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 Sandra Moore declared an interest in Minute No. 44 (2026/27 Council Budget monitoring at quarter 1) as a Trustee of the Canford Heath Infant and Junior Schools and remained present for the discussion and voting thereon.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 22 July 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2026 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 Wednesday 26 August 2026 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 1 September 2026 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 18 August 2026 [10 working days before the meeting].

Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions, questions or statements submitted by members of the public on this occasion.

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

Cabinet was advised that recommendations had been received from the Overview and Scrutiny Board on items not otherwise indicated on the Cabinet agenda.

The Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Councillor Sue Aitkenhead provided Cabinet with the background relating to the item and presented the recommendations from the Committee as set out below, copies of which had been circulated to Members of the Cabinet and published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting.

In presenting the recommendation, Councillor Aitkenhead advised that the intention was to ensure that the Council had a clear understanding of the structural condition of its assets, to support the identification of future liabilities and maintenance requirements and to inform decisions relating to asset disposal.

Recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 24 August 2026

Overview and Scrutiny Board agenda item 9 – Estates Management and Asset Disposal

That Cabinet be advised that the Overview and Scrutiny Board considers that the condition of our estate needs to be known in order to ensure we have the data to inform asset disposals and maintenance needs and to plan maintenance in the most cost-effective way. This Board recommends that Cabinet support officers to find a way to complete this work as a matter of urgency.

Voting: For – 8, Against – 0, Abstain – 1 

The Leader thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Board for its recommendation and advised that Cabinet would give the matter further consideration, with a formal response to be provided in due course.

Further to this recommendation the Leader and Portfolio Holders provided updates on recommendations which had previously been presented to the Cabinet, as follows: -

-         The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, Councillor Richard Herrett, provided an update on previous recommendations relating to parking, road safety, highways and planning, with specific reference to parking issues around schools and parking pressures during the high season. In this regard, Councillor Herrett advised that he and the Leader had written to the Government to make the case for higher Penalty Charge Notice fines. He further advised that the Council had recently concluded a month-long trial and had requested that the Government either allow the Council to undertake a longer-term BCP-wide trial or address the matter nationally.

-         The Leader of the Council, Councillor Millie Earl, provided an update on the recommendations relating to the Local Plan, specifically in relation to consultation and the terms of reference for the working group. Councillor Earl advised that work was already underway to consider how stakeholders, beyond statutory consultees, could best be engaged, and that Members would be written to in order to ensure they had the opportunity to provide input. With regard to the working group’s terms of reference, Councillor Earl advised that the recommendation from the Board had been adopted, enabling substitute members to attend the working group, provided that 72 hours’ notice was given to allow officers sufficient time to brief those Members. Councillor Earl further advised that the recommendation relating to risk,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

At Quarter 1, the Council is forecasting significant pressures arising from Children’s Services (£11.8m) and Adult Social Care (£8.3m) due to rising demand for care services, increasing placement costs. Pressures are also forecast in Operations (£6.8m). The total general fund forecasted overspend of £27m is of a level unseen at the Council and is real threat to the financial sustainability of the council. Actions to address the position are set out in the report.

Delivery of the Council’s £14.1m savings programme remains a challenge, with only £9.6m currently forecast to be achieved, resulting in a projected £4.5m shortfall.

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit remains the Council’s most significant financial risk, with the accumulated deficit forecast to increase to approximately £275.5m by March 2027.

The Council is awaiting approval of its SEND Reform Plan, which would unlock Government support through a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90% of the historic deficit as of March 2026.

The Capital Investment Programme has increased to £149m, with £11m (8%) spent by the end of Quarter 1. Major investment continues in flood defences, transport, fleet replacement and SEND provision.

The Housing Revenue Account remains financially stable and is forecasting a £3.5m surplus.

Overall, the Council faces significant financial pressures and savings delivery risks, requiring ongoing management and recovery actions during the remainder of 2026/27.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)            noted the quarter 1 position for 2026/27, actions taken by the S151 officer to date as well as the action plan being delivered by all directors;

(b)            approved the general fund capital virement set out in paragraph 3 of appendix C1 (Capital Investment programme)

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(c)            Note and approve the general fund capital virements set out in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of Appendix C1 (capital investment programme).

