Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

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.

Councillor Andy Hadley declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute No. 101 (Designation of High Street Rental Auction area for Bournemouth town centre) as a Director of the Poole BID on behalf of the council and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 26 November 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Note: With regards to the 29 October 2025 Cabinet minutes and the recommendations at Minute No. 64 (Upton Park Farm – Surrender of Lease) as advised at Council the minutes require amendment to include the additional recommendations at (c), (d) and (e) to read: -

(c)           Approve the funding for the purchase of the land south of the A35 which equates to approximately 18.4% of the market value from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) habitats site mitigation.

(d)           Approve the funding for the purchase of the land north of the A35 and building deemed surplus to requirements, which equates to approximately 81.6% of the market value, from capital receipts with these to be replenished by the receipts from the disposal of those acquired buildings deemed surplus to requirements.

(e)           Approve the disposal of those acquired buildings deemed surplus to requirements.

These recommendations were contained within the supplementary papers submitted to the 29 October 2025 Cabinet meeting in relation to this item and were agreed by Cabinet and subsequently Council.

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 on Thursday 11 December 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 16 December 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Wednesday 3 December 2025 [10 working days before the meeting].

Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or statements submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that three questions had been received in relation to Agenda Item 11 (Improving biodiversity in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) by a member of the public.

Public Questions

Public Question from Tony Hyde read by Democratic services

Can the cabinet explain the basis on which it has assessed and selected the three council-owned sites -Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead. and Solent Meads - given that Solent Meads currently generates guaranteed rental income from tenants, while Erlin Farm and Millham Meads generate no income?

Furthermore can the cabinet clarify how it has taken account of the projected annual value of biodiversity net gain credits at each site given that no assessment have yet been undertaken.

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley

The Council have taken advice from the habitat banking experts Finance Earth, and they analysed some of our suitable greenspaces. The three sites were chosen based on the potential to uplift the Biodiversity of these sites, and the timing of expiry of lease in the case of part of the Solent Meads site.

The detail of the assessments, including estimated value of biodiversity net gain credits are in the appendices tor the Cabinet report under item 11.

Public Question from Tony Hyde read by Democratic services

In relationship to Solent Meads Golf Course, would it not have been better governance to inform the existing tenant that there lease would expire in 2026 and they would have to apply for a new lease through an open tender process, rather than simply informing them that their lease would not be renewed? How does the Cabinet justify this approach in terms of fairness transparency and continuity of income for the council.

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley

It would have been reasonable for a tenant to know when their lease would be expiring, but the tenant was informed of this in a meeting with Officers, and as a consequence he chose to raise a petition, sharing some quite inaccurate information.

Under public sector procurement rules, we are obliged to retender the opportunity at a reasonable frequency, and this provides fairness and transparency to all.

It is open to the existing tenant to reapply.

Public Question from Tony Hyde read by Democratic services

Presently what % of income from Solent Meads Tenant is currently re-invested in Solent Meads and will the tenant revenue be counted towards or offset BNG.

Response by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, Councillor Andy Hadley

Income from Solent Mead golf contributes to overall Council income and is not ring-fenced or allocated for a specific use, in common with many other tenancies of its type.

The income from the Golf course could not count towards biodiversity net gain.

Public Statements

Public Statement from Abigail McMullen, Chair of the Hengistbury & Wick Residents Association  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

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

Cabinet was advised that there were no additional recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees on items not otherwise indicated on the Cabinet agenda on this occasion.

This report:

·      Aims to ensure the council presents a robust legally balanced 2026/27 budget.

·      Highlights the significant amount of uncertainty at this time caused by fluctuations in the predicted outcome of the governments Fair Funding Formula review.

·      Provides an update on the implications of the November local government finance policy statement, alongside the Chancellor’s 26 November National Budget.

·      Presents an update on the latest assumed MTFP position of the council.

