Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
22
Meetings (2025):
68
Meetings (2024):
72
Meeting
Council - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 18th July 2024
6:30 PM
Thursday, 18th July 2024
6:30 PM
End:
Thursday, 18th July 2024
7:59 PM
Thursday, 18th July 2024
7:59 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
18 Jul 2024
18 Jul 2024
Location:
Council Chamber - Deanes
Council Chamber - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Chair of the Audit and Accounts Committee
Committee Member
Committee Member
Chair of the Human Resources Committee
Committee Member
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Committee Member
Chair of Development Control Committee
Committee Member
Vice-Chair of Development Control Committee
Committee Member
Leader
Committee Member
Chair of the Resources Committee
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Committee Member
Chair of the Licensing Committee
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Vice-Chair
Mayor
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Committee Member
Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Resident Services Committee
Committee Member
Committee Member
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Leader of the Conservative Group
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Committee Member
Chair of the Investigating and Disciplinary and Standards Appeals Committee
Committee Member
Vice Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee
Committee Member
Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee
Committee Member
Committee Member
Deputy Leader of the Labour Group and Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee
Committee Member
Committee Member
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Carr, Eachus, Gaskell, Harper, Ibrahim, Jenkin, T Jones, Miller, Perry, Tuck and K Watts.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Minutes of the meeting held on 9 and 16 May 2024
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 09052024 1830 Council 10 Jul 2024
- Document Minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2024 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 May 2024 and 16 May 2024 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Mayor.
4
Announcements
Minutes
The Mayor announced:
1) Arrangements would be made to present former councillor David Leeks with an award for long service.
2) Certificates of service had been sent to former councillors Sven Godesen, Graham Falconer, Rebecca Bean, Stephanie Grant, David Leeks, Nick Robinson, Laura Edwards, Abigail Compton-Burnett, Diane Taylor and Ken Rhatigan.
3) He had sent good wishes to Team GB, especially local athlete Ben Pattison, who was competing in the 800 metres in the Olympics.
4) Beggarwood, Eastrop and War Memorial parks had been awarded Green Flag status. He thanked the teams involved in the maintenance of the parks for their hard work.
1) Arrangements would be made to present former councillor David Leeks with an award for long service.
2) Certificates of service had been sent to former councillors Sven Godesen, Graham Falconer, Rebecca Bean, Stephanie Grant, David Leeks, Nick Robinson, Laura Edwards, Abigail Compton-Burnett, Diane Taylor and Ken Rhatigan.
3) He had sent good wishes to Team GB, especially local athlete Ben Pattison, who was competing in the 800 metres in the Olympics.
4) Beggarwood, Eastrop and War Memorial parks had been awarded Green Flag status. He thanked the teams involved in the maintenance of the parks for their hard work.
5
Questions from members of the public
To receive and answer any questions from the public.
(Questions must be received in writing by Democratic Services no later than noon on Tuesday 16 July 2024)
(Questions must be received in writing by Democratic Services no later than noon on Tuesday 16 July 2024)
Minutes
There were no questions.
6
Petitions
To receive petitions.
(Notice of petitions must be received in writing by Democratic Services, no later than noon on Tuesday 16 July 2024)
(Notice of petitions must be received in writing by Democratic Services, no later than noon on Tuesday 16 July 2024)
Minutes
There were no petitions.
7
Resignations and appointments
a) to receive resignations from Committees and to make any necessary re-appointments
b) to receive resignations from Outside Bodies and to make any re-appointments and (ii) fill any existing vacancies.
b) to receive resignations from Outside Bodies and to make any re-appointments and (ii) fill any existing vacancies.
Attachments:
- Document Outside bodies 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
1) The following changes to committees were agreed:
a) Cllr McIntyre be replaced by Councillor Ganesh as a substitute Member on the Development Control Committee.
b) Cllr McIntyre be replaced by Councillor Vaux as a substitute Member on the Resources Committee.
2) Councillor Jenkin be appointed as the main borough representative on Vivid.
a) Cllr McIntyre be replaced by Councillor Ganesh as a substitute Member on the Development Control Committee.
b) Cllr McIntyre be replaced by Councillor Vaux as a substitute Member on the Resources Committee.
2) Councillor Jenkin be appointed as the main borough representative on Vivid.
