MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mr J H Fleming (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr M J Cunningham (deputising for Mr A J Mundy), Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr C Lillywhite, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards, Mr D G Williams

Apologies :

Mr A J Mundy

Portfolio Holders :

Mr M A Jarman, Mr H Rees

Also Present (Non Voting) :

Mrs S A Smart

 31.      MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 August 2002 be confirmed.

32.      EXTERNALISATION OF ISLE OF WIGHT TOURISM

The Select Committee considered the report of the Strategic Director of Education and Community Development which outlined matters arising from initial work in respect of the externalisation of IW Tourism.

Members were advised that there were various factors to consider. The Island Tourist Industry Association (ITIA) was in the process of determining a service delivery model for externalising IWT. The Council had not reached this stage partly due to the loss of the Head of Tourism Services and the need to secure alternative management arrangements. The amalgamation of the Southern and South Eastern Tourist Boards and the pursuit for the Island to become one of the new boards five sub regions was yet to be clarified. It was also indicated that a large part of the externalisation process would be to address the future role of the Tourism Partnership.

In considering the various roles of the Council, ITIA and the Tourism Partnership, four draft options were received. Members discussed the need to simplify the arrangements for tourism and define each partners role.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE :

           (a)       THAT a new company be formed comprising of the Isle of Wight Council, Island Tourist Industry Association and Regional Tourist Board, including SEEDA and SERA, the company would be called Isle of Wight Tourism Ltd, Board Members would include representatives form the following organisations :

IWC

ITIA

Other tourist businesses

IW Economic Partnership

Education and Learning

           (b)       THAT a report be brought to the Select Committee’s November meeting to update Members on the latest tourism developments

33.      PLANNING POLICY ISSUES

Consideration was given to the report of the Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services which provided feedback from the Planning Policy Task Group and suggested priorities for future planning policy work, particular reference was made to supplementary planning guidance (SPG) to clarify policies. Members were advised that any review of policy needed to be considered in terms of developing Local Development Frameworks (LDF)

In discussions the Select Committee discussed the use of open and spaces and the need to define the use of such land at the planning application stage. It was indicated that this would be achieved as part of a wider Open Space Strategy to set out corporate commitment.

RESOLVED :

           (a)       THAT the SPG notes are developed, as set out in the report

           (b)       THAT the initial priorities be affordable housing, design, open space, renewable energy and replacement dwellings in the Countryside.

34.      BUDGET MONITORING REPORT AS AT END OF AUGUST 2002

The Select Committee received the budget update for services within the remit of the Committee as at the end of August 2002. There were no significant variances to report. A request was made for greater financial detail regarding the spend on shelters.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted.

35.      FORWARD PLAN

RESOLVED :

THAT the Forward Plan be noted.

CHAIRMAN