Agenda and draft minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 7 November 2023 were noted as a true and accurate record.

Guidance is available online to Councillors and co-opted members on making declarations of interest

Cllr M Hall - Minutes 21 – 23; Affects Non-Registerable Interest: Member of Exmouth Town Council.

Cllr N Hookway – Minutes 21 – 23; Affects Non-Registerable Interest: Member of Exmouth Town Council.

Cllr D Wilson - Minutes 21 – 23; Affects Non-Registerable Interest: Member of Exmouth Town Council.

Cllr Davey wished it to be recorded that he is on the membership of the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group in his capacity as Portfolio Holder Strategic Planning, Exmouth Ward Member and as Chair of Exmouth Town Council.

Information on public speaking is available online

One member of the public had registered to speak at the meeting.

Mrs Ann Membery commented on the contents of the draft Placemaking strategy and outlined her views concerning the plans for Exmouth town and seafront.  Mrs Membery also asked direct questions concerning the Placemaking consultants’ report and the Queen’s Drive Space.

The Project Manager Place and Prosperity (Exmouth) responded to each of the points raised, and the Chair thanked Mrs Membery for her contribution.

The Project Manager Place and Prosperity (Exmouth) introduced this report which summarised the progress with Placemaking in Exmouth since the last update on 7 November 2023.  This included an update on the Exmouth Active Travel Improvements / Levelling Up project which is led by Devon County Council (DCC).

In discussion, it was noted that informal conversations have taken place between EDDC and DCC regarding the use of EDDC land to facilitate the widening of the shared path that runs near the Leisure Centre, as part of the Exmouth Active Travel Improvements project. 

The Project Manager Place and Prosperity (Exmouth) presented this report which set out draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the formation of a Placemaking Subgroup and also set out some recommendations for the review of the ToR for the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront (PETS) Group.

It was intended that the recommended ToR would enable better communication between the three stakeholder councils in the delivery of Placemaking in Exmouth, and broaden the remit of the PETS Group to include stakeholder input through the delivery phase of the Placemaking Plan.

Questions, responses and clarification included the following points:

·        It was proposed to include the Exmouth Town Clerk on the Placemaking Subgroup as a non-voting member, since she is a useful conduit of information for Exmouth Town Council.

·        The Subgroup has a non-executive advisory function and is not a decision-making body.

·        The Subgroup shall elect its own Chair.  One member commented that in the interests of continuity, it may be appropriate for the Chair to be from EDDC.  

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet:

1.     To adopt the draft Terms of Reference for the formation of the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Subgroup with the addition of the Exmouth Town Clerk on the membership as a non-voting member.

2.     That the Council write on behalf of the Leader to invite nominees from both Devon County Council and Exmouth Town Council to sit on the subgroup.

3.     To adopt the revised Terms of Reference for the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group under the review clause set out in the paper of the 3^rd of May 2022.

       i.          The previous presentation (7 November 2023)

      ii.          The Placemaking Plan framework

     iii.          Approach to Delivery

    iv.          Business Case

      v.          Next Steps

Ms Gayatri Suryawanshi and Ms Ashira Perera, WSP’s Placemaking Consultants, delivered a presentation which outlined at length the Exmouth Placemaking Plan (EPP) framework, the approach to delivery, the business case and investment strategy, and next steps.

Questions, responses and clarification included the following points:

·        The funds that have been identified for delivery of the EPP are not confirmed but are aspirational at this point in time, and any grants that are secured going forward will be subject to terms and conditions set out in a letter of offer.  Analysis of various other strategies produced within the Council is taking place with a view to accessing internal funds to facilitate delivery of the EPP.

·        There is a need to work closely with DCC Highways, the Environment Agency and South West Water to ensure that they are able to deliver their projects and improvements to infrastructure, whilst communicating to them want this Council wants to achieve.

·        Members were keen that information boards in the town should acknowledge Exmouth’s historical and cultural heritage.

·        It is important to listen to local people and to clearly explain the EPP, ensuring residents understand the significant economic benefits for the town, what the Plan includes and does not include, and are on board with what is being delivered. 

·        The EPP is a ten-year strategic plan which fits with the Council’s Local Plan and which emphasises the importance of the environment, aims to strengthen the economy and will give confidence to business and investors. 

The Chair thanked the Placemaking Consultants for their comprehensive presentation.