traveller sites.

·         Possible conflict with local priorities and objectives.

RESOLVED:

That the proposals be noted and details of the Derbyshire Strategic Planning Framework be scrutinised as they emerge.

There was a progress report and presentation on One Public Estate and other grant aided initiatives in Glossopdale.  Successful bids, partners, key assets, next steps, local impact reports, Business Rates Retention Scheme and masterplan were outlined.

Discussions with neighbouring authorities and services, linked schemes, feasibility studies, reasonable timescales, attempting to engage the owners of the Spread Eagle, air quality, Glossop Town Hall, nature of buildings and contract management were considered.

RESOLVED:

That progress on the initiatives set out in the report be noted and further reports submitted when results of the studies are available.

Public Transport Working Group report to the March meeting. Affordable Housing and Housing Infrastructure Fund to be combined.  Town and Borough Council working and evaluation of Toddbrook Recovery Fund were discussed. It was reported that a Regeneration Tour, including the Crescent, would be arranged.

RESOLVED:

That the work programme as amended be approved.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2019 be approved as a correct record.