Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet - Wednesday, 15th January, 2020 10.00 am

Venue: HMS Phoebe, BCP Civic Centre, Bournemouth BH2 6DY. View directions

Contact: Sarah Culwick (01202 795273)  Email: democratic.services@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

105.

Declarations of Interests

Councillors are required to comply with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and the Council's Code of Conduct regarding Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

Councillors are also required to disclose any other interests where a Councillor is a member of an external body or organisation where that membership involves a position of control or significant influence, including bodies to which the Council has made the appointment in line with the Council's Code of Conduct.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest made on this occasion.

 

106.

Confirmation of Minutes pdf icon PDF 573 KB

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 20 December 2019.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 20 December 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Voting: Unanimous

 

107.

Public Issues

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/documents/s2305/Public%20Items%20-%20Meeting%20Procedure%20Rules.pdf 

The deadline for the submission of public questions is Wednesday 8 January 2020.

The deadline for the submission of a statement is 12.00 noon, Tuesday 14 January 2020.

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 12.00 noon, Tuesday 14 January 2020.

Minutes:

The Leader reported that one question had been received and nine statements.

Question from Sue Merefield

What work has been done to investigate the feasibility of monitoring the radio emission levels of the Lansdowne Digital Pilot and, assuming this work is ongoing, how is the public being informed of progress?

Response by the Leader of the Council

We are currently reviewing potential solutions and are looking to replicate what is taking place in Barcelona. This will involve monitoring emission levels remotely utilising specialist equipment (sensors) which regularly feeds back readings to a dedicated page on the Council’s website. Initially, we are considering monitoring emissions on an hourly basis, but will keep this under review. As part of commissioning the network we will also use specialist hand held devices to validate the readings from any remote sensors.

Statement from Christopher Gordon, local resident:

We are aware that BCP are proposing to install 5G in a Lansdowne Smart Place pilot which could lead to the roll out of this technology across the 3 Boroughs.  We would implore BCP Councillors and Officers to diligently research the implications, particularly in respect of severe damage to health, before agreeing to the installation of such a dramatic increase in E.M. transmission points.  This will mean that everyone in the area would be constantly bombarded by the highest level of E.M. exposure. Should damage to health arise BCP Council could be liable under the terms of the Nuremberg Protocol.

Statement from Lee Farmer, local resident:

I recall my human rights to live in peace, safety, and harmony, not exposed to harm of any sort. I do not endorse the rollout of 5G / EMF devices. They are undoubtedly a threat to life as a whole. There is insurmountable independent evidence backing this from professionals in all fields on a global level. In law nobody can convincingly say they were unaware of the facts once they have been formally notified of them. Ignorance is no defence in law and a vote to allow the rollout of 5G is a vote for genocide.

Statement read out by Nick Greenwood on behalf of Charles Ross Illingworth, local resident:

"The recommendations of the O&S Committee on 5G are deeply flawed. At the second ‘Call for Evidence’ meeting requesting written evidence there was no engagement, nor genuine acknowledgement with the written evidence submitted from those opposing the rollout of 5G.

Council Officers seemed unaware or unconcerned with any of the downsides of 5G and this absence was not robustly challenged by councillors present. I submit that the way the committee operated in this regard, and the advice subsequently given to Cabinet may contravene the Nolan principles set in place to protect citizens from improper practice by those in public life."

Statement read out by the Monitoring Officer on behalf of Charles Ross Illingworth, local resident:

"I oppose the pilot scheme for fixed penalty notices for environmental enforcement.

This has been reported on elsewhere in the country and frequently results in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

108.

Recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board

To consider recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on items not otherwise included on the Cabinet Agenda.

Minutes:

Cabinet were advised that there were no additional recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on items not otherwise included on the Cabinet Agenda on this occasion.

 

109.

Smart Place Programme pdf icon PDF 161 KB

A Smart City or Place transforms the way that residents can live their lives, through the provision and adoption of digital applications and services.

This report explains how a Smart Place Programme for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could enable communities to work with the Council and other organisations to create new applications and services through new business models and better use of data. It also explains how a Smart Place Programme can and is helping the Council to deliver its Corporate Strategy and boost income to help reduce the financial challenges it faces.

Fundamentally, this programme is about seizing/recognising the value that our places offer and using it with the communities in those places to develop new ways of doing things that will transform the way people live their lives.

