To note the proposals put forward by Herefordshire citizens and organisations under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, and approve the recommendations of the representative panel for submission to the Local Government Association (LGA) Selector.

The Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services presented the report and advised Cabinet that at the start of the process there had been 42 recommendations from individuals, communities and organisations across Herefordshire.  The recommendations had then been reduced to 22 that met the criteria under the ACT.  These 22 were then discussed with four representative focus groups.  The result of these discussions was an agreement to submit 14 to the LGA Selector subject to Cabinet approval.  The draft proposals covered:

Transport

·         New train stations on existing lines.

·         Re-opening old train lines.

·         Twin-tracking the rail line between Hereford and Ledbury.

·         Creating a public transport governing body.

·         Public transport availability to all settlements.

·         Highways Agency and local needs.

·         Canal development.

Housing

• Priority for local people in social housing within communities.

Planning

• Reduced VAT on building conversions.

Education

• Farm visits for school children

Shops and local services

·         Post banks.

·         Broadband.

·         Considerations when closing or moving public services.

Environment

• Herefordshire Black Mountains as an AONB or given National Park status.

Cabinet noted the importance of supporting the elements listed but also the need to be realistic in what could be achieved due to the current economic climate.  It was noted that supporting the following was seen by Cabinet as a priority.

·         local social housing for local people;

·         broadband;

·         farm visits for school children; and

·         twin tracking the rail line between Hereford and Ledbury

RESOLVED

                  THAT:

                                 a)      the proposals submitted by local people and organisations be noted; and

                                 b)      the recommendations of the representative panel be approved for submission to the LGA selector.