Agenda item

 The Specialist Officer – Economic Development, introduced her report to Members.

A representative from Wincanton Town Council addressed the Committee. Her comments included;

·         The old health centre site and the White Horse were in need of refurbishment, adding that there were listed buildings that were at risk that should be included within the strategy.

·         Town Councillors supported a Speed Awareness Campaign for residents

·         The Town Council strongly suggest that a representative from the Town Council should be involved with the project going forward.

·         There was concern that there had a small response to the consultation.

·         All signage should be removed from pavements and external brackets on shops should be used instead.

·         The area behind the Green Dragon/Pines House need to be improved as this is an entrance to the town from the Memorial Hall car park.

A member of the public addressed the Committee. She explained that she supported the strategy, however had some observations. She explained that the strategy coincided with recent changes to membership of Wincanton Town Council. She felt that the new Chairman of Wincanton Town Council would be an asset to the strategy team and hoped that she could be involved with the project. She added that the aims of the strategy needed to be more visible and hope further initiatives could be developed to encourage better promotion and consultation within the community. 

The Chair of Wincanton Chamber of Commerce addressed the Committee in support of the strategy. He felt that Wincanton had to compete with towns such as Sherborne, Bruton and Castle Cary and more needed to be done to make Wincanton a destination. He added that places such as Stourhead Gardens and Haynes Motor Museum bring visitors to the area. He explained that parking was a concern and hoped that free car parking could continue. He also pointed out there were numerous vacant buildings and suggested that temporary events could be held in these buildings, such as markets and also suggested that a business hub could be developed. He explained that strict planning rules made developing and renovating deteriorating listed buildings hard.

The Specialist Officer – Economic Development advised that many of the issues raised were reflected within the strategy. However, she pointed out that there is flexibility within the strategy so that it can evolve and respond to opportunities over time.

In response to the comments relating to car parking, she explained that as part of the  car parking charge implementation planned for this Autumn, there will be a separate formal consultation.

She explained that the strategy had been produced with the help of consultants, who engaged with local stakeholders and local businesses.

She summarised the vision of the strategy, which underpinned many of the points which had been raised at during public consultation. She added that the aim was to increase footfall and vibrancy within the town and to improve the pedestrian environment.

She agreed that the formal response rate to the consultation was low, however the responses from the wider consultations were generally reflected in the suggested revisions to the strategy. Potential loss of car park areas and possible charges to car parking was a common theme within the comments received.

She advised members that some of the proposed areas for residential developments around the high street had been removed following the consultation and a review of deliverability, preserving flexibility for the future.

She added that the strategy suggested a more targeted approach to some buildings through grants, potential joint ventures and (as a last report) compulsory purchase.

She explained that the request for Town Council and Chamber of Commerce representation going forward would be considered and that a delivery plan would be submitted to Full Council.

Councillor Colin Winder, Ward Member, advised members that he was disappointed with the strategy and felt that the consultant’s report did not look at Wincanton as Wincanton should be looked at. He pointed out there are many listed buildings within the town that needed repair and that government funding could be applied for. He questioned when the report would be referred to Full Council as he was keen that progress should be made.  

In response to his question, the Specialist Officer – Economic Development advised that the report would be referred to Full Council for a decision in August or September.

The Lead Specialist – Economy, advised that the principle of the programme had already been established, so Full Council will only need to consider funds and grants for the project and hoped that it would be considered by Full Council at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Colin Winder added that some of the listed buildings within Wincanton were becoming dangerous.

Councillor Nick Colbert, also Ward Member, agreed with the comments made by Councillor Colin Winder and expressed his disappointment with the report. He felt that additional work was still needed. He added that the strategy was being used to introduce further residential development into the Town Centre, rather than to increase footfall. He supported the request to have two members of the Wincanton Town Council and a representative from the Wincanton Chamber of Commerce on the board, as their input would be vital.

During the discussion, one member questioned the difference between the board and the stakeholder group.

In response to this question from a member, the Lead Specialist – Economy advised that the board was the group steering the project and had delegated decision-making powers. The stakeholder group were providing important advice to the board.

Members unanimously agreed to support the report.