Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration updating Members on progress with Economic Development Service activities.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration updating it on progress with Economic Development activities. The Chairman requested that the Group focus their attention on those activities appearing in the report with a red risk factor status.

Discussion took place with regard to:

·         The Business Awards initiative was currently showing with a red risk status. However, the Group Manager for Growth, Economy and Delivery stated that it was not pragmatic to continue to the award ceremony this year. The media company the District Council had been working with in partnership with had not been able to secure sufficient private sponsorship for an award ceremony to take place this year. However, discussions would continue to attempt to deliver this initiative in 2020.

·         Since the publication of the agenda, the Council had been successful in passing stage 1 of the Cullompton Historic England bid. The team were now waiting for details of the second stage assessment.

·         Whether there was funding available to support the rear of shops being tidied up in the same way that there was a shop front enhancement scheme. The team explained that they would investigate whether such schemes existed.

·         There was disappointment that the implementation of the destination website had been delayed, however, in moving forwards it would be vital for businesses to be fully on board and regularly consulted allowing them the opportunity to add their own content. An update would be brought to a future meeting once this project had progressed.

·         In relation to the Hydromills project, a meeting had been held with Neil Parish MP who was offering his support and who had been involved in coordinating the submission of documents and updates to the Environment Agency. There had been positive interactions with the angling community regarding the Tiverton Weir but there had been some challenges in negotiations regarding the Thorverton Weir. The anglers had been involved at every stage and the team were confident a satisfactory position would be agreed with the ecology of the rivers being the number one priority.

·         Work was ongoing regarding consultation and tender preparation in relation to WiFi within Tiverton.

·         It was felt that a Council owned shop on the corner of the entrance to the Pannier Market on Fore Street in Tiverton needed some tidying up on the outside. It was currently in a very dirty state and comments had been made by the public. The team agreed to look into this. 

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