(d)            Approve the general fund budget virement of £2.16m from the Housing budget to central contingency as set out in paragraph 37 a) of this report, to support the council budget pressures.

(e)            Approve a temporary budget virement of £2.2m representing revenue budget for borrowing repayment not used in 2026/27 to central contingency as set out in paragraph 37 c) of this report, to support the council budget pressures.

(f)              Approve the Pride in Place Programme – role of the council as accountable body recommendations set out in Appendix A5.

(g)            Note the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) annual update in Appendix C4.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

To comply with accounting codes of practice and best practice which requires councils to regularly monitor the annual budget position and take any action to support the sustainability of the council’s financial position. To comply with the council’s financial regulations regarding capital virements, acceptance of grants and new borrowing.

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, at Quarter 1, the Council was forecasting significant pressures arising from Children’s Services (£11.8m) and Adult Social Care (£8.3m), due to rising demand for care services and increasing placement costs. Pressures were also forecast in Operations (£6.8m). The total General Fund forecast overspend was £27m, which represented an unprecedented level for the Council and a significant threat to its financial sustainability. Actions to address the position were set out in the report.

Cabinet was informed that delivery of the Council’s £14.1m savings programme remained challenging, with only £9.6m currently forecast to be achieved, resulting in a projected £4.5m shortfall.

In addition, Cabinet was advised that the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit remained the Council’s most significant financial risk, with the accumulated deficit forecast to increase to approximately £275.5m by March 2027.

Cabinet was informed that the Council was awaiting approval of its SEND Reform Plan, which would unlock Government support through a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90% of the historic deficit as of March 2026.

Further to this, Cabinet was advised that the Capital Investment Programme had increased to £149m, with £11m, equivalent to 8%, spent by the end of Quarter 1, and that major investment continued in flood defences, transport, fleet replacement and SEND provision.

Cabinet was further advised that the Housing Revenue Account remained financially stable and was forecasting a £3.5m surplus.

In closing, Cabinet was informed that the Council was facing significant financial pressures and savings delivery risks, requiring ongoing management and recovery actions during the remainder of 2026/27.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed Cabinet in relation to Pride in Place and advised that, in respect of Boscombe West, the independent Chair and Neighbourhood Board had been appointed. Cabinet was further advised that the new Board had already determined the revised boundaries for the area and that the required letter of support from the MP had been sent to the Government. In addition, Councillor Canavan advised that, in his view, the virement of funding from the Bournemouth Pier allocation to the East Cliff stabilisation project should be discussed at a meeting of Full Council.

Councillor Canavan further addressed Cabinet as Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee and advised that the Committee would be considering the adult social care budget in detail at its September meeting, to ensure that all possible actions were being taken in respect of budget management.

Councillor George Farquhar addressed Cabinet and asked how the Council should communicate its budget constraints. In particular, Councillor Farquhar highlighted a ward issue relating to a dog waste bin which had been damaged six or seven months previously, and questioned whether such issues would continue to be addressed and whether residents should continue to report matters in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

This report seeks approval for the publication and delivery of the Learning Disability Big Plan 2026–2031, which sets out the shared priorities for supporting people with a learning disability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to live fulfilled lives. The Plan has been developed through the Learning Disability Partnership Board, in partnership with people with lived experience, families, carers, providers, voluntary sector organisations, BCP Council and NHS Dorset. It reflects the Council’s commitment to co-production, person-centred support and the duties set out in the Care Act 2014.

The Big Plan has been shaped through extensive engagement and consultation. Engagement events in 2024 involved over 150 people, followed by formal consultation between February and March 2026, which received 97 responses across online and paper formats. Feedback was broadly supportive of the Plan and its vision, while highlighting the need for clearer communication, more joined-up services, earlier support, greater consistency and a stronger focus on delivery and real-life impact.

The final Plan is structured around seven Big Aims: Where I Live; Staying Healthy; Having a Good Life; Right Care and Support; Keeping Safe; Becoming an Adult; and Support for My Family. These aims focus on improving housing choice, health outcomes, community inclusion, personalised care and support, safety, transition into adulthood and support for families and carers.

