Consideration was given to the
six-monthly progress update on the Cabinet approved recommendations
from the Business Frontage Task Group.
The Director of Economic
Development introduced the six-monthly progress update, noting that
the Business Frontage Task Group had made several recommendations
which were approved by Cabinet.
A six-monthly progress report
was presented to the Panel.
The Director of Economic
Development highlighted that:
- A draft South Holland
Shop Front Design Guide had been commissioned and was being
prepared for consultation alongside the conservation area appraisal
and heritage strategy. The consultation was scheduled to commence
in October 2025.
- Monthly meetings with
the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager had been
established to share updates on business openings, closures, and
street scene matters.
- Enforcement options
would be explored following the adoption of the conservation area
appraisal and heritage strategy.
- While no grant
funding was currently available for shop frontage improvements,
this was being considered as part of the Spalding Town
Board’s ‘Plan for Neighbourhood’.
- A communications plan
would accompany the approval of the design guide to promote good
design practices.
- The proposed design
guide would not be a supplementary planning document but would be a
material consideration for future planning
applications.
Members considered the update
and made the following comments:
- The Chairman of the
Task Group noted that the issue was cross-departmental and involved
external partners. He emphasised the importance of getting the
consultation right and welcomed the guide being treated as a
material planning consideration.
- A member queried how
the Council would engage with multinational businesses that had
their own branding standards.
- The Director of
Economic Development responded that the guide would include advice
on how branding could be adapted constructively, and that
successful case studies from other areas would be
included.
- A member suggested
that the word ‘enforcement’ be replaced with
‘encouragement’ to attract businesses to the
district.
- The Director of
Economic Development clarified that the guide was not enforceable
in the same way as planning policy but would carry weight as a
material planning consideration.
- Members asked what
support would be available for businesses wishing to improve their
frontages.
- The Director of
Economic Development confirmed that no grant funding was currently
available but that the ‘Plan for Neighbourhood’ could
potentially support a funding scheme in future.
- A question was raised
about whether the guide would apply to other towns in the
district.
- The Director of
Economic Development explained that while the initial focus was on
Spalding, the principles could be extended district-wide depending
on resources.
- Members discussed if
the guide should be applicable to all towns across South
Holland.
- The Director of
Economic Development explained that the focus would be on Spalding
town centre, but the consultation would include businesses across
the district and parishes.
- A member noted that
enforcement might be required under licensing, and the Chair
reiterated the cross-departmental nature of the issue, including
the varied origins of window vinyls.
- Members welcomed the
progress made and emphasised the importance of consistent
communication and practical support for businesses.
AGREED:
a)
That the update be noted; and
b)
That an update on recommendations be presented to
the Panel in six months.