More intensive work is required to establish an investment plan that will be used to quantify the benefits of the Programme.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that Cabinet endorsed:-

(a)         The continuation of work by officers in developing the Smart Place programme including;

(i)     The development of a Smart Place Investment Plan (subject to funding from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership);

(ii)   The development of a Smart Place Investment Plan at a future Cabinet meeting;

(iii)  The continuing development of Smart Place Programme applications, use cases and associated benefits for residents and businesses; and

(iv)  The development of a Smart Place workstream within the Key Cities Programme

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

To quantify the benefits of the Smart Place Programme

To show leadership at a national level

To support the delivery of the Corporate Strategy

To encourage the engagement of all Council teams and communities in the development of the Programme

 

Minutes:

The Leader 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.

Cabinet were advised of the intention of the Smart Place Programme, in relation to this Members were informed of the way on which the programme could enable communities to work with the Council and other organisations to create new applications and services through new business models and better use of data. In addition Members were advised of the way in which a Smart Place Programme would help the Council to deliver its Corporate Strategy and boost income.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board advised Cabinet that at their recent meeting the Board had requested that the Chairman write a letter in support of the Smart Place Programme to the LEP.

A Councillor present at the meeting urged the Cabinet to take on board the opinions of everyone who had spoken, and in relation to this stressed the importance of having a baseline to compare the long term monitoring.

Another Councillor present at the meeting thanked so many Members of the public for coming out and engaging with the process.

Cabinet discussed the report and in relation to this were reminded that the pilot for the implementation of 5G had been approved in December and will begin later on in the year, and that this report was about how the Council engages with the Smart Place programme and to approve the progression of the investment plan.

RESOLVED that Cabinet endorsed:-

(a)         The continuation of work by officers in developing the Smart Place programme including;

(i)     The development of a Smart Place Investment Plan (subject to funding from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership);

(ii)   The development of a Smart Place Investment Plan at a future Cabinet meeting;

(iii)  The continuing development of Smart Place Programme applications, use cases and associated benefits for residents and businesses; and

(iv)  The development of a Smart Place workstream within the Key Cities Programme

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

 

110.

Transition to a Sustainable Fleet Strategy pdf icon PDF 207 KB

BCP Council’s current Capital Investment Programme (CIP) (2019/20 to 2021/22) includes £9.8m approved budget resource for fleet vehicle replacement. To date, £5.8m of this budget has been committed/spent leaving a ‘uncommitted’ fleet replacement capital budget of £4m. 

The Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency will require development of a strategic Sustainable Fleet Strategy that embeds this declaration into front-line service fleet operation requirements and the Council’s transformation programme. This Strategy must also address potentially substantial funding pressures that will arise from the Council’s corporate ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 and the historically varied approach to fleet funding adopted by preceding Councils. For the Sustainable Fleet Strategy to be financially viable, sufficient budgetary resource must be identified/allocated within annual revenue budgets to fund the future replacement of a vehicle as its useful life expires.

It is recognised that transition to a properly rationalised, costed and fully funded strategic Sustainable Fleet Strategy will take time. Ahead of this strategy, it is recommended that Cabinet authorise the use of the remaining £4m ‘uncommitted’ fleet replacement capital budget to fund the acquisition of critical, ‘high priority’ vehicles needed to maintain front-line service delivery and avoid adverse impact to service users whilst future service transformation option programmes and decisions can be given time to be fully realised.        

Decision:

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)          the development of a rationalised, long-term BCP Sustainable Fleet Strategy be endorsed;

(b)          the financial impact of the varied approach to fleet replacement by legacy Councils on the BCP Sustainable Fleet Strategy be acknowledged; and

(c)          the Service Director for Environment be authorised to use up to £4m of uncommitted fleet capital budget to acquire critical, high priority vehicles in the transition period to the Sustainable Fleet Strategy.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

Reason

To consider and approve the future fleet replacement strategy.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were requested to consider and approve the future fleet replacement strategy.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder stressed the importance of sustainability going forwards with the ambition of the Council to be carbon neutral by 2030, and that with this in mind it was important to develop a strategic Sustainable Fleet Strategy that embedded this declaration into front-line service fleet operation requirements and the Council’s transformation programme.

Further to this Cabinet were advised that there were currently different policies in different areas, and that there was no previous revenue for the replacement of vehicles.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board expressed concern that the report wasn’t detailed enough and did not contain all of the information required in order to assess the risk. 

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)          the development of a rationalised, long-term BCP Sustainable Fleet Strategy be endorsed;

(b)          the financial impact of the varied approach to fleet replacement by legacy Councils on the BCP Sustainable Fleet Strategy be acknowledged; and

(c)          the Service Director for Environment be authorised to use up to £4m of uncommitted fleet capital budget to acquire critical, high priority vehicles in the transition period to the Sustainable Fleet Strategy.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

 

111.

