Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 20th October 2022) below:
Investment Zones
Investment Zones offer time limited tax incentives and planning flexibilities to help drive regeneration.
When combined with the £21.9m of Government funding awarded to the Torquay Town Deal, plus £13.4m of Government funding for Paignton’s Future High Streets Fund there is a potential for them to boost the much-needed regeneration of our Town Centres. Last week, Torbay Council, with the support of Anthony Mangnall and Myself, submitted an expression of interest for 4 sites in our bay to be considered as part of the investment zones initiative.
The four sites were: 1. Paignton Town Centre - Focused on Victoria Square and Crossways Area. (The proposed area does not include Victoria Park or the Seafront). 2. Torquay Town Centre - Upper Union Street, plus some surrounding streets which form part of the Town Centre, eg Lower Union Lane. 3. Photonics Park, Paignton - A site previously identified for industrial\commercial development. 4. Brixham Marine - The proposed area relates to parts of the Harbour facilities.
A fifth site suggested by Torbay Council, at Edginswell, was dropped after I objected to a large greenfield area being included in such a bid. Whilst it has previously been identified for development, I believe the focus should be on reviving our Town Centres, rather than offering incentives for edge-of-town development.
Despite some claims Investment Zones might affect local wildlife areas and woodland, mostly by organisations not based here in our bay, the list of sites put forward clearly do not include such locations. Any Investment Zones is for a specific area, selected locally, meaning sensitive sites where development not appropriate, eg a neighbouring park or historical site, have been excluded.
We should hear the results of our bids later this year.
David Amess
Since first being elected back in May 2015 I have held regular surgeries where I can meet constituents who need my help on a specific issue, it is an important part of my role as our bay’s MP.
My surgery last Saturday at Preston Baptist Church was like many I have held before and like others most MPs will have held over the last week. Yet last Saturday marked exactly a year to the day since my friend and colleague Sir David Amess was murdered at his surgery.
David served as an MP for nearly 40 years and was a passionate advocate for the issues he believed in, especially animal welfare. He would not have wanted the outcome of his death to be MPs stepping back from meeting those they serve. So, whilst I have put in place some additional security measures I continue to hold my surgeries.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 21st October 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Saturday 5th November 10am till 12Noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
