Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies were received for Councillor V Jamieson, J Kirwin, A Newman and B Pickard.

To be notified of the appointment of any substitute members.

Pursuant to the council’s constitution the appointment of the following substitute members was made:

Councillor L Marshall for Councillor B Pickard

You are invited to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests in matters appearing on the agenda, and the nature of that interest.

You are also invited to disclose any dispensation in relation to any registerable interests that have been granted to you in respect of any matters appearing on the agenda.

You are also requested to complete the Declarations of Interests card available at the meeting and return it to the Democratic Services Officer before leaving the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations reported.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2023.

Resolved that the minute of the meeting held on 20 June 2023 be agreed.

To examine North West Village Plans the Authority’s current plans and its commitment to bring investment and improvements to the North West area of the borough and ensure that regeneration delivers ambition, opportunity and benefits for all residents.

The Head of Regeneration and the Head of Highways and Transportation gave a presentation based on the report received by the Committee setting out the Authority’s current plans for the North West of the borough.

The committee was asked to note the information provided and invited to give its input to inform the development of the Transport and Village Plans. By linking these Plans, it is hoped that this will identify opportunities for better links to connect people in the area with jobs, education, leisure and training.

In their initial observations the officers noted the strong links to heritage and local/Village identity, as well as the green assets and Waggonways. Officers stated that in both talking to members and looking at the responses to the Big Community Conversation they had begun to establish themes which they hoped to investigate further with residents. Officers asked the Committee to let them know both their key concerns and to make suggestions on what improvements they would like to see delivered.

Members highlighted the issue with connectivity between Villages and towns, the strong identity of these individual Villages and the view that there may not be sufficient infrastructure to accompany the new homes built in Killingworth. 

It was suggested that stronger visual identities could be established when entering different Villages, and that area specific artwork/gateway features and more signage would help. The Head of Regeneration agreed to forward information to Committee members about the Killingworth Lidl artwork that would include images, reasons for delay and the possibility of making its unveiling a community event. Officers also noted that they would be happy to attend a walkabout with Councillors from the North West, if required.

A discussion took place about possible business incentivisation for the area and whether “pop up” council services could regularly attend the areas. Officers mentioned that there would be meetings with local bus services as part of the Transport Plan, alongside the promotion of green travel.

In order to accurately capture the voice of the local area, members suggested contacting local churches, Killingworth Village Association, the Camperdown forum and to investigate the possibility that the White Swan centre may still have a local history group that could possibly assist. It was stated that Councillor Jamieson may have links to local environmental groups that could be shared with the service.

A discussion took place regarding the proximity of Cramlington and its resources, and how these transport links could be affecting spend within the area. A member asked whether residents had been specifically asked where they would like transport links to go to and through. Officers stated that they would be asking residents this question, in order to better gauge what links needs to be prioritised.

It was Agreed that (1) the North West Village Plans report be noted; and (2) information about the Killingworth LIDL artwork be shared with Committee members.

To consider priorities for inclusion in the work programme for 2023-24.

The Chair opened up a discussion about future items being brought to the Committee, and to be added to the Work Programme.

Members agreed that a strong item to investigate would be Heritage and Tourism across the borough, possibly incorporating Segedunum, cross seasonal promotions for the region, though not restricted to Council assets and incorporating other properties and businesses.

6.00pm on 7 December 2023.

The next Committee meeting will be held on 7 December at 6:00pm.