Beach House Café Rebuild, Mudeford Sandbank pdf icon PDF 257 KB

To seek approval for the rebuild of the Beach House Café at Mudeford Sandbank

Decision:

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)         approved the principle of rebuilding and improving the Mudeford Sandbank Beach House according to the current development programme;

(b)         approved the principle of reusing the insurance monies and affordable additional borrowing of £811,250to support the build;

(c)         supported the inclusion of the project budget of £1,060k within the Capital Programme for 2020/21 to be approved at Full Council in February;

(d)         authorises officers to conclude contract negotiations with the tenant;

(e)         supported the current development programme timescale; and

(f)          delegates authority to the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure & Communities and the Director for Destination to continue to engage with the Mudeford Sandbank Residents Association throughout the development of this project.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

Reason

To help deliver the Councils Corporate strategy ambitions in relation to improved public facilities and investment in assets.

To help protect the Councils financial position.

To meet the legal obligations of the current lease.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

 

Cabinet approval was sought for the rebuild of the Beach House Café at Mudeford Sandbank.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder thanked the Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Association for their comments during discussions that had taken place, and in relation to this proposed an additional recommendation;

“(f) delegates authority to the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure & Communities and the Director for Destination to continue to engage with the Mudeford Sandbank Residents Association throughout the development of this project.”

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board advised Cabinet that whilst there were no formal recommendations from the Board that he wished to congratulate the Council and the current tenants in making the most of the opportunity.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:-

(a)         approved the principle of rebuilding and improving the Mudeford Sandbank Beach House according to the current development programme;

(b)         approved the principle of reusing the insurance monies and affordable additional borrowing of £811,250to support the build;

(c)         supported the inclusion of the project budget of £1,060k within the Capital Programme for 2020/21 to be approved at Full Council in February;

(d)         authorises officers to conclude contract negotiations with the tenant;

(e)         supported the current development programme timescale; and

(f)          delegates authority to the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure & Communities and the Director for Destination to continue to engage with the Mudeford Sandbank Residents Association throughout the development of this project.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

 

112.

BH Coastal Lottery Small Grant Scheme Criteria and Proposal to Extend BH Coastal Lottery Across BCP pdf icon PDF 206 KB

BH Coastal Lottery was launched in 2019 to raise funds for ‘good causes’ in Bournemouth. As part of the operation of the lottery, 60% of the revenue generated must be used to benefit ‘good causes’ in Bournemouth. The 2017 Cabinet Report which sought approval for the establishment of BH Coastal Lottery proposed that a Small Grants Scheme be developed to administer the community funding. This Cabinet report details the proposals for the criteria and operation of the Small Grant Scheme.

 

BH Coastal Lottery was established by the legacy Bournemouth Borough Council and currently only good causes that benefit residents of Bournemouth can be involved in the operation of the lottery. Due to its success, this Cabinet report also seeks approval for the amended to the terms and conditions for BH Coastal Lottery to operate across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved:-

(a)          the criteria and implementation of the Community Fund Small Grant Scheme; and

(b)          the expansion of BH Coastal Lottery to operate across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

Reason

To agree policy and process for the allocation of the Community Fund (small grants scheme). To consider including Christchurch and Poole criteria.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were advised that the BH Coastal Lottery had been launched in 2019 in order to raise funds for ‘good causes’ in Bournemouth. In relation to this Members were advised that the sale of lottery tickets started in January 2019 with the first draw taking place in March 2019, BH Coastal Lottery is now one of the biggest and most successful local authority lotteries in the country.

Further to this Cabinet were advised that the purpose of the report was to seek approval for the criteria and implementation of the Community Fund Small Grant Scheme and to consider approving the expansion of he BH Coastal Lottery to operate across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board advised that whilst there were no formal recommendations from the Boards recent meeting that the ability to engage with the community and smaller charities through this process was really valuable, and that he would be pleased to see the scheme extended.

A number of Members addressed Cabinet praising the success of the project and welcoming the opportunity of extending the scheme. In addition Members congratulated Councillor Kelly on the success of the project as she had been instrumental in driving the project forward within the legacy Bournemouth Borough Council.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved:-

a)            the criteria and implementation of the Community Fund Small Grant Scheme; and

b)           the expansion of BH Coastal Lottery to operate across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

 

113.

Pilot scheme for the use of fixed penalty notices for relevant environmental enforcement issues and associated policy pdf icon PDF 304 KB

The purpose of the report is to seek approval for a pilot scheme to undertake environmental enforcement through the use of fixed penalty notices. The report also seeks approval of the required BCP wide enforcement policy to ensure legal compliance in serving fixed penalty notices in this context.

