Core CPD Framework:
- Development and Infrastructure Planning
- Housing
- Climate Change and Environmental Planning
- 4 1/2 CPD Hours
Event Description
Ilfracombe is a coastal town and port along Devon’s north coast. The town has grown up the hillsides around the harbour and town beaches and covers a natural amphitheatre facing the Bristol Channel. Ilfracombe has a wealth of historic buildings and beauty in its natural assets, but that masks a level of deprivation that sees the town in the bottom quartile of the Country. The towns riches, built on the tourism trade with the opening of the railway network has been going steadily into decline with the closing of the railway in the 70’s. Ilfracombe now has some of the worst housing stock in the district, a population with lower life expectancy rates than most other Devon towns and an economy struggling to diversify from over-reliance on tourism. However, an inter-agency approach set up in 2024 is looking to tackle the worst issues in Ilfracombe from the housing situation, skills and heath of its communities to the economic viability.
Using case studies, this informative seminar will look at how planners have helped to facilitate regeneration of the coastal town of Ilfracombe, North Devon. The day will be a mix of presentations and site visits, giving you the opportunity to find out more and learn from the developments of this popular coastal destination.
Learning outcomes
- Learn about different strategies that planners can use to promote regeneration in coastal areas
- Visit derelict sites within the town where planners are working with owners to deliver practical solutions
- Visit a community centre that has been delivered as part of the Ilfracombe southern extension
Programme
10:00am - Arrival and Refreshments
Morning: Speakers
- 10.15-10.30: Welcome and overview of the day
Mary-Ellen Whalley, Torridge District Council - 10.30-11.00: A general overview of regeneration in Ilfracombe to set the context
Steve Seatherton, Programme Manager, One Ilfracombe - 11.00-11.30: Watersports case study - from planning to delivery
Georgina Carlo-Paat, Ilfracombe Harbourmaster
11.30 - 11.45 - Refreshments Break
- 11.45-12.15: Ilfracombe CLT - responsive local housing project
Mark Reed, Community Land Trust
- 12.15-12.45: Healthy Homes - local authority intervention in the housing market
Sarah Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Head of Property, Place, Regeneration, NDC
12.45 - Lunch at the Landmark Theatre
Afternoon: site visits
- 1.30-2.30 - Walking tour around a selection of seafront sites that have required multiple planning interventions
Matthew Brown, Lead Planning Officer, NDC - 2.30-4.00 - Car share from Landmark Theatre to Ilfracombe Southern Extension, community facilities
Jozie Bannister, Devonshire Homes
For information about accommodation, food and drink and things to do, visit the Ilfracombe website.
Catering
- Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival and mid morning.
- Buffet lunch available.
- Participants are recommended to bring a bottled drink and snack for the afternoon visits.
Accessibility
- There is a car park at Jubilee Gardens, although the area behind the Landmark theatre is currently closed due to cliff instability.
- You can find alternative parking here.
- There is a bus service (21) from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe.
- Disabled access is available at the theatre.
The RTPI is committed to delivering inclusive events; to make sure that everyone can have the best possible experience. To help work towards being able to do this an event organiser will contact all booked participants to discuss any access needs or requirements that they might have. Contact Charlotte Daborn to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
