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The Freeport is on Track Following Review

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

The Freeport is on Track Following Review

Issued: 1 December 2023

The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport has the potential to benefit residents in the South Hams – that’s the conclusion of a thorough review into the risks and opportunities of the project.

A report by an Audit and Governance group at South Hams District Council also made several recommendations to manage any possible risks.

Following an in-depth discussion at the Executive meeting today, Members considered the report and agreed to include it in an update of the Freeport to Full Council.

The review recognised the importance and scale of the projects as well as the positive impacts it would have for the region. South Hams Council, a founder member of the Freeport alongside Plymouth City and Devon County Council, will be focusing on improvements to the environment, the green economy with ethical, inclusive and sustainable opportunities for small businesses, and well-paid employment within the South Hams area of the Freeport.

The report acknowledged that concern had been expressed by some residents, therefore there is greater need for a programme of communication and engagement within the community.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, Councillor John Birch, said: “I am pleased with the findings of the Task and Finish Group who have delved very carefully into the financial implications if something were to go wrong with the investment into the Freeport, but also into the opportunities open to us as a council and a District.

“There are clear outcomes for collaborative working that will help not only our net zero ambitions, but also, importantly, the economy. This is our largest economic project for the South Hams – improving local skills and jobs in our communities. We need to remember this is a 25 year project and it is still in its infancy and we must play our part in its development.“We recognise that we need to explain clearly what we are doing and what this means for the South Hams. We understand that some residents may still have their doubts and we want to be open and transparent to show we are considering all the risks and opportunities of this project.”

To help residents understand more about the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, the Council has published answers to frequently asked questions. These can be found at www.southhams.gov.uk/pdas-freeport

The Audit and Governance Committee’s Task and Finish Group report can be found at: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

Dairy Crest Public Inquiry Moves a Step Closer

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Dairy Crest Public Inquiry Moves a Step Closer

 

30 November 2023

A public inquiry is to be held at Follaton House in Totnes on Tuesday 5 December 2023 with the Planning Inspectorate. Fastglobe (Mastics) Limited appealed the decisions by South Hams District Council to refuse two applications to re-develop the former Dairy Crest Site in Totnes.

As part of the planning for the appeal hearings, the Council has been in dialogue with Fastglobe’s representatives. After robust discussions agreement was reached that Fastglobe will withdraw their appeal against the Council’s refusal of planning permission for a mixed-use development that would have included 20 holiday lodges and a spa/concierge building.

During the appeal process, Fastglobe have also provided noise and ecological information that they had previously refused to provide, in support of their second planning application for a mixed-use development that included about 80 houses.

The failure to provide the information was the main reasons for the Council’s refusal of planning permission. The Council’s specialist advisors have following detailed assessment confirmed they are satisfied with the information that has now been provided. Therefore, the second appeal will now focus on the detail of the section 106 planning agreement. The Appeal will focus on how 30% affordable housing will be delivered and other financial contributions can be secured.

The agreement between the Council and Fastglobe has been recorded in a ‘Statement of Common Ground’ which has been sent to the Planning Inspectorate today. This agreement does not however stop Totnes Community Development Society from presenting its case to the inspector at the inquiry.

A South Hams District Council spokesperson said: “The Council is pleased Fastglobe has decided to withdraw the first of their appeals. The Council has always been convinced of the strength of its case.

“The provision of holiday lodges does not align with planning policy, nor does it reflect the Council’s hopes for the site or importantly, those of the local community. Nevertheless, the withdrawal of that appeal removes any risk of holiday lodges being found by the inspector to be acceptable and planning permission being granted.

“The Council is pleased that Fastglobe has finally provided the information that they have been requesting for over 12 months. This means the planning inspector can now focus on the real issues, namely the provision of 30% affordable housing and getting the financial contributions that are needed. Our residents can be confident that the Council will be putting forward strong arguments on both of these issues.

“The withdrawal of the first appeal and narrowing the issues on the second appeal at this stage, will allow Totnes Community Development Society more time for preparing its case. They can concentrate wholeheartedly on the matter at hand, without the distraction of having to prepare unnecessary information for the first appeal.”

Supporting Communities To Deliver More Homes

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Supporting Communities To Deliver More Homes

Issued 30 November 2023

In its drive to provide more affordable homes, South Hams District Council has today (30 November) announced it will invest an initial £100,000 to help local communities deliver more houses in the areas which need it most.

The ‘South Hams Housing Offer’ will see the Council act as the glue between landowners and communities to explore sites which have housing development potential and where this is found, join up communities with a development partner to make it a reality.

