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.

Councillor D Bagshaw declared a non-pecuniary interest in items 11 and 13 as he was the Leader of Eastwood Town Council.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25 March 2021.

The minutes of the meeting on 25 March were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To update Members of the Committee on Eastwood Jobs Club and the potential of holding other jobs clubs in the Borough.

The Committee considered the update on the Eastwood Jobs Club and the potential for holding other jobs clubs in the Borough.

It was noted that support could be given to organisations already providing jobs clubs in the area and that access to computers was essential, as one of the main barriers to work was online application processes.  It was suggested that Parish and Town Councils may be able to offer accommodation to jobs clubs. 

Debate progressed on to the need for Jobs Fairs and it was considered that these could be a good way of connecting employers with new recruits to fill vacancies in the hospitality sector. 

RESOLVED that a second jobs club be approved in the area with the highest need identified following the ending of COVID -19 restrictions.

To obtain approval for the Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document to be published for a period of public consultation, in order that the it may be adopted by the Council later in the year.

The Committee discussed the Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document, with particular reference to concerns about the bus plug on the Bessell Lane access to the HS2 site.

The debate centred on trying to balance the concerns of the Committee regarding the access on Bessell Lane, whilst not inhibiting the progress of the document which was essential to attracting major investment and development to the area.

It was proposed by Councillor T Hallam and seconded by Councillor L A Lally that an amendment be made to the wording of the resolution as follows;

that delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Chair of the Jobs and Economy Committee to finalise the material, including amendments to the wording in relation to access to the development at Bessell Lane, and arrangements for consultation be approved. 

On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that:

1.  The Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan Supplementary Planning   Document (as included as appendix 1) for public consultation be approved.

2.  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Chair of the Jobs and Economy Committee to finalise the material, including amendments to the wording in relation to access to the development at Bessell Lane, and arrangements for consultation be approved.

To advise Members of current and proposed opportunities for their involvement in the production of planning policy documents.

The Committee considered the opportunities that were currently available to them for their input into the creation of planning policy documents, as well as a proposed task and finish group that could look at drafts of specific documents prior to their submission to Committee.

It was requested that a work item on Section 106 monies be added to the work programme for the task and finish group. 

RESOLVED that when appropriate, decisions on membership and frequency of meetings for the task and finish group be approved.

To update members of the Committee on The Welcome Back Fund and the proposed actions.

The Committee was updated on the Welcome Back Fund, which was to be used by Councils to encourage visitors to high streets following the lifting of restrictions I place to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was noted that part of the funding was to be used to continue the role of the COVID-19 Marshals, so that they could continue to offer advice and support to the community throughout re-opening and if restrictions were re-imposed. 

It was proposed by Councillor T Hallam and seconded by Councillor L A Lally that a vote of thanks be given to the COVID-19 Marshals.  On being put to the meeting the motion was carried.

The debate continued to include the suggestions of free parking, reservations regarding encouraging gatherings of people, the establishment of a COVID-19 accreditation scheme and the provision of more welcoming signage in town centres. 

The Committee noted that the Welcome Back Fund had to be spent on high street businesses and that the purpose of it was to attract visitors to town centres.  It was further stated that events that had been cancelled because of the pandemic could not be supported by the fund, which was for new, one off events that would not normally happen. 

RESOLVED that a vote of thanks be given to the COVID-19 Marshals in recognition of their hard work and dedication. 

RESOLVED that support be given to the Welcome Back Fund as highlighted in the report.

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

The Committee noted the Update on Key Sites.  It was agreed that the Beeston Town Centre residential development should be added to the report.

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 the progress made in achieving the Business Plan for Business Growth and the outturn performance indicators for 2020/2021.

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

It was noted that the report on the assessment of the local economic landscape post COVID-19, due to go to Committee on 2 September 2021, would include figures on footfall on the Borough’s high streets.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be approved.

To seek approval for the submission of the Levelling Up Fund bid for Eastwood Town.

The Committee noted the report.

The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The appendix will be circulated separately prior to the meeting.

The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that the Eastwood Levelling Up Fund bid be agreed.

RESOLVED that the Eastwood Levelling Up Fund bid be deferred for submission to the second round of the levelling up fund, alongside the Kimberley bid.