Agenda and minutes

To consider the election of the Chair of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board for Municipal Year 2024/25.

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of the Council (Wyre Council) was appointed as the Chair for the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board for 2024/25.

To consider the election of the Vice-Chair of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board for Municipal Year 2024/25.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of the Council (Fylde Council) was appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board for 2024/25.

Members will disclose any pecuniary and any other significant interests they may have in relation to the matters to be considered at this meeting.

None received.

If the discussion during items 10, 11 and 12 of this agenda involves the disclosure of “exempt information”, as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Board wishes to move to confidential session, it may at any point pass the following resolution:  “That the public and press be excluded from the meeting whilst the agenda item(s) is/ are considered, on the ground that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the authority holding that information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act,  1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Variation Order 2006 and, that in the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information”.

Following discussions owing to the disclosure of commercially sensitive information during the discussions of items 10, 11 and 12 the Board agreed that the public and press be excluded from the meeting whilst the agenda items 10, 11 and 12 are considered, on the ground that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the authority holding that information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act, 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Variation Order 2006 and, that in the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 14 March 2024.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board held on Thursday 14 March 2024 were approved by those who were in attendance.

To receive a verbal update from the Chair of the EBP.

The Chair, Councillor Vincent introduced this item. 

He explained that it was necessary for the terms of reference of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board (EPB) to be reviewed in light of the dissolution of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. He raised that it was an opportunity for members to review the purpose and aims of the Board.

He suggested that there could be a greater focus on closer working relationships between each of the three authorities and discussing topics which where cross cutting. Some examples were bathing water quality and climate change amongst others.

He believed improved information sharing would ensure better outcomes for residents across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

Councillor Smith supported using the Board to improve joint working. He shared an example where each authority had successfully worked together to produce a briefing note on matters relating to the taxi trade and provision across the Fylde Coast.

Councillor Buckley welcomed this suggestion in particularly for the Board to review bathing water quality on the Fylde Coast.

Following discussion, it was agreed:

·       That Democratic Services would contact the members of the Board to confirm topic ideas to prioritise for future meetings.

·       That these topics would assist with the creation of a EPB forward plan, which would be presented at the next meeting.

·       That the forward plan to be themed to ensure relevant officers are present.

To receive a verbal update from Carl Green, Assistant Director of Engineering.

Carl Green, the Assistant Director of Engineering (Wyre Council) submitted a presentation regarding coastal infrastructure and strategic planning.

Carl Green, Katie Eckford, North West Shoreline Management Plan Co-ordinator and Iain Miskimmin, National Digital Twin Project introduced the presentation.

The presentation covered the following topics:

•                  Linking coastal infrastructure and risk.

•                  Coastal group initiatives.

•                  Fylde Coast infrastructure mapping and interdependency analysis.

Carl summarised the aims of the Fylde Coast Strategic Infrastructure Board which included:

•                  To reinforce collaboration and strengthening of governance and accountability to create infrastructure fit for the future.

•                  Alignment with the shoreline management plan and Coastal Group priorities.

•                  Enabling the implementation of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board’s strategic priorities.

He asked the EPB to endorse the formation of the Fylde Coast Strategic Infrastructure Board and for them to assist with identifying strategic priorities and direction.

Carl and Iain responded to a question from Neil Jack, Chief Executive of Blackpool Council regarding the benefits of external partners such as power network operators to collaborate and combine resources.

Councillor Smith welcomed the aim of the Fylde Coast Strategic Infrastructure Board to reinforce collaboration.

Carl responded to a question from Councillor Buckley regarding potential funding opportunities to support the work of the Board. She also asked for clarification regarding the support required from the EPB.

Neil Farley, co-opted member (Fylde), raised comments regarding diversity of supply and energy security.

Rob Green expressed that telecommunications and Fibre networks ought to be identified as critical infrastructure.

Following discussions, the Board agreed to support the work of the Fylde Coast Strategic Infrastructure Board.

The Board agreed for an update on the Fylde Coast Strategic Infrastructure Board to be submitted to a future meeting of the EPB.

The Chair thanked Carl for his attendance and presentation.

To receive a report from Scott Butterfield, Strategy and Climate Lead (Blackpool Council).

Scott Butterfield Strategy and Climate Lead (Blackpool Council) submitted a report which updated the EPB on the progress of work under its Green Growth priority.

Scott introduced his report.

The report included a summary of the ongoing climate projects from each authority. He raised some key updates since the last meeting of the EPB these included rollout of electric charging points and climate adaptation work.

He highlighted that an area of improvement was regarding Shared Prosperity Fund projects which were supporting the decarbonisation of businesses. He explained that engagement in these projects was low and that this was something each authority could learn from with any similar future projects.

Scott responded to questions and comments from Councillor Buckley and Councillor Vincent about the widespread challenges to engage with local businesses regarding decarbonisation.

Following discussions, the Board noted the report. 

To receive verbal updates from representatives from each council.

Blackpool Council, Fylde Council and Wyre Council had submitted a presentation to provide the Board with economic updates for each authority.

