20 Economic Development projects update PDF 83 KB
To receive a report from the Chief Executive and Director for Growth updating Members on progress with key Economic Development Service priorities.
Minutes:
The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Chief Executive and Director for Growth updating Members on progress with key Economic Development Service priorities.
Consideration was given to the following areas:
Devon Hydro and Smart Grid Project (‘Mills Project’)
It was reported that the team had received reports back from the master’s students from Exeter University looking at smarter technologies. The reports were positive and included findings in relation to ecological impacts. It was hoped that a summary of the findings could be sent to members of this Group.
A report had also been received from the Hydromatch company although these were still being analysed. This would set out a clear path to progress the Tiverton Weir Project. Discussions would need to be had with the Environment Agency but the whole project was beginning to gather momentum again.
The Economic Development Officer and representatives from the University of Exeter and Hydromatch had pulled together a bid to the Heritage Enterprise Fund for £5m.
The team were working with South West Water at an officer level, it was hoped a discussion at a more senior level would be advantageous going forwards and current work was seen as moving in a positive direction.
Note: Cllr Mrs N Woollatt declared a personal interest as a mill owner.
Enquiries & Investments
It was explained that there was great demand for employment sites within the district at the current time. However, the GED team were continuing to be proactive by having discussions with every land owner who had an employment land allocation in the Local Plan to assist in bringing them forward.
Cullompton Heritage Project
At the end of May the team heard that the Council’s bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Townscape Heritage Programme was once again unsuccessful. This was extremely disappointing as a great deal of hard work had taken place over three years with various partners. However, since then positive discussions had taken place with Historic England about how to proceed with a formal partnership under their ‘Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas’. It might be possible to submit a bid having worked up a delivery plan with Historic England.
Connecting the Culm Project
The team had been working with partners to develop a bid to seek European Funding. The focus would be on flood mitigation. The benefits of this project were that the whole of the Culm was being looked at, as well as seeking to improve water quality and engaging with communities to understand the river and its needs. The bid had now reached the second round of the application process, with a full bid to be submitted in August. If successful, this project would be able to supplement schemes to mitigate flooding, green infrastructure and the development of a country park for the Culm Garden Village.
A brief discussion took place regarding the need for more to be done in terms addressing possible periods of droughts.
Work in this area was complementary to that being ... view the full minutes text for item 20