AGM, Ashford School 2 June 2005

Introduction

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm by welcoming Members and introducing the Committee. He had received two resignations: from John Talbot, to whom he sent his thanks and good wishes; and Trevor Campbell, who has gone abroad. There had been two new Committee members recruited, Ian Wolverson, who was present; and David Holman, who sent his apologies. He proposed that the Committee was re-elected en masse; this was proposed by John Talbot and seconded by Jeff Moorby.
The date for the annual coach tour would be agreed at the next Committee meeting but the destinations – Dungeness Power Station and Lydd Airport had been set. More details would follow in the Autumn newsletter.
The Chairman indicated that Plans for new developments were still under discussion and assured the Members that representations will be made on behalf of the Trust where necessary.
Finally, the Chairman introduced Mrs Lorna Astbury, as Secretary to the Committee.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer commented that subscriptions were down; there had been increases in interest and expenses and an update and redesign of the website had been funded. Acceptance of the Accounts was proposed by Paul Smallwood and seconded by John Talbot. The Treasurer was thanked for his continued hard work.

The Speakers were introduced:

Hilary Moorby – CPRE

Hilary explained that the plans had been drawn up by Urban Initiatives and outlined details for new houses, commerce and leisure facilities. She said it was a transport led development with a rapid transport system linking the new Junction 10A via an outer ring road with the main arterial routes. She explained that the development was planned in three phases (the first still in consultation even though it was timed for completion in 2011); the second by 2021 and the third by 2031.

Chris Capron – Ashford Chamber of Commerce

Chris said the plans were only acceptable on grounds of employment and infrastructure. He explained that Ashford’s low unemployment figures were off-putting for big business but believed that the figures are achievable if the structure is correct. He felt strongly that the marketing/branding of the new Ashford must be right first time. He explained how the delays in the J10 layout were an advantage to give his department time to prepare ‘Why Ashford’. He said that there had been considerable interest from new and existing businesses. He explained Ashford’s strategic strengths in relation to distribution in the UK and Europe and that he was committed to achieving his goal.

Peter West – Kent Police

Peter gave an interesting background to policing in Kent explaining how the boundaries were being reviewed within the County to make best use of resources available. He said it was his job to prove that Ashford was a safe place to work and live.

Question and Answer Session

Partial satellite development – will this system work?
• Hilary pointed out that with no critical mass she could see this could be a problem and thought perhaps we should lobby for a whole area at a time.

Transport – if only 5% using public transport?
• Hilary explained the plans for park and ride areas but pointed out that the loop system works for retail users but not commerce. Chris said he had real concerns about parking and that the park and ride should come sooner rather than later.

Area – each of the new development areas was bigger than Tenterden – what plans were in place for infrastructure?
• Hilary said that schools, nurseries and doctors were supposed to be within each development (like Tenterden High Street) which had taken 100 years to establish! Chris indicated that schools must be part of the developer’s plans and believes they have been taken into consideration.

Where is the proposed Junction 10A?
• This will take over from Junction 10 which will become local access only. 10A will be near the Wyevale garden centre.

When will the new junction be built?
• Hilary explained that it wasn’t due until 2010. Delays were due to funding and were at stalemate. Chris pointed out that 27 legal agreements were required just for the interim work on J10 and that the traffic problems there would get very much worse than they are now.

Is the plan available on the internet?
• Yes

Education
• Chris outlined plans for local education to be aimed at the county’s needs. He said the aim was to raise educational standards, that Ashford needed a university campus to stop migration of key workforce and that a needs survey had been sent to local business asking for a 10-20 year forecast.

What is Ashford doing in terms of keeping industry?
• Chris explained that in keeping the spectrum of business broad we could protect ourselves. He also explained the wide market in that there are 15 million consumers within reach of Calais.

Would land be compulsorily purchased?
• Hilary explained that it would be better to hold on until a) a developer was desperate for your land and you could name your price or b) wait until the development was complete before selling. She also pointed out that the ‘straight lines’ of the plan would have to be more sympathetic than shown. She also pointed out that developers have to take listed buildings into account.

Was there a role for the Police in the planning?
• Peter pointed out that there is a civilian link in to the future team. They anticipate that as with any development crime will increase.

Membership of the Trust is down?
• The Chair said this must be addressed soonest and together with the Committee has this high on the agenda. He explained that the Press had been invited to the AGM but had not turned up. He also explained that this is a difficult time in terms of interest as whilst in consultation not a lot is seen to be happening.

The Chair was congratulated on such excellent Speakers.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm.