Venue: Zoom Meeting
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Declarations of interest Members of the committee should declare any interests which fall under the following categories*:
a) disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI); b) other significant interests (OSI); c) voluntary announcements of other interests.
Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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Minutes To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2020. Supporting documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2020 were agreed. The Chairman’s electronic signature will be added to these indicating approval. |
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Folkestone Ambition - Draft Infographic Supporting documents:
Minutes: The Director of Place, Ewan Green, advised members this was a one page infographic draft. He was looking for comments and suggestions on this.
Members commented as follows:
· The infographic is too busy. · Include reference to digital infrastructure/broadband under ‘Connected and accessible transport’. · ‘Celebrate our heritage’ seems too specific. · Global warming and the effect this would have on Folkestone. · Biodiversity – a greener Folkestone.
Members also asked how this would fit in with the Corporate Plan and Mr Green was keen to ensure the terminology used is in line with this. Ultimately this infographic will be taken to Cabinet for approval and working group members are welcome to email Mr Green with any further ideas they may have.
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Place Plan Update and Engagement Strategy Supporting documents:
Minutes: Members were advised that ‘We Made That’ (WMT) have been appointed and had produced the draft Folkestone Town Centre Place Plan Engagement Strategy. The Director of Place went through certain aspects of the document confirming that the baseline is underway, also drawing members’ attention to the engagement activities, ie proposed workshops, stakeholder meetings and public events. This strategy will be presented to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 16 February.
Members were keen that a broad range of stakeholders are consulted which would hopefully mean a broad range of ideas to inform and shape the plan.
The Chief Planning Officer said that We Made That have a proven track record delivering engagement strategies and the importance of a wide range of views for now and the future. The officer would be happy to arrange for a briefing to the working group from WMT.
Members’ comments included:
The Economic Development Senior Specialist encouraged members to email over any further comments or ideas they may have.
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Strategic Sites Supporting documents:
Minutes: Three strategic sites are detailed in the report; Folca, Ship Street and Harbourline. Taking each site in turn members asked questions and made comments as follows:
Folca
Ship Street
Although the acquisition of this site is to be finalised, members were asked for their thoughts and comments on proposals which included affordable housing including social housing; consider climate emergency in the development of the site and walking links to Folkestone town and train station.
Harbourline
A proposed site which could be developed into cycle ways, cafes, shops and stalls. It would be a phased development approach including consultation with stakeholders. Ultimately providing an alternative scenic route to the harbour area.
Overall working group members agreed with the objectives proposed, the approaches and way forward of all three sites.
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Market Improvement Programme Supporting documents:
Minutes: Members were advised of the proposals for the improvement programme. The request from officers was to receive feedback on the proposal and support to continue to develop the initiative including full costing ahead of formal council approval. The improvement programme would look to attract additional artisan markets, provide support to improve the current market including the introduction of a potential new trader scheme. Ideas and views were sought from today’s working group.
Timelines and investment proposals were also discussed with members.
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FHDC led projects update Supporting documents:
Minutes: This item concentrated on the Folkestone Town Centre pedestrianised areas and the responsibility of these.
The intention would be to expand the ongoing FHDC responsibility of the areas and although members were keen to seek further details they generally agreed in principle that this is a beneficial way forward.
Turning to public realm initiatives in the Town Centre, the Economic Development Senior Specialist detailed improvements, ie bin replacement; heritage signage; planting schemes; and future replacement lighting to be carried out.
Also, details were given on Folkestone applications to the High Street Fund. This fund is still open for new applications.
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AOB Minutes: Prior to closure, the Chairman said he felt this had been a positive meeting. He reminded members of the impending Licensing Policy consultation and the importance of feeding comments to it |