Agenda, decisions and 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.

Cabinet was advised that the Monitoring Officer had granted all BCP Councillors a dispensation to enable all to participate in the debate and vote on the Community Governance Review.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the granting of this dispensation would be reported to the next meeting of the Standards Committee.

Councillor Hanna advised for the interests of transparency that he was a member of the Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 5 February 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

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 27 February 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 4 March 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 18 February 2025 [10 working days before the meeting].

Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that one statement had been received in relation to Agenda Item 9 (Our Place Environment: Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme 2025/26).

Public Statement from Luci Allen (BH Active Travel) on Agenda Item 9 – Our Place and Environment: Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme 2025/26

As Chair of campaign group BH Active Travel, I would like to thank the sustainable travel officers at BCP Council for their continued engagement with the DfT regarding successful funding applications and delivery of schemes on the ground, for the which the active travel community are grateful.

Following the visit of the two relevant Portfolio Holders to Christchurch last Friday, to join the Bike Bus and witness the safety issues around the Junior School, I trust that Cabinet will today approve the LTP budget and ensure that a substantial proportion of the Travel Safety Measures budget is allocated to the area surrounding the school. 

Equally, we would welcome revised cycle infrastructure designs for Barrack Road and Fountain roundabout, developed in readiness for any future funding.  Perhaps in the meantime some temporary schemes could be trialled.

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, however the Chair of the Health and Adult Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee advised Cabinet that the Committee had made a recommendation to Cabinet at their last meeting which will be submitted to the next meeting of the Cabinet in April.

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (Part 4) devolved power from the Secretary of State to principal councils to carry out community governance reviews and put in place or make changes to local community governance arrangements.

The Council commenced a review following the Council decision in October 2024 at which the terms of reference and timetable were approved.

Cabinet is asked to consider the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group and to make a recommendation to Council.

The Chair of the Community Governance Task and Finish Group, Councillor Oliver Walters 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 Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (Part 4) devolved power from the Secretary of State to principal councils to carry out community governance reviews and put in place or make changes to local community governance arrangements.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the Council had commenced a review following the Council decision in October 2024 at which the terms of reference and timetable were approved, and that Cabinet was now asked to consider the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group and to make a recommendation to Council.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Bartlett addressed the Cabinet advising that the Board at their meeting the previous evening had had a complicated and thorough debate on this item following which the Board had agreed seven recommendations in respect of the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group, these being: -

1.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to proposals for Burton and Winkton (A), Hurn (B), Highcliffe & Walkford (C) and Christchurch Town (D) be recommended to Council, for approval for publication and consultation, without amendment.

(Unanimous Decision)

2.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to Broadstone (F) and Poole Town (J) be recommended to Council, for approval for publication and consultation, without amendment.

(Majority Decision)

3.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to Bournemouth Town (K) not be recommended to Council for approval for publication and consultation.

(Majority Decision)

4.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to Southbourne (I)) be recommended to Council, for approval for publication and consultation, without amendment.

(Majority Decision)

5.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to Boscombe and Pokesdown (H) be recommended to Council, for approval for publication and consultation, without amendment.

(Majority Decision)

6.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to Throop and Holdenhurst (E) be recommended to Council, for approval for publication and consultation, without amendment.

(Majority Decision)

7.    That the draft recommendations of the Task and Finish Group relating to Redhill and Northbourne (G) be recommended to Council, for approval for publication and consultation, without amendment

(Majority Decision)

Members addressed the Cabinet where the following comments were raised: -

·      Support of the removal of (k) Bournemouth Town

·      The importance of the consultation and of the need to ensure communications are balanced

·       Expressions of concern in relation to the drawing of the boundaries particularly with regards to Southbourne and the surrounding areas

The Chair of the Task and Finish Group responded to the comments raised and highlighted in particular the work which will be carried out in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

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 third quarterly performance monitoring report, presenting an update on the progress measures.

