Agenda item

E.96/23            

The Executive considered a report that provided an update on the progress made across a multitude of work strands within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport (PASDF).

In his introduction, the lead Executive Member made specific reference to:

-       this being the first quarterly Freeport Update report since the Council had supported each of the 17 recommendations (of which the production of a quarterly update report was one) generated by the Freeport Task and Finish Group at its meeting held on 14 December 2024 (Minute 38/23 refers);

-       the Devon County Council (DCC) Cabinet (at its meeting held on 10 April 2024) had voted to approve the delivery of a spine road and pedestrian/cycle bridge relating to the Freeport.  In highlighting the importance of this decision, the lead Member encouraged interested parties to read the report and minutes on the DCC website;

-       whilst the published agenda report had committed to providing a verbal update at this meeting in relation to the Sherford land acquisition, the lead Member informed that the only update at this time was that matters were progressing however contracts were yet to be signed; and

-       at the appropriate time, it was his intention to propose an additional (part 3) recommendation that would read as follows:

3.    That the Executive request that the Audit & Governance Committee continue its monitoring role of the Freeport and be encouraged to set up a Working Group at its next scheduled Committee meeting to monitor the implementation of the 17 recommendations that were generated by the Freeport Task & Finish Group and were ultimately supported by Full Council at its meeting held on 14 December 2023 (Minute 38/23 refers).

During the ensuing debate, the following points were raised:

(a)      Some Members each raised their concerns that the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership had ended up being inefficient and ineffective and these Members reiterated that they would not want any element of that to be replicated with the Freeport (NB. there was no suggestion at this point that there would be);

(b)     A number of questions were raised and points made that related to the current live planning application for an onsite hydrogen pipeline.  It was noted that the application would be determined by the District Council and, whilst a number of discussion points had been made at this meeting, the Monitoring Officer was content that no Members had predetermined themselves at this time from being able to partake in the Development Management process on this planning application;

(c)      A number of Members expressed their wholehearted support for inclusion of the additional recommendation;

(d)     Whilst there were risks associated with the Freeport project, a number of Members made the point that the advantages arising from the extensive investment by Central Government into the Plymouth and South Devon area should not be underestimated.  As a result, these Members were of the view that the Council owed it to its residents and local communities to support the project;

(e)     In terms of establishing tangible performance measures to ensure effective monitoring of the project, it was hoped that some would be aligned to the 17 recommendations made by the Task and Finish Group.  In addition, it was felt that, for future quarterly reports, it would be helpful to have a Gantt Chart included that set out key project milestones.

It was then:

RESOLVED

1.    That the contents of the presented update report be noted;

2.    That the Council’s borrowing requirement for the Freeport had reduced from £5.5m to £3.5m, be noted; and

3.    That the Audit & Governance Committee continue its monitoring role of the Freeport and be encouraged to set up a Working Group at its next scheduled Committee meeting to monitor the implementation of the 17 recommendations that were generated by the Freeport Task & Finish Group and were ultimately supported by Full Council at its meeting held on 14 December 2023 (Minute 38/23 refers).

(Note: at this point (11.25am) the meeting was adjourned for a period of 10 minutes).