Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence were received from: -

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

The Chief Executive reminded members that dispensations had been granted to all dual hatted BCP Councillors who sit on or work in Town and Parish Councils in respect of the motion relating to the provision of assets to Town and Parish Councils to ensure that all Councillors were freely able to fully participate in the debate on these matters and vote.

Councillor Sara Armstrong declared an interest in relation to Minute No. 15 (Cabinet 22 July 2026 – Minute No. 28 – Youth Justice Plan 2026-2027) and left the meeting for the discussion and voting thereon.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 24 March 2026 and reconvened on the 12 May 2026 and the Annual Meeting on 12 May 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2026 and reconvened on the 12 May 2026 and the Minutes of the Annual Meeting on the 12 May 2026 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.

The Chairman advised the Council, with sadness, of the recent death of former Bournemouth Borough Honorary Freeman Canon Jim Richardson.

In addition, the Chairman highlighted that this year marked ten years since the death of Jo Cox MP. Members also remembered Sir David Amess MP, Ann Widecombe and all those who had lost their lives whilst serving their communities and democracy. Members then stood in silent tribute.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link: -

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1

The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day Wednesday 22 July 2026 (mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting).

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day Monday 27 July 2026 (mid-day the working day before the meeting).

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 14 July 2026 (10 working days before the meeting).

The Chairman advised Council that given the significant number of questions and statements received the time limit for public questions and statements would be extended to 30 minutes.

Public Question from Roger Mann

Winter Festival is an established attraction, but recent years have raised concerns about planning, environmental protection, community benefit, and funding. Residents need confidence that future events will learn from past issues and benefit Bournemouth as a whole, not external operators.

1.    What assurances can Council give those previous concerns—including the ice rink’s approval and unmet restoration and contractual commitments—will be fully considered before any future festival is approved?

2.    As sole trustee of the Lower Gardens Trust, how will the Council ensure that its duty to protect the gardens’ natural environment is prioritised alongside their use for entertainment?

3.    Why does the Council continue to provide funding to a bad model—previously direct and now indirectly —when this results in a loss. Will it explore partnerships with local businesses and alternative ice-rink locations that could deliver genuine community benefits while generating a return for the Council and Bournemouth?

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, Councillor Richard Herrett

The provision of the Christmas in Bournemouth event is much valued by residents and visitors alike with work already underway to deliver the 2026 event following a tender for a five year operation.  I would like to reassure you that regular communication takes place with the operators including a debrief after each year’s event and there are currently no unmet restoration commitments outstanding from the operator.

The Bournemouth Borough Council Act 1985 is clear in that the Council/ Lower Central Gardens Trust Board can provide public amenities, facilities for entertainment and recreation and due consideration is given to the items the Trust Board has remit to oversee, including the required agreement from the board for major events in the gardens area.

The temporary winter festival referred to does not exclude public access to the general open space for its intended purpose of the Trust which is the gardens to be for the recreation and enjoyment of the public.

The council is always open to hearing from local businesses regarding potential partnerships and any opportunities which arise will go through relevant procurement processes to ensure we are meeting our statutory regulations

Public Question from Soo Chapman

King Charles reminds us of Attenborough's wonderful achievements but our legacy will gravely dishonour him if we keep ignoring the Intelligence Chiefs' Report, the warnings of the National Preparedness Commission, the National Emergency Briefing Scientists of November 2025 and the ongoing collapse of our planet's heat shields.

Continuing to approve incineratory projects, deadly anachronistic fuels and cretinous investment decisions leave us vulnerable to more expensive flooding, fires and sea level rise. 

An MSP points out that North Sea oil and gas drilling adds atmospheric carbon that must later be removed at great expense to avoid driving up global temperatures, with disastrous consequences for future generations. 

Time for All Hands-on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)         the BCP Local Growth Plan be adopted;

(b)         the expected Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership capital and revenue funding be allocated to support delivery of the BCP Growth Plan priorities; and

(c)         the Director of Investment & Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations be delegated authority to work alongside the BCP Business Growth Board and partners to support delivery of the Local Growth Plan interventions.

The Leader of the Council presented the report on the BCP Growth Plan and outlined the recommendations as set out in the supplementary agenda pack.