8
Capital Programme Outturn for 2023/24
Subject to recommendations from the Cabinet meeting held on 16 July 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Report 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Property presented the report which set out the final capital outturn position for 2023/24, compared it with the latest approved budget and provided explanations of the significant variances.
A summary of the key highlights included an overall capital programme underspend due mainly to the delay in the Manydown land acquisition. Excluding Manydown an overall advanced spend was reported due to progressing projects earlier than anticipated. New projects to the programme included energy improvements to Tadley Health and Fitness facility, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points and additional costs related to replacement of council owned vehicles.
The report was discussed, comments included:
· It was recognised that it was difficult to ensure capital expenditure in the correct period. However it was also questioned whether it was realistic and possible to achieve the increased percentage of capital expenditure allocated to schemes over the next two years when the capital programme for 2023/24 had underdelivered.
· Disappointment was expressed regarding the delay in the Manydown scheme. It was clarified that the administration and officers were working as quickly as possible to reach an agreement and confirmation was given that the contract would be signed imminently. Furthermore it was expressed that the administration were committed to delivering the project. Thanks were expressed to officers for the work they had undertaken to reach the current position.
· It was noted that £10 million from planned sales from the property portfolio had been slipped to 2025/26. The importance of the income from the sales was recognised as it would support large projects such as the replacement of the aquadrome. With sales hard to achieve it was hoped that the asset sales forecast for 2025/26 would not have to be rephased. It was explained that the expectation with the capital programme was that £10 million of property would be sold and reinvested into the purchase of property that would yield a better income, provide better security or fit the strategic needs of the borough in accordance with the Property Investment Strategy. The increase in interest rates effected the investment in property and resulted in a slower property market.
· Disappointment was expressed regarding the number of schemes with delayed spend with particular reference made to the slippage of delivery of EV charging points. It was clarified that Hampshire Country Council were responsible for the installation of EV charging points on highways and were reliant on the release of government funding which had been delayed and therefore had impacted on a number of schemes.
· Reference was made to the Sinclair Drive park play area improvements and it was questioned whether there were sufficient funds to carry out the work and where the funding would come from. It was confirmed that due to the drainage work funds had been moved within the revenue budget.
· Clarification was sought regarding the progression of improvements to Cranbourne School swimming pool.
Resolved: To
Note:
1) That the actual capital spending in 2023/24 was £12.792M as shown in Table 3 of the report. This is £7.704M less than the latest agreed capital programme budget of £20.496M. The actual capital financing in 2023/24 is also shown in Table 3 of the report.
2) The 2023/24 significant outturn variations and explanations for them are shown in Appendix 1 and section 2 of the report.
3) The addition of £0.189M to the programme and rephasing since the last reported position in February 2024, under delegated powers, as shown in Table 4 and paragraphs 2.5 to 2.9 of the report.
4) The impact of scheme variances for 2023/24 on future years’ capital expenditure has been reported to the Capital Programme Board and has been included in the revised capital programme to 2027/28 aligned to Council Plan Priorities.
5) The revised capital programme for 2024/25 to 2027/28, adjusted for slippage and rephasing and net additions contained within section 3 of the report and detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.
6) That the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2027/28, based on the latest forecast of available resources.
Approve:
7) Additions to the capital programme of £0.763M shown in Appendix 2 and as detailed in paragraphs 3.19 to 3.26 of the report as follows:
· AMP Works (various sites) - £0.012M in 2024/25 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions;
· Open Space Improvements - £0.036M in 2024/25 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions.
· Play Area Improvements - £0.031M in 2024/25 and £0.002M in 2025/26 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions;
· Home Improvement Financial Assistance - £0.145M in 2024/25 funded from additional government grant;
· Rural England Prosperity Fund - £0.020M in 2024/25 funded from additional government grant;
· UK Shared Prosperity Fund - £0.070M in 2024/25 funded from additional government grant;
· (New capital scheme) Tadley Health and Fitness Facility – Energy Improvements - £0.098M funded from additional government grant;
· Digital Programme - £0.034M in 2024/25 funded from the Efficiency, Digital and Transformation Reserve;
· Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points - £0.033M in 2024/25 funded from the Climate Change Reserve;
· Tadley Health And Fitness Facility - £0.059M in 2024/25 funded from revenue reserves for capital purposes; and
· Replacement of Council Owned Vehicles - £0.211M in 2024/25 and £0.012M in 2025/26 funded from revenue reserves for capital purposes.
8) The other capital programme changes shown in Appendix 2 of the report including 2023/24 outturn and future years rephasing, savings and a scheme virement detailed in paragraph 3.29 of the report, relating to Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Points and the Parking and Access scheme (£0.023M in 2024/25).
9) The revised capital programme for 2024/25 to 2027/28 as shown in Appendix 3 of the report and the programme financing as shown in section 3 of the report.
A summary of the key highlights included an overall capital programme underspend due mainly to the delay in the Manydown land acquisition. Excluding Manydown an overall advanced spend was reported due to progressing projects earlier than anticipated. New projects to the programme included energy improvements to Tadley Health and Fitness facility, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points and additional costs related to replacement of council owned vehicles.
The report was discussed, comments included:
· It was recognised that it was difficult to ensure capital expenditure in the correct period. However it was also questioned whether it was realistic and possible to achieve the increased percentage of capital expenditure allocated to schemes over the next two years when the capital programme for 2023/24 had underdelivered.
· Disappointment was expressed regarding the delay in the Manydown scheme. It was clarified that the administration and officers were working as quickly as possible to reach an agreement and confirmation was given that the contract would be signed imminently. Furthermore it was expressed that the administration were committed to delivering the project. Thanks were expressed to officers for the work they had undertaken to reach the current position.
· It was noted that £10 million from planned sales from the property portfolio had been slipped to 2025/26. The importance of the income from the sales was recognised as it would support large projects such as the replacement of the aquadrome. With sales hard to achieve it was hoped that the asset sales forecast for 2025/26 would not have to be rephased. It was explained that the expectation with the capital programme was that £10 million of property would be sold and reinvested into the purchase of property that would yield a better income, provide better security or fit the strategic needs of the borough in accordance with the Property Investment Strategy. The increase in interest rates effected the investment in property and resulted in a slower property market.
· Disappointment was expressed regarding the number of schemes with delayed spend with particular reference made to the slippage of delivery of EV charging points. It was clarified that Hampshire Country Council were responsible for the installation of EV charging points on highways and were reliant on the release of government funding which had been delayed and therefore had impacted on a number of schemes.
· Reference was made to the Sinclair Drive park play area improvements and it was questioned whether there were sufficient funds to carry out the work and where the funding would come from. It was confirmed that due to the drainage work funds had been moved within the revenue budget.
· Clarification was sought regarding the progression of improvements to Cranbourne School swimming pool.
Resolved: To
Note:
1) That the actual capital spending in 2023/24 was £12.792M as shown in Table 3 of the report. This is £7.704M less than the latest agreed capital programme budget of £20.496M. The actual capital financing in 2023/24 is also shown in Table 3 of the report.
2) The 2023/24 significant outturn variations and explanations for them are shown in Appendix 1 and section 2 of the report.
3) The addition of £0.189M to the programme and rephasing since the last reported position in February 2024, under delegated powers, as shown in Table 4 and paragraphs 2.5 to 2.9 of the report.
4) The impact of scheme variances for 2023/24 on future years’ capital expenditure has been reported to the Capital Programme Board and has been included in the revised capital programme to 2027/28 aligned to Council Plan Priorities.
5) The revised capital programme for 2024/25 to 2027/28, adjusted for slippage and rephasing and net additions contained within section 3 of the report and detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.
6) That the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2027/28, based on the latest forecast of available resources.
Approve:
7) Additions to the capital programme of £0.763M shown in Appendix 2 and as detailed in paragraphs 3.19 to 3.26 of the report as follows:
· AMP Works (various sites) - £0.012M in 2024/25 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions;
· Open Space Improvements - £0.036M in 2024/25 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions.
· Play Area Improvements - £0.031M in 2024/25 and £0.002M in 2025/26 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions;
· Home Improvement Financial Assistance - £0.145M in 2024/25 funded from additional government grant;
· Rural England Prosperity Fund - £0.020M in 2024/25 funded from additional government grant;
· UK Shared Prosperity Fund - £0.070M in 2024/25 funded from additional government grant;
· (New capital scheme) Tadley Health and Fitness Facility – Energy Improvements - £0.098M funded from additional government grant;
· Digital Programme - £0.034M in 2024/25 funded from the Efficiency, Digital and Transformation Reserve;
· Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Points - £0.033M in 2024/25 funded from the Climate Change Reserve;
· Tadley Health And Fitness Facility - £0.059M in 2024/25 funded from revenue reserves for capital purposes; and
· Replacement of Council Owned Vehicles - £0.211M in 2024/25 and £0.012M in 2025/26 funded from revenue reserves for capital purposes.
