Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture introduced the Mitigation Proposals for Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC). She explained the rationale for the proposals - to address recreational pressures associated with housing growth and to consider the implications for the County Council. The County Council owns over 90% of the SAC and the plans had management implications for the Country Park.

The Environmental Advice Manager delivered a presentation on the plans. The mitigation proposals included a range of on-site measures across the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to reduce pressure on the most sensitive habitats, improve infrastructure and facilities in more robust locations and raise public awareness of the sensitivity of the site.

Over 30,000 new homes were planned across seven local authority areas within 15km of the SAC (an area which currently accounts for 75% of visitors). Planning authorities are required to ensure the impact of any development is mitigated and have developed a collaborative and joined up approach to mitigation. She described the key considerations as rationalising the car parks; an options appraisal of the Chase Road to include consultation; and a more informed site user plan encouraging better use of the Marquis Drive site with scope to improve services there. The plan would be for 10-15 year delivery and a flexible approach. 

Stuart Hayes, of Save Cannock Chase Action Group addressed the Select Committee as a key witness and asked for wider public consultation on the plans before their submission to Cabinet. He believed there was widespread opposition from user groups and from Cannock Chase District Council. He believed the evidence base for the proposals to be out of date and that elderly and disabled users of the Chase would be disadvantaged by the proposed car parking arrangements. He recognised the need to protect the SAC and mitigate against environmental damage but maintained that many people wanted to be involved in developing a plan.

The Environmental Advice Officer confirmed that any surplus funds generated by the pay and display car parks on County Council land, after maintaining the car parks, would be ring fenced to improving the country park.   She explained that measures would be put in place to avoid anti-social behaviour/parking on verges and pavements before the new parking arrangements would be introduced. 

A Member urged any further mitigation proposals to involve Voluntary Groups. A Member was mindful that wider consultation with many groups was likely to encompass conflicting views but he felt there needed to be a re-examination of consultation to date recognising the complexity of the many stakeholders to achieve a balanced view. However, as custodians of Cannock Chase country park, the County Council had a duty to enact Mitigation Plans to protect it. 

Members acknowledged that local residents had clearly voiced their concern and appealed for wider consultation to allow them to shape future Mitigation Plans. The Select Committee acknowledged that the public should be encouraged to access and enjoy Cannock Chase but were mindful of the demonstrated need to protect the SAC.

The Chairman thanked Mr Haynes for his time in attending the Select Committee as a key witness.

RESOLVED That (a) the Select Committee accept the need for mitigating action to protect the SAC but mindful of the frustration of some user groups, ask the Cabinet Member to look again at the consultation which has taken place (by the SAC) and reconsider whether it was sufficiently robust and inclusive, particularly regarding car parking,

(b) The Cabinet Member report back to the Select Committee in the New Year.