A detailed discussion too place, during which thanks were expressed to officers for their work in developing the Plan. Members discussed the Plan’s ambitions for growth and economic development, and some concerns were raised regarding the reference to a visitor levy. Assurances were provided that, should any such levy be introduced, income raised would be spent in support of the visitor economy.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           the BCP Local Growth Plan be adopted;

(b)           the expected Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership capital and revenue funding be allocated to support delivery of the BCP Growth Plan priorities; and

(c)           the Director of Investment & Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations be delegated authority to work alongside the BCP Business Growth Board and partners to support delivery of the Local Growth Plan interventions.

Voting: For:50, Against:4, Abstentions:7

RECOMMENDED that the Youth Justice Plan 2026/27 be approved by Full Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills presented the report on the Youth Justice Plan 2026-2027 and outlined the recommendations as set out in the supplementary agenda pack.

RESOLVED that the Youth Justice Plan 2026/27 be approved by Full Council.

Voting: Unanimous

Councillor Sara Armstrong declared an interest in this item and left the room for the discussion and voting thereon.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves adoption of the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) (2026 – 2041).

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy presented the report on the Local Transport Plan and outlined the recommendations as set out in the supplementary agenda pack.

Council comprehensively debated the item, during which a range of views were expressed regarding the strategic importance of the Local Transport Plan, its role in supporting sustainable travel and connectivity, and the challenges associated with delivery. Some concerns were raised regarding the deliverability of the Plan and the level of emphasis placed on public transport.

RESOLVED that Council approved adoption of the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4)(2026-2041).

Voting: For:44, Against:13, Abstentions:1

Meeting adjourned at 9.04pm

Meeting reconvened at 9.25pm

Councillors Anne Filer, Mark Howell and Margaret Phipps left the meeting at 9.04pm

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)          approve the introduction of Moving Traffic Enforcement as a new function;

(b)           approve the net income budget allocation of £1.3 million in 2027/28 increasing to £1.5 million in 2029/30 with ongoing reviews to refine forecasts; and

(c)           approve use of remaining net income budget from moving traffic enforcement after repayment of total capital investment of £700,000 over 3 years, as investment in car parks maintenance or other allowable investment under Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Note – resolutions (d), (e) and (f) were resolved matters by the Cabinet

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations presented the report on Keeping BCP Moving Safely – Moving Traffic Enforcement and outlined the recommendations as set out in the supplementary agenda pack.

Council considered the item at length, during which Members expressed a range of views on the proposed approach to moving traffic enforcement.

Members spoke in support of proportionate enforcement focused on improving safety and keeping traffic moving, while also emphasising the importance of meaningful public engagement, appropriate scrutiny, and stressing that the enforcement function should be run internally rather than outsourced.

RESOLVED that Council: -

(a)           approved the introduction of Moving Traffic Enforcement as a new function;

(b)           approved the net income budget allocation of £1.3 million in 2027/28 increasing to £1.5 million in 2029/30 with ongoing reviews to refine forecasts; and

(c)           approved use of remaining net income budget from moving traffic enforcement after repayment of total capital investment of £700,000 over 3 years, as investment in car parks maintenance or other allowable investment under Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Voting: For:47, Against:6. Abstentions:4

NOTE – resolutions (d), (e) and (f) were resolved matters by the Cabinet.

Councillors Sharon Carr-Brown, Brian Hitchcock, Pete Miles and Toby Slade left the meeting at 10.05pm

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)           approves the disposal of land at Cabot Lane, Poole, as shown on the attached plan in Appendix 2, to Wessex Water on the principal terms set out in this report and for the consideration detailed in Confidential Appendix 3;

(b)           delegates authority to the Corporate Property Officer (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Portfolio holder, Monitoring Officer, to finalise the detailed terms of the disposals and enter into all necessary agreements; and

(c)           sets aside 5% of any proceeds of this disposal as a fund to improve water quality across BCP.

[PLEASE NOTE: Should the Council wish to discuss the detail of the confidential appendix at Appendix 3 the meeting will be required to move into Confidential (Exempt) Session].

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report on the Disposal of Land at Cabot Lane, Poole and outlined the recommendations as set out in the supplementary agenda pack.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder further highlighted the additional recommendation at (c) which had been added at the recent Cabinet meeting.

Council discussed the item in detail, during which a range of views were expressed.

Several Members raised concerns regarding water quality in local rivers and the impact on Christchurch Harbour.

During the debate, Members also noted that, if the land were not disposed of by the Council, it was understood that the land could be subject to compulsory purchase.