Fixed penalty notices can be used for a number of environmental enforcement issues to include: littering, flytipping, flyposting and distribution of free material. BCP Council employ pro-active Community Safety Patrol Officers in designated areas who deter and address low-level crime and anti-social behaviour. These officers are accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS). It is proposed that a pilot scheme conducted over six months enabling the Bournemouth Town Centre officers to undertake environmental enforcement through the use of fixed penalty notices, in addition to the key functions of their role. A further report at the end of the pilot period is proposed at which time a position for the whole of the BCP area will be recommended.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          Cabinet approved a pilot Environmental Enforcement scheme in Bournemouth Town Centre for a period of six months;

(b)         Cabinet receive a further report on the outcome of the pilot, financial implications and future options appraisal for Environmental Enforcement across BCP, following completion of the pilot period; and

(c)         Cabinet approved the Policy for Environmental Enforcement through Fixed Penalty Notices to ensure legal compliance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

Reason

There is currently no pro-active patrol and enforcement of relevant environmental crimes, such as littering across BCP.

Evidence shows that Bournemouth Town Centre experiences a high proportion of littering offences.

There are Community Safety Patrol Officers undertaking a patrolling and enforcement role who are able to undertake relevant environmental crime enforcement.

The policy for environmental enforcement through fixed penalty notices allows for legal compliance and transparency in relation to the issue of fixed penalty notices for relevant offences.

Following the expiration of the pilot scheme an options appraisal will be presented with consideration for wider enforcement across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'E' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet approval was sought for a pilot scheme to undertake environmental enforcement through the use of fixed penalty notices, further to this Cabinet approval was also sought of the required BCP wide enforcement policy to ensure legal compliance in serving fixed penalty notices in this context.

In presenting the report and in response to concerns that had been expressed during public issues the Portfolio Holder advised that there was a thorough appeals process in place. In addition the Portfolio Holder advised Members that should this pilot scheme be successful then the possibility of extending the scheme would be explored.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board advised Cabinet that whilst there was no formal recommendations from the recent Board meeting that there was a lot of general support for the scheme from the Board, with the Board recognising the benefit of a pilot scheme which you can develop and monitor.

Members expressed the importance of publicising the scheme, in addition Cabinet discussed the leave only footprints campaign, and recognised the work already being carried out by volunteer groups. Members felt that this pilot scheme should help encourage and support the volunteer groups to continue their good work.

RESOLVED that:-

a)            Cabinet approved a pilot Environmental Enforcement scheme in Bournemouth Town Centre for a period of six months; and

b)           Cabinet receive a further report on the outcome of the pilot, financial implications and future options appraisal for Environmental Enforcement across BCP, following completion of the pilot period.

c)           Cabinet approved the Policy for Environmental Enforcement through Fixed Penalty Notices to ensure legal compliance.

 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

 

114.

Review of Leisure Centre Management pdf icon PDF 171 KB

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to undertake a review of the management arrangements for public leisure centres within BCP. 

 

BCP Council owns 8 leisure centres which are currently operated under four different models of management and a variety of lease and contractual arrangements.  The review would focus primarily on future arrangements at Ashdown, Poole (Dolphin), Rossmore and 2Riversmeet Leisure Centres, due to the length of existing arrangements at other sites.

 

The review would explore the options to generate capital investment to improve facilities and revenue savings for leisure, whilst providing a service that integrates with health and wellbeing through prevention at scale generating longer term savings elsewhere for the Council.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          a review of the management arrangements for public leisure centres within BCP be supported;

(b)          the allocation of £20k from existing service revenue budgets to procure a specialist leisure consultant to support the review be approved; and

(c)          it was noted that current agreements may need to be extended until future management arrangements are approved.

 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

Reason

Following LGR there is an opportunity to review the current arrangements for the management of leisure centres with the aims of:

·      Improving the offer to local people by providing consistencies in facility provision & service standards

·      Making the services more accessible and transparent

·      Standardising building and maintenance responsibilities

·      Reducing BCP subsidies and liabilities

·      Streamlining management arrangements

·      Enabling continued investment

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet approval was sought to undertake a review of the management arrangements for the public leisure centres within BCP.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the purpose of the review was to ensure there was equal access to leisure centre services across BCP. In relation to this Members were advised that BCP Council owns 8 leisure centres which are currently operated under four different models of management and a variety of lease and contractual arrangements. Further to this Members were advised that the review would focus primarily on future arrangements at Ashdown, Poole (Dophin), Rossmore and 2Riversmeet Leisure Centres, due to the length of existing arrangements at other sites, and it was intended that the review would explore the options to generate capital investment to improve facilities and revenue savings for leisure, whilst providing a service that integrates with health and wellbeing through prevention at scale generating longer term savings elsewhere for the Council.

