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Summary

The meeting began with well-wishes for Michelle Brooks, who is moving to the communities team. The main topics discussed were the implementation of the Gravity Enterprise Zone and the council's approach to nutrient neutrality.

Gravity Enterprise Zone

Councillor Rose White introduced the Gravity Enterprise Zone project, emphasizing its significance for Somerset. The project involves a substantial investment, with an initial £55 million followed by £150 million. The investment aims to deliver benefits in movement, skills, and business opportunities across the county. The project is expected to create 4,000 direct jobs and act as a catalyst for regional transformation. The council is working closely with the Department of Business and Trade to secure funding and ensure compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. The project also includes a focus on infrastructure, active travel, and workforce support.

Nutrient Neutrality

The council discussed the legal and scientific complexities surrounding nutrient neutrality, particularly its impact on housing development. The council must follow Natural England's advice to ensure that new developments do not increase nutrient loading in protected areas like the Somerset Levels and Moors. The council has received legal advice confirming that mitigation must be preventative and cannot rely on future upgrades by water companies. The council is working on various mitigation strategies, including a £9.6 million grant for phosphate mitigation projects. The council also plans to update its phosphate mitigation strategy and explore technological solutions.

Other Topics

  • Apologies for Absence: Councillor Sarah Wakefield and Adam Dance were noted as absent.
  • Minutes and Declarations: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved, and no declarations of interest were made.
  • Public Questions: No public questions were received.
  • Executive Board Plan: The plan was tabled with no comments or questions.
  • Task and Finish Group: The council decided against setting up a task and finish group for nutrient neutrality at this time due to resource constraints.
  • Land Use Strategy: The council will consider a land use strategy as part of the local plan, subject to government guidance and resource availability.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of ongoing scientific research and legal compliance to address nutrient neutrality issues effectively.

Attendees

Michelle Brooks
Profile image for Councillor Bill Revans
Councillor Bill Revans  Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance & Communications •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Liz Leyshon
Councillor Liz Leyshon  Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Theo Butt Philip
Councillor Theo Butt Philip  Lead Member for Transformation, Human Resources and Localities •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Adam Dance
Councillor Adam Dance  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Heather Shearer
Councillor Heather Shearer  Lead Member for Children, Families and Education •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts  Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture and, Equalities and Diversity •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Sarah Wakefield
Councillor Sarah Wakefield  Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Richard Wilkins
Councillor Richard Wilkins  Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Ros Wyke
Councillor Ros Wyke  Associate Lead Member for Active Travel and Public Transport •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Nicola Clark
Councillor Nicola Clark  Associate Lead Member for Culture and Leisure •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Bob Filmer
Councillor Bob Filmer  Opposition Spokesperson for Transport and Waste Services •  Conservative
Profile image for Councillor Mark Healey MBE
Councillor Mark Healey MBE  Opposition Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment •  Conservative
Profile image for Councillor Henry Hobhouse
Councillor Henry Hobhouse  Somerset Armed Forces Member Champion •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor John Hunt
Councillor John Hunt  Group Leader Independent •  Independent
Profile image for Councillor Dawn Johnson
Councillor Dawn Johnson  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Val Keitch
Councillor Val Keitch  Associate Lead Member for Localities (LCNs) and Public Health •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Frances Nicholson
Councillor Frances Nicholson  Opposition Lead Member for Children, Families and Education •  Conservative
Profile image for Councillor Sue Osborne
Councillor Sue Osborne  Opposition Lead Member for Transformation, Human Resources and Localities •  Conservative
Profile image for Councillor Derek Perry
Councillor Derek Perry  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Leigh Redman
Councillor Leigh Redman  Group Leader Labour •  Labour
Profile image for Councillor Fran Smith
Councillor Fran Smith  Associate Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Housing •  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor Claire Sully
Councillor Claire Sully  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Councillor David Woan
Councillor David Woan  Associate Lead Member for Business Strategy •  Liberal Democrat

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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