Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 9 September 2020

The notes of the previous meeting were received by the group.

To receive an update from the Head of Parking

The Project Developer summarised the EV Charge Point Strategy that went to Cabinet in March 2020. The majority of authorities in West Sussex had joined the joint initiative for EV Charge Points.

A concession contract would be entered in to with a single supplier lasting 7 years. The supplier would work with key delivery partners to develop the charge point network and a delivery plan.

Other organisations and smaller authorities would be invited to put forward land for this initiative.

The supplier would complete all site surveys, purchases and installs and provide on-going maintenance and back office work.

The report would go before Cabinet on 26 November. If approved, the supplier would be in place January 2021 with service commencing in February 2021.

To receive an update from the Head of Economic Development

The Head of Economic Development provided a brief update on the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.

The allocation of funds had been received in June/July and an action plan had been completed however, the grant funding agreement had not been received.

To receive a presentation from the Head of Economic Development

The Head of Economic Development provided an update on the Gigabit Voucher Scheme. West Sussex County Council had been awarded funding for a Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme equal to £4000 per rural premises. Across the County WSCC had been working with 30 communities and 738 properties in Horsham District had been allocated. Further promotion and marketing of the scheme would be carried out.

To receive a presentation from the Head of Strategic Planning

The Head of Strategic Planning provided a summary of the consultation that had been begun earlier in the year and the 228 comments relating to economic policies that had been received.

Investigations into the impact of COVID-19 on the Local Economy had been carried out. Economic growth within the district had been lower than normal but was expected to increase again between 2022-2025.

There had been some changes to property use classes with a new class being introduced. This new class ‘E’ provided new permitted development rights that would allow for more flexibility in change of usage.

The Economic Development team would continue to identify land that could be used for new economic development, continue to protect key employment areas, implement a future-proof IT infrastructure, provide facilities for EV charging, and continue to support rural economic development.

To note the Forward Plan extract (if any) for the Local Economy and Parking Portfolio

The Forward Plan Extract was noted.