Delivery will be overseen by the Learning Disability Partnership Board, with action groups responsible for progressing the agreed priorities and reporting progress quarterly. Further work is required to confirm the delivery arrangements for Right Care and Support and Having a Good Life, including whether dedicated groups are needed or whether actions can be embedded within existing governance structures.

Cabinet is asked to approve the Learning Disability Big Plan for publication and delivery, enabling continued co-production with local people, families and partners and supporting a clearer framework for improving outcomes for people with a learning disability across BCP.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the Learning Disability Big Plan for future publication and delivery against the priorities set within.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

To co-produce services with people with lived experience and carers, ensuring people with a learning disability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are supported to live fulfilled lives.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing 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 sought approval for the publication and delivery of the Learning Disability Big Plan 2026–2031, which set out the shared priorities for supporting people with a learning disability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to live fulfilled lives.

In relation to this, Cabinet was informed that the Plan had been developed through the Learning Disability Partnership Board, in partnership with people with lived experience, families, carers, providers, voluntary sector organisations, BCP Council and NHS Dorset, and that it reflected the Council’s commitment to co-production, person-centred support and the duties set out in the Care Act 2014.

Cabinet was further advised that the Big Plan had been shaped through extensive engagement and consultation, with engagement events in 2024 involving over 150 people which were followed by formal consultation between February and March 2026, which received 97 responses across online and paper formats. Feedback had been broadly supportive of the Plan and its vision, while highlighting the need for clearer communication, more joined-up services, earlier support, greater consistency and a stronger focus on delivery and real-life impact.

Cabinet was informed that the final Plan was structured around seven Big Aims: Where I Live; Staying Healthy; Having a Good Life; Right Care and Support; Keeping Safe; Becoming an Adult; and Support for My Family. These aims focused on improving housing choice, health outcomes, community inclusion, personalised care and support, safety, transition into adulthood and support for families and carers.

In addition, Cabinet was advised that delivery would be overseen by the Learning Disability Partnership Board, with action groups responsible for progressing the agreed priorities and reporting progress quarterly, and that further work was required to confirm the delivery arrangements for Right Care and Support and Having a Good Life, including whether dedicated groups were required or whether actions could be embedded within existing governance structures.

Cabinet was asked to approve the Learning Disability Big Plan for publication and delivery, enabling continued co-production with local people, families and partners and supporting a clearer framework for improving outcomes for people with a learning disability across BCP.

Following the introduction by the Portfolio Holder, representatives of the Learning Disability Partnership Board, Amanda Frost, Assistant Manager at People First Forum and Co-Chair of the BCP Learning Disability Partnership Board, and Bridget Campbell, Family Carer Representative on the Learning Disability Partnership Board, addressed Cabinet in support of the Plan and explained the process through which it had been developed.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved the Learning Disability Big Plan for future publication and delivery against the priorities set within.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Health and Wellbeing

Reason

To co-produce services with people with lived experience and carers, ensuring people with a learning disability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are supported to live fulfilled lives.

This report seeks approval for a multi-year IT Infrastructure Capital Investment Plan to maintain, modernise and secure the Council’s core digital infrastructure over the period 2026 to 2032.

The Council’s IT infrastructure and end-user devices underpin the delivery of all frontline, statutory and corporate services and support approximately 6,500 users across multiple sites.

A significant proportion of the current estate is reaching, or has exceeded, its effective lifecycle. Without planned investment, the Council faces increasing cyber security risk, rising maintenance costs, reduced system performance and a higher likelihood of service disruption, impacting the delivery of critical services to residents.

Three options have been considered: extending asset lifecycles further, increasing use of revenue-funded models or continuing a structured lifecycle-based capital investment approach.

The first two options are deemed to either increase risk or are not viable given the remaining IT infrastructure requirements.

The recommended option is to continue a lifecycle-based investment programme supported by capital funding, totalling £11.2 million over six years. This approach will ensure technology remains secure, supportable and aligned to service needs.

