Agenda item

Report OS/20/11 provides an overview of work that is underway to develop a Place Plan for Folkestone Town Centre. The report presents a draft Folkestone Ambition which is intended to set an overall context for the town centre plan.  The report then presents both the objectives of the Place Plan and the related engagement strategy which is a key part of the process to develop the final plan.

Report OS/20/11 provided an overview of the work that is underway to develop a Place Plan for Folkestone Town Centre.  The report presented a draft Folkestone Ambition which was intended to set an overall context for the town centre plan.  The report then presented both the objectives of the Place Plan and the related engagement strategy which is a key part of the process to develop the final plan. 

Portfolio holder and Cabinet member, Councillor David Wimble introduced the report, initially advising members that the document for scrutiny is part of the Corporate Plan 2021-2030.   He pointed out the importance of working with key stakeholders in creating a Place Plan to encompass sustainable change; retail; residential and traffic management, as well as the importance of connectivity, entertainment and the culture and history of Folkestone.  Incorporated within this scope there would also be a review of the Council’s Licensing Policy.

Councillor Wimble invited members of the committee to comment on the content of the document. 

Members’ comments and highlights included: 

• Excellent chance to look at and encourage sustainable travel in the town and surrounding areas, ie cycle paths, ‘Click to Cycle’ and land train idea.
• Leas Lift – members to be updated on timeline 
• Encourage retail, including independent and niche market shops.
• Mixed use of Town Centre to include sustainable exemplar housing, retail, leisure and entertainment, eg development of Folca.
• Attractive areas within Folkestone such as The Leas/Harbour Arm coupled with a fantastic coastline. 
• Folkestone proximity to Europe and the advantages of this geographical link – ‘Golden Gateway’. 
• New ideas for connectivity between Folkestone town and the beach/harbour areas. 
• The Council’s Destination Marketing Plan produced a few years ago still relevant, concentrating on the key theme of tourism. 
• Folkestone to be seen as the ‘Capital’ of the District. 

Turning to the consultation members were advised this is to be an all-inclusive consultation, providing digital and paper copy access.  Members were concerned that some groups could be missed, however assurance was given that all forms of communication would be used to promote the consultation and encourage responses, including public engagements and workshops. 

School participation was an idea given by members, maybe arranging workshops with pupils to glean their ideas for the future of Folkestone town centre. 

An important aspect of the Place Plan development will be a review of the current Licensing Policy, this will inform the development of the new License Policy which is subject to public consultation with a finalised policy planned to be in place for Autumn 2021.

Members then concentrated on the Infographic ‘Draft Ambition for Folkestone’, commenting as follows: 

• Music and Arts – possibly add in Leas Pavilion. 
• Heritage – expand; a broader reflection needed, maybe add in St Eanswythe history.
• Food and Drink – Promote new business incubators, encourage street food.
• Protect our Community – a suggestion to add in health and wellbeing.
• It was noted that the graphic at the top of the page contained two vehicles, members asked if this design could be relooked at. 

The Director of Place thanked members for their comments on the infographic, he said that the one page design should not be too prescriptive and to remain flexible.

Proposed by Councillor Rebecca Shoob

Seconded by Councillor Patricia Rolfe; and

RESOLVED:

That Report OS/20/11 is received and noted.