8) The other capital programme changes shown in Appendix 2 of the report including 2023/24 outturn and future years rephasing, savings and a scheme virement detailed in paragraph 3.29 of the report, relating to Electric Vehicle (EV) Charge Points and the Parking and Access scheme (£0.023M in 2024/25).
9) The revised capital programme for 2024/25 to 2027/28 as shown in Appendix 3 of the report and the programme financing as shown in section 3 of the report.
9
Revenue Outturn Report 2023/24
Subject to recommendations from the Cabinet held on 16 July 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Report 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
Council considered a report which set out the outturn position as at 31 March 2024 for revenue expenditure and income against the approved budget and recommended transfer of the outturn surplus to earmarked revenue reserves.
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Property reported an underspend of £1.16 million due to a number of changes. It was explained that additional income from interest had been received but this was offset by higher inflation costs. Ongoing projects with delayed spend amounted to £0.57 million and £0.59 million of underspend was in relation to money earmarked for solar panels on community buildings where the work had been carried out using existing budget and it was therefore proposed to transfer the surplus to the MTFS Risk Reserve to support future expenditure.
The Cabinet Member and officers were congratulated on the outturn position however concern was expressed that some of the underspend related to the leisure park, excluding the aquadrome. It was also commented there had been a slow start to the third round of the Cost of Living Assistance Fund, the money should be paid out as soon as possible to support residents most in need.
Resolved: To approve the transfer of the outturn surplus of £1.16M to earmarked revenue reserves as detailed in section 3 of the report:
· To the Budget Carry Forward Reserve £0.57M; and
· To the MTFS Risk Reserve £0.59M
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Property reported an underspend of £1.16 million due to a number of changes. It was explained that additional income from interest had been received but this was offset by higher inflation costs. Ongoing projects with delayed spend amounted to £0.57 million and £0.59 million of underspend was in relation to money earmarked for solar panels on community buildings where the work had been carried out using existing budget and it was therefore proposed to transfer the surplus to the MTFS Risk Reserve to support future expenditure.
The Cabinet Member and officers were congratulated on the outturn position however concern was expressed that some of the underspend related to the leisure park, excluding the aquadrome. It was also commented there had been a slow start to the third round of the Cost of Living Assistance Fund, the money should be paid out as soon as possible to support residents most in need.
Resolved: To approve the transfer of the outturn surplus of £1.16M to earmarked revenue reserves as detailed in section 3 of the report:
· To the Budget Carry Forward Reserve £0.57M; and
· To the MTFS Risk Reserve £0.59M
10
Cliddesden Neighbourhood Plan (2022-2039)
Report of the Planning Policy Manager
Attachments:
- Document CLID NP Council Report_final 10 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix 1 - Final Version of the CLID NP 10 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix 2 - Neighbourhood Plan Examiners Report 10 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix 3 - Reg 19 Decision Statement 10 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix 4 - Map of Cliddesden designated NP area 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure introduced a report which recommended the Council ‘make’ the Cliddesden Neighbourhood Plan. He thanked those involved in producing the plan and commended the plan to council.
Members were supportive of the Neighbourhood Plan and congratulations were expressed to the Parish Council for their hard work and effort in bringing the plan forward.
Members had a general discussion regarding planning where comments were made regarding the impact of development at Upper Swallick, the impact of neighbourhood plans to prevent speculative development, housing targets, the impact of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for the borough, housing provision with the infrastructure to support them, collaborative working to approve a Local Plan, potential loss of borough control regarding large strategic sites at risk of being developed as new towns and the importance of Neighbourhood Plans to form part of the planning framework to enable better decisions for planning applications.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure stated he understood the concerns raised regarding Upper Swallick and large strategic sites. He clarified that Upper Swallick was not in the draft Regulation 18 site allocation. It was planned to present the draft Local Plan to committee in October for scrutiny and discussion regarding site allocation and policies.
