47 Economic Development Service Update PDF 70 KB
To receive a report from the Head of Planning, Regeneration & Growth updating Members on progress with key Economic Development Service Priorities.
Minutes:
The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Head of Planning, Regeneration and Growth updating Members on progress with key Economic Development Service Priorities.
The following was highlighted within the report:
Devon Hydro and Smart Grid Project (‘Mills Project’)
The funding bid to the Heritage Enterprise was unsuccessful but feedback had been received that consideration could be given to submitting a project purely focused on Thorverton Mill as this had the strongest links to the heritage element of the funding programme. It also had business units inside the premises which would be looked upon favourably.
The team were still looking at tapping into other funds to support the Tiverton Weir Project. Discussions were continuing with the Environment Agency with the aim of getting a scheme registered before the end of March 2019 so that it qualified for the feed-in tariff.
Enquiries and Investments
Discussions were ongoing with landowners to bring employment sites forward that were of a high calibre and strategically significant to enable future growth.
LEADER Programme
The EU funded LEADER programme was fast drawing to a close. The deadline for full applications was 15th November. The fund was currently over 70% committed with further large applications in the pipeline. However, there was a reasonable expectation that the fund would be able to be fully committed within the timescales.
Tiverton Market Events
A brief discussion took place regarding whether people who attended the Electric Night events returned to the town on other occasions and what was being done to ensure that happened. It was confirmed that these events did bring in a different type of clientele to the town and that whilst the events in themselves did not generate income they certainly ‘washed their face’. It was suggested that if Members had any concerns or questions regarding these events then they should speak directly to the Town Centre and Market Manager so that a productive discussion could take place regarding increasing footfall to the town. Those discussions and suggestions could then be reflected back to the Group.
It was stated that market traders were working together much better and that footfall on particular days was going up. A difference had been noticed within the last 6 weeks. Shops had not been willing to open on Electric Nights. The Market Manager had a hard job in trying to change the mindset of some traders. However, the Council had a responsibility in trying to help the town help itself. It was the facilitator to try and ensure that this happened.
The removal or relocation of the benches in Phoenix Lane would not get rid of anti-social behaviour (ASB) within the town. This needed to be tackled by working with the Police. Members were encouraged to report all ASB to the Police.
Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.