The Council will provide support and advice on forming community housing groups and identifying housing need as well as helping to find sites which are suitable for development and offering pre-planning advice.

With combatting climate change one of the Council’s top priorities, it will also support communities to deliver homes which are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

The South Hams Housing Offer will launch in early 2024.

Councillor Denise O’Callaghan, Executive Member for Housing at South Hams District Council said: “We know there are community groups and landowners across the South Hams who really want to help provide homes local people can afford.

"All too often they lack the capacity to tackle the critical steps from identifying a housing need to engaging with a delivery partner. The South Hams Housing Offer will support communities with this crucial part of the process.”

Council Helping Residents With Their Energy Costs

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Council Helping Residents With Their Energy Costs

Issued: 27 November 2023

Lower income households could save between £220 and £400 a year on energy bills with the support of South Hams District Council.

The Council is helping households across the District improve the energy efficiency of their home and is encouraging residents to check whether they are eligible for an upgrade to their current heating systems and insulation.

The Council have been awarded £1.8 million of funding by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to improve the energy efficiency of 100 homes across South Hams by March 2025. The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) project is being delivered in partnership with South Dartmoor Community Energy.

National Energy Action’s Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is on Thursday 30 November. It’s been two years since the energy crisis first began with 6.3 million UK households currently in fuel poverty.

The improvements will help lower income households whose homes are in most need of upgrading. They will also help address climate change issues, one of the Council’s top priorities.

Residents who can benefit will have a combined gross household income of less than £31k each year, and are also living in the most poorly performing properties as measured by their Energy Performance (EPC) (D-G properties): and are not heated from the gas grid.

Eligible residents will benefit from a solution for the whole home. This would start with improving the fabric of the home first – increasing insulation, such as exterior wall, cavity wall or loft, and then low-carbon heating such as heat pumps.  Homes will be surveyed, and improvements will be designed specifically for each property’s needs.

Those living in private rented properties can also benefit from the scheme.  Landlords could receive up to two-thirds of the costs of improvements if their properties (EPC) and their tenants (gross annual household income) are eligible.

The council is working with South Dartmoor Community Energy who will be providing retrofit support services. This includes helping identify eligible applicants and supporting them through the process.

Households who think they may be eligible for the scheme can find out more at www.southhams.gov.uk/hug2

Councillor Denise O’Callaghan, Exec Member for Housing at South Hams District Council, said: "We are really pleased to share details of the HUG2 scheme and how it will help our residents across the District. This is a very important programme of work which will see the implementation of efficient and clean energy solutions to many people’s homes.

“One of our top priorities is acting in response to climate change: this project will help us on our journey to a greener South Hams, but we recognise that with one in five local households in fuel poverty we need to do much more.

“We will continue to lobby the Government for more funding to support our residents struggling with their energy bills.

“In the meantime we look forward to continuing our partnership with South Dartmoor Community energy to deliver these essential home improvements to those who need them most.”

Chris Bunce, Home Energy & Retrofit Advisor at South Dartmoor Community Energy said: “We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting scheme. With 1 in 5 UK households in fuel poverty, those living in draughty and inefficient homes have been greatly affected by the rising cost of energy. We’re pleased to be able to help 100 low-income households in the South Hams to lower their bills and lower the environmental impact of their homes.

“UK homes emit more carbon per year than our cars do, so retrofitting inefficient homes is crucial in tackling global warming.”

ENDS

New Council Homes Opened in St Anns Chapel

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New Council Homes Opened in St Anns Chapel

Issued: 24 November 2023

For the first time in a generation, South Hams District Council has built its own affordable homes which will help tackle the District’s housing crisis.

The development of eight new affordable homes in St Anns Chapel was officially opened yesterday (23 November), giving some of the prospective tenants the opportunity to view the homes.

Kathy Hutchings and her daughter Lily both work at a café within the local community.  They have been commuting from Cornwall to get to work for the past two years at great expense.