Approval of this plan provides a stable, resilient and cost-effective foundation to support BCP Council’s strategic objectives and ongoing delivery of reliable, resident-focused services

It is RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(a)               approved delegated procurement authority to Director of IT & Programmes; 

(b)               recommend to Audit and Governance Committee to recommend to council to approve prudential borrowing of £11.2m to support delivery of the programme over 6 years.

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommend to Council:

(c)               to approve the business case for the delivery of a multi-year IT Infrastructure Capital Investment Plan to maintain, modernise and continue to secure the Council’s core digital infrastructure.

(d)               to approve recommendation for capital budget allocation of £11.2m over the period 2026–2032 to fund core IT infrastructure and a rolling program of end-user laptop replacement.

(e)               to prioritise MTFP growth of £2.8 million over 6 years to fund the prudential borrowing cost of £11.2 million IT investment.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

Approval of the recommendations is required to enable IT & Programmes to deliver a structured, multi-year investment programme that maintains and modernises its core IT infrastructure in a controlled and financially sustainable way.

The proposed capital allocation of £11.2m and associated prudential borrowing provides the funding certainty needed to plan and deliver lifecycle-based replacements, avoiding a fragmented or reactive approach to investment.

Prioritisation within the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) ensures that the revenue implications of borrowing are recognised and managed over the life of the programme, maintaining affordability and alignment with BCP Council’s wider financial strategy.

Delegated procurement authority is required to enable timely and efficient delivery of the programme within approved budgets, ensuring BCP Council can respond to market opportunities and maintain continuity of IT services.

Recommendation to Audit and Governance Committee supports appropriate oversight and approval of prudential borrowing, ensuring the programme is delivered within BCP Council’s financial governance.

The Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance 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 sought approval for a multi-year IT Infrastructure Capital Investment Plan to maintain, modernise and secure the Council’s core digital infrastructure over the period 2026 to 2032.

In relation to this, Cabinet was informed that the Council’s IT infrastructure and end-user devices underpinned the delivery of all frontline, statutory and corporate services and supported approximately 6,500 users across multiple sites, and that a significant proportion of the current estate was reaching, or had exceeded, its effective lifecycle.

Cabinet was advised that, without planned investment, the Council faced increasing cyber security risk, rising maintenance costs, reduced system performance and a higher likelihood of service disruption, impacting the delivery of critical services to residents.

Further to this, Cabinet was informed that three options had been considered: extending asset lifecycles further; increasing the use of revenue-funded models; or continuing a structured, lifecycle-based capital investment approach, and that the first two options were deemed either to increase risk or not to be viable, given the remaining IT infrastructure requirements.

Cabinet was advised that the recommended option was to continue a lifecycle-based investment programme supported by capital funding, totalling £11.2 million over six years. This approach would ensure that technology remained secure, supportable and aligned to service needs.

In closing, Cabinet was informed that approval of the Plan would provide a stable, resilient and cost-effective foundation to support BCP Council’s strategic objectives and the ongoing delivery of reliable, resident-focused services.

It is RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)               approved delegated procurement authority to Director of IT & Programmes; 

(b)              recommend to Audit and Governance Committee to recommend to council to approve prudential borrowing of £11.2m to support delivery of the programme over 6 years.

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet recommend to Council: -

(c)               to approve the business case for the delivery of a multi-year IT Infrastructure Capital Investment Plan to maintain, modernise and continue to secure the Council’s core digital infrastructure.

(d)              to approve recommendation for capital budget allocation of £11.2m over the period 2026–2032 to fund core IT infrastructure and a rolling program of end-user laptop replacement.

(e)               to prioritise MTFP growth of £2.8 million over 6 years to fund the prudential borrowing cost of £11.2 million IT investment.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

Approval of the recommendations is required to enable IT & Programmes to deliver a structured, multi-year investment programme that maintains and modernises its core IT infrastructure in a controlled and financially sustainable way.

The proposed capital allocation of £11.2m and associated prudential borrowing provides the funding certainty needed to plan and deliver lifecycle-based replacements, avoiding a fragmented or reactive approach to investment.

