Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration considering the summary of responses following Stage 1 public consultation on the Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan, the key themes that have emerged through from the consultation exercise and the next steps.

The Cabinet had before it a report* of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration considering the summary of responses following Stage 1 public consultation on the Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan, the key themes that have emerged from the consultation exercise and the next steps.

The Cabinet received a presentation summarising the responses of the consultation, the key themes that had emerged, the identification of key projects and the next steps. Options had been presented to the public about the proposed content of the masterplan. This had included 4 town wide initiatives including accessibility, identity, environment and quality as well as 18 key development areas. All the themes that had emerged were relevant and could be included in the masterplan, however, particularly dominant themes related to extending the study area to include Old Blundell’s, an enhanced public realm and improved accessibility.

The consultation process had identified 18 key projects and these were listed within the presentation. The report offered a suggested structure to the draft masterplan and a broad timetable for the next steps.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration stated that whilst there had been a relatively low level of response to the consultation the responses that had been received had been of a high quality offering constructive and helpful comment. He commended all those that had taken part. He stated that approval for the stage 2 public consultation would commence in June 2019 with the consultation itself taking place in June and July 2019.

He stated that recommendations 3 and 4 within the report needed further clarification and therefore he suggested that they be reworded to state the following:

Number 3

To provide guidance on the content of the draft Masterplan prior to public consultation at Stage 2 via a Cabinet workshop, to which Mid Devon Members will be invited to submit comments for consideration in advance.

Number 4

That Officers explore opportunities to bring forward projects and initiatives aligned with the emerging Masterplan as prioritised, giving particular attention to progressing a scheme at the market and its approach from Fore Street.

Consideration was given to:

·         The need to involve all Members and to invite their comments.

·         The need for the market project to be treated as a priority.

·         What constituted a dementia friendly street such as appropriate signage.

·         What was being done to ensure a greater response during the stage 2 consultation. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration stated that he would be working with the Communications Team to ensure that all possible means would be explored.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The responses to the Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan supplementary planning document (SPD) Public Consultation at Stage 1 be noted.

b)    The Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan be progressed through the production of the draft SPD taking into account the key issues and projects that have emerged through public consultation at Stage 1.

c)    To provide guidance on the content of the draft Masterplan prior to public consultation at Stage 2 via a Cabinet workshop,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102

To receive and note a report from the Head of Planning, Economy & Regeneration reporting to Members the results of the Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan SPD consultation.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration presenting the results of the Tiverton Town Centre Masterplan SPD consultation.

It was explained that the public consultation had run across the summer and had asked for feedback on the Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) exhibition boards displayed at Phoenix House, in the Pannier Market and online on the Mid Devon website. In total, there had been 55 responses received during the consultation period. These would be used to help develop the contents of a draft Masterplan SPD which would be subject to a further round of public consultation.

Discussion followed with regard to:

·         The poor level of response and whether the Council could do something differently to encourage the public to respond. It was explained that the exhibitions had been well attended but that perhaps people were waiting to respond once the proposals were further developed at the next round of consultation.

·         More had been done to encourage feedback through social media channels than any other consultation the Council had undertaken.

·         Despondency amongst residents in replying to a large number of public consultations.

Note: * Report previously circulated