Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Cllr Daws declared an interest in respect of Alexandra Theatre as he was a Director of the Community Benefit Society that had shown an interest in the theatre hosting live entertainment.

To note forthcoming decisions anticipated on the Executive Forward Plan

RESOLVED that the Forward Plan be noted.

A Local Ward Member outlined the tragedy that happened on the Dawlish Sea Wall in March this year.

Executive called for dialogue with Network Rail to install handrails along the sea wall and stated that it was their responsibility to ensure that the sea wall was safe. Action should be taken to prevent another tragedy from happening.

RESOLVED to arrange to meet with Network Rail on site at the Dawlish Sea Wall to discuss safety matters with them and to write to the Coroner and Network Rail to ask for improved safety to prevent such a tragedy happening again.

The South Devon Alliance Group Leader gave his groups support to the actions that the Executive was proposing to take.

The Leader presented the update on the Future High Street Fund report.

RESOLVED to note the report.

The vote was unanimous.

The Executive Member for Estates, Assets & Parking presented the report which sought authority to grant a new lease to Dawlish United Youth & Mini Soccer Football Club with an option to renew for a further 10-year term.

RESOLVED to approve the granting of new 10-year lease to the Dawlish United Youth & Mini Soccer Football Clubwith an option to renew for a further 10-year period.

The vote was unanimous.

To consider Cllr Daws Notice on Motion on the Alexander Theatre referred to Executive by Full Council on 17th October, 2023,

The Alexandra Theatre. Reflecting the distress of the cinema industry and the lack of appetite for the current operator of the Alexandra Theatre, Scott's Cinema's, to expand into any new multiplex, it is proposed that the council members, alongside officers, enter 'blue sky' discussions with Scott's. As the cinema lease is up for renewal in October it would be both in the residents best interests as well of those of a long serving tenant of the council, to explore the potential model of Scott's continuing the operation of a cinema offer at the Alexandra, alongside other extended live entertainment usage, similar to the relationship with NADMCS theatre group, who already use the theatre three weeks of the year. The aim being to protect the provision of a cinema offer to the town and extend the offer of live entertainment within the district in an already fully functioning theatre that is both grade 2 listed and registered as an asset of community value. 

Cllr Daws presented his Notice of Motion on the Alexandra Theatre he stated that it was important the Council worked with the current tenants Scott’s Cinema to explore the potential model of Scott's continuing the operation of a cinema offer at the Alexandra, alongside other extended live entertainment usage. The aim being to protect the provision of a cinema offer to the town and extend the offer of live entertainment within the district in an already fully functioning theatre.

Non-Executive Members spoke on this item in support of Cllr Daws Notice of Motion.

The Leader thanked Cllr Daws for bringing this matter to the attention of the Executive.

RESOLVED that should the opportunity arise to take the matters raised by Cllr Daws forward Executive would consider them along with other options for the Alexandra Theatre as appropriate. Executive would also need to take into account any contractual obligations.

The vote was unanimous.

To consider Cllr Daws Notice on Motion regarding Queen Street Future High Street Fund 'traffic reduction and pedestrianisation' plans referred to Executive by Full Council on 17th October, 2023,

Queen Street Future High Street Fund 'traffic reduction and pedestrianisation' plans. Given the huge concerns expressed by Queen Street retailers over the Future High Street Fund plans, it is proposed that TDC park the project plan for the street and, as a matter of urgency, enter full and meaningful 'face to face' consultation involving meeting, listening to and acting on the concerns of all retailers and residents directly affected by the proposed plans. The aim being to create a vision for the future of Queen Street and the Town Centre that carries the support of the majority of retailers and the community.

Cllr Daws presented his Notice of Motion on the Queen Street traffic reduction and pedestrianisation plans. He stated that given the huge concerns expressed by Queen Street retailers over the plans for the pedestrianisation the project plans should be parked as a matter of urgency. Teignbridge District Council should enter into full and meaningful 'face to face' consultation involving meeting, listening to and acting on the concerns of all retailers and residents directly affected by the proposed plans.

Non-Executive Members spoke in support of Cllr Daws Notice of Motion.

RESOLVED that the scheme progress and the Council continue discussions to resolve issues raised where it could with modifications as required.

RECOMMENDED that, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and public 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 Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Executive Member for Estates, Assets and Parking presented the report regarding the funding arrangements for Teignmouth Public Toilets.

RESOLVED:-

(1)  to continue to pay Teignmouth Town Council a grant of £71,000 per annum until 30 June 2025 instead of funding the enabling works at the Den as resolved by the Executive on 03 October 2023;

(2)  to continue to hire the temporary toilets on the Den in Teignmouth until 31 March 2025;

(3)  that the Council funds the provision of two storage containers on the Lower Point Car Park; and

(4)  that the land on the Den to be leased to the Town Council is as shown on the plan attached as Appendix 2 to this report.

The vote was unanimous.

Executive Member Decisions

Noted.