Reviews from the Year 2006-2007
Student Impact
Canterbury is well known for the quality of its education establishments, and benefits from the presence of a vibrant education sector. Less well known is that it also has one of the highest ratios of students to residents in the country. With two universities and a Higher Education institution hosting in total around 25,000 students, the council was concerned about the impact that students have on our local communities.
The review identifed the cultural and economic impact our Higher Education sector on the district as a whole. The review panel spoke to residents and students, landlords and letting agents, all the institutions concerned, and has also consulted Dr Darren Smith – a leading expert on ‘studentification’.
Along with Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and Brighton, Canterbury has been selected for a national case study.
- Student Impact Review. [pdf document]
- Student Impact - Appendix 1 [pdf document]
- Student Impact - Appendix 2 [pdf document]
- Student Impact - Appendix 3 [pdf document]
Westgate Towers Review
The protection of the Westgate Towers had become the centre of a public debate, with regular column inches in the Canterbury Gazette dedicated to it. The Council also wanted to consider the future of the Westgate Towers as it contributes to Canterbury’s cultural identity.
The review looked into the use of the Westgate Towers, and how the flow of traffic impacted upon the Towers and the area surrounding them. The Panel also suggsted options for the future of the Westgate Towers and how this impacts on the local area.
City Centre Development Review
This review was concerned that development in the city centre was producing a conflict between the needs of current and future residents, and the council’s aim to create a diverse cultural offering and a vibrant late night economy. The review looked at how different types of development in the city are integrated, and what influence the council could exert to achieve the best balance between contrasting priorities. In undertaking this review the council will consulted with a variety of sources in the community including local societies, city centre management, ward councillros and trade associations.
The report made a series of recommendations to help achieve the desired balance between residential and cultural developments.
Rural Sustainability
What does the future hold for our rural areas? Is the quality of life in rural villages as good as it could be? How can we ensure that people living in local villages have access to essential services and economic opportunities?
These are the principal questions that the Rural Sustainability panel asked. The Panel's report sought to ensure the council was doing all it could to guarantee a prosperous and secure future of our rural areas.
