Thames Strategy East: 10th April 2002

Date: 10 Apr 2002

Summary of Thames Strategy - East meeting 10th April 2002

Attendees

Kevin Reid (Chair) - Greater London Authority, Angela Wroughton - Dartford Borough Council, Alan Byrne - English Heritage, Pete Massini - English Nature, Julie Baxter - Environment Agency, Ben Thomas - London Borough of Bexley, Eno Amooquaye - London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Paul Weiss - Thurrock Council, Tony Chadwick - Gravesham Borough Council, James Trimmer - Port of London Authority, Bryan Regan - London Borough of Lewisham, Sarah Beuden - London Borough of Southwark, Caroline Arnold - Thames Estuary Partnership, Vanessa Fry- Thames Estuary Partnership, Jane Fielden - Thames Estuary Partnership, Simon Cartwright - Thames Gateway London Partnership and Alex Nickson - Thames Gateway London Partnership.

Comments on Project Brief

Alex Nickson provided feedback on the Project Brief. Alan Byrne offered to provide text on the historic environment after noting that the Brief was a bit light on reference to this. Kevin Reid stated that the Strategy would sit alongside statutory UDPs, with the intention being that best practice would evolve from the Strategy. Boroughs were invited to provide a list of references of any existing documentation for the Project Brief and to send the TEP any additional documents, if available.

Boundary Issues

Simon Cartwright took the group through the map boundaries received by each Borough. All Boroughs had taken in approximately 1-2km of land inward using the railtrack as a guideline and it was decided to keep this area as indicative for consultants to work with. It was noted that planning for flood risk on the Thames would be built into the Strategy and it would therefore be important to consider developing two boundaries - 1) flood risk and 2) Thameside. Each Borough were asked to define their immediate Thameside and also their zone characterised by the Thames, including flood risk areas.

Proposed Approach and Timescale

Using existing consultation mechanisms, such as the Thames Gateway Forum, rather than setting up a whole new community consultation entity was suggested. Groundwork were noted as a possible appropriate body to assist in the community consultation process. It was noted that it was vital that this project link into all other consultation exercises, including the Borough's UDP and community strategy consultation mechanism. It was decided to identify the various consultation techniques/vehicles from each Borough/organisation and opportunities for working with LA21 and community strategy prior to the next meeting.

Budget

Alex Nickson took the group through the budget and those funds that had been agreed/are pending. The TEP will obtain letters of confirmation securing financial contributions from partner members, which are required as part of an HLF bid.

Project Team Options

Kevin Reid introduced the three project team options. It was agreed that it would be appropriate for the TEP to house a project officer who would project manage the initiative with their support. They would be responsible for working with the consultants and potentially Groundwork, who may be the appropriate body to tackle this. The TEP will send a letter to Action Group members requesting the commitment of an officer from their organisation to the development of the Strategy.

Thames Strategy - East Steering Group Membership

Kevin Reid noted that TS-E Steering Group membership would require a resource commitment, possible monthly meetings and the same person attending each meeting. Suggestions were made concerning the representation of outside London groups and the possibility of input from universities. It was agreed to develop the function of the SG, ensuring that all interested parties are kept informed by circulating all SG meeting agendas and minutes to wider Thames interests for comment. In addition, all meetings will be open to observers.

Date of next meeting: Wed 22nd May, 10am.