Further to this, members also noted that the proposed disposal was intended to support measures aimed at addressing pollution issues.

RESOLVED that Council: -

(a)           approved the disposal of land at Cabot Lane, Poole, as shown on the attached plan in Appendix 2, to Wessex Water on the principal terms set out in this report and for the consideration detailed in Confidential Appendix 3;

(b)           delegated authority to the Corporate Property Officer (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Portfolio holder, Monitoring Officer, to finalise the detailed terms of the disposals and enter into all necessary agreements; and

(c)           sets aside 5% of any proceeds of this disposal as a fund to improve water quality across BCP.

Voting: For:42, Against:7, Abstentions:5

Councillors Julie Bagwell, Judes Butt, John Challinor, Michelle Dower and Vanessa Ricketts left the meeting at 10.38pm

This report asks Council to approve the appointment of two independent co‑opted persons to the Audit & Governance (A&G) Committee, in line with CIPFA best practice guidance that encourages the inclusion of independent perspectives to strengthen local authority audit functions.

Independent persons will enhance the committee’s effectiveness by providing impartial challenge, additional expertise and assurance on governance and financial matters, without holding voting rights.

BCP Council adopted best practice in 2023 when it first introduced independent person to the A&G Committee, the tenure of the first two incumbents came to an end on 31/3/2026.

The Constitution stipulates that without formal delegation only Council can approve to co-opt individuals onto respective Council Committees; there is currently no such delegation in place for the A&G Committee.  

A comprehensive recruitment and selection process has been undertaken, including open advertisement, shortlisting, and formal interviews conducted by a cross-party panel of councillors, agreed by A&G committee. From nine initial applicants, four candidates were shortlisted and interviewed using a consistent scoring methodology. The panel reached unanimous agreement on the two highest-ranked candidates, following independent scoring and due diligence checks to confirm their independence and suitability.

The proposed appointments are for an initial term covering the 2026/27 and 2027/28 municipal years, with an option to extend for up to two further years. Both candidates have provisionally accepted the roles, subject to formal endorsement by full Council. Following approval, onboarding arrangements will include induction, system access, and compliance with the Members’ Code of Conduct and declaration requirements.

[PLEASE NOTE: Should the Cabinet wish to discuss the detail of the confidential appendix at Appendix 1 the meeting will be required to move into Confidential (Exempt) Session].

The Vice Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Council was requested to approve the appointment of two independent co‑opted persons to the Audit & Governance (A&G) Committee, in line with CIPFA best practice guidance that encourages the inclusion of independent perspectives to strengthen local authority audit functions.

In relation to this Council was advised that independent persons would enhance the committee’s effectiveness by providing impartial challenge, additional expertise and assurance on governance and financial matters, without holding voting rights.

Council was advised that BCP Council adopted best practice in 2023 when it first introduced independent person to the A&G Committee, and that the tenure of the first two incumbents came to an end on 31/3/2026, and that the Constitution stipulated that without formal delegation only Council could approve to co-opt individuals onto respective Council Committees; there is currently no such delegation in place for the A&G Committee.  

Further to this Council was informed that a comprehensive recruitment and selection process had been undertaken, including open advertisement, shortlisting, and formal interviews conducted by a cross-party panel of councillors, agreed by A&G committee, and that from nine initial applicants, four candidates were shortlisted and interviewed using a consistent scoring methodology, following which the panel had reached unanimous agreement on the two highest-ranked candidates, following independent scoring and due diligence checks to confirm their independence and suitability.

Council was advised that the proposed appointments were for an initial term covering the 2026/27 and 2027/28 municipal years, with an option to extend for up to two further years. Both candidates have provisionally accepted the roles, subject to formal endorsement by full Council, and that following approval, onboarding arrangements will include induction, system access, and compliance with the Members’ Code of Conduct and declaration requirements.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)            the current tenure period of two municipal years plus a mutually agreed option to extend for two further years, remains fit for purpose;

(b)           the latest appointments are therefore for 26/27, 27/28, with the option to extend to 28/29 and 29/30;

(c)           Council approved the appointment of the two candidates recommended by the A&G convened panel; and 

(d)           Council delegates future appointments of A&G Committee Independent Persons, to the A&G Committee.  

Voting: Unanimous

Following this item the Chairman advised Council that given the late hour the remaining business on the agenda would be deferred and considered at the Extraordinary Council meeting scheduled for 11 August 2026.