Issue - meetings

To receive any questions from members of the public.  The standard protocol to be observed by public speakers is attached.

Questions by members of the public were asked and answered as follows:

Question from Stephen Coates

Stephen Coates read out his pre-submitted questions:

·         Why did the City Deal Board state that Cambridge University has never supported a busway across the West Fields when its agents Carter Jonas are stating that development of the land North of Barton Road could provide land and funding for such a busway?

·         When the Board issued its response to Save the West Fields’ question on governance on 9 November 2016, why did you amend the statement of Cambridge University to exclude these key words which were said on October 13^th  (even though it was described as University statement by Nigel Slater read out by the Chair at the Board meeting on 13 October 2016)?

·         In view of the fact Cambridge University and Colleges have now offered to part pay for the A428 busway by developing West Fields with housing, how can you argue they have not influenced a route over the West Fields since their consultation submission in November 2015?

·         Is it correct that Corpus Christi College, a member of the NBRLOG has offered Dumpling Farm as a site for a park and ride cycle facility, again offering an incentive for a location of the Orbital route East of the M11?

·         Can you say whether the City Deal as a body has ever threatened either an individual, a business or an organisation with legal action or taken legal action against any person, business or organisation? If so, who is responsible for authorising such action and what has the cost to date been for legal advice and intervention resulting from such action and what has the cost to date been, for legal advice and intervention resulting from such actions? If legal threats or action have been entered into by the City Deal as a body, are they prepared to make the details public?

Professor Nigel Slater explained that, as set out in its original response to the City Deal consultation on A428 Cambourne to Cambridge bus route submitted in November 2015, the University supported enabling further public transport accessibility to the West Cambridge Site, which is a major employment site, and which has submitted a planning application for further academic and commercial research developments.

Tanya Sheridan, City Deal Programme Director, explained that no such legal action had been taken, as the “City Deal” was a joint committee and not an organisation in its own right. Were there any consideration of legal action it would be that taken by one or more of the partner councils.

Stephen Coates stated that he did not consider that his questions had been answered. Councillor Lewis Herbert explained that he had been offered Stephen Coates a meeting and this offer still stood.

Question from Robin Pellew of Cambridgeshire Past, Present and Future

Robin Pellew read out his pre-submitted questions:

·         What arrangements are the City Deal and the County Council putting in place with the operators to create Enhanced Partnerships?

·         Does  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4

To receive any questions from members of the public.  The standard protocol to be observed by public speakers is attached.

No questions from members of the public had been received.