·      Includes updates in respect of the existential threat to the council’s financial sustainability caused by the accumulated and growing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) as pertaining to the high needs block expenditure on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

·       Proposes not to change the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) for 2026/27 and therefore to continue with the same scheme the council has operated with since April 2019.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Acknowledged the ongoing progress being made to address the funding gap for 2026/27;

(b)           Endorsed the latest position regarding the developing 2026/27 Budget and MTFP position;

(c)           Recognised the significant level of uncertainty at this time due to fluctuations in the predicted outcome of the governments Fair Funding Formula;

(d)           Approved the implementation of a restricted voluntary redundancy process to enable the delivery of 2026/27 savings from specific service-based restructures;

(e)           Requested Portfolio Holders, Corporate Directors and Budget Holders bring forward the necessary additional savings, efficiencies, additional income proposals and service adjustment proposals to enable the 2026/27 Budget to be legally balanced; and

(f)            Approved the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) for 2026/27.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reasons

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to have a rolling multi-year medium term financial plan.

To provide Cabinet with the latest high-level overview of the 2026/27 Budget and 3-year medium-term financial plan including any updates on the government’s proposals to return the SEND system to financial sustainability in 2025.

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 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report: -

·       Aimed to ensure the council presents a robust legally balanced 2026/27 budget;

·       Highlighted the significant amount of uncertainty at this time caused by fluctuations in the predicted outcome of the governments Fair Funding Formula review;

·       Provided an update on the implications of the November local government finance policy statement, alongside the Chancellor’s 26 November National Budget;

·       Presented an update on the latest assumed MTFP position of the council;

·       Included updates in respect of the existential threat to the council’s financial sustainability caused by the accumulated and growing deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) as pertaining to the high needs block expenditure on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND); and

·      Proposes not to change the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) for 2026/27 and therefore to continue with the same scheme the council has operated with since April 2019.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet in relation to the item stressing the importance of Scrutiny involvement in the budget process and of having all available information to consider options.

Cabinet discussed the report and highlighted the impact the SEND deficit was having on other services.

The Leader of the Council advised the Cabinet of the recent discussions by the Overview and Scrutiny Board in relation to this item and expressed thanks to the Board for their majority decision to support the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Acknowledged the ongoing progress being made to address the funding gap for 2026/27;

(b)           Endorsed the latest position regarding the developing 2026/27 Budget and MTFP position;

(c)           Recognised the significant level of uncertainty at this time due to fluctuations in the predicted outcome of the governments Fair Funding Formula;

(d)           Approved the implementation of a restricted voluntary redundancy process to enable the delivery of 2026/27 savings from specific service-based restructures;

(e)           Requested Portfolio Holders, Corporate Directors and Budget Holders bring forward the necessary additional savings, efficiencies, additional income proposals and service adjustment proposals to enable the 2026/27 Budget to be legally balanced; and

(f)            Approved the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTSS) for 2026/27.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reasons

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to have a rolling multi-year medium term financial plan.

To provide Cabinet with the latest high-level overview of the 2026/27 Budget and 3-year medium-term financial plan including any updates on the government’s proposals to return the SEND system to financial sustainability in 2025.

Recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Board

Cabinet noted the Overview and Scrutiny Boards support for the recommendations as set out in the report.

This report responds to the agreed action in the quarter two budget monitoring report for 2025/26 for the Corporate Director for Children’s Services to bring forward to December Cabinet a detailed report on the DSG high needs expenditure forecast and available mitigation measures. This report also seeks Council approval for additional resources required over the approved budget.

The quarter two budget monitoring for the DSG reported to the council’s Cabinet on 26 November was a projected increase in the high needs funding gap for 2025/26 from the budgeted gap of £57.5m to £71.8m. This reflects higher than expected growth in demand in the later months of the last financial year with this unabated and with a significant increase in the costs of pupil placements. 

The cumulative deficit at 31 March 2026 is projected to be £183.1m.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills 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 was advised that the report responded to the agreed action in the quarter two budget monitoring report for 2025/26 for the Corporate Director for Children’s Services to bring forward to December Cabinet a detailed report on the DSG high needs expenditure forecast and available mitigation measures.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the report also sought Council approval for additional resources required over the approved budget.

Cabinet was informed that the quarter two budget monitoring for the DSG reported to the council’s Cabinet on 26 November was a projected increase in the high needs funding gap for 2025/26 from the budgeted gap of £57.5m to £71.8m, and that this reflected higher than expected growth in demand in the later months of the last financial year with this unabated and with a significant increase in the costs of pupil placements. 

Cabinet was advised that the cumulative deficit at 31 March 2026 was projected to be £183.1m.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)        Approve a £14.3m increase in the 2025/26 high needs budget. This brings the forecast expenditure to £71.8m more than the grant made available by government as part of the DSG.

