James McGinlay gave a presentation on development and progress in the regeneration schemes in the town centres in Merton, covering Morden, Raynes Park, Wimbledon, Colliers Wood and Mitcham (presentation attached).

Councillor John Sargeant asked for information on the Crossrail 2 development to be shared with the business community to alleviate their concerns. James McGinlay confirmed that the council have been liaising with the owners of centre court, with the business community and Love Wimbledon.

Councillor Andrew Judge informed the Panel that £344,000 funding had been received for developments on South Park Rd to enhance the cycle route from Clapham Common to Merton and there would be a number of interventions and measures put in place to enhance safety. There is no funding for these measures as yet but future bids would be made to make improvements in this area.

Councillor Stan Anderson enquired about the clock tower in Mitcham and asked if it would be returned to its original location. James McGinlay confirmed that it would be relocated as part of the Rediscover Mitcham project.

Councillor Ross Garrod asked when a decision would be known publicly on the Sidthorpe Car Park site, about the proposed bus lane in Mitcham and if there was an update on where the health centre in Mitcham would be located. James McGinlay explained that a decision regarding the Sibthorpe Road car park would be known publicly by March 2015, that dialogue was on going with TfL to clarify the major project scheme and that negotiations were in their final stages.  TfL need to consider the competing needs of both pedestrians and traffic and that it can take up to six months for TfL to do their own checks.

James McGinlay added that Wilson Hospital was the preferred location.

Councillor Abigail Jones asked what was planned for the vacant building next to Colliers Wood tube. James McGinlay agreed to check this with planning and get back to the Panel.

Councillor Abdul Latif asked about the final decision on the cladding for the tower in Colliers Wood. James McGinlay explained that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Applications committee have delegated authority to approve this.

Councillor Stan Anderson asked if the tower in Colliers Wood was privately owned. James McGinlay confirmed that the building was privately owned.

Councillor Nick Draper informed the Panel that a new build was planned for Colliers Wood and Abbey which included residential accommodation.

James McGinlay added that planned development in Colliers Wood was within the councils Local Plan. The redesign of the town centre is subject to master planning, which would involve residents and the business community, from summer 2015 onwards.

Councillor John Sargeant asked what the delivery mechanism would be for this programme of work in Morden and what would happen over the next year. James McGinlay explained that the council would be looking to assemble land and demonstrate to residents the potential of Morden and what it could look like. The council needs to be clear on how the scheme is to be delivered and of its financial viability, as well as working with the community. James McGinlay added that the council has a role as a planning authority and enabler in land assembly and will be looking at the residential and commercial offer and appropriate developers.

Councillor John Sargeant asked for more specific timescales for delivery and how stakeholders were briefed. James McGinlay explained that it was a case of making sure all the necessary checks and arrangements were in place and of increasing the control the Local Authority has over the development. The council are aiming to address the potential blockages in delivery to speed up the process when work starts. Stakeholders, including ward Councillors and the business and residential community receive briefings and newsletters and that this work was underway.

Councillor Russell Makin asked if there were plans for Tramlink to pass through Sutton. James McGinlay explained that the council have been working with Sutton and TfL to consult on proposed routes. There is also the potential for a route into South Wimbledon and TfL are looking into this. Councillor Abigail Jones stated that the proposal for a Tramlink in South Wimbledon was not wanted by residents.  James McGinlay reinforced that this proposal was in its infancy and that whilst this had been communicated, TfL wish to undertake their own consultation on this.

James McGinlay stated that information on cycle routes and development would be brought back at a later stage to the panel when there was more clarity on what was bring taken forward.

RESOLVED:  Panel agreed to add cycle routes to its list of topic suggestions for consideration as part of their 2015/16 work programme.