Issue - meetings

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Estates, Assets and Parking provided the following update to the Executive:

Queen Street Enhancements

·       Progress: Major construction work at Courtenay Street is substantially complete, with finishing touches underway. Focus has now shifted to the stretch from Albany Street to the War Memorial.

·       Festive Preparations: Access to install Christmas lights along Queen Street is being facilitated, supporting a festive atmosphere for local businesses.

·       Greening Update: Double-headed hanging basket posts are installed, and trees will be planted in early 2025 in surface planters, due to challenges with tree pits from undocumented underground services.

·       Traffic and Access: Queen Street is open to restricted traffic as per the traffic order, with clear access for residents and visitors, crucial for local businesses during the festive season.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF)

• Collaboration Success: The UKSPF for towns initiative has reached a milestone with NATC, (pending NATC full council approval), agreeing to act as the conduit for funding. This collaboration between business representatives, NATC, TDC officers, councillors, and the Chamber of Commerce will support local businesses across Newton Abbot.

Market Hall and Market Square

• Mini Market Hall Opening: The mini market hall has officially opened in Newton Abbot’s Market Square.
• Planning Approvals: Permissions for the Market Hall (application 24/01142/MAJ) and the listed building status (application 24/01143/LBC) have been granted, allowing the Market Hall and Market Square project to advance.
• Project Timeline: Construction is set to progress through 2025, with an anticipated completion by early 2026, aiming to enhance public space, amenities, and Newton Abbot’s commercial profile.

Bradley Lane Development

• Conservation Compliance: A protected species license (2024-69597-EPS-MIT) for horseshoe bats has been obtained, valid from October 2024 to October 2029, under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
• Demolition Preparations: Site work is being planned carefully to comply with conservation and legal requirements, with no demolition decision yet. Officers are also exploring material reuse, although risks regarding contamination and quality assurance will be thoroughly assessed.

The Leader thanked the Deputy Leader and Officers for their work on the project.

The Executive Member for Planning spoke positively on the opening of the mini market and the new Government’s continuation of support for the Future High Street Fund.

The Executive noted the update.