(b)        Request the Corporate Director of Children’s Services implement the deficit management measures outlined in this report.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

The council’s financial regulations require that all budget overspends are approved by the Council.

BCP Council adopted ‘A shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 2024-28’ in May 2024. 

The shared vision is the corporate strategy which sets out the council’s vision, priorities and ambitions as well as the principles which underpin the way the council works as it develops and delivers its services. 

Incorporated in the vision is a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions. 

This is the performance monitoring report for Quarter Two 25-26, presenting an update on the progress measures. 

The council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through the performance dashboardwhich is available on the council’s website providing up-to-date real time information on the progress measures.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           considered the Quarter Two performance;

(b)           noted that work continues to expand the data available on the interactive performance dashboard;

(c)           noted the positive activities highlighted in the report; and

(d)           noted the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance and tasked corporate directors to take action to improve performance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Our shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole sets out the priorities and ambitions against which the council’s performance will be judged, and as such is a vital component of the council’s performance management framework.

An understanding of performance against targets, goals and objectives helps the council to assess and manage service delivery and identify emerging business risks.

The Leader of the Council 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 was advised that BCP Council had adopted ‘A shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 2024-28’ in May 2024, and that the shared vision was the corporate strategy which sets out the council’s vision, priorities and ambitions as well as the principles which underpin the way the council works as it develops and delivers its services. 

Cabinet was informed that incorporated in the vision was a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions, and that this report was the performance monitoring report for Quarter Two 25-26, presenting an update on the progress measures. 

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through the performance dashboard which is available on the council’s website providing up-to-date real time information on the progress measures.

In introducing the report the Leader of the Council proposed that an additional recommendation be included at (d) to read: ‘note the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance and tasked corporate directors to take action to improve performance.’

This amendment was supported by the seconder of the report and therefore become the substantive recommendations for consideration.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           considered the Quarter Two performance;

(b)           noted that work continues to expand the data available on the interactive performance dashboard;

(c)           noted the positive activities highlighted in the report; and

(d)           noted the performance exception reports relating to areas of underperformance and tasked corporate directors to take action to improve performance.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Our shared vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole sets out the priorities and ambitions against which the council’s performance will be judged, and as such is a vital component of the council’s performance management framework.

An understanding of performance against targets, goals and objectives helps the council to assess and manage service delivery and identify emerging business risks.

With the UK Government progressing major waste legislation and policy reforms, the Waste Strategy for BCP Council 2026-36 has been drafted setting out clear ambitions and commitments, with consideration to the key drivers for change, to provide a pathway for enhancing our waste and recycling services over the coming decade.

This strategy will direct the retender of a major waste disposal contract in 2027 and sets out ambitions and supporting actions for progressing towards achievement of our waste and carbon targets by 2035.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 was advised that with the UK Government progressing major waste legislation and policy reforms, the Waste Strategy for BCP Council 2026-36 has been drafted setting out clear ambitions and commitments, with consideration to the key drivers for change, to provide a pathway for enhancing our waste and recycling services over the coming decade.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that this strategy will direct the retender of a major waste disposal contract in 2027 and sets out ambitions and supporting actions for progressing towards achievement of our waste and carbon targets by 2035.

The Chair of the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Chris Rigby addressed the Cabinet advising that the Committee at their receive meeting had thoroughly debated this item following which the following recommendations had been unanimously agreed: -

The committee supported the recommendations as set out in the report and supported option 1 regarding the removal of current separate kerbside battery collections but requested an additional point be included in respect of this option to read: -

(ii)           and to develop a convenient battery recycling scheme with local businesses to create more easily accessible drop off points

In addition, the Committee recommended the strategy at appendix 1 be amended to include the following amendments: -

1.             Paragraph 5.1 of Appendix 1 ‘A Waste Strategy for BCP Council 2026-2028’ be amended to include ‘and incineration’ so that the paragraph reads ‘5.1 Tendering waste disposal contracts that embed the waste hierarchy and minimise the use of landfill and incineration’; and

2.             Paragraph 5.3 of Appendix 1 ‘A Waste Strategy for BCP Council 2026-2028’ be amended to include ‘whilst also considering the carbon footprint of the type of disposal’ so that the paragraph reads ‘5.3 Prioritising waste site proximity where possible, so waste travels only as far as it needs to and reduces the significant carbon impact of transporting waste whilst also considering the carbon footprint of the type of disposal’.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their consideration of the report and their recommendations. In relation to this the Portfolio Holder advised that he felt the additional recommendation of (ii) was not necessary as people would be signposted to available organisations, and that this would include those who offered a postal collection of batteries which would assist those unable to access those in shops. In addition, the Portfolio Holder advised that any shops selling batteries were required to provide a collection of used batteries.

Further to this the Portfolio Holder advised that the recommendations raised in relation to paragraph 5.1 and 5.2 would be included within the tendering priorities and that he was happy to accept both of those recommendations.

The seconder advised that they were also content with these.

RECOMMENDED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

Access to nature is of vital importance for the health and well-being of residents and visitors, supporting mental and physical health.

BCP is an area of high nature value but access to green spaces is unequal, and biodiversity is generally declining across the UK and within BCP.

This report outlines the actions taken by BCP Council to comply with the Biodiversity Duty under the Environment Act 2021. It summarises our Green Infrastructure strategy framework, a report on Biodiversity net gain, our mitigation policies and delivery, green space capital improvements and countryside management.

It presents BCP’s first report on biodiversity and a summary of monitoring, reporting and our actions for delivery for nature recovery. These plans will ensure nature is considered fully, declines are reversed and that access to nature is provided. It will support the greening of our urban environment and are part of the work as foundation level Nature Towns.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          the first BCP Biodiversity report is approved, meeting BCP’s Statutory duty under the Environment Act, including the first report on Biodiversity Net Gain; and

(b)           a high-level Green Infrastructure action plan is approved, including a BCP Urban Nature Forum and the formation of the Nature Recovery Dorset delivery group

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

To meet statutory duty to biodiversity as set out in the 2021 Environment Act.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 was advised that access to nature is of vital importance for the health and well-being of residents and visitors, supporting mental and physical health.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that BCP was an area of high nature value but access to green spaces is unequal, and biodiversity is generally declining across the UK and within BCP.

Cabinet was advised that the report outlined the actions taken by BCP Council to comply with the Biodiversity Duty under the Environment Act 2021, and that it summarised our Green Infrastructure strategy framework, a report on Biodiversity net gain, our mitigation policies and delivery, green space capital improvements and countryside management.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that it presented BCP’s first report on biodiversity and a summary of monitoring, reporting and our actions for delivery for nature recovery, and that these plans will ensure nature is considered fully, declines are reversed and that access to nature is provided.

In addition, Cabinet was informed that it will support the greening of our urban environment and are part of the work as foundation level Nature Towns.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          the first BCP Biodiversity report is approved, meeting BCP’s Statutory duty under the Environment Act, including the first report on Biodiversity Net Gain; and

(b)           a high-level Green Infrastructure action plan is approved, including a BCP Urban Nature Forum and the formation of the Nature Recovery Dorset delivery group

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

To meet statutory duty to biodiversity as set out in the 2021 Environment Act.

BCP Council has a statutory duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity and has committed, in its Shared Vision 2024 – 2028, to create ‘vibrant places where people and nature flourish’.

Three council-owned sites have been identified where different land management approaches would increase the diversity of wildlife, create nature corridors and improve residents’ health and wellbeing by making natural areas more accessible to explore and enjoy. These are Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead and Solent Meads.

To avoid creating new pressure on the budget at a time of financial challenge across the council, this paper sets out a sustainable funding proposal and options for a mechanism to deliver this.

A previous Cabinet paper approved the principle of creating a mechanism to enable BCP Council to sell Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units from council-owned land, either in-house or via an arms-length organisation. This paper focuses on the funding mechanism and outlines options with a recommended approach.

Since BNG became law in February 2024, approximately £187k worth of funding for nature (in the form of BNG unit purchases) has gone to other areas of England from development activity which has taken place in BCP Council’s Local Planning Authority (LPA) area. This means areas outside BCP are benefiting from improved biodiversity and the associated improved health and wellbeing impacts. The recommendations in this paper would establish a mechanism to ensure the benefits of the BNG planning policy would remain within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Where the current use of a site is proposed to change, a period of public and stakeholder engagement will be undertaken to ensure the best approach for nature and residents. This will come forward in a future report for a further decision.

