Agenda and draft minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 March 2026 were approved as a true and accurate record.

Minute 6. Review of the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group Terms of Reference.

Councillor Aurora Bailey, Affects Non-registerable Interest, Member of Exmouth Town Council.

Minute 6. Review of the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group Terms of Reference.

Councillor Nick Hookway, Affects Non-registerable Interest, Member of Devon County Council for Exmouth and Budleigh Coastal, and also a member of Exmouth Town Council.

Minute 6. Review of the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group Terms of Reference.

Councillor Olly Davey, Affects Non-registerable Interest, Member of Exmouth Town Council.

Minute 6. Review of the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group Terms of Reference.

Councillor Tim Dumper, Affects Non-registerable Interest, Member of Exmouth Town Council.

Information on public speaking is available online.

The Democratic Services Officer read out a statement from Mrs Ann Membery.  Mrs Membery raised concerns about inconsiderate and illegal parking on the seafront, inadequate signage, insufficient public transport, and the need for affordable all-weather attractions on the seafront for all generations to enjoy.  Mrs Membery also asked for information on the future of Harbour View Café.

The Chair recognised there were serious issues with illegal parking on the seafront, and he had raised the matter with Devon County Council (DCC) enforcement officers.  He stated that the Exmouth Placemaking Plan included exploring a park and ride scheme from Digby & Sowton, in partnership with DCC.  The Chair added that efforts were ongoing to attract further investment to the seafront and the fun park site, but details remained commercially sensitive, and there were no current plans for development at Harbour View Café.

Members shared Mrs Membery’s frustration at the delays in delivering new signage, and the Chair stated that he would raise the issue again with DCC Highways officers and explore funding options.

There were no matters of urgency.

To agree any items to be dealt with after the public (including the press) have been excluded.  There are no items which officers recommend should be dealt with in this way.

There were no confidential or exempt items.

The Place and Prosperity Officer presented this report which set out the reviewed Terms of Reference for the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront (PETS) Group, for consideration..  The key change involved adding Devon County Council (DCC) representatives to the membership.

In discussion, members considered the rationale for bringing representatives of DCC onto the membership of the PETS Group.  It was noted that all decisions regarding signage on highways must be considered by the Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) and having a DCC representative to advocate on behalf of the PETS Group at HATOC would be highly beneficial in improving the prospects of proposals being approved. 

Members were supportive of the changes to the terms of reference including the addition of Devon County Council representatives as members.

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet:

·         The new Terms of Reference for the Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group under the review clause set out in the paper of the 23^rd January 2024.

·         That the Council write on behalf of the Leader to invite nominees from Devon County Council to sit on the group.