Decision details

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration analysing the three market towns and seeking to prioritise which of them should be selected to form the basis of the single expression of interest which is allowable under this fund.  It also identified the potential for a further expression of interest to be submitted for the separate heritage part of the fund.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the Government had released a pot of money to regenerate Town Centres and that all three of the districts towns, Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton, were eligible. He explained that only one town could be applied for and that because the Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan was so well advanced that it was felt that this would be the sensible option.

He explained that the Council could attempt to raise funds for Cullompton from a grant from an architectural heritage fund and now that the recent delivery of a plan for a relief road was complete it was felt that an application would be looked upon favourably by Historic England.

Consideration was given to:

·         Stage one of the Tiverton regeneration was ongoing.

·         Crediton did not currently qualify for grant funding but this could be revisited in the future.

·         Working closely with the County Council to deliver regeneration in the event of a successful bid.

RESOLVED:

i)          That delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Housing to submit an Expression of Interest to the Future High Streets Fund and to determine the financial amount sought under the fund;

ii)         That the expression of interest is made for Tiverton Town Centre; and

iii)       That further delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Housing to submit a further Expression of Interest (or equivalent) if the opportunity presents for the regeneration of Cullompton’s historic High Street through the Heritage element of the Future High Streets Fund and to determine the financial amount sought under the fund.

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

Note:

a)    Cllr C J Eginton declared a personal interest as he owned a shop in Tiverton.

b)    *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.