Agenda item

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

(ii)        Presentation by Wendy Benson, Community Economic Development Manager and Chris Myers, Regeneration Projects Manager, Regeneration and Economic Development.

The Chair introduced the Regeneration Projects Manager, Chris Myers and the Community Economic Development Manager, Wendy Benson who were in attendance to give Members a presentation in relation to Masterplans for County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Regeneration Projects Manager explained that the strategic context for the Masterplans was to focus and coordinate regeneration activities; input into the delivery of the Local Plan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan; engage with partners, Area Action Partnerships (AAPs), stakeholders and the community; taking forward proposals with investors, developers and landowners; and raising the profile of town centres.  Members noted that Development was based upon available evidence and took account of corporate documents such as the Regeneration Statement.  It was explained that while there was a focus on the RED Capital Programme but the activities of other public and private sector partners were taken into consideration. 

Members were informed that there would be 12 Masterplans prepared for: Consett; Stanley; Chester-le-Street; Seaham; Peterlee; Durham; Spennymoor; Newton Aycliffe; Bishop Auckland; Crook; Shildon; and Barnard Castle.  Masterplans have already been prepared for Consett, Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Seaham, Bishop Auckland, Crook and Barnard Castle.  The documents for Peterlee, Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and Shildon will be prepared for the Spring of 2013 and Durham City for September 2013 (to align with the Local Plan preparation).

The Committee noted the example of the Witham Hall/DCC Library project in Barnard Castle, which will restore listed buildings, provide new business space, and a new DCC Customer Access Point, Library and office accommodation.  Funding has been obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and DCC. 

Councillors noted construction began in July 2012, with the project to be completed June 2013.  The Community Economic Development Manager noted the opening of the library and Customer Access Point (CAP) at Crook, releasing their original site for future development.

The Regeneration Projects Manager reminded Members of the work undertaken at the North Dock area of Seaham, the investment of around £5 Million from HLF and DCC the creation of 11 units at the site, 77 pontoons which were now starting to become occupied, a restored lifeboat house and the North Dock to be fully open to the public in Spring 2013, with links between the marina and the town centre.  The Community Economic Development Manager explained that issues to be addressed at Consett included: linking the Hermiston Retail Park with the town centre; car parking; the bus station; and the future of the market.

Members were informed of the issues highlighted for Chester-le-Street, with the existing civic centre site to be redeveloped and the desire to have greater use and frequency of services at the railway station.

The Regeneration Projects Manager noted that Bishop Auckland had seen works to properties in the Market Place and Fore Bondgate under the Targeted Business Improvement Scheme.

The Chair thanked the Officers for their presentation and asked Members for their questions.

Councillor J Cordon noted the plans as regards Chester-le-Street Civic Centre and regeneration of the town centre in general and commented that if further housing development were to take place there was a need to ensure that there was enough shops and amenities, such as car parking to support those additional people moving into the area.

Councillor M Wilkes commented that with the large number of “out of town” supermarkets and the “pedestrianisation” of town centres, should there not be a levy on supermarkets as regards helping with regeneration of the rest of the County, and if this was not possible perhaps Government being approached as regards making it possible for the future.  Councillor M Wilkes also noted that when DCC provided money to help provide improvements to shop fronts, could this not be done in such a way that the money was via a loan, with the money returning to DCC such that the money could be recycled in the future.  The Head of Economic Development and Housing noted that the funding provided to shop owners as described were part of a package of measures and support, not just for improvements to shop fronts, including help with securing additional employment, helping them access the online market, developing customers service skills to improve the business and that the businesses themselves were also making significant investment themselves, however, noting the point made there was a shift from the provision of grants to the provision of loans.

Councillor B Graham noted that it was good to hear that the Masterplan for Spennymoor was being prepared and would forward to seeing it in due course and that the AAP had helped to provide improvements to shop fronts, however, the issue of the threat of “out of town” provision on the town centre high street was a pressure, as was the additional housing that would come through in the near future and this would necessitate a strong town centre to support this.  The Community Economic Development Manager explained that car parking was an important issue as regards supporting town centres and that DCC worked in partnership with private car park owners in addition.  

Councillor A Naylor noted that some towns have in place free parking for 1 or 2 hours, for example Thirsk and this could be an idea to help attract shoppers. 

Councillor M Wilkes noted that there was a large amount of money to be generated from car parking charges and added that Government were trialling schemes for Local Authorities to keep their business rates and therefore perhaps offer free parking schemes in some town centres as a pilot, in conjunction with reduced business rates by the Local Authority could help get some business units back into use.  Councillor J Cordon added that such a pilot scheme within County Durham offering reduced business rates would be an incentive for businesses to occupy vacant town centre units. 

Councillor P Jopling noted that some shops operate schemes where they offer money back for parking upon a sale, encouraging people to come and spend their money in the town.  Officers noted that there was a need to look at potential incentives and schemes in town centres in 2013.

Councillor M Wilkes commented that there was a need for Members to receive a Committee report in relation to Government policy on the retention of business rates.  The Finance Manager responded that Government policy in relation to the retention of business rates has not yet been clarified however latest information would suggest it is 50% of the total business rates collected by the Authority.

Resolved:

(i)         That the report and presentation be noted.

(ii)        That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee   receive a further update on the development of the Masterplans at a          future meeting.