Cornwall County Council's consultation

 St. Austell and Parishes Town Framework Retail Strategy.

The Chamber committee informed its members of the additional survey for the retail options for St. Austell on 9^th November and members have been encouraged to complete the online survey for their own views.

 

On 10^th December we voted as a Chamber, to obtain an ‘official response’.

 

The Chamber, at the time of voting, has a total of 70 members. 15 members voted during the Chamber meeting and 19 members, who could not attend, sent their votes via email.

 

The ‘official response’ represents 50% of the Chamber’s membership.

 

 

QUESTIONS

1. Which retail strategy do you think St Austell should adopt for the future?

The vote was for Strategy 2: Support Town Centre sites where possible AND identify an out of centre/ out of Town Sites.

[33 to support this option, and 1 against].

 

2. If a strategy is pursued that requires the identification of a further retail site outside of the town centre, which would be your preferred site?

The preferred out of town centre site was Coyte Farm. Although at the meeting, members did not want to choose and stated that they wanted to vote to support ALL out of centre sites.

 

3. Of all sites listed please give your preference in order from 1 to 7 (1 being highest preference site, 7 being lowest preference site)

1. Coyte Farm
2. Old Vicarge Place
3. Trewhiddle West
4. Trewhiddle East (A)
5. Trewhiddle East (B)
6. Coop, West Hill
7. Sedgemoor.

 

Reasons/ comments given by members included:

• A desire as a Chamber to support all options as they promote economic growth for the area and increased job opportunities.
• Coyte Farm was the only fully formed plan.
• Keen to see continued investment nearer to the town centre and this should be the first priority. 
• Should not be opposed to out of town development as need to open as many opportunities for St. Austell to grow as possible.
• Aware that the larger out of town experience would draw more people to the area and potentially the town.
• Town centre development and out of town sites should be made to be as complimentary shopping experiences.
• A flexibility of approach should also be given to encourage major developments that offer significantly higher levels of new local employment and a greater level of local spend.
• It is the view of the Chamber that by increasing employment opportunities, particular for people who live in the St Austell Bay area, it will also enable local SME businesses – the majority of which make up our members - to flourish.