Kathy said: “A huge thank you to South Hams District Council for this opportunity to have a home at Holywell Meadow. This would be life changing for us in many ways. We are delighted to see the new homes – we love them!”
The properties include 2- and 3-bedroom homes and bungalows built to ‘Lifetime Home’ standards. They have been carefully designed to be accessible and adaptable, so that residents can stay in their homes for as long as possible.
The homes also benefit from state-of-the-art energy saving technology. The highly insulated, triple-glazed units, with underfloor heating and ventilation systems, will be energy efficient homes, helping tenants save money on their energy bills.
Each home also offers two parking spaces, an electric charging point and access to green spaces for the whole community to enjoy.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader at South Hams District Council, said: “Good news that we are providing these homes to a local community. These environmentally friendly homes also support our wider ambitions in addressing climate change. We hope to take forward some of the valuable lessons learned from this project, which like all new developments, experience challenges along the way.  With the right to buy legislation creating barriers, we will also continue to challenge government and try and find solutions to get around it.
“Providing more housing for local people is one of our biggest priorities. We hope to bring forward more housing projects to support our ambitions. Thank you to all involved.”
Councillor Denise O’Callaghan, Exec Member for Housing at South Hams District Council, said: “Many people are struggling to find affordable places to live, particularly in coastal areas where we have a higher holiday accommodation market.
“We want to and must deliver more affordable high-quality housing – this development is just one of the many examples of the work we are doing to support our residents who are struggling to find a place they can call home.”
Cllr Bernard Taylor, Ward Member for Charterlands said: “There has been a real need for this development here in St Anns and greatly welcomed by the community.  We are delighted to see local people with strong connections to the area benefit from these fantastic new homes.”

South Hams District Council joins over 100 councils to address the homelessness crisis

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South Hams District Council joins over 100 councils to address the homelessness crisis

9 November 2023

South Hams District Council has joined forces with councils across the country to urge the Government to take action to support people facing homelessness and in need of shelter.
Eastbourne Borough Council and the District Councils’ Network have announced details of a letter which calls on the Chancellor to address the homelessness and temporary accommodation crisis that threatens local government's financial sustainability and the services upon which England's most vulnerable people rely.
South Hams District Council is one of 108 district councils to sign the letter.
The letter is endorsed by councils from across the country led by Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Independents. It follows an emergency summit on 31 October, co-hosted by Eastbourne Borough Council and the District Councils' Network.
According to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the cost of temporary accommodation to councils reached £1.7bn last year and is increasing rapidly.
Two-thirds of councils across the country have signed. District councils are often the administrative tier of principal government closest to communities and they oversee services including housing, leisure centres and waste collection. The rising cost of temporary accommodation hits district councils particularly hard due to a large proportion of their budgets being devoted to housing.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "119 council leaders, representing areas across England and of all political persuasions are asking Jeremy Hunt to recognise the gravity of this situation and provide local government with the appropriate funding and response.
"I have no doubt that the Chancellor and the Prime Minister understand that this is threatening the very future of services that support and maintain hundreds of thousands of vulnerable residents. They cannot allow the safety net we provide to fail; they must act now.
"I am also grateful that so many authorities have responded so quickly and positively to our joint letter. We are all in agreement - this is a national crisis."
In addition to asking for a meeting with the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement, the letter urges six key actions:
  • Raise Local Housing Allowance rates to a level that will cover at least 30% of local market rent and commit to annual uprating.
  • Provide £100m additional funding for Discretionary Housing Payments in 2023-24 and an additional £200m in 2024-25.
  • Provide a £150m top-up to the Homelessness Prevention Grant for 2024-25.
  • Review the cap for housing benefit subsidy rate for local authority homelessness placements.
  • Develop policy to stimulate retention and supply in the privately rented sector.
  • Give councils the long-term funding, flexibility and certainty needed to increase the supply of social housing.
Councillor Hannah Dalton, the District Councils' Network Housing spokesperson, said: "The fact that 119 council leaders from all political groups have joined up to demand urgent action from the Chancellor on homelessness demonstrates that we are in an emergency situation, right across the country.
"Councils simply do not have the money to cope with this surge of demand for temporary accommodation and without action from Jeremy Hunt they will have no option but to cut services. Such is the scale of the problem that some councils will find themselves effectively bankrupt.
"Unless action is taken in the Autumn Statement, society's most vulnerable people will continue to be hit hardest - the lifeline that their councils offer them will collapse and there will be a knock-on impact on other public services, including the NHS. Funding councils' work properly will prevent homelessness now, easing the need for public services like the NHS to spend huge amounts dealing with the consequences of homelessness in future."
South Hams District Council’s Cllr Denise O’Callaghan, Lead Member for Housing, said: “Providing temporary homes for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances is an absolute priority for us. The costs to councils of supplying this type of accommodation have risen dramatically, and although we try, where possible, to ease the pressure through other programmes, a lack of funding affects our ability to address the root cause of homelessness. This cannot continue.
“We stand firmly with our fellow councils and the District Councils’ Network in raising this issue with the government.”
ENDS

Changes are coming to the recycling and food waste collection service in the South Hams

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Changes are coming to the recycling and food waste collection service in the South Hams

 

6 November 2023

Changes are coming to the recycling and food waste collection service in the South Hams from 20 November – with residents set to start receiving letters from today (6 November) explaining the coming changes.

