Agenda item

Report number PCC001 by the Head of HR and Customer Services.    (Enclosure)

The Committee welcomed the Performance, Consultations and Communications Service Manager and the Head of Development and Growth. They had before them the Quarter 3 Performance report, which concentrated on the Council’s priority theme: good for business. Members discussed each of the aims within the theme:

Sustainable growth through the promotion of key town centre sites for new retail facilities and high quality office accommodation in Grantham and Bourne, and new housing in Grantham

Members questioned why development had only been earmarked for Grantham and Bourne. The development in Bourne was ongoing work on the Bourne Core Area. Both the district and the county councils acknowledged the importance of Grantham as the second-largest town in the county but identified that it was not performing as it should. Both authorities committed through the Grantham Growth project to improve Grantham and get it to the standard of a sub-regional centre. A significant project to enhance Stamford town centre (the Gateway project) had already been completed.

Members recognised the importance of Grantham, but felt that no one place should be developed to the detriment of any of the others. The Economic Development Portfolio Holder told the Committee about the business innovation centre in the Deepings, which was proving popular. It was hoped a similar centre would open in Grantham, which would help meet demand for small units. The Portfolio Holder also advised that if the shop front scheme that was being piloted in Grantham was successful, it would be rolled out across the district.

Committee members suggested that the people of Grantham were cynical of developments due to take place, following plans drawn up and promises made in the past. A Grantham festival was the first step in engaging the public and making a difference to the town’s ambience. Members commended the event that took place in Grantham on Saturday 2 April 2011, which had successfully met its aims: increasing footfall in Grantham town centre and bringing a feel-good factor to the town. It was hoped this event would help gain the support of residents for the improvements due to take place in the town.  To further combat cynicism amongst residents, the Committee suggested that when a scheme was completed, it should receive a significant media push.

Members recalled the successful folk and food festival that used to take place annually in the grounds of Belton House. Following the success of the first Grantham Festival, a Gravity science and arts festival was planned for 2012. This would grow to incorporate fringe events in towns and villages throughout the district.

Create an up-to-date Core Strategy for future development

The growth ambitions across the district relied on clarity about where development should and should not occur. In 2010 the Core Strategy for development was adopted. It provides a very clear steer for developers and the public about what their expectations should be in terms of land use. Beneath the core strategy was the area action plan for Grantham and site specific documents, which were all on track to be inspected in 2012.

With any significant developments, the developers were required to ensure sufficient infrastructure. This was achieved through Section 106 Agreements which secured contributions towards infrastructure enhancement and/or creation. For major developments like the Southern Quadrant, a full masterplan was required, showing the infrastructure and the proposed shape of the development.

Members of the Committee who also sat on the Development Control Committee stressed the importance of the planning policy documents. They also stated that recently a number of developers had requested the Committee reconsider the terms of their Section 106 Agreements. Members commended the work that had been done by the S.106 officer and were pleased that the Council was giving the role the support it needed.

Promotion of South Kesteven as a key location for new business investment

This aim focused on encouraging businesses into the district. Any businesses that contacted the council were signposted to the people who could help them. The service received by businesses was being redesigned so they could speak directly to the economic development team rather than going through the planning team.

Support for existing business to maintain employment and a balanced local economy

There was a lot of work that was being undertaken with schools and colleges around young enterprise. The Portfolio Holder also highlighted that Grantham’s business awards had recently taken place. The council had also been involved in supporting the apprenticeship scheme through local colleges by helping apprentices get the tools for their trades.

The Chairman thanked Mrs Yates and Mr Willeats for attending the meeting and commended officers for preparing an excellent report.

15:10-15:15       The meeting was adjourned. Councillor Mrs                             Kaberry-Brown left the meeting and did not                                 return.