Attendees
Melanie Sealey (Chair), Keir Duffin, Alison Hayward, Andrew Elliott, Chris Shears, Dan James, Dominie Dunbrook, Heather Hillman, Jamie Evans, Josie Gough, Neil Blaney, Paul Britton, Phill Adams, Sarah Ratnage, Sean Kearney, Zoe Lentell
Apologies
Adrian Welsh, Andrew Wood, Antonio Tucker, Chris Brook, Chris Fuller, David Boocock, Dave Bartram, David Carter, Fergus Pate, Ian Collinson, Jamie Hulland, Richard Marsh, Sarah Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Sally Royle, Tim Child, Hannah Keyte (Notes)
1. Benchmarking – Minehead Somerset / Devon Urban Renewal – Keir Duffin
Keir presented an overview of the Devon Urban Renewal Programme, highlighting its post-COVID inception, the renaming to ‘Revitalising Devon’s Towns’, and the collaboration with nine towns and various district and town council partners. The programme’s success was attributed to the active involvement and commitment of the district and town partners.
Feedback on the programme was encouraged from district partners, with Keir emphasizing the shared nature of the document and that future plans include reviews in September and April, with the intention to use the programme as a tool for funding, information sharing, and benchmarking against additional towns.
Positive feedback was provided on the programme and acknowledgement of the programme’s role in enhancing communication and strengthening collaborations as well as financial and directional benefits.
2. Devolution Update – Phill Adams
Phill provided an update on the devolution deal, noting the completion of preliminary work and awaiting further direction from the new government.
3. Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government Update – Josie Gough
Josie confirmed that advice has been provided to Ministers but currently pending read outs.
Proactively establishing a clearer working group amongst South West Cities and Local Growth Unit and South West Homes England Team to ensure collaborative working in terms of new towns, urban expansions, housing opportunities of scale etc.
4. Any Other Business / Districts Update – As required
No additional items were raised during the meeting.
Future Meeting Dates
Wednesday 23rd October 3:10pm – 4pm