Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Chief Executive and Growth Director.

The Executive received a report of the Chief Executive & Growth Director which sought approval to put in place the required staffing and governance arrangements to support, direct and oversee the response to the Housing Minister’s recent announcement that the Exeter and East Devon’s bid under the Garden Communities programme had proved successful.

This was a transformational housing programme which would deliver 11,000 dwellings over the next 20 years and reflected the desire to increase housing provision within the established built up area of the city; to increase housing densities; and to support ambitions for active lifestyles.  It very much reflected the Council’s previously published aspirational document of Liveable Exeter, and focussed on supporting active travel reducing the need to travel by car, and thus prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.  It also therefore mirrored the Council’s aspirations for carbon neutrality as had been discussed earlier in this meeting (minute number 67 above refers). 

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

-       The Government’s announcement of the success of the Liveable Exeter Garden City bid gave the opportunity to link many different projects together, including the Royal Institute of British Architect’s award of Future Place and the Sport England delivery project.  This would allow for the development of a joined up framework for development in the area;

-       There would be a requirement to build a team to drive this forward, and that this would be funded from the initial £750,000 provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the delivery of the programme;

-       The need to establish a governance structure to support this programme, which would initially be via a Steering Board, who would report to this Executive.  It was noted that decision making powers for the progression of this project would continue to lie with this Council’s Executive.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(1)       Council approve the creation of the Post of Project Director (Liveable Exeter Garden City);

(2)       Delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive & Growth Director (CE&GD) to make necessary amendments to the Job Description and reporting lines in the light of comments that may arise from Homes England and our sub regional partners;

(3)       Council approve the creation of the following posts: Project Manager (Liveable Exeter Garden City); Commercial Surveyor (Liveable Exeter Garden City); Planning Officer (Liveable Exeter Garden City).

(4)       Council approve the establishment of a board to oversee the Liveable Exeter Garden City programme, the proposed composition of the Board and the draft terms of reference be delegated to the CE&GD in consultation with the Leader of the Council and be reported back to a future meeting of Executive; and

(5)       Council approve the establishment of a budget of up to £750,000, to be funded by an Earmarked reserve, set up for this purpose.