The Sustainable Development Select Committee of Lewisham Council met on Thursday 18 July 2024 to discuss plans for active travel and sustainable streets, a new Community Asset Policy, and to set the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting's agenda also included the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair, and the review of minutes from the previous meeting.

Active Travel and Sustainable Streets

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the council's active travel programmes and the Sustainable Streets initiative. These initiatives are designed to encourage more walking and cycling within the borough, aligning with the council's Corporate Strategy¹ and its commitment to a cleaner and greener Lewisham. The report detailed various projects funded by Transport for London's (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP)², Lewisham Climate Action Investment, and Section 106³ contributions.

Projects mentioned included the development of segregated cycle tracks along Deptford Church Street, improvements to the Waterlink Way Bridge in Catford, and the installation of cycle contraflows at various locations. The report also outlined plans for new cycle hangars in residential areas and adult and children's cycle training programmes. Furthermore, the Sustainable Streets programme aims to improve the use of road space and pavements by installing electric vehicle charging points, cycle hangars, and street trees, while also enhancing road safety and parking management. The report detailed ongoing consultations and reviews of these measures in areas such as Deptford, Catford, and Evelyn.

A draft Active Travel Strategy was also presented, with plans for public consultation in Autumn 2024. The committee was also to be updated on the procurement process for a new contract for cycle parking infrastructure and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Community Asset Policy

A draft Community Asset Policy was presented for consideration, forming part of the emerging Asset Management Strategy 2024-2034. This policy aims to better align the use of community assets with the council's corporate priorities and to strengthen the capacity of Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations to manage council assets for community benefit. The policy seeks to regularise tenancy arrangements, introduce fair rent setting, and clarify responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.

The report highlighted that Lewisham has approximately 50 assets used for community purposes, including community centres, office spaces, and playing fields. The policy proposes a transition away from direct and indirect management of these assets by the council, with leases being the primary form of agreement. It outlines principles for the use of community assets, emphasizing their role in serving diverse communities, enhancing social interaction, and meeting the council's strategic priorities. The policy also details assessment criteria for VCS organisations wishing to manage these assets and sets out different lease types, lengths, and rent structures, including peppercorn, stepped, community, and commercial rents.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to discuss and agree its priorities for the 2024-25 municipal year and to establish an annual work programme. The role of the Sustainable Development Select Committee is to scrutinise the council's approach to environmental issues, climate adaptation, resource use, and sustainability, including the climate emergency, flooding, transport, healthy streets, active travel, parks, and biodiversity. The committee also has a remit to consider the council's approach to jobs and skills, and major regeneration projects.

The report suggested that work programme items should be linked to the priorities in the council's Corporate Strategy 2022-26, such as Cleaner and greener, A strong local economy, and Health and wellbeing. Suggestions for the 2024-25 programme included support for electric vehicle adoption, the Catford Regeneration Programme, retrofitting, Lewisham Town Centre regeneration, and consideration of community infrastructure funding. The committee was also to consider upcoming key decisions from Mayor and Cabinet⁴ and the potential for additional information gathering sessions, public engagement, and visits.