The Sustainable Development Select Committee was scheduled to discuss active travel and sustainable streets, a new Community Asset Policy, and 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 set to receive an update on the Council's active travel programmes and the Sustainable Streets initiative. These initiatives are designed to encourage more people to walk and cycle, aligning with the Council's Corporate Strategy¹ to make Lewisham cleaner and greener and reduce reliance on cars. The report detailed various projects funded by Transport for London's (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP)², the Lewisham Climate Action Investment, and Section 106 contributions³.

Projects planned under the LIP include the development of segregated cycle tracks along Deptford Church Street, the replacement of the Waterlink Way timber footbridge in Catford, and the installation of cycle contraflow measures at eight locations. The Climate Action Investment will fund secure cycle storage in residential areas, upgrades to crossing points near primary schools as part of the Safer Routes to School programme, and the creation of School Street zones. The Sustainable Streets programme aims to improve road space by installing electric vehicle charging points, cycle hangars, and street trees, as well as enhancing road safety and parking management. Consultations for these measures have been ongoing in areas such as Deptford, Catford, and Evelyn.

A draft Active Travel Strategy was also scheduled for discussion, with public consultation planned for Autumn 2024. The report highlighted the importance of these initiatives in contributing to the Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan⁴, which aims for Lewisham to be carbon net-zero by 2030, and the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy⁵, which targets 80% of journeys in London to be made by walking, cycling, and public transport by 2041.

Community Asset Policy

The committee was due to consider a draft Community Asset Policy, which forms 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)⁶ organisations to manage Council assets for community benefit.

The report outlined 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 Council management of these assets, with leases becoming the primary form of agreement. This approach is intended to empower local communities, encourage pride of place, and generate wealth within Lewisham. The policy details principles for the use of community assets, including serving community needs, enhancing social interaction, ensuring cost-efficiency, and meeting the Council's strategic priorities. It also sets out a framework for lease terms, rent, and responsibilities for repairs and maintenance, aiming for greater transparency and sustainability.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to discuss and agree its priorities for the 2024-25 municipal year. The report presented a draft work programme, including suggestions from the previous committee, council officers, and issues arising from past scrutiny. Key themes proposed for the work programme included support for electric vehicle adoption, the Catford Regeneration Programme, retrofitting, regeneration of Lewisham Town Centre, and a review of community infrastructure funding. The committee was also to consider upcoming Mayor and Cabinet decisions and opportunities for informal information gathering, public engagement, and site visits. The report emphasised the importance of aligning the work programme with the Council's Corporate Strategy⁷ and the principles of effective scrutiny, such as prioritisation, independence, collective working, engagement, and making SMART⁸ recommendations.