The council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through a performance dashboard which 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 three performance; and

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

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 'B' 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.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that 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.

Cabinet was advised that incorporated in the vision is a set of measures of progress for achieving the vision, priorities and ambitions, and that this is the third quarterly performance monitoring report, presenting an update on the progress measures.

Cabinet was informed that the council’s delivery against its priorities and ambitions can also be monitored through a performance dashboard which 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 three performance; and

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

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.

Cabinet was advised that it had been originally hoped that a report could be brought to this meeting of the Cabinet, but that this will be coming to a future meeting of the Cabinet at an agreed point in the Pay and Reward process.

In relation to this the Portfolio Holder advised that there was continued work going on in respect of negotiations with the Unions.

This report sets out and seeks financial approval for investment of the 2025/26 Local Transport Plan (LTP) grant allocation (capital funding) from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Active Travel Fund 5 (ATF5) grant.

The 2025/26 LTP Capital grant allocation is £10.58m comprising £3.102m of Integrated Transport Block (ITB) funding and £7.478m of Local Highway Maintenance funding.

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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report sets out and seeks financial approval for investment of the 2025/26 Local Transport Plan (LTP) grant allocation (capital funding) from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Active Travel Fund 5 (ATF5) grant.

Cabinet was informed that the 2025/26 LTP Capital grant allocation is £10.58m comprising £3.102m of Integrated Transport Block (ITB) funding and £7.478m of Local Highway Maintenance funding.

Cabinet stressed the importance of this vital funding and spoke in support of the recommendations.

Cabinet was advised that the Transportation Advisory Group at their recent meeting had discussed the report in detail and whilst there had been no formal recommendations that they had submitted the following comments in respect of this item: -

1.             Concerns were raised with regards to ensuring that the provision of electric charging points meets the needs of all.

2.             The Group emphasised the importance of ensuring potholes are dealt with swiftly, particularly those which are a danger to cyclists and those on two wheels.

3.             The Group urged that officers ensure the effectiveness of different road surface treatments to ensure we are achieving long life and value for money.

Cabinet was advised that Officers and the Portfolio Holder would be picking up the comments raised by the Transportation Advisory Group.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Recommends to Council approval of the 2025/26 Local Transport Plan Capital Programme as set out in Appendix A and delegates the delivery to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations

(b)           Delegates the delivery of the Active Travel Fund 5 grant to the Director of Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure & Commercial Operations

(c)           Recommends to Council approval of the indicative 2026/27 and 2027/28 Highways Maintenance Programmes as set out in Appendix B

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

Delegate delivery of the LTP Capital Programme and Active Travel Fund 5 grant in line with financial regulations. The purpose of approving indicative 2026/27 and 2027/28 Highways Maintenance programmes is to demonstrate forward planning to satisfy criteria associated with assessment of the incentive fund element. 

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is collected from development and used to fund infrastructure necessary to support planned growth set out by the Draft BCP Local Plan. CIL receipts are split into strategic, neighbourhood and administration components. We can only spend CIL once it is received.

Strategic CIL spending governance was agreed by Cabinet in 2021. The Capital Briefing Board (CBB) assesses project bids for strategic CIL and recommends which projects receive spending, subject to following the necessary sign off procedures in accordance with the financial regulations.

Service providers have identified £121.8m infrastructure projects for CIL funding over the next 5 years. This exceeds the projected uncommitted £29.3m Strategic CIL budget and so prioritisation is necessary. This paper asks Cabinet to recommend to Council the priorities for Strategic CIL spend enabling CBB to manage the process.

The preferred approach to prioritisation is set out in Option 2 in the report, to put approximately 80% of Strategic CIL towards large infrastructure projects essential to support local plan growth. The provision of Poole Town Centre flood defences and habitats sites mitigation are critical to enable the Council to grant planning permission. Approximately 20% of CIL remains for discretionary infrastructure projects.

The annual Infrastructure Funding Statement reports all CIL spend.

