Issue - meetings

(a)       That the report be received; and

(b)       That feedback be provided to the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The Director of Environment introduced Lynne Fensome, who was responsible for collating the performance data on behalf of the Directorate.  He introduced the report for the Committee to note and consider elements of the 2013/14 Mid Year Improvement Plan Monitoring Report relevant to the Committee for the period October to December 2013.

The Heads of Service each gave a short presentation on performance within each of the sub-priority areas, highlighting work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within each report.

Business Sector Growth in Deeside

It was noted that in the absence of nationally agreed performance indicators (PIs) for economic development, locally identified PIs were used.

In response to queries from Councillor Nancy Matthews about the Deeside Enterprise Zone (DEZ), it was explained that the majority of jobs created were on the Deeside Industrial Park which formed part of the DEZ.  All Enterprise Zones would have access to high-speed broadband, with a proposal for the companies in Deeside to connect to cable delivered to the kerb edges.

Councillor Veronica Gay referred to the number of enquiries for companies to invest in the DEZ and asked about the potential to use software to enable enquiries to be logged, similar to that used by some other Councils.  The Head of Regeneration explained that the Welsh Government (WG) was the lead in promoting Enterprise Zones in Wales and that a range of information was accessible on the DEZ website.  The ‘Evolutive’ database was used to collate information on enquiries received and links had also been established with estate agents for commercial properties.

Following comments from Councillor David Evans, the Head of Regeneration said that a great deal of interest had been generated on the site due to its size in comparison with others in the UK.  It was recognised that timing was a key issue to ensure that enquiries were actioned promptly.  He went on to give examples of companies who had shown interest and said that developers had also been approached by outside interests.  The Director referred to comments on the proposal to build houses on the site and stated that no decision had yet been reached on the number of units to be approved within the planning applications submitted by both landowners, Praxis and Pochin Rosemound Development Ltd (PRDL).  A special Planning Committee to be held at the end of the week would determine the application submitted by PRDL but would set a number of conditions to be satisfied, including agreement on the number of houses to be built.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development gave further examples of larger companies who had enquired about the site and spoke about the significance of the three year extension to Enhanced Capital Allowances available to companies investing in Enterprise Zones.

The Chairman reinforced the need to deal with enquiries on the site in a timely manner.

Following concerns raised by Councillor Ian Dunbar on the potential for flooding, the Director said  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73