Issue - meetings

(a)       That the requirements to develop Place Plans for the seven towns

(Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Holywell, Mold, Queensferry and Shotton)

in Flintshire be noted and the sequence in which the proposed work is

delivered within the constraints of resource available be supported; and

(b)       That the requirement to address vacant town centre properties through an

enforcement action plan be noted, and the criteria and approach to be

used supported.

The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager gave background information and presented the report which provided an update on the strategic context for town centre regeneration and the programmes of work currently underway. Furthermore, it provided details about the development of Place Plans and the enforcement action required to tackle empty properties within town centres.

Councillor Mike Peers asked if the regeneration of town centres would include the view of the existing masterplans or would Place Plans replace the masterplans.  He also referred to section 1.14 in the report and asked when Cabinet would grant approval for the criteria to be used to prioritise properties for intervention.  Councillor Peers asked if details could be provided on local Member involvement in the creation of Place Plans and timescales.  Councillor Peers commented on the issue of empty commercial properties in town centres and said the feedback was that rental charges were high and asked if this could be looked at.  The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager responded to the points made.

Councillor Chris Bithell referred to page 179, section 2.01 of the report, and referring to match funding asked if this would come from private ownership of properties or from the Council.  Councillor Bithell commented on the budget gap to be addressed by the Council.  In his response the Enterprise and Regeneration Manager explained that the public sector would be required to provide the balance.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Mike Peers and seconded by Councillor Ian Hodge. 

RESOLVED: 

(a)       That the requirements to develop Place Plans for the seven towns

(Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Holywell, Mold, Queensferry and Shotton)

in Flintshire be noted and the sequence in which the proposed work is

delivered within the constraints of resource available be supported; and

(b)       That the requirement to address vacant town centre properties through an

enforcement action plan be noted, and the criteria and approach to be

used supported.