Factory Future Meeting Minutes

Factory Future Working Group

Meeting on 16/04/08 at Normandy House

Minutes
 

Present: Mike and Hilary Bird, Clare Brewster, Helen Collinson (Chair), Jill Dixon, Peter Faithfull,
  Toby Thatcher (on behalf of Jan Thatcher), Phil Foggitt, Nick Graham,
  Diana Jones (Minute-taker), Anna Roderick.
 

1. Introductions.

Each person introduced themselves, with some indication of their interest and relevant background.

2. Public meeting points of interest.

 The potential for a hydro-electric scheme at the site for renewable energy, and that it could be an asset for a considerable loan.
 The potential for research and display of skills from the past.
 Sustainable Ottery being in touch with Churchill, the owners.
 So many people being there indicating the level of interest in the site.
 The possibility that the site could be put back in use as part of the life of Ottery.
 The sense of emerging from a shroud of secrecy, and an opportunity for local people to discuss what happens.
 Very encouraging to learn the extent of capital raised by the High Bickington group.
 A pleasant shock, the idea of buying the site.

There was some discussion and information shared around these points. Perhaps the value of the site was high because supermarkets interested. Local opposition of two years ago made Churchill hesitate. What advantage to Churchill is there in doing nothing? Are they waiting for one of the listed buildings to crumble? Local councillors are afraid to speak for fear of losing their ability to vote. Some people in Ottery want a supermarket. The plastic bag survey found that many people come from outside to shop at Ottery because of the small shops.

3. Meeting with Churchill.

Phil Foggitt and Diana Jones would be meeting with Jeremy Sharp, one of the directors of Churchill on Friday (18th). Phil and Diana were asked to bear various points in mind. The Council has a 10% renewable energy requirement, and a hyrdo-electric scheme could meet this. The Lottery can fund 75% of the going rate for a property; we would have to find the other 25% in cash or kind. Find out if Churchill is interested in selling. (60K was judged to be the going rate for the Millennium field.) As a community group, Sustainable Ottery can offer access to funds which are unavailable to Churchill, and a passport to community support. What about a shared ownership site? The Local Development Framework (LDF) is being drawn up, and will affect use of site. Overall strategy for the meeting: reconnaisance, partnership, cards on the table.

4. Strategy

Suggestion of four working groups: liaison with local authority and planning, technical (re buildings, hydro etc), finance (liaison with Wessex Reinvestment Trust), survey, vision.

Clare said she would take the local authority brief. She will find out what is happening re LDF, and feed back to Phil and Diana in time for Churchill meeting.

Anna and Mike are interested in the Finance group.

Helen is interested in the survey. Some discussion on balance of consultation and education.
 

5. Next meeting

  28th April, at Normandy House.