The Economy Policy Development Group of Mid Devon Council discussed several key topics, including updates on tourism events, the Field to Fork project, parking tariff proposals, and the Council's biodiversity duty. Decisions were made to approve new parking tariffs and free parking days leading up to Christmas 2024.

Tourism Events Update

The Economic Development Team Leader presented upcoming tourism events, including the Swan Trail, which will launch on 3 April 2024 and run until the end of October. The trail aims to increase town vibrancy and footfall, featuring 12 fixed locations celebrating Tiverton's culture, history, and wildlife. Nine local artists have contributed to the project, and performance will be measured by footfall, visitor numbers, and social media engagement. Other events include a Walking Festival, Treasure Trails, an Egg Hunt, and Shakespeare in the Square in Crediton. The team was praised for their efforts in promoting these events.

Field to Fork: Meet the Producer Project Update

The Economic Development Team Leader updated the group on the Field to Fork project, which supports local producers and encourages shoppers to buy local. The project has focused on strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems and promoting the visitor economy. Metrics from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram show that the project has exceeded its targets.

Parking Consultation Working Group - Proposals Regarding Long Stay Tariffs

The group reviewed a report from the Environment and Enforcement Manager and the Corporate Manager for People, Governance and Waste. The Parking Consultation Working Group proposed new long-stay parking tariffs to better support local community demand. The proposals include implementing a 3-hour tariff in Market Place, Tiverton, and offering five free Saturdays of parking in Tiverton, Crediton, and Cullompton leading up to Christmas 2024. The group also discussed the possibility of free Sunday parking. The proposals were approved and recommended to the Cabinet.

The Biodiversity Duty

A briefing paper from the Climate and Sustainability Specialist and the Director of Place and Economy highlighted the Council's responsibility to meet its biodiversity duty. The paper outlined current actions and potential improvements. The group discussed the need for a joined-up approach and suggested monitoring actions through an audit plan. There was also a suggestion to include biodiversity considerations in all committee reports.

Performance Dashboard Q3

The group reviewed the Performance Dashboard for Q3, which showed progress against targets. Discussions included the risk ratings for the Culm Garden Village and the Cullompton Relief Road, as well as delays in various projects like Market Walk redevelopment. The group emphasized the importance of these projects for economic growth.

Junction 27 and Junction 28 Update

The Director of Place and Economy provided an update on developments at Junctions 27 and 28 of the M5. Both junctions offer significant economic growth opportunities. The Eden Project at J27 was deemed unviable, and new proposals will be considered in the Local Plan. Development at J28 is ongoing, with public support for the Cullompton Relief Road and positive progress on the Cullompton Railway project.

Economic Development Team Update

The group received an update on town centre health and activities undertaken by the Growth, Economy and Delivery Team. There was a discussion about the drop in footfall figures during December, attributed to the national cost of living crisis and the closure of Bampton Street in Tiverton.

Mid Devon's Prosperity Programme Update

The Director of Place and Economy updated the group on the Shared Prosperity Investment Plan. There are currently no replacement funding streams announced once the Prosperity Programme ends. The Council anticipates entering a bids process again.

Flexible Workspace Provision Update

The group discussed a report on the viability of providing flexible workspace in Tiverton town centre. The Economic Development Team is exploring this opportunity to draw people into the town and increase footfall. The proposed model includes a well-managed hub facility with high-speed internet, aiming to support a minimum of 45 users. The group supported the proposals.

Income Generation

The Chairman proposed deferring the discussion on income generation, including advertising on Council-owned vehicles, to the first meeting of the new municipal year in June.

Chairman's Annual Report for 2023/2024

The group noted the Chairman's Annual Report summarising the work of the group during 2023/24. The report will be forwarded to full Council for noting at its meeting on 24 April.