A Councillor present at the meeting addressed Cabinet stressing the importance of taking into account the cost of parking at each of the sites, particularly in relation to 2Riversmeet.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report, both in terms of the potential efficiencies which could be achieved and the importance of integration with health and wellbeing.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          a review of the management arrangements for public leisure centres within BCP be supported;

(b)          the allocation of £20k from existing service revenue budgets to procure a specialist leisure consultant to support the review be approved; and

(c)          it was noted that current agreements may need to be extended until future management arrangements are approved.

 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Tourism, Leisure and Communities

 

115.

Council Tax – Tax Base 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 239 KB

This report calculates and presents the proposed Council Tax Base for council tax setting purposes in line with current legislation and guidance.

There is a requirement to maintain three separate Council Tax bases for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch until the Council Tax Band D charge is harmonised for the new authority. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report calculated and presented the proposed Council Tax Base for council tax setting purposes in line with current legislation and guidance. Further to this Cabinet were advised that there was a requirement to maintain three separate Council Tax bases for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch until the Council Tax Band D charge is harmonised for the new authority.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(a)        the report for the calculation of the Council’s Tax Base for the year 2020/21 be approved and the tax base be recommended to Full Council;

(b)        pursuant to the report, and in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 as amended, the amount calculated as the Council Tax Base for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is split for the year 2020/21 as Bournemouth 63,985, Christchurch 20,403 and Poole 58,609. 

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

 

116.

Housing Scheme at Luckham Road, Bournemouth pdf icon PDF 286 KB

The BCP owned site currently consists of 2 x 3-bedroom houses and 8 x 2-bedroom flats. The Council’s Asset management plan provides a commitment to modernise housing stock where required and where possible, look at existing stock for redevelopment, to reduce future maintenance costs. The existing properties present ongoing significant maintenance issues for BCP Council which are not sustainable and require demolition. The site presents an opportunity for redevelopment and the building of replacement better quality sustainable family affordable homes. The proposed development will provide  parking which will help to improve the congested street parking in the local area and provide modern sustainable accommodation. The properties are in the process of being decanted with residents being relocated to alternative Council owned homes.

The current proposal presents a new build scheme of 9 homes - 3 x 3-bedroom houses, 2 x 2-bedroom flats and 4 x 1-bedroom flats which is one less than currently on this site.  These new properties will replace homes which are considered no longer fit for purpose.  The replacement homes will be of a high quality and built to Passivhaus principles with additional sustainability components such as PV panels and electric heating.  The scheme will also provide much needed off-road parking for residents in line with planning requirements.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Housing presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised Cabinet that the BCP Council owned site currently consisted of 2x3 bedroom houses and 8x2 bedroom flats. In relation to this Cabinet were advised that the existing properties presented significant ongoing maintenance issues for BCP Council which are not sustainable and therefore require demolition. In addition to this the Portfolio Holder advised Cabinet that the site presented an opportunity for redevelopment and the building of replacement better quality sustainable family affordable homes.

Cabinet members were advised that the replacement homes would be of high quality and built to Passivhaus principles with additional sustainability components such as PV panels and electric heating.

Cabinet members praised the principles of the report, particularly with regards to the proposal to conform to the Passivhaus principles and the potential family affordable homes.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet:-

(a)          support the scheme and for the budget required to deliver this within the HRA budget to be presented to Council in February;

(b)          approve the proposed £1.856m housing scheme for subsequent approval request;

(i)           approval to commence and completion of build subject to the conditions set out in the Financial Strategy and authorise the Corporate Director for Environment and Community to approve necessary contractual and legal agreements in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer;

(ii)          approve the financial strategy for the scheme as set out in paragraphs 24 to 36 with specific approval for:

(iii)        £939k to prudential borrowing to be repaid over 25 years used to finance the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Affordable rented homes;

(iv)        Authorise the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to determine the detailed funding arrangements.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing

 

117.

Cabinet Forward Plan

To consider the latest version of the Cabinet Forward Plan for approval.

Minutes:

The Leader advised that the latest Cabinet Forward Plan had been published on the Council’s website.

In addition to this the Leader advised of a change of venue for the next Cabinet meeting, confirming that the next meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday 12 February would take place in the Civic Offices in Poole.