We currently deliver three different types of recycling collections to you, our residents. We’re aligning this and making sure every resident can present the same materials, including glass and food waste. This is also important to us, as it means we can help to combat climate change, reduce waste and pollution.

The upcoming changes will mean that everyone is on the same service, using kerbside boxes, a white reusable sack and food waste caddy to present their recycling each week.

Every single property in the South Hams will be affected. You might have a change to your recycling and black bin collection day, or the way you put out your waste and recycling on the kerbside. You can check changes to your collection day online on waste.southhams.gov.uk from 18 November.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Executive Member for Waste, said: “Our waste team have been working tirelessly for months to get ready for these changes.

“Many of our residents have been asking us when they can recycle food waste. Now they can. Your food waste will go off for anaerobic digestion, which creates natural gas and organic fertiliser. It helps make the most of our food waste, which can only be a good thing.

“These are big changes and brand-new rounds for all our crews. They’ll be working incredibly hard over the coming weeks to pick up your recycling and waste. Inevitably, there may be some slight disruption – please be kind to our crews, who will be doing everything they can to make sure you get a smooth collection service during this transition.”

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “The changes mean that from 20 November, we will at last be able to roll out the kerbside collection service, known as the Devon Aligned Service, so that everyone will be getting the same materials collected, and will all be on the same system, which is great news.

“At the moment, we have one of the worst recycling rates in Devon. We want to be the best, and this is the opportunity for us to do that.”

We really appreciate your support during these changes to your recycling and food waste collection service. Your co-operation will make these changes as smooth and seamless as possible.

You can find out more on the changes on our website: www.southhams.gov.uk/waste-service-changes

Council Supporting Economic Growth Across the District

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Council Supporting Economic Growth Across the District

 

Issued: 1 November 2023

South Hams District Council is working with towns across the District to help boost the local economy and improve sustainability.
The Council’s Community Economic Plan (CEP) project will firstly support five towns across the South Hams with work already happening in Ivybridge. With economy and jobs being one of the Council’s top priorities, the project will develop more collaboration with business communities, empowering them to help write the next chapter for their town.
The project is led by the community and supported by the Council. It will build on existing Neighbourhood Plans and will create a clear economic vision for each town. Plans will focus on business growth, sustainability and providing more opportunities for local training, apprenticeships, and employment.
CEPs will also be expanded to other towns in the District to cover Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Totnes and Salcombe over the next 2-3 years.
With climate change a top priority for both the Council and local communities, the project will also look at the ways local businesses can reduce their carbon emissions and make better use of the natural environment.
A local steering group including residents, business owners, Ward Members and Ivybridge Town Council has now been set up in Ivybridge to lead on the first of these important projects.
Finding out what young people want from their town is a vital part of the project and a secondary school steering group has also been set up to help shape Ivybridge for the future generations.
The Council will support the town and those that follow by gathering statistical research, running public consultations, and developing future plans.
The final stage of each project will see the creation of short, medium and long-term actions which will move each town closer to meeting its own ambitions.
Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, at South Hams District Council, said: “In order for our towns to thrive, it is vital that we continue to attract people to live and work in our wonderful communities.
“This is very much a local led project and the aspirations and agreed actions should be reflective of the opinions of each community. Please do take part in sharing your views when developing a Community Economic Plan for your town.
“With climate change high on the agenda, this project will also provide opportunities and infrastructure to improve the environmental quality of towns.”
Ivybridge residents, business owners and community partners can now have their say on the next chapter of their town by taking part in an online survey or by attending a focus group session taking place over the next three months.  Find out more at https://myivybridge.commonplace.is
Watch this space for details of upcoming Community Economic Plan projects in other towns across the District.

Extension of Fare Car F7 to operate on Tuesdays and to Lee Mill

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Fare Car F7 service which operates from the Bigbury and Challaborough areas to Modbury and Ivybridge on Fridays will additionally run on Tuesdays from 14 November 2023 and will be extended to Lee Mill as a replacement for bus service 875.

Oakleys Coaches have been operating this bus service for the past few months but have given notice on the contract. One of our team recently did a passenger survey on this service and found there were only a small number of passengers using the service from the unique section. We tendered for a replacement bus service and received a price which was significantly greater than the cost of providing a Fare Car, given the expected demand for the service.

Additionally from 14 November, passengers who have an English National Concessionary Bus Pass will be able to travel for free on the Fare Car on both days of operation if they show their pass to the driver.

The Friday service which was introduced in April has proved popular with passengers and it is hoped the additional day will be popular too.