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 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is collected from development and used to fund infrastructure necessary to support planned growth set out by the Draft BCP Local Plan, and that CIL receipts are split into strategic, neighbourhood and administration components. We can only spend CIL once it is received.

Cabinet was informed that Strategic CIL spending governance was agreed by Cabinet in 2021, and that the Capital Briefing Board (CBB) assesses project bids for strategic CIL and recommends which projects receive spending, subject to following the necessary sign off procedures in accordance with the financial regulations.

Cabinet was advised Service providers have identified £121.8m infrastructure projects for CIL funding over the next 5 years which exceeds the projected uncommitted £29.3m Strategic CIL budget and so prioritisation is necessary, and that this paper asks Cabinet to recommend to Council the priorities for Strategic CIL spend enabling CBB to manage the process.

Cabinet was informed that the preferred approach to prioritisation is set out in Option 2 in the report, to put approximately 80% of Strategic CIL towards large infrastructure projects essential to support local plan growth, and that provision of Poole Town Centre flood defences and habitats sites mitigation are critical to enable the Council to grant planning permission.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that approximately 20% of CIL remains for discretionary infrastructure projects, and that the annual Infrastructure Funding Statement reports all CIL spend.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Bartlett addressed the Cabinet advising that at their meeting the previous evening the Board had discussed the report and unanimously supported the recommendations as set out in the report.

In addition, the Chair of the Board raised that the list should be revisited with members as their may be areas which are identified within individual wards.

Cabinet spoke in support of the report highlighting the importance and of the necessity to find funding for Phase 2.

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommends that Council: -

(a)           Agree the spending priorities for Strategic CIL set out in Option 2 over the period 2024/25 to 2029/30 provided CIL income is as forecast; and

(b)           Annually update this report for Cabinet and Council.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

The infrastructure necessary to support or mitigate the planned growth set out in the Draft BCP Local Plan far exceeds the likely income. This report enables Cabinet to set the spending priorities to provide a clear steer to the Capital Briefing Board to manage the award of CIL to projects.

The meeting adjourned at 12.05pm

The meeting reconvened at 12.28pm

The Leader advised that Agenda Item 11 (Bournemouth Development Company LLP Business Plan) would be moved to the end of the meeting as there were ongoing discussions regarding the recommendations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 129.

The council has been awarded a further £5.722m funding allocation by the Department for Transport (DfT) for 2025/26 to continue delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The purpose of this paper is to seek council approval to accept and invest the grant, noting progress to date made with the delivery of the initial £8.9m three-year BSIP allocation.

It is also recommending approval of a full review of the subsidised bus service network to support the withdrawal of the council’s Bus Subsidy Budget in accordance with the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

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 the Council has been awarded a further £5.722m funding allocation by the Department for Transport (DfT) for 2025/26 to continue delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the purpose of this paper was to seek council approval to accept and invest the grant, noting progress to date made with the delivery of the initial £8.9m three-year BSIP allocation.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that the paper was also recommending approval of a full review of the subsidised bus service network to support the withdrawal of the council’s Bus Subsidy Budget in accordance with the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

Cabinet was advised that the Transportation Advisory Group (TAG) at their recent meeting had discussed the report in detail and whilst there had been no formal recommendations that they had submitted the following comment in respect of this item: -

1.             the possibility of discounted children’s bus passes being delivered outside of the app to negate the need for children to carry smart phones.

Cabinet was advised that in relation to the comment from TAG that the Portfolio Holder and officers had met with the bus company immediately following the TAG meeting and had already raised this with them for their consideration.

Cabinet spoke in support of the recommendations and of the importance of the bus services for communities.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)           Cabinet recommends to Council acceptance of the £5.722m Bus Service Improvement Plan funding for 2025/26 from the Department for Transport

(b)           Cabinet recommends to Council to Delegate delivery of the BSIP programme, developed in conjunction with the Enhanced Partnership Board, to the Service Director for Planning and Transport in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment

(c)         Cabinet agrees and recommends to Council a full review of all subsidised local bus service contracts ahead of the planned commencement of the withdrawal of the Bus Subsidy budget starting in 2026/27

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

(a)           To inform Cabinet of the improvements introduced for the benefit of buses and bus passengers funded by the original BSIP grant award.