Prioritisation within the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) ensures that the revenue implications of borrowing are recognised and managed over  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

This report provides performance information on how services provided through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) are delivered to council tenants to support councillors oversight in ensuring that the council:

·       Provides good quality homes and services to all tenants

·       Makes best use of its resources to deliver what it is required to do as a landlord

·       Resolve issues promptly and effectively when things go wrong.

It provides an update against key performance indicators for quarter 1, 2026-27 and the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM’s) for 2025-26.

This report also sets out how BCP Homes ensures that the council, in its role as a Registered Provider of Social Housing, is meeting its regulatory responsibilities under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and is engaging with the Regulator of Social Housing.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the content of the report and raised any issues for consideration by officers.

Voting: Unanimous

Reason

To support councillors in ensuring that council services provided to tenants are managed effectively and that regulatory requirements are met.

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 ‘D’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report set out performance information on how services provided through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were delivered to Council tenants, to support councillors’ oversight in ensuring that the Council:

·                provided good quality homes and services to all tenants;

·                made best use of its resources to deliver what it was required to do as a landlord; and

·                resolved issues promptly and effectively when things went wrong.

In relation to this, Cabinet was informed that the report provided an update against key performance indicators for Quarter 1, 2026-27 and the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) for 2025-26.

Further to this, Cabinet was advised that the report also set out how BCP Homes ensured that the Council, in its role as a Registered Provider of Social Housing, was meeting its regulatory responsibilities under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and engaging with the Regulator of Social Housing.

RESOLVED that Cabinet noted the content of the report and raised any issues for consideration by officers.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

To support councillors in ensuring that council services provided to tenants are managed effectively and that regulatory requirements are met.

This report proposes the relocation of services currently accommodated within the BCP Civic centre Annexe, to allow for its disposal. Options are set out within the proposal detailing various approaches to reprovision services, supporting the Council’s strategic direction for more efficient and effective use of its estate. The proposal forms part of the wider Estates and Accommodation programme and seeks to ensure that operational services are accommodated in locations that better support long-term estate planning.

A range of relocation options have been considered across several Council assets, including the Civic Centre and West Wing, Civic Extension, Civic basement, Parkway House and other potential operational accommodation. These options have been reviewed against service requirements, statutory obligations, operational deliverability, financial implications, impact on other building users and alignment with the Council’s wider estate strategy.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Resources and Governance 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 the report proposed the relocation of services currently accommodated within the BCP Civic Centre Annexe, to allow for its disposal.

In relation to this, Cabinet was informed that options were set out within the proposal detailing various approaches to re-provision services, supporting the Council’s strategic direction for more efficient and effective use of its estate.

Further to this, Cabinet was advised that the proposal formed part of the wider Estates and Accommodation Programme and sought to ensure that operational services were accommodated in locations that better supported long-term estate planning.

Cabinet was informed that a range of relocation options had been considered across several Council assets, including the Civic Centre and West Wing, Civic Extension, Civic Basement, Parkway House and other potential operational accommodation, and that these options had been reviewed against service requirements, statutory obligations, operational deliverability, financial implications, impact on other building users and alignment with the Council’s wider estate strategy.

In presenting the report, the Portfolio Holder expressed disappointment that the Council was unable to provide better interim accommodation for the Coroner’s Jury Court, highlighting the recent briefings provided on the needs of the service and the sensitivities involved. The Portfolio Holder advised that he recognised the compromises and adaptations which had been agreed and, in relation to this, proposed that an additional recommendation be inserted as follows: -

(e)  Request officers to review the situation regarding the Coroners Service in 2028 and to report to Cabinet on the scope for capital provision to enable the Service to be located in accommodation appropriately configured to meet the needs of the service for the foreseeable future.

Cabinet assented to the inclusion of the additional recommendation, which therefore formed part of the substantive recommendations as set out below.

Councillor Patrick Canavan addressed Cabinet and highlighted that the item had not yet been considered by the cross-party asset disposal working group and was being submitted to Cabinet without any prior scrutiny.

In relation to this, the Leader advised that the decision was still required to be considered by the Audit and Governance Committee and Full Council for adoption, and that there would therefore be further opportunities for scrutiny.

