Agenda item

DECISION:     It was agreed that:

·                         The draft strategy for Wincanton Town Centre be approved for consultation’.

·                         The report be noted.

Reason:          To consider agreeing publication of the Wincanton draft strategy for consultation in January 2019 and to provide an update on progress to date.

(voting: unanimous)

The Neighbourhood Development Officer presented her report to members. She explained that a draft strategy had been prepared and should members agree, consultation on this strategy would take place in January. She also explained that the following the consultation, an update report could be considered by Area East Committee in March.

She introduced two representatives from Chilmark Consulting, who provided a PowerPoint presentation to describe the draft strategy in further detail. 

During the presentation, the Chairman requested that the press officer refrain from taking photoraphs of the presentation slides and reminded him that he should have advised the Chairman that he was intending to take photographs.

They explained to the Committee that a draft Strategy and Action Plan had been developed which aimed to boost footfall and vibrancy within the town. The consultants explained that they had discussed the strategy with stakeholders and business owners within the town.

They summarised some of the issues, which had faced Wincanton, some of which were national problems, such as online shopping and closures of many banks.

The consultants summarised a vision for Wincanton; that the town could become a thriving place to live, work and visit. They hoped that retail land social functions of the town could be enhanced and suggested that the close proximity of the town to the A303 and the Racecourse were valuable opportunities to attract visitors. They advised members that a large part of Wincanton High Street was within a Conservation Area and contained many Listed Buildings. He was suggested that the High Street frontages would largely remain the same, however there may be development opportunities behind the High Street.

They explained that opportunities within the town had been identified and provided a map to point out key areas of the town mainly to the north  of the High Street. Schemes which had already been granted planning permission were also highlighted on the map. It was also commented that there was a good provision of parking areas within the town.

A local business owner addressed the Committee. He questioned what evidence was being used and suggested that case studies from other towns should be used. He also highlighted the importance for free car-parking in Wincanton and felt that the removal of free car-parking could be devastating for the town.

Councillor Nick Colbert, the Ward Member, explained that he had felt that an anchor business in the town centre could solve some of the problems in Wincanton however felt that the strategy was good.

Councillor Colin Winder, also Ward Member, agreed that car parking needed to be free in order for the town to survive and hoped that the project could progress. He stated that there are a lot of Listed Buildings within the Town Centre which are a problem for owners in terms of letting

During the discussion, members were pleased with the strategy and there was support for free parking should remain in the town centre.

The Neighbourhood Development Officer advised that a distict-wide review of car-parks would be taking place next year.

Following the discussion, members agreed that they were happy to approve the consultation draft strategy for Wincanton Town Centre and to note the report.

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:  that members agreed that they were happy to approve the consultation draft strategy for Wincanton Town Centre and to note the report.

(voting: unanimous)