Agenda item

The panel is reccomended to note the report and appendicies

Mark Bradbury and Andrew Catcheside presented this item and highlighted the following points:

·         It was clarified that the Town Centre Action Plans don’t form part of the Local Plan.

·         The action plans respond in context to the Council plan to support an economy that works for everyone, develop town centres that are vibrant safe and inclusive.

·         The action plans are designed to be live documents which will be updated on a quarterly basis and as ongoing community engagement brings forward opportunities and ideas.

·         Officers’ welcome members feedback and comments

Questions and comments:

·         It was recommended that the council work closely with the Market Square Trust to help improve it. Officers confirmed they are in communication with the trust, it is a historic market town and should be a feature in the plan.

·         It was useful to see how the Town centres have been affected by the pandemic. There is no reference on major applications going through the town centres. Officers confirmed that the plans are live documents, we will look closely at planning permissions and how we can address this. Once proposals go through, we can discuss how we can influence what we do in the areas to creative connectivity.

·         When asked what learning has been taken from other town centres officers explained that Andrew and his team have been looking at examples. They have been working with town centre task forces set up by Government who have given advice and funding.

·         Members raised the point on how to get variety in Enfield Town and have more for night time economy, so residents stay local. Officers explained we are aiming to lead by example on the properties we own to show opportunity. We opened the Culture Palace which holds various evening events. This is being used to influence how to reopen the Dugdale.

·         Members have received comments from residents that the Southgate plan was underwhelming and would like some detail to share to help to engage people. It was explained that we have the least influence with Southgate due to lack of property we own, the Police station has come on the market so we have been in contact with potential bidders. Officers would like to be introduced to people in Southgate who then can engage with and share ideas.

·         Enfield Staff are a significant portion of the footfall within Enfield Town, will staff be coming back to the office? It is good Pret is now here, but a shame to hear it will be closing at 5 instead of 6 due to lack of footfall. Officers confirmed council staff are starting to come back into the office, we are operating a hybrid working policy. Microsoft have not returned in great numbers, as they do this will contribute to higher footfall.

·         There is significant vacancy in upper floors or shops could we make this residential or office space? Officers confirmed there are various planning policies which encourage this, we need to get the property owners to see the benefit in this.

·         Officers confirmed the images will evolve with the plans. The Edmonton Green image differs due to a very successful event held there which residents were heavily involved so and it was felt this represented the area well.

·         Cllr Greer requested a review on the Edmonton Green plan as it does not represent the whole community.

ACTIONS: Officers to provide clarity in an updated report on three-month goals and why the centres have such different goals.