Issue - meetings

Cabinet agrees to the publication of the draft Newport Harbour Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document for public consultation.

The document was an important step in moving to the next stage of the regeneration of Newport Harbour. It would give confidence to potential investors over several years that the council was in full support of the plan. Since the Cabinet meeting in 2020 a few changes had been made to take into account the current housing crisis. Following Cllr Price’s petition, housing at Seaclose gate had previously been removed from the plan, however it was believed that the council needed to focus on its own assets to help address the housing crisis, therefore views would again be sought on housing in Fairlee Road. The community would be involved in meaningful consultation. It was recognised that Seaclose park was important for recreation, and another Newport councillor believed that most people would be opposed to housing at Seaclose as there were other brownfield sites which could be used. Consultation would take place on the document as a whole rather than piecemeal to avoid further work at a later date.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had made no comment due to the upcoming consultation.

Consideration was given to the report which sought the Cabinet’s approval to publish the draft Newport Harbour Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document for public consultation. Questions were raised regarding the proposed housing numbers on the park site, and it was clarified that the increase was in response to the urgent need for additional housing on the island, particularly family homes with gardens.

RESOLVED:

THAT the recommendations be noted.