Verbal update.
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made around the table.
The following items were addressed.
Land transfers and existing s106 obligations related to the town centre MOU and draft deed of variation
The New Community Manager sought clarification from the New Community partners (the consortium) as to why there had been some fundamental changes to the town centre deed of variation without any prior discussion with EDDC and DCC. The most significant change related to inclusion of parcel TC1 (extra care land) when the signed MOU had made no reference to this. In response Richard Harrison from Taylor Wimpey, Exeter referred to a January 2021 Cabinet report that stated parcels TC1, TC2 and TC4 would be transferred. Discussions followed about whether this was correct.
The New Community Manager strongly advised that TC1 would not be agreed to be included in the deed of variation and again sought clarification why it this had been included. Although Mr Harrison could not explain why, he gave reassurance that the consortium was very keen to see the delivery of the extra care facility, but it was also important to secure the s106 deed of variation to control the transfers for TC1 and TC2.
Other changes related to:
Ø The MOU states that TC2 would be offered for transfer 7 days after completion of the MOU and such an offer was made with work currently being progressed on this transfer. New clause states that this land would only be offered for transfer after all three planning applications have been granted, delaying the completion of the transfer.
Ø TC4C is stated as being offered for transfer to DCC but should be amended to read ‘transfer to EDDC’ in line with the MOU)
Ø The financial contributions to Cranbrook Town Council are not acceptable to them as the MOU is silent on indexation.
Ø The deed of variation would result in the omission of the requirement to offer to transfer TC4B. This is not acceptable.
In response to the other changes Mr Harrison from Taylor Wimpey advised that there was a make sure the provisions in the MOU were in the s106 deed of variation to give all parties clarity but said in the meantime he would welcome receipt of EDDC’s workstream priorities. The New Community Manager advised she would set up a meeting.
Delays e.g. with retrofitting play areas with electricity and water
Fran Walker, Associate Director of Brookbanks advised that the electricity service connections had been put out to tender and they were currently waiting for a work programme and costings and that a meeting had been arranged with South West Water on 26 June 2025 to discuss the water connection.
Delays with the delivery of play areas as a result of consortium delays to the delivery of infrastructure
The Associate Director of Brookbanks advised the works to the play area in Basin 2C works were due to start in the next two weeks.
Councillor Bloxham made the consortium aware about the lack of communication about the delayed start date. The Associate Director of Brookbanks apologised for this and would instruct their Communications Manager to get something out to advise the Cranbrook residents that it had been delayed until 21 June.
Councillor Bloxham made the consortium aware that the town council had not received a licence for the proposed works. The Associate Director of Brookbanks confirmed this would be sent to the Town Council.
Update on town centre MLR uplift
Quotes are still outstanding with regard to the moving of the bellmouth between parcels TC1 and TC2.
The New Community Manager sought an update on the wider uplift. The Associate Director of Brookbanks advised that they still had not had an update from Eon about their proposed upgrade works to the network. Discussions took place regarding the potential for works to stop vehicles driving into the town square on Tillhouse Road and suggested that temporary planters, a bench or bollards could be put in place as an alternative solution. The consortium undertook to explore the potential for works to manage this situation.
Phase 2 high street shops land
Mr Harrison advised that they had not received any interest or offers for the site apart from an offer from EDDC which was for half of the site’s evaluation. Mr Harrison advised they would continue to test the market.
The Chair invited the Group to raise any other issues with the consortium.
Councillor Kim Bloxham addressed the outstanding ‘to do list’ from the monthly partners meetings which included the bunding around the parcel of land in Badger Way, sorting out the utilities cabinet and installing the path. It was advised that a timeline and dates would be provided.
The Cranbrook Town Clerk advised that the damage caused by the Persimmon Sales Office to the car parking surfacing at the Ingram Sports Pitches had still not been rectified and that the town council would be instructing remediation.
The Director of Place emphasised the need to continue to have good working relationships with the consortium and raised concerns that whenever the council had tried to make progress with the town centre it is used as leverage and is unnecessary, frustrating and detrimental to everyone involved. The consortium acknowledged the fragile partnership and was disappointed that it had reached this point but gave reassurance they were keen to see Cranbrook delivered.
The New Community Manager suggested that to help rebuild relationships it would be good to reinstate the catch-up meetings with the consortium. All parties agreed.
RESOLVED:
The New Community Manager to reinstate the catch-up meetings with the consortium.