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, 28 OCTOBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr J Fleming, Mr J H Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr C Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr C Lillywhite, Mr M J Lloyd, Mr A J Mundy, Mr K Pearson, Mr C Richards Mr D G Williams
Portfolio Holders :
Mrs M A Jarman, Mrs B Lawson, Mr H Rees
Also Present (Non Voting) :
Mr M J Cunningham, Mrs H L Humby, Mrs S A Smart,
36. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 September be confirmed.
37. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
The Select Committee received an update on current economic development activities. Firstly the draft Contract between the Council and the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (IWEP) had been prepared and would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee prior to the Executive. Joint working between IWEP, the Isle of Wight Council and SEEDA was taking place to proceed with “Project Cowes” for the regeneration of Cowes. Consultants CB Hillier Parker had been appointed on 30 August to undertake a wide ranging study to establish a development framework for the whole of Medina Valley. It was indicated that the development framework for the scheme would be in place by December 2002.
The IWEP had launched the Healthy Living Programme on 25 September 2002 its objective was to provide activities with the potential to improve health and well being.
Together with IWEP the Councils economic development team had successfully submitted a bid for European Leader+ money for rural regeneration. The programme was currently being delivered by IWEP.
In order to promote successes of grant funding it had been agreed that four out of the six annual editions of Wight Insight would feature success stories of economic development activities. In discussion the Select Committee indicated its support for promoting the Economic Development achievements regarding grant funding including how the grants were spent.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
38. NEWPORT HARBOUR PLANNING BRIEF CONSULTATION
The Select Committee received a presentation from the Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services which informed Members of the results of public consultation carried out on Newport Harbour. As part of the consultation a pamphlet about the brief was distributed to all addresses within the area, a three day exhibition was held at which a questionnaire was issued and this was followed by a public meeting on 3 July 2002.
Consideration was given to the proposed developments and it was noted that the proposed land uses for the sites identified were supported in every case by a majority of between 51% - 80 %. The Select Committee questioned whether the 90 questionnaires returned were a true reflection of public opinion. It was explained that although the number of responses was relatively low the quality of comments had been of a high standard and a majority had supported the planning brief.
It was noted that main area of concern and debate raised by the consultation included the lifting Cill, type of housing developed, provision of leisure facilities, accessible public slipways, cycle paths and winter storage for boat owners.
In discussion the Select Committee considered the various issues raised and considered that in principal the proposals in the development brief would allow the harbour to be developed sympathetically.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE :
THAT the Newport Harbour Regeneration Brief be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance subject to it not being in conflict with the regeneration strategy from “Project Cowes”
39. ATTENDANCE AT THE XXX GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CONFERENCE OF PERIPHERAL AND MARITIME REGIONS
Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Paid Service outlining the content and context of the assembly held on 18 - 20 September 2002.
It was explained that the CPMR was a umbrella organisation representing the peripheral and maritime regions of Europe. The CPMR was made up of seven geographic commissions the Isle of Wight belonged to the Islands Commission.
The Select Committee was advised that the most relevant topics discussed at the conference included the future of the transport policy and environment policy. With regard to transport the CPMR considered there was need to place greater emphasis on maritime transport for both passengers and goods. Regarding the environment coastal management and climate change were high on the agenda, the Council’s Coastal Management team were considered to be leaders in the field.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Select Committee continue to support the Council’s active participation in the Islands Commission and the CPMR
40. EXTERNALISATION OF WIGHT LEISURE
The Head of Community Development and Tourism updated the Select Committee on the latest progress in respect of the externalisation of Wight Leisure to a Not for Profit Distributing Organisation (NPDO). As Members were aware the Select Committee at a previous meeting had agreed to meet informally to oversee the negotiations between the Council and NPDO. A number of informal meetings had been held and Members in attendance had also received a presentation from Wight Leisure.
It was noted that there were some outstanding matters to be resolved before the process could be finalised. In particular clarification on the viability of Wight Leisure receiving National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) relief needed to be sought. The Select Committee agreed that Consultants and Officers from both the Council and Wight Leisure needed to meet to discuss the various outstanding issues.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Consultants and Officers of both the Council and Wight Leisure hold a meeting by 11 November 2002 to consider outstanding issues regarding the externalisation of Wight Leisure to a NPDO.
41. BEST VALUE REVIEW OF PLANNING SERVICES
Members were advised that on the 8 October 2002 the Executive had approved the Best Value Review future programme which had included a review of planning services. It was considered that the review would be broad ranging covering both wider implications of planning policy as well as service performance issues.
The review would be started as soon as possible and comprise a range of members including the Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Chairman of the Development Control Committee.
RESOLVED :
THAT a Appraisal Group be established to undertake a Best Value Review of Planning Services
Members of the Appraisal Group would include :
Cllr Mrs Butchers
Cllr Mr Howe
Cllr Mrs Lawson
Cllr Mrs Miller
Cllr Mr Pearson
Cllr Mr Williams
CHAIRMAN