Cabinet Members spoke in support of the report and thanked the Coroner for the recent briefing, which had assisted Members in understanding the operational needs and sensitivities of the service. Members acknowledged that the proposed interim arrangements were not ideal and that compromises had been necessary but considered that the additional recommendation provided an opportunity to review the position in 2028 and consider whether a more suitable long-term solution could be identified, reference was also made to potential future legislative requirements and the need to ensure that any implications for the service were kept under review.

It is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

This report seeks approval for disposal of the majority of the Council-owned property and land forming the Hicks Farm buildings complex, Bournemouth.

Securing a future use for these assets has been under review as the various outbuildings are in a significant state of disrepair and have been for many years. There is a current disrepair claim against the Council on the tenanted farmhouse, and the Council is unable to fund the necessary repairs required to bring the site back into use.

The proposed transactions shall secure best consideration in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The disposals are expected to secure capital receipt of c. £1m that can support an improved facility in the western parcel as well as Councils finances.

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 ‘F’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report sought approval for the disposal of the majority of the Council-owned property and land forming the Hicks Farm buildings complex, Bournemouth.

In relation to this, Cabinet was informed that securing a future use for these assets had been under review, as the various outbuildings were in a significant state of disrepair and had been for many years.

Cabinet was further advised that there was a disrepair claim against the Council in respect of the tenanted farmhouse, and that the Council was currently unable to fund the necessary repairs required to bring the site back into use.

Cabinet was informed that the proposed transactions would secure best consideration in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, with the disposals expected to secure a capital receipt of approximately £1m, which could support an improved facility on the western parcel and contribute to the Council’s finances.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)               approve the disposal of the land and buildings at Hicks Farm as per the attached plans; and

(b)              agree that any proceeds be allocated to a separate fund for the repair and maintenance of council assets.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Finance

Reason

The disposals resolve the long-standing issues with the farm buildings being in poor condition and with unknown future usage.

This releases the buildings and land for external investment that will benefit the overall quality of the local environment of Throop which is a noted concern of the local community.

The sale of the farmhouse mitigates the impact of high costs of repair and remedial works.

Independent valuation advice confirms that the proposed disposals represent best consideration.

A future business case to seek capital investment in the remaining parcel of land to enable continued use by the countryside team as an important location adjacent to countryside sites. 

Red Book valuation of May 2026 estimates the market value of between £820,000 and £1.2m.

This report summarises options for the future use of land at Upton Park Farm following the cessation of the farm tenancy on 2 April 2026.

It sets out a coordinated approach to align capital receipt, sustainable commercial revenue, community benefit and environmental impact across the retained land parcels, supporting both the tenancy purchase and longer-term strategic outcomes.

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 ‘G’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the report summarised options for the future use of land at Upton Park Farm following the cessation of the farm tenancy on 2 April 2026, and set out a coordinated approach to align capital receipt, sustainable commercial revenue, community benefit and environmental impact across the retained land parcels, supporting both the tenancy purchase and longer-term strategic outcomes.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(a)              agree to enable land disposal and capital receipt to fund the farm tenancy purchase;

(b)              delegate authority to the Director of Finance, acting in his capacity as Corporate Property Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Monitoring Officer, to finalise the detailed terms of the disposals and their sale price; and

(c)              agree that future land management arrangements be developed accordingly and approve the allocation of £489,900 of Heathland Infrastructure Project funding for the delivery of additional Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

The future use of the land drives long-term revenue growth for Upton Country Park, expanding the commercial offer to generate sustainable income in support of the MTFP, while maximising social value through improved access, wellbeing and community benefit in line with the Corporate Strategy. 

The future use of the land protects and enhances its role as accessible public open space, supporting recreation, access to nature and biodiversity, and contributing to nature recovery in line with the Corporate Strategy.

The sale of the residential properties and adjoining land is required to fund the farm tenancy purchase. Independent valuation advice confirms that the proposed disposals represent best consideration that can reasonably be obtained (market value) under S123 of the Local Government Act 1972. Use of a reserve price if applicable to ensure sufficient capital receipt is received. 

Enables investment in the remaining parcel of land and assets.

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.