Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

It was resolved to approve the new Town Centres Improvement Strategy.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development on the outcome of the consultation process on the strategic plan for improving Anglesey Town Centres was presented for the Executive’s consideration along with the finalised Anglesey Town Centres Improvement Strategy.

The Head of Regulation and Economic Development presented the report saying that the draft strategy was approved for consultation by the Executive in April 2023. A process of public and other stakeholder consultation subsequently took place during June and July 2023 to gather views and to seek support for the proposed strategy. The finalised strategy is now presented for adoption as informed by the comments received in response to the consultation exercise. The importance of town centres economically, socially, and culturally is generally acknowledged and as such the strategy proposes actions to support town centres in becoming viable and thriving centres. These actions are considered appropriate and achievable and respond to local concerns mindful also that some issues are outside the Council’s control. While realising the strategy in full will depend on the availability of external funding, the best way forward to achieving its objectives will be by working in partnership with local stakeholders and local people.

The Economic Development Manager provided an overview of the response to the consultation exercise which totalled 84 in number. Most responders identified themselves as individuals but there were several responses from town councils, county councillors and local organisations. The number of responses from local businesses was low but did include one from the Federation of Small Businesses. There was a good spread as regards geographic interest and a high level of agreement with the key proposals in the document was registered. 85% of the responses agreed that a strategic plan was needed and 85% agreed with the proposed overall strategic plan aim. The strategy if approved will form the basis for local plans which will be consulted upon in detail locally and some of the town specific suggestions presented as part of the consultation on the strategy will be fed into the local place making plan process. Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is being sought which would provide the resources to undertake that second stage of the process next year.

The Chief Executive advised that it is important to note that the strategy is a non-statutory document and given existing pressures it may be fair to suggest that the work of preparing reports is proportionate and that resources are used where they will make the greatest difference i.e. by focusing on local collaboration and on making a real difference in the towns themselves.

The Executive acknowledge the need for a strategy to address the changing needs and character of town centres on Anglesey and to identify opportunities for improving and making the best use of them.

It was resolved to approve the new Town Centres Improvement Strategy.