None of the changes will involve building on these sites, this would fundamentally contradict the objective of creating more habitat and increasing biodiversity.

[PLEASE NOTE: Should Cabinet wish to discuss the detail of the confidential appendix at Appendix 7 the meeting will be required to move into Confidential (Exempt) Session].

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           noted the previous Cabinet decision to sell BNG units in principle and approves an in-house mechanism for selling BNG units, while continuing to monitor the BNG market and explore alternative approaches;

(b)           approves the improvement of habitats at up to three Council-owned sites (Erlin Farm / Millhams Mead / Solent Meads outside the golf course area) for future supply of BNG units; and

(c)           looks to improve nature as part of the re-tendering of golf and other leisure use for the existing Solent Meads golf course area.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Improving biodiversity across BCP benefits nature which in turn improves residents’ health and wellbeing.

Creating a sustainable funding mechanism for this work avoids additional pressure on BCP Council budgets.

BCP residents will benefit from the requirement for developers to leave habitats for wildlife in a measurably better state than they were before development.

The longer BCP remains without a supply of BNG units, the greater the risk to its green infrastructure. This could lead to environmental degradation and the loss of investment to areas outside BCP, missing the opportunity to deliver high quality nature for local communities.

Managing the delivery of BNG units in-house on at least one council-owned site offers the fastest and most practical route to improving biodiversity in the conurbation. It also enables the council to test the BNG sale process and market with minimal investment and risk. This approach allows BCP Council to learn, address uncertainties, observe how the emerging market evolves, and assess the ease of selling units.

Delegating authority to officers to select the initial site/s provides the necessary time and mandate to carry out detailed modelling, planning, costing, and stakeholder engagement ensuring informed decisions about which sites to prioritise.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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 was advised that BCP Council had a statutory duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity and has committed, in its Shared Vision 2024 – 2028, to create ‘vibrant places where people and nature flourish’.

Cabinet was informed that three council-owned sites had been identified where different land management approaches would increase the diversity of wildlife, create nature corridors and improve residents’ health and wellbeing by making natural areas more accessible to explore and enjoy.

Cabinet was advised that these sites were Erlin Farm, Millhams Mead and Solent Meads.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that to avoid creating new pressure on the budget at a time of financial challenge across the council, this paper set out a sustainable funding proposal and options for a mechanism to deliver this.

Cabinet was informed that a previous Cabinet paper had approved the principle of creating a mechanism to enable BCP Council to sell Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units from council-owned land, either in-house or via an arms-length organisation, and that this paper focused on the funding mechanism and outlined options with a recommended approach.

Cabinet was advised that since BNG became law in February 2024, approximately £187k worth of funding for nature (in the form of BNG unit purchases) had gone to other areas of England from development activity which had taken place in BCP Council’s Local Planning Authority (LPA) area.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that this meant that areas outside BCP are benefiting from improved biodiversity and the associated improved health and wellbeing impacts, and that the recommendations in this paper would establish a mechanism to ensure the benefits of the BNG planning policy would remain within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Cabinet was advised that where the current use of a site is proposed to change, a period of public and stakeholder engagement will be undertaken to ensure the best approach for nature and residents, and that this will come forward in a future report for a further decision.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that none of the changes would involve building on these sites, and that this would fundamentally contradict the objective of creating more habitat and increasing biodiversity.

Councillor Bernadette Nanovo addressed Cabinet on behalf of herself and Councillor Judy Richrdson as Ward Councillors for East Southbourne and Tuckton highlighting that Solent Meads was based within the Ward. Councillor Nanovo advised that once it became apparent that the golf course was at risk there had been an overwhelming response from residents highlighting the popularity and importance of the golf provision and stressing that this provision should continue. Further to this Councillor Nanovo advised that Solent Meads should be tendered as a golf facility and that the tender should include a suitably long lease to enable investment in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

High Street Rental Auctions, as part of new government legislation, will enhance the council’s ability to bring long-term vacant properties on the high-street back in to use via an auction process.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 gives the Authority the power to go ahead with the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) a new permissive power. As per the guidance, once the Authority has designated specific streets or areas as HSRA areas (following a mandatory 28 day consultation) which satisfy the test that the area is important to the local economy due to a concentration of high street uses. The designation is registered as a local land charge.

