Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Economy and Tourism - report circulated

The Head of Economy and Tourism sought Members’ final views on the draft Economic Development Strategy for Exeter and the sub-region for 2008 – 2013, following the comments received from the consultation process. He circulated a copy of the consultation responses together with a revision of the Action Plan, which set out a number of objectives and priorities for the Exeter and Heart of Devon area. These actions would be monitored and were subject to review to ensure that they remained realistic, particularly in view of the current economic down turn.

The following responses were given to issues raised by Members:-

·               Funding for the enhancement of the London Waterloo line, is now in place and will enable the creation of a dual passing loop at Axminster and an hourly service by the end of 2009, with the railway station and other infrastructure at Cranbrook likely to be in place before any housing. Other transport improvements included funding for junctions 29/30 of the M5.  There is little progress to date on the dualling of the A30/A303 through to Wiltshire and Somerset and the projected costs of the improvements of the A358 from Ilminster to Junction 25 of the M5 have risen dramatically.

·               Detail on the distribution of employment by occupation is drawn from Government data.  The definition of each category was outlined particularly for skilled work or trades, which showed as a lower percentage than the rest of Devon, because of Exeter’s relatively low level of manufacturing, compared with other parts of Devon and the national average of 16%.

·               Exeter’s educational attainment levels had recently improved and when the latest exam results were collectively available, they would be included in the final Strategy document.  Members noted the improvement which had been achieved despite the change in the age of pupils moving onto senior school and disruption from the building of the new schools.

·               Cooper Simms had identified the need for a new conference facility and whilst Members referred to alternative facilities at Thomas Hall, the Rugby Stadium at Sandygate, and the University, each was not ideal in terms of scale, availability and location.  The consultant’s view was that a large dedicated city centre facility with access to restaurants and transport was more appropriate.

·               The progress on Skypark had been very slow – planning consent was sought in 2000, but detailed information was still being supplied by Devon County Council to the local planning authority. The County Council was now seeking a joint venture partner and although some of the biggest issues around planning had been addressed, others were still to be resolved.

A Member referred to the focus and the strength of the Strategy and its proposed solutions for urban areas and commented on the future potential for loss of focus on the city, if there were a change in Exeter’s administrative status.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy noted the proposed strategic priorities and action plan for the city of Exeter and supported the recommendation that Executive approve the Exeter and Heart of Devon Economic Partnership’s Economic Development Strategy 2008 – 2013.

(Report circulated)