At the request of the Committee the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration will be in attendance to answer questions regarding the performance of the Planning Service.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it a position statement * from the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration summarising the key issues in each of the areas within his portfolio.
Discussion took place regarding:
The Local Plan
Junction 28
The Cabinet Member explained that the authority was in talks with the Environment Agency regarding further evidence base work that would need to be undertaken with regard to understanding the impact of highway improvement work at J28 Cullompton upon the flood plain and flood water flows. There was a possibility of either reworking junction 28 or a new junction at 28a. Both were possible solutions and would take into account the eastern relief road.
Discussion took place regarding infrastructure and when in the plan this would be provided. The Head of Planning and Regeneration explained that the Planning Service would work to ensure that the infrastructure was in place as soon as early as possible and that this was being addressed in the Local Plan.
Junction 27
This had been looked at by the Cabinet in December 2014 but the promoters scheme had since been modified. Further work had been commissioned by the Council. A report would be put to the Cabinet and then to Council on the progress with the Local Plan Review.
Air quality within the town was raised.
Tiverton Urban Extension
With regard to schools it was confirmed that there was a timetable within the masterplan for provision of a primary school. In this instance demand for the school would depend on the new housing whereas in Cullompton there was already a demand.
Devon County Council (DCC) had commenced the process of detailed design work for the junction (LILO) on the A361. The Head of Planning and Regeneration considered that it would take approximately 2 years to complete.
St Andrew Street Development
Discussion took place regarding refuse collection and parking issues at the new development. The Head of Planning and Regeneration confirmed that the properties had outdoor space for the storage of waste and recycling bins. Bins being out early and parking on double yellow lines was discussed. This would be reported to appropriate officers.
Economic Development
The Committee discussed economic development and the long term vision for the District. The Head of Communities and Governance confirmed that the Corporate Plan was in draft form and that a Members Away Day had been booked for the end of October for Members to feedback.
Discussion took place regarding the formation of a cycle route from Bampton to Exeter via Tiverton making use of the old railway line. Members considered that this was the sort of project that would create tourism and jobs as well as lowering the number of cars on the road. An emphasis would be put on tourism including cycling, walking, heritage and pulling the three towns together as a destination.
Tiverton Road, Cullompton
The Head of Planning and Regeneration explained that the road was currently closed due to works on the Manor House Hotel. When the road re-opened it would resume the no right turn exit from the road and no right turn entrance to the road, in order to reduce congestion. As far as she was aware Devon County Council would review this at some time in the future. Initially it might reopen on a one way basis to allow traffic out of Tiverton Road.
LEADER Funding
LEADER Funding would be launched nationally on 14th October and it was hoped that the local launch could coincide with this.
Note: * Position statement previously circulated; copy attached to the Minutes.
Supporting documents: