Agenda item

(i)   Joint Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services.

(ii)  Presentation by the Spatial Policy Team Leader, Regeneration Projects Manager and the Community Economic Development Manager, Regeneration and Local Services.

The Chairman introduced the Spatial Policy Team Leader, Graeme Smith along with the Regeneration Projects Manager Chris Myers and Community Economic Development Manager, Wendy Benson who were in attendance to give an update as regards the Masterplans for County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Spatial Policy Team Leader reminded the Committee of the previous updates given in relation to the Masterplans, for the largest 12 towns within the County, and noted that all first round Masterplans were in place.  He noted that each plan was individual, each different, with some being “Masterplans”, with others being “Development Frameworks” or “Regeneration Frameworks”.  He added that having such plans in place did not preclude any projects or opportunities that may come up from being taken forward.  The Committee noted a suite of Masterplan update documents, confirming current actions and future confirmed actions.  Members noted that they had been approved by Cabinet at its meeting in December 2016 and January 2017 and were subject to discussions within the Area Action Partnerships (AAPs).  The Spatial Policy Team Leader explained that the second round of “full” Masterplans were in development, an ongoing and staged programme with each full plan taking around 18 months to complete and have in place.  Councillors noted that the Chester-le-Street Masterplan was currently being developed working with a number of teams, including Highways and Tourism.  He added that the first round of consultation had begun in respect of the Bishop Auckland Masterplan and the Consett Masterplan was at early stages. Reference was also made to the importance of Neighbourhood Plans and to the ongoing activity in Newton Aycliffe, Durham and Stanley all of which would influence the wider masterplans in those areas.

The Regeneration Projects Manager noted that in respect of recent delivery at Barnard Castle, a condition survey had been prepared in relation to the Market Cross, and it had been found to be in reasonable condition for its age.  We are planning on undertaking a programme of works to repair and restore the Grade I listed building, with works to be carried out next year.  He added a number of target business improvement (TBI) scheme works for the town centre would also be undertaken.

The Regeneration Projects Manager explained in respect of Bishop Auckland that there were works ongoing in respect of the market place tower, and car park extension at North Bondgate.  It was noted that works were in the context of the wider improvements linked to the regeneration of the Castle, opening in early 2018.

The Community Economic Development Manager noted that DCC teams were working together to submit a bid for funding to deliver flood prevention and improvement works around the culvert and marketplace.  She added that work was ongoing with landowners in terms of bringing forward vacant properties.

The Community Economic Development Manager noted for Consett, a design concept and delivery framework for Middle Street had been completed and permissions had been secured for a replica “Consett Clock”, with planning permission to be submitted.

The Regeneration Projects Manager explained that for Durham City, work with the Durham Business improvement District (BID) had resulted in the installation of digital totems, three in total, one commissioned at Millennium Place, the other two being at Elvet and North Road, yet to be commissioned.  It was noted that of the three digital screens on the totems, two would contain Durham BID information, with one to allow the Council to display information to residents and on DCC activities.  It was added that TBI activities had been carried out at The Station House, North Road, to brighten up this area, a gateway being in proximity to the rail and bus stations.

The Regeneration Projects Manager noted for Newton Aycliffe the Chapter Homes development at Eden Field was progressing with, at the end of October, 32 properties sold, 15 properties let and 52 properties reserved of the 135 dwellings.  The Community Economic Development Manager noted that the library works had been completed, with a new Customer Access Point, with off-site improvement works to start late December.

The Committee noted that in respect of Peterlee, consultation was ongoing in respect of the relocation of the library, with two all-day sessions having been held, and feedback received as regards the issue of car parking. 

It was explained that in terms of Seaham Marina and the Seaham Water Sports Centre, a Watersports Development Officer had been employed as regards the opportunities and physical activities, linking with schools to help them meet their curriculum activities.  It was added that the project had won the Chair’s Award from the Royal Town Planning Institute’s North East Planning Excellence 2017 awards.

The Community Economic Development Manager noted that Seaham Town Centre had a number of public realm works completed at Railway Street, with some further works to take place.

It was added that a stakeholder event held in September 2017 had helped to support a Townscape Heritage Application of £1.5 million, with information on the success of the bid to be received in May 2018.

Councillors noted for Shildon that consultation as regards arches was concluded and works were being undertaken to refurbish and enhance.  It was added that works would be carried out in terms of refurbishment of street furniture.