(b)           Approval is sought to accept the BSIP funding to support immediate investment in bus service improvements.

(c)           The investment of the BSIP funding is aligned with the Council’s Corporate Strategy and the Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

(d)           To minimise the impact on bus passengers of the withdrawal of the council’s Bus Subsidy budget.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published its revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 12 December 2024. These changes in Government policy have implications for Local Plan production and decision-making on planning proposals.

It should be noted that this report has been written in advance of a conclusion by the Planning Inspectorate on their initial matters, which were the subject of Part 1 Local Plan hearings in January 2025. Subject to that conclusion, their intention would be to hold Part 2 hearings sessions and to publish further sessions covering other matters. The examining inspectors were explicit at the closure of the Part 1 hearings that they were unable to advise when they would be able to provide the Council with their conclusions.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Noted the Government’s recent planning reforms;

(b)          Agreed to the publication of a new draft Local Development Scheme as required by Government to a deadline of 6 March 2025;

(c)          Delegated authority to the Director of Planning & Transport to prepare a PID (Planning Initiation Document) and notice to commence plan making immediately in Spring 2025; and

(d)          Delegated authority to the Director of Planning & Transport for a ‘call for sites’ to be commenced in Spring 2025.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Government policy

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 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had published its revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 12 December 2024, and that these changes in Government policy have implications for Local Plan production and decision-making on planning proposals.

In presenting the report the Leader advised that the council had this morning received a letter outlining their findings, and that there is a need for the council to respond.

Further to this the Leader proposed an amendment to recommendation (b) to insert the word ‘draft’ so that the recommendation read as follows:

(b)          Agreed to the publication of a new draft Local Development Scheme as required by Government to a deadline of 6 March 2025;

This amendment was supported by the seconder and agreed as the substantive recommendation.

Cabinet discussed the report and in particular issues surrounding the balance between the need to build houses and of ensuring that environmental aspects are considered.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Noted the Government’s recent planning reforms;

(b)          Agreed to the publication of a new draft Local Development Scheme as required by Government to a deadline of 6 March 2025;

(c)          Delegated authority to the Director of Planning & Transport to prepare a PID (Planning Initiation Document) and notice to commence plan making immediately in Spring 2025; and

(d)          Delegated authority to the Director of Planning & Transport for a ‘call for sites’ to be commenced in Spring 2025.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Leader of the Council

Reason

Government policy

This report presents the fifth annual update to Cabinet on progress towards commitments made in the BCP Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration, made on the 16th of July 2019.

2023-24 progress against the main commitments is:

·       Make BCP Council and its operations carbon neutral by 2030 - scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduced by 8.7% from the 2019 baseline

·       Work with the wider community to make the region carbon neutral before 2045 – according to data released in 2024, total area-wide emissions for 2022 had reduced by 12% from the 2019 baseline.

The report also introduces new emissions dashboards to make progress transparent and presents draft Roadmaps that identify key decisions for consideration if targets are to be achieved.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)          Cabinet noted the Climate Progress Report 2023-24, and the introduction of emissions dashboards; 

(b)          Cabinet noted the draft Roadmap of climate actions to take the Council to its 2030 target, which will be approved within 12 months; and

(c)          Cabinet noted that a companion Roadmap to address the area-wide 2045 target is in preparation as part of the Local Area Energy Plan and will be presented for approval at Cabinet on 16 July 2025.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This report informs on progress made to date and proposes a draft Roadmap of climate actions that the Council can consider in order to deliver on the ambitions of a carbon neutral Council by 2030. These are clear and achievable but require resources and timely decision-making if significant emissions reductions are to be made. A similar roadmap to achieve a carbon neutral region by 2045 is in preparation as part of the Local Area Energy Plan project and will be presented to Cabinet in July 2025.

