Agenda and minutes

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests in any item on the agenda

None

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers

None

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2010 as a correct record

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

To receive an update on the progress made in developing a Visitor Economy Strategy for Cheshire East

Consideration was given to the Visitor Economy Strategy for Cheshire East prior to consultation with internal and external stakeholders. It was reported that the draft Visitor Economy Strategy and framework set the context within which the Council would deliver services and work with partners to maximise the benefits of the area’s visitor economy and that the strategy sat along side the draft Economic Development Strategy.

Members made the following comments and recommendations on the draft strategy:

• That the Local Transport Plan would need to be integrated with this strategy as some of the attractions were difficult to access on local transport.
• That the 750 year anniversary of the Macclesfield Charter should be included as it would benefit the visitor economy.
• That cross boundary working is essential for the success of the visitor economy.
• That industrial heritage should also be included in the strategy and promoted.
• That the final strategy be brought back to the Committee on 14 September 2010.

RESOLVED

That the Comments and recommendations highlighted above be taken into consideration and the final strategy be brought back to the Committee on 14 September 2010.

To update the Committee on the progress made in developing a Economic Development Strategy for Cheshire East.

The Committee gave consideration to the draft Economic Development Strategy prior to it being circulated for consultation. It was reported that the draft strategy was intended to:

·        Set out our understanding of the current state of the economy of Cheshire East, and identifies its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

·        Identify key spatial economic development priorities for the borough

·        Support and guide the LSP in the preparation of the Sustainable Community Strategy

·        Support the development of the Transport Strategy (LTP) and the LDF Core Strategy

·        Provide the wider economic context for the development/implementation of the Visitor Economy Strategy

·        Provide the context for influencing sub-regional and regional policy development.

Members made the following comments and recommendations on the draft strategy:

• That it be made clear in the strategy that there is no assumption that Congleton or other towns are being defined as dormitory towns.
• That the strategy should be about delivering positive outcomes rather than meeting targets.
• That an update on the redevelopment of Macclesfield and Crewe be circulated to the Committee.
• Members raised questions relating to the relationship and future plans of Wilson Bowden
• That details on what proportion of Macclesfield and Crewe is owned by Cheshire East Council be circulated to the Committee and that reference in the strategy is made to the role that Cheshire East Council and other partners have as land and property owners across the borough, as tools for economic development.
• That the authority place more emphasis on reinvigorating the manufacturing industry and employment in Cheshire East.
• That the food and agricultural sector is an important part of the Cheshire East economy.
• That the cultural weaknesses highlighted in the SWOT analysis need to be addressed.
• That there are several contradictions in the SWOT analysis relating to high levels of quality of life yet deprivation within the same communities.
• With regard to employment the Committee felt that the authority should be supporting new businesses and that business sites such as Basford should be promoted.
• That the final draft strategy be brought back to the Committee for consideration.

RESOLVED

That the comments and recommendations highlighted above be taken into consideration and the final strategy be brought back to the Committee on 21 December 2010.

To give consideration to the Work Programme

Consideration was given to the work programme for 2010/2011. Members made the following amendments:

• That as the Highway Maintenance Term Contract was being dealt with by a Cabinet group, a Task and Finish Group was not required to be set up, however the Committee would receive an update at a future meeting.
• That as the recycling collection methods were being investigated by a consultant a Task and Finish Group was not required to be set up, however the Committee would receive a progress report at its meeting scheduled to be held on 6 July 2010.
• That the item relating to Crewe Crematorium remain on the work programme as a possible future item for consideration.

The Chairman reported that as part of a Cabinet review to assess the future provision of car parking, the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services has requested the Committee to carry out a review of 19 towns and villages. The Committee therefore agreed to set up a Task and Finish Group comprising of Councillors Walton, Gilliland and Thorley and that Councillors Fletcher, Merry and Dykes also be requested to sit on that group.

RESOLVED

That the work programme be amended to reflect the issues highlighted above.

To give consideration to the extracts of the forward plan which fall within the remit of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the extracts of the forward plan which fell within the remit of the Committee.

RESOLVED

That the forward plan be noted