The Community Economic Development Manager noted the work continued in terms of bringing forward development at Festival Walk and consultation was being prepared in terms of the future of the market place.  It was added that support of the redevelopment of the North Eastern continued.

Members noted that the works to the South of Front Street at Stanley had been completed and planning had been approved for an Aldi Store and for Home Bargains.  It was added that designs were being developed for further areas including the North of Front Street and links to the car parks.

The Committee noted a snapshot in terms of the support being given to the retail sector, with: 391 enquires from businesses; ongoing engagement with 62 businesses; 16 projects being delivered; and 4 subsidised courses being delivered, digital marketing, health and safety, visual window display and marketing.

The Chairman thanked the Officers for their report and presentation and asked Members for their comments and questions.

Councillor A Patterson noted the Masterplans referred to the 12 main settlements in the County and asked why there had not been a slide referring to Crook.  The Community Economic Development Manager noted the presentation had represented the updates since the last report to Committee, and there had not been any additional information as regards Crook, however it was noted the a former depot site was up for sale, with interest from a food retailer, and there was also streetscape designs and TBI offer in addition, for example at the Post Office.

Councillor L Maddison noted that in respect of the Spennymoor there is to be a consultation regarding the market place and asked that local members be provided with copies of the consultation documentation.  The Community Economic Development Manager explained it was hoped to dovetail with Festival Walk work and that the consultation should be available in November to send a copy to the member.  Councillor L Maddison noted perception was for work to begin in February 2018, and added that in terms of delays involving some privately owned land that was derelict in the centre of the town, she would be prepared to look to use Member Initiative Fund (MIF) to try and help.  She also asked if it would be possible to improve the exterior of the North Eastern building temporarily, until the Masterplan was in place.

The Community Economic Development Manager noted that in terms of some private land and those in administration it was difficult to try and deal with those.  In respect of the North Eastern Building, it was explained that it was on the list for TBI, though not for works until the full development, however the Authority would push for extra value.

Councillor R Crute noted the format and approach of the Masterplans, understanding the 12 main settlements in terms of helping to improve our economy and looking at services and investment.  He reminded the Committee that there are a number of smaller settlements outside of those 12 and asked what benefit there was for them.  The Spatial Policy Team Leader noted that smaller settlements could have documents developed for them, and that the CDP would be relevant for all settlements and that Neighbourhood Plans could be developed.  He reiterated that Masterplans for areas did not preclude any additional schemes coming forward.

Councillor J Atkinson noted the last slide referred to training for customer services and he added he felt this was very important as retail not only sells the products, it also helps sell the area too, and asked if there had been any feedback on this.  The Community Economic Development Manager noted that last year retailers had been asked as regards skills and qualifications and they had noted that retailers wanted the “softer” skills rather than qualifications.  It was added that accordingly there had been work internally and with partners in terms of the training and the take up had been good, albeit they were subsidised, and the aim was now to look to commercialise this training.

The Regeneration Projects Manager noted that at Bishop Auckland there was significant experience in terms of tourism, with Bishop Auckland having being designated as a “World Host” town, it was noted this would include all customer facing services undergoing training, such as taxi drivers, shop workers.  It was added that the Local Member, Councillor J Allen had helped with a contribution from her MIF and the Community Economic Development Manager added that they had achieved the status and were the first to do so in the North East.

Councillor J Clare noted that Neighbourhood Plans were not for setting out an aspirational vision for an area, they did not have the same aim as Masterplans; rather Neighbourhood Plans were to look at planning issues, use of land, assets and restrictions.  He added that for issues outside of planning that a Parish Plan maybe more appropriate.  Councillor J Clare added he felt the overview of the main settlements was useful as it afforded the opportunity to see what projects had been developed in other areas and use them if appropriate.  He noted in terms of “run down areas”, planning blight was an issue that received a big push 3-4 years ago and this could be an angle to force owners to address problems.  He echoed the comments made by Councillor J Atkinson in terms of good customer service and welcomed the World Host status of Bishop Auckland and noted it would be great if there could be a “World Host County”.  Councillor J Clare welcomed the slide in terms of retail, noting this was going to be an area of work a Review Group would be looking at.  He asked as regards the Community Economic Team and in terms of TBI, who was the person to contact.  The Community Economic Development Manager noted she was the relevant Officer to speak to in that regard.

Resolved:       

(i)            That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the progress report and presentation on Masterplans.

(ii)          That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee receives a further progress report on an annual basis on the development and implementation of the various masterplans.