Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Planning, Economy & Regeneration briefing Members on the second Grimsey Review of town centres.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * of the Head of Planning, Economy & Regeneration briefing it on the second Grimsey Review of town centres.

Bill Grimsey had produced a report in 2013 entitled ‘The Grimsey Report. An Alternative Future for the High Street’ which had contained a number of recommendations and had followed the ‘Mary Portas Review’ of 2011. In 2017 he had been invited to embark on a review of his previous work to see what had changed, what had worked and what had not. This second review had culminated in 25 recommendations set out under these headings: Create a more supportive environment, Government and planning and smarter use of technology. In his report he had set suggested that there were three barriers as to why progress was often not made: business rates, the complex layers of local government and financing change.

The report before the Economy PDG set out what the possible implications were for Mid Devon. All three towns were set to have Masterplans and the Economic Strategy for the District was being produced. In Tiverton a new Town Centre Partnership was currently being established with engagement from a variety of different businesses in the town. There was a great deal of community activity generally across the three towns with good practice of shared community space such as the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Cullompton.

The Group were also informed that the Government intended to set up a panel of experts to investigate issues that currently affect the health of high streets and would advise on the best practical measures to help them thrive now and in the future.

Consideration was given to:

·         The timing of the report which was felt to be helpful for the Council’s developing Economic Strategy and the Masterplanning process.

·         The effect of internet shopping.

·         The ‘Millenium’ generation visiting towns for other reasons than previous generations might have done such as to visit food and entertainment establishments.

·         Whether expensive regeneration projects were warranted when it might be that towns just needed tidying up.

·         The impact of Business Rates.

·         Town centre retailers needing to recognise their changing relationship with shoppers and to work with the internet retailers.

·         It was felt that there was an increasing prevalence of unsavoury behaviour in Tiverton during the night time and this needed to be addressed. It needed to become a more attractive, safe and clean place to visit. It was discussed that improvements would need to be made to the top of Phoenix Lane in the near future.

·         Car park pricing needed to be relative to what was offered with the town.

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