Agenda and minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

Councillors R D MacRae, R I Jackson and J W McGrath declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 7 due to being a member of Stapleford Town Board, minute number 6 refers.

Councillor J W McGrath declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 8 as a local business owner, minute number 7 refers.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held 27 February 2020 were confirmed a correct record.

To update members on the steps taken to progress the Article 4 Direction in Beeston.

Following the decision of the Jobs and Economy Committee in February 2020 work has been progressing on the Article 4. Current priorities of the Planning Policy team during the lockdown have been to progress the Core Strategy Review and Growth options work for a public consultation in July, HS2 Toton (Strategic Location for Growth) Supplementary Planning Document, Climate Change Initiatives in addition to progressing the Article 4 Direction.

It was noted that progression was going well and it was anticipated the work would be carried out with the opening of the Council offices in early July.

To report progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Growth Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and to provide an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein.

The Committee noted a report which informed of progress against outcome targets identified in the Business Growth Business Plan, linked to Corporate Plan priorities and objectives, and were provided with an update as to the latest key performance indicators therein. Further discussion ensued with regard tobusiness growth with a request to revisit some of the plans to update on the impact of Covid-19.

To update members of the Committee on the progress of housing sites across the Borough.

Members received an update on the progress of development sites across the Borough and thanked the Officers on all the work carried out so far. The Committee was updated on all the regeneration sites with further discussions to take place around Moults Yard, Stapleford, ongoing discussions with Network Rail at Beeston Cement Depot and the Former Myfords Site.

To update members as to the progress of the Stapleford Towns Deal bid.

The Committee noted a report which provided an update on the Stapleford Towns Deal Fund and the investment plan for Stapleford.

To update members of the Committee on The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and the proposed actions.

On 29 May 2020 the government announced that Broxtowe Borough Council would be allocated £101,458 for the reopening of high streets safely.

It was proposed by Councillor T Hallam and seconded by Councillor L A Lally that the following measures be implemented throughout Beeston, Eastwood, Kimberley and Stapleford, to support local businesses and shoppers during the phases of reduction of lockdown.

·         Employ two Information Officers for six months, full time Monday to Saturday to support local town centre businesses. 

·         Create a supportive presence within the town centres. Utilising existing Council staff where applicable.

·         Develop and implement a campaign (including print media, online activities and branded clothing/PPE) to encourage residents to shop locally and promote COVID-19 safety.

·         Cleaning increased on town centre benches, bins, and street furniture.

·         Recruit two wardens on a six-month basis to cover the four town centres.

On being put to the meeting the proposal was approved.

RESOLVED that the actions and allocation of resources, as amended, be approved.

To update members of the Committee on the Councils’ proposed Recovery Plan for businesses post Covid-19.

Members were updated on the economic recovery plan with the steps the Council had taken to support the business community during the Covid-19 pandemic and how the Council would support the economy to recover.

RESOLVED that the short, medium and longer term recommendations, as set out in appendix 5 of the report, be approved.

To update members of the Committee on the Councils’ proposed Data gathering exercise to feed into the wider Economic Recovery Plan for businesses post Covid-19.

Members of the Committee received an update on the Council’s proposed data gathering exercise to feed into the wider Economic Recovery Plan for businesses post Covid-19. The Committee discussed the options available to collate information from businesses to support the Economic Recovery Plan and suggested using conference calling, emails and telephone calls to assist in the data gathering process.

RESOLVED that the approach to data gathering be approved.

To consider items for inclusion in the Work Programme for future meetings.

The Committee considered the work programme and agreed on the inclusion of a report to provide an update on Moults Yard Stapleford in January 2021.

RESOLVEDthat the work programme, as amended, be approved.