Shrewsbury & Atcham
Borough Council

Agenda Item

Minute/Action

Action to be taken by:

33/08

SUSTAINABLE TOWN CENTRE ECONOMY

The Portfolio Holder for Destination Shrewsbury and the Destination Shrewsbury Manager were welcomed to the meeting and invited to address the Committee in respect of the future promotion and maintenance of a sustainable town centre economy following the implementation of Shropshire Council.

Mr Griffiths summarised the activities undertaken by Destination Shrewsbury and highlighted the strong focus on the creation and continuation of a sustainable town centre economy. He outlined the joint working projects with external partners to promote the town’s economy of which included the Christmas lights, promotional work and the Shop in the Loop initiative. He stated that a great deal of work had been undertaken in connection with the West End Regeneration Group and reported on the negotiations with developers to attract new hotel to the town. Mr Griffiths indicated that a continued level of promotion was desirable to attract further events and festivals to the town. He reported on the success of the Summer Season, Folk Festival, Cartoon Festival and the International Street Festival and referred to the income generated by visitors assisting in the creation of a sustainable town centre economy.

Mr Griffiths indicated that future promotions were likely to be adopted by the Shropshire Council Cultural and Leisure Services but added that the likely budget provision had not yet been determined. He envisaged a more strategic role within the Shropshire Council rather than the current hands on approach to marketing initiatives.

In response to a question regarding the failed Business Improvement District ballot, the Destination Shrewsbury Manager indicated that the requisite level of support had not been forthcoming and that alternative funding arrangements would need to be considered to maintain the future funding level for the town’s economy.

A member asked for information in respect of the projected benefits for the town centre as a consequence of the Darwin Festival and asked what affect this would have on the anticipated level of footfall in the town. The Destination Shrewsbury Manager indicated that the Darwin Festival would raise the profile of the town and attract additional visitors which, in turn, would boost the economic stability of the town. He anticipated that the Darwin Festival would lead to repeat visits to the town and continue to promote Shrewsbury as an important cultural and heritage destination. He reported that surveys had previously been undertaken to establish how the town centre economy was boosted by specific events such as the Summer Season, but indicated that no projections had been undertaken in respect of the Darwin Festival and explained that the team were focussing on successful delivery of the project.

A member referred to the town as a key heritage destination and questioned how much investment had been set aside for heritage promotion as opposed to funding for cultural events. Councillor Roberts indicated that Destination Shrewsbury had successfully developed an overall package promoting the town’s medieval heritage and cultural attractions and stated that the past Summer Season events were a firm foundation on which to build the success of the Darwin Festival.

Some concern was expressed in respect of the funding contribution for the Darwin Festival and requested further detailed breakdown on level of anticipated return in terms of visitor numbers and economic expenditure. The Destination Shrewsbury Manager acknowledged this request.

A member applauded the success of the Summer Season and related cultural events; but expressed concern over the lack of retail investment into the town centre by major department stores. The Destination Shrewsbury Manager reported on previous detailed discussions to develop a new retail development which had since fallen through. He indicated that the current vacant retail space was relatively small which was not suitable to accommodate larger retailers and hoped that the present situation could be resolved in the future.

The Chairman thanked the Destination Shrewsbury Manager and Councillor D Roberts for the comprehensive update.

1. That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Overview Committee in respect of the Darwin Festival and its likely contribution to the town economy.
2. That further consideration be given to the implications on the sustainability of the town centre economy and to identify any potential remedial measures to minimise any further economic decline.

Destination Shrewsbury Manager / Committee Services Officer

34/08

CONSULTATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICY / SCHEME

Consideration was given to the consultation draft of the Shropshire Affordable Housing Allocation Policy and Scheme for the new Shropshire Council together with a report of the Housing Options Manager thereon.

The Housing Options Manager presented the consultation paper and highlighted the key issues. She explained that the proposed single Affordable Housing Allocation Policy and Scheme was a new policy which sought to replace those policies currently in operation within individual districts. Mrs Harper stated that the draft policy had been reviewed by the Government Office West Midlands who, subject to few amendments, supported the policy and scheme.

A member queried the apparent lack of timescales within the policy. Mrs Harper outlined the new Banding system to reflect housing need - Priority Band, Gold Band, Silver Band and Bronze Band and stated that the prioritisation of timescales was included within the report and further stated that the priority band was regularly monitored.

In response to a question, Mrs Harper confirmed that additional work was required to educate partners such as the Primary Care Trust and Social Services on the new Allocation Policy to ensure the appropriate advice was given in accordance with the new policy.

A member queried what would happen should the policy not be supported by Cabinet or the Implementation Executive. The Portfolio Holder stated that the revised document was by its nature a fluid document open to ongoing amendments to highlight the initiatives to provide greater assistance to people finding themselves with housing difficulties. The Assistant Council Manager (Town Clerk) confirmed that the draft Shropshire Housing Allocation Policy and Scheme had been endorsed by Cabinet, subject to the key adjustments set out in Appendix 2 of the report.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Price (Portfolio Holder for Housing) and the Housing Options Manager for their assistance during the consideration of the matter.

1. That the report of the Housing Options Manager be noted.
2. That the Overview Committee support the progress towards the Shropshire Affordable Housing Allocation Policy and Scheme.
3. That the following be recommended to the Implementation Executive:

That, subject to the proposed amendments set out in Appendix 2 being adopted, the draft Shropshire Affordable Housing Allocation Policy and Scheme be supported.

35/08

Consideration was given to the consultation draft of the Shropshire Housing Strategy 2009 - 2011 for the new Shropshire Council. The Housing Manager addressed the Committee and presented the draft strategy. Mr Wood explained that the key purpose of the strategy was to fundamentally address the housing imbalances within Shropshire.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Price (Portfolio Holder for Housing) and the Housing Manager for their assistance during the consideration of the matter.

1. That the Overview Committee endorse the consultation draft of the Housing Strategy 2009 - 2011.
2. That the Consultation Draft of the Housing Strategy 2009 - 2011 be referred to Cabinet for information and comment.

Committee Services Officer

36/08

(The Chairman indicated that this matter should be considered as a matter of urgency to ensure local authority input into the development of the AONB Management Plan).

That Councillors Barker, Durnell, K Roberts and a member of the Labour Group (to be confirmed) be appointed to a working group to consider the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan and that a report be presented to the Committee in November 2008.

Committee Services Officer

37/08

WORK PROGRAMME

The Annual Work Programme 2008/2009 was submitted for consideration.

That subject to the following adjustments, Minutes 33/08 and 36/08 refer, the updated Work Programme be approved:

• Darwin Festival and the impact on the Town Centre Economy
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan

Committee Services Officer

38/08

FORWARD PLAN

Consideration was given to the Forward Plan for the period 1^st September 2008 to 31^st January 2009 outlining proposed future developments was received.

That the Forward Plan be noted.