Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the development of a new Place Strategy for Huntingdonshire.

Executive Councillor: S Conboy.

The Cabinet has:

a)  noted the extensive engagement and work with partners and stakeholders to date;

b)  provided comment on the emerging Place Strategy structure and areas of focus; and

c)  noted that the draft Place Strategy will be presented to Cabinet in March 2023.

A report by the Corporate Director (Place) was submitted (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) providing an update on the development of a new Place Strategy for Huntingdonshire.

The Chair and Executive Councillor for Place reported that the Strategy sought to set the agenda and vision for Huntingdonshire over the next 20-30 year period, with the District Council acting as the enabler and facilitator for the Strategy. Extensive engagement with residents, businesses, communities and stakeholders had been undertaken to date which included 70 organisations, numerous workshops, the use of social media, direct contact with 489 residents and 147 children and young people and engagement with Town and Parish Councils, the voluntary and third sector and a number of businesses and community groups. Engagement would continue on an ongoing basis in the future.

The Cabinet’s attention was drawn to the key messages which had been identified to date and the Five Journeys which had emerged as a result of this work, namely:

§  Pride in Place

§  Environment Innovation

§  Equitable Economy

§  Health Embedded

§  Travel Transformed.

Next steps would be to identify what projects/actions the Joint Administration could influence and shape, working with partners and businesses as necessary to create a jointly owned piece of work.

The views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) were welcomed by the Cabinet. Assurances had been delivered to the Panel that some of Huntingdonshire’s communities would not be able to cope without a private motor vehicle but that the challenge remained on how to make travel more active and available across all of Huntingdonshire’s communities whilst offering choice and flexibility. One challenge which remained was the loss of the Corporate Director (Place), however it was reported that a recruitment campaign was underway and Members were hopeful that a suitable replacement would be appointed.

Matters that were discussed included the fact that there were limits to what the Council could directly control in Huntingdonshire, the need to address the more  challenging aspects which had also emerged through this work to date (the example referred to at the meeting was the commentary provided by children and young people) and the exciting and opportunistic times which lay ahead for Huntingdonshire. The assets held by the Council to encourage healthier and happier living, namely parks and open spaces, was acknowledged by the Cabinet, together with an awareness that the meaning of the term sustainability was perceived differently by individuals across the District.

In her concluding remarks, the Chair and Executive Councillor for Place highlighted the importance of the Place Strategy working alongside the Corporate Plan, Climate Strategy and the Council’s budget setting process for the benefit of Huntingdonshire’s residents. Having placed on record her invaluable thanks to the Corporate Director (Place) in assisting the Council with facilitating the development of the Place Strategy which was echoed by Cabinet Members, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Cabinet 

(a)  note the extensive engagement and work with partners and stakeholders to date;

(b)  provide comment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65

To comment on the Huntingdonshire Place Strategy Update.

The Panel heard that following publication of the agenda, it had been advised that the Huntingdonshire Place Strategy Update be best presented to the Panel prior to the items relating to the Local Plan. The Panel were in agreement that the order of the agenda be adjusted to accommodate this.

By means of a report by the Corporate Director (Place) (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Place Strategy Update Report was presented to the Panel.

It was noted that all Council members were invited to a workshop on the 27 September 2022 to share their views. Members were further invited to a session on the 31 January 2023 to further refine the strategy.

Councillor Pickering observed that the headline ‘What if the car was a relic of the past’ suggested an unthinkable future for many residents. The Panel were assured that this was a discussion point as it was appreciated that this may not be practical or feasible in parts of the district. It was further highlighted that discussion continued on how to reduce length of car journeys and how that could link with more sustainable transport. The Panel also heard that this point would be looked at to adapt to a more positive messaging approach whilst still conveying the same topic.

Councillor Gray enquired about continuity plans for the project due to the resignation of the lead officer. The Panel were advised that planning had been undertaken to ensure continuation of work during the recruitment process.

Councillor Gray further expressed that whilst remaining optimistic, there were some reservations about what could realistically be achieved and whether or not the views of local residents had been reflected in the identified pathways. The Panel were assured that the priorities within the report had been established following engagement with residents and communities.

In addition to this, Councillor Gray questioned whether Huntingdonshire would be a leader in some of the aspirations highlighted within the report. The Panel were advised that whilst the Council may not be a leader in these areas, it would be a facilitator in making them happen and setting a good example for residents to follow. Furthermore the Panel heard that through community engagement and working with partners to ensure communication between interested groups, a positive, proactive and supportive district community would be encouraged.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED

that Cabinet be encouraged to endorse the recommendations within the report.