Agenda item

The Forum received an update on the following projects:

Seaton Jurassic

Negotiations continued but progress was being made

Public Toilets at Esplanade & Drill Hall, Sidmouth

Heads of terms were close to completion.  Once done, the next stage would be for Rockfish to submit their planning application for the site.

Debate on this issue included:

·         Welcomed development to improve that area of the town, which would provide excellent amenity value and help boost the economy of the town;

·         Seeking assurance that adequate toilet provision was in place, as the current provision of approximately ten facilities would reduce to two under the Rockfish development.  In response, the Forum were reminded of the changing places facility near the pool and advised that the terms for Rockfish included a financial incentive to ensure the toilet provision in that development was open for the summer season of 2024;

·         The Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment would go back to Sidmouth Town Council to clarify their stance on the toilet provision, as he had been informed that the town council was in full agreement with the plan for toilet provision in that area.

Axe Valley Levelling UP funding bid

Work undertaken for the bid, which was unsuccessful, was still useful to help identify the validity of smaller projects that could be delivered.  This included three employment sites for review of viability; as well as re-activating the decision to market the Seaton Moridunum site – now under active marketing.

Discussion took place on the likelihood of a third round of bidding, and how that impacted on a bid if some of the projects listed in the second round were no longer part of that process.  The concern was raised that it might be harder to demonstrate the economic benefits to the wider area on the basis of the remaining projects, such as Seaton seafront development, which may be too weak on its own merit to attract funding.

In response, the Forum discussed the balance between waiting for a third round, and being able to deliver some smaller projects through other means.  Other projects may also come forward that could form part of a third bid or an alternative bid.  To date, there was no clear confirmation of the submission date, or the criteria of a third round under the Levelling Up bid process, although a third round was expected at some point.

Seaton Moridunum

As stated earlier, the site was now under active marketing and some interest in the site had been received.

Devon Place Urban Renewal Project

Board meetings for Axminster and Seaton were scheduled for July.

Depots Review

The review was a collaborative effort with the Streetscene service, in light of the changing demand of the service and the service aspirations.  The Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment informed the Forum of some aspects of the review, including the need to have charging points for electric fleet vehicles.

Community Asset transfer

The expression of interest from Ottery St Mary Town Council was now before the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets for a decision.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.