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 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report presented the fifth annual update to Cabinet on progress towards commitments made in the BCP Council Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration, made on the 16th of July 2019.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the 2023-24 progress against the main commitments was:

·        Make BCP Council and its operations carbon neutral by 2030 - scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduced by 8.7% from the 2019 baseline

·        Work with the wider community to make the region carbon neutral before 2045 – according to data released in 2024, total area-wide emissions for 2022 had reduced by 12% from the 2019 baseline.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the report also introduced a new emissions dashboard to make progress transparent and presents draft Roadmaps that identify key decisions for consideration if targets are to be achieved.

Cabinet was advised that this report had been discussed at the previous meeting of the Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where there had been an interesting debate and good challenge from the Committee.

Cabinet spoke in support of the report and in particular of the introduction of the dashboards.

RESOLVED that: -

a)            Cabinet noted the Climate Progress Report 2023-24, and the introduction of emissions dashboards; 

b)            Cabinet noted the draft Roadmap of climate actions to take the Council to its 2030 target, which will be approved within 12 months; and

c)            Cabinet noted that a companion Roadmap to address the area-wide 2045 target is in preparation as part of the Local Area Energy Plan and will be presented for approval at Cabinet on 16 July 2025.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This report informs on progress made to date and proposes a draft Roadmap of climate actions that the Council can consider in order to deliver on the ambitions of a carbon neutral Council by 2030. These are clear and achievable but require resources and timely decision-making if significant emissions reductions are to be made. A similar roadmap to achieve a carbon neutral region by 2045 is in preparation as part of the Local Area Energy Plan project and will be presented to Cabinet in July 2025.

This report set out the Education and Skills Capital Programme for the period 2025/26 – 2027/28. The report summarises available capital funding totalling £22.6 million and provides an indicative programme of investment of £21.4 million set against key budget headings aligned to improvement priorities across the service.  The planned expenditure of available capital is set out in this report and shows a balanced budget. 

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 'I' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report set out the Education and Skills Capital Programme for the period 2025/26 – 2027/28, and that it summarises available capital funding totalling £22.6 million and provides an indicative programme of investment of £21.4 million set against key budget headings aligned to improvement priorities across the service.

Cabinet was informed that the planned expenditure of available capital was set out in the report and showed a balanced budget.

Thanks were expressed to officers for all their hard working in preparing this paper.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder read out the comments raised by the Chair of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee following their recent meeting where they had noted and agreed the paper, discussed alternative provision at some length and wrap around care and that had advised that they will be looking at further and alternative provision at a future meeting.

Councillor Bartlett addressed the Cabinet asking whether there was a possibility to use CIL for the provision of new schools or for converting schools to assist with SEND.

In relation to this the Leader advised that the 18% of discretionary CIL could be used for education purposes but that it was important that central government resolve the funding issues around SEND.

RECOMMENDED that Council agree the capital programme as set out in the report, including the budget allocations set against the capital funding available for the period 2025/26 – 2026/27.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children, Young People, Education and Skills

Reason

Utilising investment in the school estate to discharge the council’s statutory duties to delivery good estate management and secure sufficiency of places aligned to the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment, Wraparound and Expanded Entitlements Delivery Plan, SEND Sufficiency Strategy, Belonging and Improvement Strategy and DSG Recovery Plan.

Bournemouth Development Company LLP (“BDC”) is a joint venture between the Council and Community Solutions for regeneration Bournemouth,  a subsidiary of MUSE Developments Limited (itself a subsidiary of Morgan Sindall Group plc). It was established in 2011 and is currently due to expire in 2031.

In March 2023, Cabinet approved a request to extend the Site Option Execution Date for Winter Gardens to September 2024. This date has passed and a further extension is required in order for BDC to continue working on a new scheme.

