Agenda item

(i)    Joint Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Economic Development.

(ii)   Presentation by the Regeneration Projects Manager and Community Economic Development Team Leaders, Regeneration and Economic Development. 

The Chairman introduced the Regeneration Projects Manager, Chris Myers together with the Economic Development Team Leaders, Julie Anson (North East) and Jackie Donnelly (South West) who were in attendance to give an update as regards the Masterplans for County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Regeneration Projects Manager explained that in terms of coverage, all County Towns have approved documents, and a refresh of the Masterplans will take place over the next 3 years.  It was highlighted that the documents were used to bid for monies through the Capital Programme.  Members were asked to note the success of Masterplans, with the Seaham Marina having received a National Civic Trust Award in the category “Recognising excellence in the built environment since 1959”.

In terms of delivery, the Regeneration Projects Manager noted various activities carried out across the County, and noted work in Barnard Castle carried out with the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  The project will run until October 2016.

Councillors noted in Bishop Auckland that work was ongoing in partnership with Auckland Castle Trust and the Eleven Arches Trust on the delivery of their projects.  It was added that work was ongoing with the Town Centre Team on town centre projects, including “shop jackets” to improve the appearance of vacant units.  Members learned that the Council and the South Durham Enterprise Agency were working on a restoration of the former King James I school building.

The Regeneration Projects Manager explained that in Chester-le-Street, Chapter Homes had begun preliminary work in respect of bringing forward the former Council offices sites for residential development.  A planning application is expected to be submitted in Winter 2016.  Councillors learned that public realm works were being carried out in Consett, being on-site until Spring 2016, and continuing Targeted Business Improvements.  It was noted that in Crook there was continuing public realm works with retail and high street works also taking place..

The Committee learned of activities in Durham City, including the licenced premises accreditation scheme, “Best Bar None”, in partnership with Durham Constabulary and the University of Durham and it was noted that it was the eighth year of the voluntary scheme, with 39 premises taking part.  Members noted that some participating Licensees had reported increased footfall, increased turnover and a fall in violence since the scheme’s inception in 2008.  It was added that the market place was managed to ensure no clashes between highway works with any cultural events or festivals.

The Regeneration Projects Manager reminded Members of the Hitachi development at Newton Aycliffe and the official opening, noting that there were other activities including town centre development, with demolition of some units and the development of a new entrance, new taxi rank and new bus stops.  Councillors noted there were a number of proposed works for Peterlee town centre, with improvements to entrances, physical access, the bus station and target business improvements.  It was added that the Council’s Head of Economic Development and Housing was working with Tesco on the future of their site at Peterlee, as well as their site at Stanley.  Councillors noted that at Seaham, there had been an allocation of £1.7 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, in respect of additional improvements including a boat hoist and additional pontoons, making a total of 100 pontoons.  Members noted a HLF bid as regards maintaining coal chutes and lime kilns, as well as the implementation of the Seaham Housing Masterplan, a joint venture with the Homes and Communities Agency, which includes new residential development and the provision of a new school. 

The Committee were informed of consultation relating to Church Street, the Town Square and the Cheapside seating area at Shildon, in addition to developing schemes at Spennymoor including: improved links between housing growth and town centre (consultation August – September); continuing to support development opportunities for the Festival Walk site; and targeted business improvements.  The Regeneration Projects Manager concluded by noting the support of improvements to major buildings in Stanley.

The Chairman thanked the Regeneration Projects Manager and asked Members for their questions on the presentation.

Councillor H Nicholson asked what the turnout was in respect of the consultation process at Bishop Auckland.  The Regeneration Projects Manager noted that for the car park consultation, there were over 1,000 responses, noting major consultation events would be promoted via the internet.

Councillor M Davinson noted that every area was different and in some it appeared that Masterplans were good drivers in respect of improvements, and asked whether differences were taken into account and that where there were successes such as at Seaham, were lessons learned and taken forward in terms of other areas to refresh Masterplans accordingly.  The Regeneration Projects Manager explained that Masterplans were tailored to the needs of each specific town and area, and Officers would look to target any funding streams that were available.  The Economic Development Team Leader (SW) noted an example being the Stanley Masterplan from 2012 that had delivered many of the improvements, with it now being necessary to identify what was needed now in 2015/16, and then to identify methods of funding.

Councillor J Armstrong asked as regards progress with Festival Walk at Spennymoor, and what role DCC was playing.  The Regeneration Projects Manager noted DCC did not own the site, and was working with the administrators in respect of issues, for example leases.  Councillor H Nicholson asked that if the area was effectively a private enterprise, were DCC resources being used. 

Councillor E Adam asked if there was a link to the Masterplan documents and a list of when they would be refreshed that could be shared with Members.  The Regeneration Projects Manager noted that colleagues in Spatial Policy had produced plans, and the relevant links and schedules could be shared with Members.  

Resolved:   

(i)              That the report and presentation be noted.

(ii)             That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee is kept updated on an annual basis on the development of the various Masterplans within County Durham.