Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 8 April 2025.

It was proposed by the Executive Member for Finance and Corporate and seconded by the Executive Member for Planning and Building Control that the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the previous meeting be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

To note forthcoming decisions anticipated on the Executive Forward Plan

The Executive Forward Plan was noted.

Members of the Public may ask questions of the Leader or an Executive Member. A maximum period of 15 minutes will be allowed with a maximum of period of three minutes per questioner.

None.

The Deputy Leader and Economic Development Officer introduced the item to the Committee. The total amount available for grants in the fund was just under £200,000. The scheme would be as broad as possible, but all recipient projects must either support economic growth, improve access to opportunities, or improve NHS facilities. The competitive grant scheme would award between £30,000 and £75,000 to successful applicants. Energy efficiency, tourism & historical improvements, and foot or cycle paths were all given as examples of schemes that could receive grants.

The Deputy Leader emphasised that the 2025-26 prosperity fund was a one-year transitional programme whilst central government considers long term options.

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and seconded by the Executive Member for Environmental Services that the recommendations set out in the report and below be approved.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED

That

(1) The Committee approves the implementation of the Teignbridge District Council Projects Proposal for the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) 2025-26 Investment Plan that reflects the interventions identified in Section 3 of this report; and

(2) Authority be delegated to the Director of Place, to implement the Teignbridge District Council Projects Proposal for the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) 2025-26 Investment Plan upon it being approved by Government

The Executive Member for Environment, Climate and Sustainability introduced the item to the Committee. She informed the Committee that there are 3 internationally designated wildlife sites that are protected by the strategy. The strategy involves a partnership of Teignbridge District Council, Exeter City Council, and East Devon District Council, each of whom have produced their own new local plans, resulting in the updated strategy. The strategy also ensures compliance with the Habitat Regulations of 2017. So far, the strategy had delivered on site mitigations such as signage and staffing, and off-site mitigations such as SANGS sites. The strategy also including messaging surrounding dog walking and a visitor survey on social media. The Executive Member for Planning and Building Control would take over as the Teignbridge representative on South and East Devon Habitats Regulations Executive Committee.

The Executive Member for Planning and Building Control praised the utility of the SANGS sites and advised that the sites were funded by developer contribution.

It was proposed by the Executive Member for Environment, Climate and Sustainability and seconded by the Executive Member for Planning and Building Control that the recommendation set out in the report and below be approved.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED

That the Committee endorse and approve the adoption of the South East Devon Joint Habitats Site Mitigation Strategy - 2025 to 2030.

Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects

The Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, reported that the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) programme in Newton Abbot was progressing across key projects, including Queen Street enhancements, Bradley Lane regeneration, and Market Hall & Market Square redevelopment. His updates were as below.

All FHSF funding has now been drawn down and is held by Teignbridge District Council. Of the three principal schemes, the status is as follows:

Queen Street Enhancement

The Queen Street project has reached practical completion. A post-construction audit, standard for major highways schemes, has been undertaken.

In response to feedback from residents, including a visually impaired resident of The Avenue, it has been agreed that tactile rumble strips will be installed at key crossing points to improve delineation between footways and side roads. This will further enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility.

The issue of dropped curbs—first raised by Cllr Jackie Hook in late 2024—is under active consideration. It should be noted, however, that curb heights from Courtenay Street to Albany Street are already significantly lower than in other sections of Queen Street, providing improved ease of access for elderly and mobility-restricted users.

Importantly, vehicles are no longer able to park along this stretch, creating a significantly safer and more accessible environment for all pedestrians.

Market Hall and Market Square Redevelopment

The Market Hall and Market Square project is progressing well and remains on schedule for completion in winter 2025.

Officers are currently preparing a set of options for securing a professional market management operator to oversee the revitalised market space. The intention is to appoint an organisation with a strong track record in mixed-use town centre market operations, which may include traditional market stalls, food outlets, bars, and event spaces. The availability of such specialist operators is limited, making this an important strategic step.

Bradley Lane Regeneration

All buildings on the Bradley Lane site have now been demolished, and the site has been cleared in accordance with the original FHSF intention to make the land development ready.

Government approval was secured to use FHSF monies—rather than local taxpayer funds—to undertake this remediation work. This has delivered significant value for money.

Remediation works are now underway, and the site is expected to be fully prepared and “oven ready” for development by late July or early August 2025.

It remains this administration’s firm intention that this brownfield site—located between the town centre and Bakers Park—be used for a high-quality, sustainable development.

Conclusion

The delivery of the Future High Street Fund programme has now reached an advanced stage, with one scheme complete and two progressing towards their final phases. These schemes are already beginning to reshape Newton Abbot town centre, and the lessons learned will be important in informing future regeneration and housing delivery strategies.

The Executive Member will continue to work closely with colleagues across the executive, officers, and local stakeholders to ensure these projects deliver their intended benefits for the community and the district.

The update was noted.

Executive Member Decisions

The Executive decisions found at the link on the agenda were noted.