Sarah Palmer, Director of Transformation and Change (Wyre Council) introduced the presentation. This covered the following topics:

•                  UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects

•                  The drafting of the Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy

•                  Strategic projects

•                  The Wyre Business Awards

Melissa Thorpe, Economic Development and Regeneration Manager (Fylde Council) introduced the presentation. This covered the following topics:

•                  St-Anne’s-On-The-Sea Town Centre Masterplan

•                  St Anne’s event space project

•                  Event’s support steering group and its objectives

•                  Kirkham futures

•                  Public realm successes and improvements

•                  Future projects looking ahead

Rob Green, Head of Enterprise Zones (Blackpool Council) introduced the presentation. The presentation covered the ambitions and opportunities of the Silicon Sands project particularly regarding the future of data centres.

Councillor Smith made comments regarding a recent visit to a combined heat and power (CHP) system which heated a number of buildings within a town. Scott Butterfield, added that Blackpool Council were organising a number of site visits to other areas in the country which used this technology and extended this invitation to Wyre and Fylde representatives.

The presentations were noted.

To review the work of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and its future work and priorities against its role and remit.

Rob Green, Head of Enterprise Zones (Blackpool Council) submitted a report to review the work of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone and its future work and priorities against its role and remit.

Mark Harrison, Enterprise Zone Project Manager (Blackpool Council) introduced the report. He highlighted the following key areas:

•                  Progress was on going to develop the masterplans and delivery plans for the site. Work was on going to adopt the Eastern Gateway Masterplan, Blackpool Airport/Silicon Sands Masterplan and the progress and completion of the Eastern Gateway.

•                  A key project manager role was vacant and was currently being covered by consultancy support. Work was on going to fill this post in the longer term.

•                  The current highway contract activity on the site had been split into six stages (a, c, d, e, f and g).

•                  The Eastern Gateway access and upgrades to Common Edge were under construction, this had resulted in minimal highway disruption and resident engagement work continued.

•                  A planning application submitted to Fylde Council regarding the realignment of the junction from Amy Johnson Way was to be considered the week following the EPB meeting.

•                  Engagement with utility providers remained positive.

•                  Work to minimise disruption particularly from Squires Gate through Amy Johnson Way and from construction of a road crossing at Common Edge.

•                  Planning permission had been granted for the new Vehicle Security point and Administration office and this was to go out for tender and should be operational by the end of February 2025

•                  Regarding social value, George Cox and Sons continued to support new local apprentices into employment and regularly engage with local schools. They also continued to use local sub-contractors where possible.

•                  The latest figure for jobs on the Enterprise Zone was 2,471 jobs. Updated figures will be provided at the next meeting.

Adam Ogden, Communications and Project Manager (Blackpool Council) provided the Board with a detailed overview regarding the marketing of the site. He explained that there were regular community meetings with residents and WhatsApp communities had been created for continued regular updates on the works.

Mark provided an update on the work at Common Edge regarding traffic management. The new link road had resulted in a large improvement to traffic disruption.

Councillor Buckley thanked officers for their quick responses to residents’ concerns particularly regarding Queensway and for their work to minimise traffic disruption as much as possible. She also raised questions regarding planning matters, which she agreed to discuss with officers following the meeting.

The report was noted.

To review the work of the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone and its future work and priorities against its role and remit.

Rob Green, Head of Enterprise Zones (Blackpool Council) submitted a report to review the work of the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone and its future work and priorities against its role and remit.

Rob introduced the report.

He explained that there was work on going with consultant engineer WSP to revise the Hillhouse Masterplan. This should be completed by December 2024. Councillor Vincent praised the work as it was realistic to what was achievable on the site.

Rob highlighted that the site had huge potential, however there were some major barriers to development.

He highlighted the following key areas included in the report:

•                  The new gatehouse project was nearing completion and was scheduled to be operational by Christmas 2024.

•                  Planning consent had been obtained by Lancashire County Council for a large energy from waste plant. There was no timescale for the delivery of this project, but this was a positive step forward.

•                  Proposals for the development of hydrogen productions and storage were on going and the issues regarding electricity to the national grid remained.

•                  Future ambitions for data centres on the site, however this may impact hydrogen opportunities.

•                  Regarding the Fleetwood/Poulton rail line, a decision on the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) sent to the Department for Transport in February 2023 had been delayed for 20 months and . in July the government announced that the Restoring Our Railways Scheme had been scrapped, although individual projects could still potentially be assessed on a case by case basis. This failure to make a decision had restricted the ability to progress investment into Hillhouse.

Councillor Vincent raised comments and concerns regarding the future of the Poulton to Fleetwood railway line.

Neil Farley raised concerns regarding the slowed progress with hydrogen production on the site. Rob confirmed that as the site was owned by NPL Estates, there was limited work that could be carried out by the council to invest into the site.

The report was noted.

To confirm the following dates and times for the remaining meetings of the EBP for 2024/25:

·         Thursday 12 December 2024 at 2pm

·         Thursday 20 March 2025 at 2pm

It was agreed that the future dates of the EPB meeting would be confirmed via email.