PAPER D

 

Committee :    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE

 

Date :              25 NOVEMBER 2002

 

Title :              UPDATE ON THE REGENERATION OF COWES

 

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES




SUMMARY/PURPOSE


To update members on the progress of Project Cowes.


BACKGROUND


The Isle of Wight Council in partnership with the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) have appointed consultants to produce a development framework for Cowes, East Cowes and the Medina Valley.


OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS


The appointed consultants have undertaken the initial appraisal of the issues with consultation with the main landowners and statutory bodies. They are in the process of undertaking further analysis of employment needs and opportunities to enable strategic options to be examined in the formulation of the development framework.


Members should already be aware that the first round of public consultation was launched on 20th November is currently underway with an exhibition in East Cowes Town Hall between 21st and 27th November when it moves to Cowes Library until 2nd December.


A questionnaire to seek the views of organisations and the public has also been produced and will be analysed to ensure that aspirations for Cowes, East Cowes and the Medina Valley are considered by the consultants as a preferred development strategy emerges.


The Consultants will be producing their recommendations for a development framework by Christmas for further consultation in the new year.


FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS


Project Cowes is being funded by SEEDA and third party contributions and by staff time from the Council and IW Economic Partnership.


LEGAL IMPLICATIONS


The development framework is intended to progress to become supplementary planning guidance following further public consultation.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

That current progress be noted



BACKGROUND PAPERS

Cowes Development Framework brief.

Project Cowes Information Leaflet

Project Cowes Questionnaire




Contact Point : Dave Moore, ☎ 4558




M FISHER

Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services