Members considered the Wisbech High Street Update report presented by Councillor Seaton.
Councillor Boden asked if Councillor Seaton was suggesting that estimates be obtained for all the options within the report or asking for a report on the likely costs before deciding which options to obtain estimates for. Councillor Seaton said he thought it best to have a full discussion about all the options put forward by the consultant, with an assessment of costs for each of the options available.
Councillor Hoy referred to the report’s summary analysis, saying she wanted to challenge the RAG rating where it lists the option for a five-storey building as adverse for wider impact potentially because of harm to the conservation area. Councillor Hoy said she could not see how a five-storey building could harm the conservation area any more than the appalling amount of scaffolding already there. Councillor Seaton said bearing in mind this is an experienced company that has a strong relationship with the Heritage Lottery Fund, what the report is saying is not that the five-storey building will be better than having the scaffolding there but rather that the preferred option from their point of view is either a three or four storey building. Councillor Hoy responded that the Council needs to be realistic about costs. Whilst three or four storeys might be nice, she would rather see a five-storey building if it can be afforded, then to not be able to afford it and continue to have scaffolding there because if the other options are unaffordable then the status quo will remain. Councillor Seaton said that is why it is important to get costings for all the options.
Councillor Tierney agreed with Councillor Hoy and said it is frustrating that here is a street containing dilapidated buildings covered in scaffolding which the Council wants to improve and yet constantly hits barriers of endless bureaucracy. He stated his appreciation that Councillor Seaton is doing all he can and thanked him for liaising with the relevant people to get scaffolding moved off the pavement when blocking the street because that has been a huge improvement. Councillor Tierney added that the work done so far is a real credit although it is frustrating to keep hitting obstacles. Councillor Seaton agreed the moving back of the scaffolding made a great difference for better access; he thanked Councillor Tierney for his comments and acknowledged that people are working extremely hard and have had to deal with very adverse conditions of build apart from the weather.
Proposed by Councillor Seaton, seconded by Councillor Miscandlon and AGREED to:
1. note the current position in relation to the 24 High Street construction project in Wisbech High Street, and
2. review the consultant’s report and instruct officers to obtain estimates for all five options, including the sub-options in option 5, as deemed appropriate by Cabinet for future consideration.