A Strategy Day was held on 6 December to review and consider options for moving forward with the Winter Gardens site. Following that meeting, Muse have committed funds to take forward new high-level design and capacity work for the site.  Early indications show potential for a housing-led scheme with circa 500 homes, including a good proportion of affordable homes, along with some street level retail and commercial space.

The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on progress since the recent BDC Strategy Day, agree the proposed timetable for the new Partnership Business Plan and to update on the priority project, Winter Gardens, including the proposed strategy for bringing forward residential development on the site, which requires approval to extend the Site Option Execution date.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          Agrees the principle of an extension of the Winter Gardens site "Option Execution Date", with details to be agreed to be delegated to the Chief Operations Officer acting in consultation with the Leader of the Council, or until Cabinet have had the opportunity to review a revised partnership business plan including the site development plan for the revised Winter Gardens scheme. 

(b)           Instructs officers to explore the available funding options such that a funding strategy can be developed for the Winter Gardens project and be put forward at a future Cabinet meeting;

(c)           Notes the timetable for producing a new Partnership Business Plan for BDC and a Cabinet report later this year;

(d)           Notes the interdependency with the current work to review Shareholder Governance and that the composition of the BDC Board is under review.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holders: Leader of the Council

 Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

To contribute to the Council’s Corporate Strategy, specifically helping to revitalise high streets and regenerate key sites to create new opportunities and to provide good quality homes that are accessible, sustainable and affordable for all.

The emerging Local Plan includes an allocation of 400 new homes in the Bournemouth Arc area. This project offers the potential to make a significant contribution to exceed this target.

The Council has reserved the right for Cabinet to approve Site Development Plans (SDP) and further approvals are necessary to vary terms.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services 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 Bournemouth Development Company LLP (“BDC”) is a joint venture between the Council and Community Solutions for regeneration Bournemouth, a subsidiary of MUSE Developments Limited (itself a subsidiary of Morgan Sindall Group plc) which was established in 2011 and is currently due to expire in 2031.

Cabinet was informed that in March 2023, Cabinet approved a request to extend the Site Option Execution Date for Winter Gardens to September 2024, and that this date had passed and a further extension is required in order for BDC to continue working on a new scheme.

Cabinet was informed that a Strategy Day was held on 6 December to review and consider options for moving forward with the Winter Gardens site, and that following that meeting, Muse have committed funds to take forward new high-level design and capacity work for the site.

In relation to this Cabinet was advised that early indications show potential for a housing-led scheme with circa 500 homes, including a good proportion of affordable homes, along with some street level retail and commercial space.

Cabinet was advised that the purpose of this report was to update Cabinet on progress since the recent BDC Strategy Day, agree the proposed timetable for the new Partnership Business Plan and to update on the priority project, Winter Gardens, including the proposed strategy for bringing forward residential development on the site, which requires approval to extend the Site Option Execution date.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Bartlett addressed the Cabinet advising that at their meeting the previous evening the Board had debated a number of issues relating to the paper in detail, and that the following recommendation had been agreed: -

1.             That a decision to extend the Winter Gardens site ‘Option Execution Date’ is deferred by Cabinet until the new BDC Partnerships Business Plan has been approved by Cabinet.

(Equal decision, Chair used his casting vote)

Members addressed the Cabinet where the following comments were raised: -

·       The need to invest in social and affordable housing

·       Concern as to whether BDC still offers the council the scope to develop the site

·       The building of housing needs to be balanced with the provision of car parking

The Leader advised that it had been an interesting debate at the Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting the previous evening and that there was a lot to consider going forwards including exploring viability as there has been much change over the last 6 years.

In addition, the Leader advised that BDC now have a really strong relationship with Homes England.

Further to this and taking on board the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Board the Leader proposed an amendment to recommendation (a) so that it would read as follows: -

(a)           Agrees the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.

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.