Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor C Hodson.

Confirmation of the minutes held on the 12^th November 2024

It was proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor T Elliot and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 12^th November 2024 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: For - 6, Against - 0, Abstentions - 3)

The Committee discussed and updated the Action List.

A 15-minute period for public contributions. (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Friday 10^th January 2025. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

No urgent matters were brought forward.

There were no Part II items.

To receive a verbal update from the Estates Manager.

The Estates Manager provided an update, with a presentation highlighting four key focus areas: Commercial Portfolio Management, Climate Change Response, Car Park Management and Health and Safety.

Members questioned the figures outlined in the Commercial Portfolio Management section. The Estates Manager explained that TDC must consider the negatives of incurring voids; they create loss of rental income, TDC would have to pay business rates and may have to pay service charges. Therefore, it is beneficial for the Council to have some flexibility, but the void should not exceed 5%. The Estates Manager expressed that he will focus on service charges and lease terms in the new financial year. Briefly, rental income was discussed.

In response to a question regarding non-commercial income, the Estates Manager informed Members that TDC runs a Commercial Investment Portfolio which is primarily industrial, and also has operational assets that produce income, which the Council do not class as commercial due to differences in lease structure and other factors.

Members discussed if this information had been brought to the Committee before. The Estates Manager explained that the information should provide an overview of the Commercial Portfolio Management, and that an Estates Surveyor will be appointed to provide the Council with enhanced data and graphs.

Members asked if this data would return to the Committee in the future. The Head of Communities & Place explained that the Estates Manager’s approach is based on Full Council’s agreement for the Asset Management Plan. The Head of Communities & Place indicated that rental figures would not routinely be brought to the Committee unless there were exceptional circumstances. Nonetheless, it was explained that high level budget information would be present in the QBR.

The Committee commended the Estates Manager for the update, and noted the importance of revenue from car parks for the Council’s budget.

Briefly, the Estates Manager outlined the termination of the EV contract with Equans. This led Members to discuss the location of EV Charging Points. The Estates Manager reported that TDC are striving for Charging Point coverage across the district and are looking to work with a single supplier to ensure this.

In relation to the 2025 Decarbonisation Programme, Members questioned how the ten properties were selected. The Estates Manager stated that it was based on certain factors such as high energy use.

The Estates Manager left the meeting at 6.47pm.

To receive a verbal update from the Economic Development Manager.

The Economic Development Manager provided an update, outlining the progress that has been made to the Economic Strategy since it was approved by Members in July 2024.

The Committee were informed of a recent meeting as part of the Skills Action Group for Northern Devon Futures which brought together forty-five to fifty local businesses. This meeting helped to involve wider organisations in the development of the action plan.

Next, The Economic Development Manager referred to the progress made by Cluster Two, the Clean Maritime and Green Energy cluster. It was explained that the North Devon and Torridge Maritime network is thriving, and that there was a meeting in October which brought together a number of businesses.

In relation to progress made by Cluster Three, it was explained that the Council are continuing to work closely with the North Devon Biosphere.

Briefly, the Economic Development Manager outlined that North Devon Plus are delivering the Rural England Prosperity Fund to enable farm diversification and investment into decarbonisation.

Following this, progress from Cluster Four was detailed, involving the adoption of the Bideford Cultural Investment Plan. The Economic Development Manager reported that TDC have appointed a Cultural Development Officer. Here, Members commented on a Cultural Award to be received by a nominee from across North Devon/Torridge.

Members questioned how business startups are being supported in the Economic Strategy. The Economic Development Manager discussed the Shared Prosperity Fund and that gaps in developmental funding have been identified. The Economic Development Manager emphasised the importance of highlighting economic development opportunities, and encouraging wider organisations into Torridge. The Head of Communities & Place reported that North Devon Plus offer advice and support for business startups.

To receive a verbal update from the Economic Development Manager.

The Economic Development Manager provided an update, with a presentation detailing the background of the Estuary Strategy, progress made, additional requirements, next steps and concluded with a recommendation to extend the Estuary Strategy deadline to June 2025 to enable further consultation with the Taw and Torridge.

Councillor C Bright left the meeting at 7.02pm.

Members noted that the Estuary Strategy is complex and so commended Officers for the progress made.

A discussion occurred on the overarching vision of the strategy. The Economic Development Manager and the Head of Communities & Place outlined that the focus is on protecting the estuary and respecting local identity, while also harnessing economic opportunities. Briefly, Members considered that the vision may require clarification. The Committee acknowledged the value of the UNESCO Biosphere, and the Head of Communities & Place confirmed that they are a valuable partner for the Council.

Members discussed that economic activity from the estuary may be based outside of Torridge, in the Instow area. Here, Members discussed the usage of the harbour. The Head of Communities & Place confirmed that this has been widely discussed, and that the Estuary Strategy and Maritime Growth Vision will set out what the Council would like to see happen with the estuary in the future. To Clarify, the Head of Communities & Place stated that as of now, there is not a compelling need for regulatory requirements to change, but harbour limits could change.

In response to a question regarding new regulations surrounding the harbour, the Head of Communities & Place confirmed that TDC are fully compliant with these new rulings. 

The Economic Development Manager reiterated the recommendation to extend the Estuary Strategy deadline. The Head of Communities & Place explained that a proposal was not required; the Chair confirmed that the Committee would grant the extension.

Following this, the Economic Development Manager discussed the potential five year timeline for the Estuary Strategy, with a review after three years.

The Committee ended the discussion by noting that there will be limitations, but that the Estuary Strategy has progressed significantly.

The Economic Development Manager and the Head of Communities & Place left the meeting at 7.36pm.

To review the Forward Plan.

The Committee discussed the Forward Plan and noted that the next meeting will be the Budget special on the 4^th February 2025. The Chair explained that the Committee will review the QBR 3 and Social Value Policy in March. Following this, the Forward Plan will not be updated until after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May when a new Committee is agreed.