Issue - meetings

The Market Towns Programme Summer Update Report is to be presented to the Cabinet.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the extension of the Shop Front Grant scheme on a district wide basis; and

(b)  delegated authority to the Corporate Director (Place) in Consultation with the Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing to approve and initiate delivery on new Market Town focused projects and/or reallocate funding within existing programme activities, utilising funding generated from efficiency savings and/or underspend elsewhere within the Market Town Programme, should such savings be realised before the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

With the aid of a report prepared by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager the Cabinet received an update (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) that provided details on the 2024/2025 Q1 update on the Market Towns Programme (MTP).

By way of background the Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing reported that the funding for the Shop Front Grant scheme had been used for the intended purpose and the remaining funding be extended to the wider District. He further reported on the proposal to move funding around the project budgets with more flexibility in light of emerging deadlines. Members attention was also drawn to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth).

Councillor B Pitt referred to the positive impact of the ongoing Market Towns Programme and Councillor S Taylor further highlighted her concerns with the lack of hygiene facilities for type of trades using the Shop in a Box and the determination of the leases, whereby Councillor Wakeford explained that the precise uses had not yet been determined but would be reflected upon in the designation of use and various options were being considered working with partners but had not been concluded.

In noting the positive impact reported by Councillor L Davenport-Ray of the works in St Neots and improvements to road user hierarchy and safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

(a)  that the extension of the Shop Front Grant scheme on a district wide basis be approved; and

(b)  that the Corporate Director (Place), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing be authorised to approve and initiative delivery on new Market Town focused projects and/or reallocate funding within existing programme activities, utilising funding generated from efficiency savings and/or underspend elsewhere within the Market Town Programme, should such savings be realised before the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Market Towns Programme Summer Update Report.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

By means of a report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager the Market Towns Programme Summer Update (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) was presented to the Panel.

In response to a question from Councillor Pickering, the Panel heard that in relation to St Neots, only a small number of the shop front grants had been successful, this was due to the remaining applications not fulfilling the criteria for the scheme. The recommendation was that the scheme is expanded to include areas outside of the market towns and previously unsuccessful applications would have the opportunity to reapply.

Following requests for clarification from Councillor Cawley and Councillor Gardener over the proposed purchase of an additional location for the Cromwell Museum and the long term ownership of that property, the Panel were assured that whilst the ownership would sit with Huntingdon Town Council, grant agreement documents would have clauses built in to protect this asset and clarify the use of funds from any future sale.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Pickering, that the gas boiler at the Priority Centre was in good working order and it was not planned to replace this until necessary. In addition it was noted that the current timescales for the project were based upon industry standard assumptions but that it was hoped that additional efficiencies could be established once a contractor was appointed.

Councillor Catmur enquired whether any further hidden risks were anticipated within the St Neots market square project, following the discovery of a previously unidentified pipe through the project, following which, the Panel were advised that all the interrogation into the ground works was now complete, therefore no other unexpected discoveries were anticipated. The Panel were further assured that tolerances had been built into the project timescales and that this was not expected to impact the overall project timescales.

In response to a question from Councillor Martin, the Panel heard that the objections received for the Priory Centre application were no unexpected and that the team were working through those comments. The Panel were also advised that 80% of the anticipated works were internal works and that the external works were looking to bring a more vibrant visual impact for the centre. Work was continuing with the team liaising with planning consultants, conservation team and English Heritage to provide the best solution for all.

Councillor Martin praised the overall plans for the Ramsey project but expressed concern that the proposed pop up shops may affect the street scene and visibility for existing and established businesses. The team were assured that retail champions had been employed to ensure that the scheme would benefit all residents and business owners. The Panel was also assured, following an enquiry from Councillor Catmur, that the popup shops and  pedestrianisation of the area were being developed to be accessibility compliant.

Following a question from Councillor Gardener regarding the location of sensors on the Great Ouse River, the Panel heard that detail on this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19