Torpoint and the Rame Peninsula Economic Plan Cornwall’s ‘hidden corner’ – a beautiful place with a sustainable economy and environment Torpoint and the Rame Peninsula Coastal Community Team 2 In 2030, Torpoint and the Rame Peninsula’s natural and built environment will define the area. The town, an important gateway into Cornwall and the villages and hamlets will be seen as one; part of a thriving and healthy balanced area with communities that will have a vibrant and viable local economy in which local people of all ages can fulfill their potential. Torpoint and Rame will be sought after places to live and a location for high quality sustainable holidays – whilst still Cornwall’s ‘Hidden Corner’ - people love to visit. 3 4 Foreword - an overview 5 Foreword – an overview The Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Coastal Community Team has been formed in response to the Government’s Coastal Community Team initiative which challenges local authorities, groups and organisations to work together to develop a plan that will aim to improve the economic fortunes of their coastal area. This Economic Plan is the first expression Many of the issues affecting the of the issues that have been identified by communities across the Peninsula are borne the group. It provides context about those out of its somewhat isolated geography issues and a comprehensive action plan, and poor linkage to other parts of Cornwall with identified projects, that aim to address and South Devon – and subsequently the them. wider world. Whilst it is an important gateway to Cornwall - this is by ferry only The team represents over twenty and alternative access is difficult. It has, organisations with different roles and as a result, been attributed the somewhat responsibilities affecting the administration unhelpful ‘forgotten corner’ reputation. and guardianship of the Peninsula. It reflects a range of different interests from Particular issues affecting the Peninsula public, private and voluntary groups. The are evidenced in social and economic formation of the team has been made profiling work undertaken over a number easier because many of the groups and of years. Key issues and concerns include; organisations have been working very transport, access and communications, the closely in recent years on the emerging creation of local employment opportunities, Rame Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and affordable housing for local people (in part the emerging Torpoint Neighbourhood a result of a higher than average number of Plan. Established working relationships are second homes), identified socio-economic already in place. deprivation, provision of community infrastructure, suitable management of the Whilst the Peninsula has many identified heritage and natural assets and the absence natural and heritage assets - a result of of a coordinated approach to tourism. its stunning coastal setting, it also has a number of particular economic problems. The purpose of this Economic Plan is to identify what these are and set out proposals for addressing them. 6 Foreword - an overview 7 Foreword – an overview In response to these issues and concerns The identified projects in the plan seek the team has developed a prioritised to move towards this by; stimulating the Action Plan that identifies projects that can potential of tourism in contributing to contribute towards stimulating improved the local economy, making access easier, economic fortunes around five principal managing the environment for future areas of focus: generations, creating better community infrastructure and supporting local Tourism – promoting the visitor economy businesses to create high quality jobs for local people. Transport – enhancing accessibility and communication The projects reflect different requirements that are needed to establish a firm Environment – enhancing the attractiveness foundation for developing the local of public areas and encouraging sustainable economy. As such, projects include for uses – making the most of heritage, natural example; capital proposals – such as the and cultural assets proposed ferry landing for Torpoint; feasibility work – including a better Community – providing improved understanding of walking and cycle community facilities potential on the Peninsula; strategy work to improve our understanding of particular Jobs – supporting employment issues – including the development of a opportunities (across sectors including tourism action plan; marketing – including agriculture, retail and tourism) the early development of a joined-up marketing and branding plan for the The Torpoint and Rame Peninsula benefits Peninsula; research work – including from an outstanding natural and built improving our knowledge of the potential environment – this is reflected in the of the fantastic heritage assets on the number of designated Areas of Outstanding peninsula; and revenue projects - to ensure Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific that resources are in place to make the Interest, Ancient Monuments, listed delivery of projects possible. buildings and conservation areas. It also has a number of identified socio economic There will not be a quick fix to all of the problems that are holding it back. issues and over time the focus for attention may well change. Nevertheless, this The Coastal Communities Team believes Economic Plan provides a starting point – a that an important focus for achieving foundation from which an improved coastal economic sustainability moving forward will community can be developed in the future. be in harnessing the advantages of a remote location – to turn the perceived constraints into a positive and to build success around a place that people really do want to go out of their way to get to. A ‘hidden corner’ as opposed to a ‘forgotten corner’. 8 Appendices Appendix 1 Summary of Economic Plan process Appendix 2 Matrix of projects Appendix 3 Economic Plan projects Appendix 4 Evidence base Appendix 5 Identifying areas of focus and key issues Appendix 6 Project priority pro forma 1 Appendix 7 Project priority pro forma 2 Appendix 8 November 11th 2015 Project instigation presentation Appendix 9 January 11th 2016 CCT workshop presentation Appendix 10 Workshop mapping and SWOT 9 Contents Background The Action Plan Introduction to the Economic Plan Introduction to the projects A matrix of projects About the local area Headline priority projects Geography Concerning delivery Context - community Funding Context - economic Maximising resources and costs Related initiatives Delivery of the Plan Vision and objectives Communications A vision Logistics Ambition Needs of the community Finally Analysis The Evidence Base 10 CCT membership including partners and stakeholders: Antony Estate (M) Antony House – National Trust Antony Parish Council (M) Cornwall Council Cornwall Councillors: – Rame Peninsula – G.Trubody (M) – Torpoint East – B.Hobbs (M) – Torpoint West – M.Pearn MBE Cremyl Ferry Friends of Mount Edgcumbe HMS Raleigh Maker and Rame Parish Council (M) Millbrook Parish Council (M) Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park (M) Plymouth City Council Rame Neighbourhood Planning Team Rame Peninsula Beach Care Rame Tourism and Business Association Sheviock Parish Council (M) South East Cornwall Chamber of Commerce St John Parish Council (M) Tamar Bridge and Ferry Committee Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum The Peninsula Trust Torpoint and Rame Active Community Sports Network Torpoint Moorings Association Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club Torpoint Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (M) Torpoint Town Council (M) 11 About the team Name of CCT Accountable administrative body Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Coastal Cornwall Council Community Team Local authority contact Lead organisation for CCT Catherine Thomson Torpoint Town Council Cornwall Gateway Community Gateway Link Officer Lead contact for CCT Address of local authority Gary Davis Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Coastal Cornwall Council Community Team - Chair County Hall, Treyew Road Truro, TR1 3AY Address Torpoint Town Council, 1-3 Buller Office Road, Torpoint, Cornwall, 01872 224242 PL11 2LD Mobile Telephone 07769 724877 01752 814885 Email Email [email protected] [email protected] Accountable body for funding Cornwall Council Coastal cities, towns and villages are an extremely important part of the country, providing a major contribution to the economy as well as to our national identity. Over 11 million people live in coastal communities, and many more visit regularly for business and pleasure. Department for Communities and Local Government The layout of the Economic Plan is based upon the recommended template in guidance from DCLG. Section 1 Background 14 Wilcove Antony House HMS Raleigh Torpoint St John Whitsand Millbrook Cawsand Section 1 - Background 15 Introduction to the Economic Plan This Economic Plan has been prepared by the Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Coastal Community Team. The team comprises organisations that are responsible for administration, custodians and other stakeholders - including Cornwall Council, Torpoint Town Council and the five Parish Councils representing Rame. The plan is borne out of established partnership working between stakeholders. South Yard It illustrates the local context and character of the peninsula and identifies challenges and objectives it faces. The plan provides a focus on key economic issues and sets out short, medium and long-term priorities to enable sustainable economic growth within the area. Whilst it provides a vision and comprehensive