Meeting documents
- Meeting of Improvement and Review Commission, Wednesday, 11th January, 2017 7.00 pm (Item 28.)
Minutes:
Chairman of the Rural Issues Task & Finish Group; Cllr Carl Etholen presented the report of the Group for the Commission’s consideration.
Cllr Etholen outlined the history of the Group having been set up by the Commission in January 2016 and centring its work around a sole Term of Reference; ‘to suggest / identify measures that can be taken to improve / develop rural affordable housing and the rural economy including broadband provision’. Five meetings had taken place at which submissions had been received from:
· Nick Phillips (Chief Executive of Community Impact Bucks and member of the Buckinghamshire Rural Affairs Group (BRAG)).
· Heather Dean (Head of Skills and Business Support – Buckinghamshire Business First).
· The WDC Planning, Housing and Tourism officers.
Councillor Etholen thanked all these representatives / officers for their input adding a special mention for Ms Jemma Durkan (Senior Democratic Services Officer) for her work in collating all the data and drawing up the report and recommendations.
The recommendations (and reasons for recommendations) as outlined below had been arrived at, at the Group’s final 9 November 2016 meeting.
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a) That superfast broadband is a key infrastructure requirement to be provided as a similar service to utilities for new homes in rural areas in the district, and the current Connected Counties project providing superfast broadband continue to be monitored and provided to the more difficult rural areas in the district. Reason for this Recommendation The Task and Finish Group were concerned at the lack of superfast broadband being provided to new rural homes and that developers should be obligated to provide this to any new homes being built. Also developers should provide the facility to a point within dwellings so that superfast broadband can be accessed as soon as a property is occupied.
As many people now work and run businesses from home in rural areas superfast broadband is a key element of maintaining and developing a successful business and developing the rural economy.
The third phase of the Connected Counties project would provide superfast broadband to the final 5% of homes not yet connected. It was noted that this would be the most difficult to reach areas and this part of the project should be monitored to ensure that delivery outcomes are met and all homes in rural areas have access to superfast broadband.
b) That Affordable Rural Housing built in the District be kept as such if sold in the future on the open market.
Reason for this Recommendation There was concern that if an affordable rural property was sold on the open market this would then become unaffordable to residents in the local area. As affordable rural housing was not in large supply it was important for legislation to be in place to protect the status of these properties for local residents to access in the future.
c) That rural parish councils be supported by Wycombe District Council in providing a Local Housing Needs Survey if any parish council in the District choose to investigate a need for affordable rural housing. Reason for this Recommendation This would provide support for local parish councils if they wish to provide affordable rural housing for their residents and if developers show an interest in an area in their parish for development. A Local Housing Needs Survey would show evidence of affordable rural housing requirement in their parish.
d) That organisations such as The Caravan Club be contacted to promote tourist campsites in the District and local farmers be encouraged to diversify their businesses to offer land for caravan and campsites or to provide holiday accommodation. Reason for this Recommendation There were very few campsites in the District that were supported by organisations such as The Caravan Club. These organisations provide support and marketing for camping and caravanning sites and would encourage tourists to visit rural areas in the District. To enhance the rural economy farmers could diversify their businesses to include tourist accommodation which could provide additional income to sustain their businesses for the future.
e) That tourist information be made available at community libraries in rural areas in the District and be suitable promoted. Reason for this Recommendation As there were only three Tourist Information Centres in the District this would provide additional provision for providing local tourist information for minimal cost. This could be promoted by the District Council and enable tourists and local residents to access information in rural areas.
f) To enable links with neighbouring local authorities and specialist organisations, such as the Chilterns Society, to promote walks and trails in and around adjoining districts. Reason for this Recommendation There were many walks and trails in and around the Wycombe District that crossed over into other district and county councils areas. This would help promote activities to tourists in other areas and encourage them to participate in events that they may not usually be aware of and this in turn would enhance tourism at a local level. . |
Members received clarification on a number of issues and made observations as follows:
· The need for affordable properties in rural communities was paramount and likewise the requirement that such properties remain such should they be sold on. As an aside the Commission agreed that this initiative should be pursued across the whole District for urban areas as well as the rural communities being considered here.
· The lack of caravaning / camping sites in the District was noted, apparently we had only 4 in an area renowned for its natural beauty and much visited by tourists, the recommendation to increase this number and in doing so boost the rural economy was commended.
· In respect of the Broadband recommendation officers were to note the £440m apparently to be shortly available from Central Government in respect of Broadband roll-out, being made up of £150m in cost savings in completed schemes and the rest in the form of returned subsidies from BT. Under a 2010 deal, the government paid BT to roll out superfast broadband in hard-to-reach areas where providers had said it was not cost-effective to install broadband infrastructure. As part of the agreement, if more than 20% of premises in those areas bought superfast broadband, BT had to repay some of the subsidy. On average, the take-up has been 30.6%, leading to a forecast repayment of £292m.
· Though not covered by the Task and Finish Group the Commission suggested and it was agreed that a post script be added to the Report before onward referral to the Cabinet Meeting of 6 February 2017 in respect of the successful Risborough Area Community Bus. The Commission asked that Cabinet consider support of such commendable schemes which could successfully break down rural vulnerability across the entire District, much could be learnt from this successful template.
Councillor Etholen agreed to accompany Commission Chairman Councillor Gaffney to the Cabinet Meeting of Monday 6 February to present the Report as agreed.
RESOLVED: That the recommendations of the Rural Issues Task and Finish Group as featured above lettered a to f, along with appropriate post scripts relating to i) the roll out of the recommendation in respect of affordable housing (b) across both Urban and Rural parts of the District (i.e. the entire District) and ii) that Cabinet consider support of Rural Community Bus schemes across the District on the lines of that successfully operated by the Risborough Area Community Bus organisation, be added to the Report.
Supporting documents:
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