Agenda item
Chairman's announcements
Minutes:
The Chairman provided the following update to members:
Proposal to change the timing of the Area South Committee
I instruct the Area Development Manager to prepare a report for the September Area South Committee meeting to clarify members preferences, to compare potential timing options and to identify any cost or limitations associated with each so that the most appropriate timing can be recommended.
Yeovil Vision
The next Yeovil Vision meeting will be held on the 11th June when the board will discuss a number of issues. We will be seeking feedback from SCC on a number of issues affecting the town including:
· Progress on the Eastern and Western Corridor
· Update on the progress of the installation of CCTV cameras
· A progress report on the Lufton and Wyndham Park
Babylon Hill Planning Application
A robust response has been sent to West Dorset District Council regarding a planning application for a development at the Peel Centre Babylon Hill. The proposal is for a single new retail unit within the confines of the existing retail park and comprises a 24,777 sq. f) gross external floor space. For context, the proposed unit is almost the same size as B&M Bargains which trades at Lysander Road and would effectively increase the retail park by a fifth.
The key points raised were the impact on the town centre, the existing traffic congestion in that area. The application is pending and we await the outcome.
Support for Retailer in Yeovil
A priority for this year will be to introduce a package of support for new and existing retailers within the town centre.
The Quedam
We continue to work with representatives of Benson Elliott the new owners of the Quedam to discuss ways in which SSDC could support them in the development of the Yeovil Town Centre. I am hopeful it will lead to significant developments in the future.
Yeovil Markets
The Area South Development Team are working in partnership with Yeovil Town Council, the Yeovil Town Team and SSDC’s Horticultural Services on this years ‘Super Saturday’ event on Sat September 26th.
Building on last year’s success we are hoping that this year will be even better, we will be having a Flower and Gardeners Market and associated prize giving for Yeovil in Bloom, a Vintage Market, food stalls, busk fest (lots of local musicians playing throughout the day) as well as lots of family friendly entertainment and activities.
The popular Yeovil Vintage market will be running this Saturday please try to come along if you can. It runs monthly on the first Saturday of each month until September.
Yeovil One Team
We are pleased to announce that subject to final approval the Yeovil One Team has received a grant of £50k from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
CCTV for subway
A site meeting is currently being arranged for representatives of SSDC and SCC to finalise the plans for the installation of these cameras.
Westland’s Sports and Leisure complex
We appreciate that this is a difficult and uncertain time following the announcement made by AW.
The Council is very aware of the importance and value of the facilities at WLC, and the challenge both the decision and timeframe outlined for closure presents to user groups.
Given this we are meeting with representatives from AW this Friday (in conjunction with Yeovil Town Council) in order to determine if AW is prepared to consider the facility being operated in different way.
I would therefore ask you to bear with us until we understand the position of AW and range of possibilities that may be available. Once the possibilities are understood the Council will assess the options and assist and advise facility users accordingly.”
Heart of Wessex - Local Action Group
Members will remember that this group is funded via the Common Agricultural policy and has 1.7 million pounds to provide grants for rural diversification enterprises and community initiatives. The funding package has now been announced and they are holding an event to launch the program at Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome on Wednesday 17th June 6 pm to 8- pm. This event will be of particular interest to members representing rural wards.