The Authority can then only use the powers in that area designated. This does not stop more areas being designated later provided they also meet the test and can be funded.

BCP Council undertook a public consultation to gauge opinions from key stakeholders over the required period of 28 days during the summer of 2025. The results highlighted a 75% approval for the programme. There is clearly a local desire for HSRAs to be implemented and bring new life to the high street. 

The next step in the process is for Cabinet to designate the high streets within Bournemouth town centre. Without this, the power of HSRAs cannot be implemented.

It should be noted that the HSRA process is multi-stage and may take several months from designation to the first auction, due to statutory notice periods and preparatory work.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet approved the designation of the HSRA area for Bournemouth town centre (see map in paragraph 4); and

(b)          Cabinet agreed to delegate approval to the Chief Operations Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations to consider future designated areas or HSRAs subject to adhering to the consultation requirements.

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Voting: Unanimous

Reasons

(a)          The Pre-HSRA work as defined by MHCLG requires the Local Authority to designate the high street before any auction notice can be served.

(b)          The recent HSRA public consultation on the proposed designated area resulted in an overall favourability of 75% when asked ‘Do you agree or disagree with the proposed area, shown in the map.’?

(c)          The HSRA programme supports the council’s Corporate Strategy:

                    i.              Revitalising and reinventing high streets and local centres

(d)          The HSRA programme supports the council’s High Street and District Centre Strategy:

(e)          Reimagining High Streets

(f)            Encouraging local investment

(g)          Transforming empty buildings

(h)          Improving the public realm

(i)            Celebrating pride in local communities

(j)            Supporting high street businesses

(k)          Although the vacancy rate by unit in Bournemouth town centre is roughly in line with national averages at 20%, there is clearly a great potential for HSRAs to engage landlords to fill those vacant units.

(l)            Bournemouth town centre continues to generate positive headlines, with examples including the successful openings of The Ivy and The Botanist, the collaborative Citizens’ Panel, and the ongoing transformation of Bobby’s, among other initiatives. Introducing HSRAs will build on this momentum and further revitalise the area.

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations 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.

Cabinet was advised that High Street Rental Auctions, as part of new government legislation, will enhance the council’s ability to bring long-term vacant properties on the high-street back in to use via an auction process.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 gives the Authority the power to go ahead with the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) a new permissive power, and that as per the guidance, once the Authority has designated specific streets or areas as HSRA areas (following a mandatory 28 day consultation) which satisfy the test that the area is important to the local economy due to a concentration of high street uses. The designation is registered as a local land charge.

Cabinet was informed that the Authority can then only use the powers in that area designated, and that this does not stop more areas being designated later provided they also meet the test and can be funded.

Cabinet was advised that BCP Council undertook a public consultation to gauge opinions from key stakeholders over the required period of 28 days during the summer of 2025, and that the results highlighted a 75% approval for the programme, which clearly demonstrated a local desire for HSRAs to be implemented and bring new life to the high street. 

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the next step in the process was for Cabinet to designate the high streets within Bournemouth town centre, and that without this, the power of HSRAs cannot be implemented.

Cabinet was advised that it should be noted that the HSRA process is multi-stage and may take several months from designation to the first auction, due to statutory notice periods and preparatory work.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed the Cabinet advising that he would welcome Boscombe being included in the future.

Cabinet members spoke in support of the report and of the importance of investment of vibrant high streets.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet approved the designation of the HSRA area for Bournemouth town centre (see map in paragraph 4); and

(b)          Cabinet agreed to delegate approval to the Chief Operations Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations to consider future designated areas or HSRAs subject to adhering to the consultation requirements.

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

Voting: Unanimous

Reasons

(a)          The Pre-HSRA work as defined by MHCLG requires the Local Authority to designate the high street before any auction notice can be served.

(b)          The recent HSRA public consultation on the proposed designated area resulted in an overall favourability of 75% when asked ‘Do you agree or disagree with the proposed area, shown in the map.’?

(c)          The HSRA programme supports the council’s Corporate Strategy:

                    i.              Revitalising and reinventing high streets  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

The Chief Executive to report on any decisions taken under urgency provisions in accordance with the Constitution.

Cabinet was advised that no urgent decisions had been taken in accordance with the Constitution since the last meeting of the Cabinet.

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

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