Agenda item

To receive a report from the Director of Place and Economy on the Cullompton Cricket Club.

Cabinet had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Director of Place and Economy on the Cullompton Cricket Club relocation and project update.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

·         Members may recall that at the 4^th June Cabinet meeting it received an update on various strategic transport infrastructure schemes in Cullompton. The report before you today provided a further update on the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road.

·         The Town Centre Relief Road was of key importance to improve the amenity of the town centre, tackle air quality problems and unlock housing in the area.  The majority of Cullompton residents were keen to get this scheme delivered. In a recent 2024 survey, of the 815 local residents who responded, 92% were supportive of the Relief Road proposal.

·         At the time that the June Cabinet report was written the officers were expecting a decision from Homes England regarding the possibility of additional funding to ensure delivery of the scheme. The decision was deferred as a result of the general election.  Whilst awaiting a decision from Homes England officers had been working hard to ensure that key activities had continued to de-risk the project and that critical path (programme) was maintained. This would ensure swift delivery of the road, should a positive funding decision be confirmed.

·         As the Relief Road route would pass through the existing pitch, a key dependency of the scheme was the relocation of the Cullompton cricket pitch to Horn Road to the east of the motorway.  The early implementation of the Cricket Square was important as it needed sufficient time to settle before games could be played on it and the club could be relocated from its current ground. 

·         Over recent months there had been very positive progress with partners including the Cricket Club. It was expected that this initial work was planned to start very soon and be completed by the end of September 2024. 

·         This was a very positive step and was one which should be acknowledged and celebrated as it was the Council which had been the driving force in making this significant step forwards. It had also been crucial in maintaining the programme and hoped that it would demonstrate to Government the serious commitment to seeing the timely delivery of this critical enabling infrastructure for Cullompton and Culm Garden Village The Council trusted that the Government would then, in turn, do their utmost in enabling the delivery of the Relief Road and, in due course, upgrades to Junction 28.

·         Progress with land acquisition had been positive, but productive engagement with Tesco had proved challenging. Both Councils (MDDC and Devon County Council) had been attempting to liaise with Tesco to attempt to resolve this issue for a considerable period of time, but progress by Tesco continued to be slow. Richard Foord MP had also now written to the Tesco Chairman urging Tesco to urgently progress productive dialogue in relation to the sale of their land.

·         Members should be comforted that there was a great deal of work behind the scenes trying to advance this project; however the Council had to see whether they would receive the central government funding they so desperately needed to deliver this vital scheme.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The concerns about the recent announcement from Government and what reassurance could be provided in regards to the Cullompton Relief Road.

·         Discussion on the legal requirement and the risk factors of this and what would be in place if the funding was not to go ahead.

Note: * Report previously circulated