Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Planning, Regeneration & Growth updating Members on progress with key Economic Development Service Priorities.

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 Services priorities.

Discussion followed with regard to:

Devon Hydro and Smart Grid Project (‘Mills Project’)

·         A full application to the Environment Agency had been submitted at the end of December with the aim of achieving approvals in March.

·         The deadline of 31 March 2019 to register for the Feed In Tariffs (FIT’s) and how this affected interested householders.

·         The complexities involved in the Thorverton Mill system.

·         The current lack of clarity regarding how the Government intended to support renewable industry in the future.

Exeter and the Heart of Devon (EHOD)

·         The partnership was now looking to update its joint economic strategy to reflect changing roles and areas of focus for each local authority and to ensure that the partnership continued to evolve.

·         Funding provided by Devon County Council to create business hubs, for example the Nook in Cullompton and facilities at the Hayridge Centre.

·         The need for an update to Members regarding Broadband issues within Mid Devon. It was noted that the Scrutiny Committee were due to receive a presentation from Connecting Devon and Somerset  in March, however it was suggested that the Economic Development Officer work with the Scrutiny Policy Officer to provide further updates to Members generally.

LEADER Programme

The programme was now closed for new applications. It was explained that there may be an opportunity to share in the national underspend for this programme.

Destination website

In partnership with the Tourist Information Service (TIS) and Tiverton Museum the Council had submitted an application to the LEADER fund for a destination website to help promote the District. The successful applicant would be informed in February 2019.

Master planning: Tiverton town centre

The master plan would be progressing towards stage 2 of the consultation.

Devon and Somerset Metro project

·         Initial feasibility studies were being undertaken to establish possibilities in relation to timetables and the physical possibilities of being able to site a modern station in the proposed location. This needed to be established before the finer details could be considered.

·         There were other issues to consider such as the rail industry’s investment programme and possible amendments to the DfT franchise.

·         The sparsity of land and car parking provision should a station in Cullompton receive the go ahead. People would be encouraged to walk and cycle to a potential station but there would always be a large number of passengers who would want to use their cars.

·         There was a commitment to progress this from all those involved.

Market events

A monthly Farmers Market had now been introduced. The lead up to Christmas had been good and a special event for Remembrance Day with displays of poppies by local school children had been well received.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.