Agenda and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda.

No interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Shadow Executive meeting held on 12 November 2008.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the last meeting of the Shadow Executive held on 12 November 2008 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Shadow Executive’s remit can do so. The deadline for registering is Tuesday 25 November 2008, at 5.00 pm.

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report outlines the current position with York Northwest in relation to the national Growth Point initiative and Eco-town programme.

Members received a report which outlined the current position with York Northwest in relation to the national Growth Point initiative and Eco-town programme. 

It was reported that, although the bid for New Growth Point (NGP) funding for York Northwest had not been successful, there was a significant opportunity to secure funding for the area through a proposal to create an Urban Eco*Settlement (UES) under the Eco-town programme.

Representatives of the York Natural Environment Trust (YNET) and the Helmsley Group attended the meeting and were invited to participate in the discussion.

Members noted the many competing interests in relation to the proposal, including the environment, social and affordable housing, profitability, public and private architecture, transport and landscaping, and the different definitions of viability, sustainability and “eco”.  They highlighted the importance of having a long term vision for the site, based on interesting concepts and ideas, and of taking a partnership approach, involving central and local government, developers and community groups.  They also noted that an eco-district was more than an area with zero carbon emissions, and related to design, landscaping and the creation of long lasting sustainable communities.  They concluded that the York Northwest and York Central sites were a very valuable asset to the city and presented a unique opportunity, and were committed to work with other parties to achieve the best for the city.

Members thanked officers for preparing the report and the attendees for their constructive comments.

RESOLVED:             That the report be noted.

REASON:                  To inform and update the Shadow Executive.