Resolved: That
1) The Cliddesden Neighbourhood Development Plan 2022-2039 be formally made, under section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, with immediate effect.
2) Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure to publish the Regulation 19 Statement.
Members were supportive of the Neighbourhood Plan and congratulations were expressed to the Parish Council for their hard work and effort in bringing the plan forward.
Members had a general discussion regarding planning where comments were made regarding the impact of development at Upper Swallick, the impact of neighbourhood plans to prevent speculative development, housing targets, the impact of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for the borough, housing provision with the infrastructure to support them, collaborative working to approve a Local Plan, potential loss of borough control regarding large strategic sites at risk of being developed as new towns and the importance of Neighbourhood Plans to form part of the planning framework to enable better decisions for planning applications.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure stated he understood the concerns raised regarding Upper Swallick and large strategic sites. He clarified that Upper Swallick was not in the draft Regulation 18 site allocation. It was planned to present the draft Local Plan to committee in October for scrutiny and discussion regarding site allocation and policies.
Resolved: That
1) The Cliddesden Neighbourhood Development Plan 2022-2039 be formally made, under section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, with immediate effect.
2) Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure to publish the Regulation 19 Statement.
11
Treasury Management 2023/24 Annual Report
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer)
Attachments:
- Document TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2023_24 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
Council considered a report which presented the activity within the council’s treasury management function from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
It was commented that a large amount of treasury management investments were held in bonds which whilst secure, performance was variable. The appointment of new treasury management advisors, Link Treasury Services, was welcomed.
Resolved: To note the report.
It was commented that a large amount of treasury management investments were held in bonds which whilst secure, performance was variable. The appointment of new treasury management advisors, Link Treasury Services, was welcomed.
Resolved: To note the report.
12
Annual Report of the Standards Committee 2023 2024
Report of the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer
Attachments:
- Document Annual Report of the Standards Committee 2023 2024 10 Jul 2024
- Document Appendix 1 Annual Report of the Standards Committee 2023 2024 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
Council noted the annual report which provided information on the work of the Standards Committee during the last municipal year and complaints made during the tear.
Thanks were expressed to the former Chair of the committee, Verity Murricane.
Resolved: To
1) Note the Standards Committee Annual Report 2023/2024.
2) Thank Verity Murricane for her service as Independent Standards Assessor and member of the Standards Committee for four years and as its Independent Chair for two terms.
Thanks were expressed to the former Chair of the committee, Verity Murricane.
Resolved: To
1) Note the Standards Committee Annual Report 2023/2024.
2) Thank Verity Murricane for her service as Independent Standards Assessor and member of the Standards Committee for four years and as its Independent Chair for two terms.
13
Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/2024
Report of the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer
Attachments:
- Document Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/2024 10 Jul 2024
- Document Enc. 1 for Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/2024 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
Council noted a report which provided information on the key work and activities undertaken by the council’s overview and scrutiny committees for the 2023/2024 municipal year.
The former Chair of the Community, Environment and Partnership Committee, Councillor Lee, expressed his thanks to the Democratic Services Officer, Ellie Cole, for her work to support the committee.
Resolved: To note the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2023/2024.
The former Chair of the Community, Environment and Partnership Committee, Councillor Lee, expressed his thanks to the Democratic Services Officer, Ellie Cole, for her work to support the committee.
Resolved: To note the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2023/2024.
14
Questions from Members of the Council on notice
Minutes
Question 1
From: Cllr Mummalaneni
To: Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing
Last year, residents of Church Square sent a letter to the council about rat infestation with pictures, highlighting this issue. While I acknowledge that the Environmental and Health team carried out some work, it appears to have been only a temporary solution.
Recently, residents have once again brought this issue to my attention. During a visit to the area, I personally witnessed a family of rats in broad daylight, mingling with pigeons in the park opposite Marks & Spencer, as if they were having their own picnic. I have shared a video of this with council officers, and a fellow resident has mentioned witnessing rats on a daily basis.
In November 2023, John Horsley, a technical support officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), warned that the public in Basingstoke is in 'significant danger' from rats if the problem is not effectively addressed.
Given these concerns, may I request the portfolio holder to provide information on what kind of proactive, long-term strategy is in place to address this persistent problem?
Answer
Thank you for the question, Arun. Just for clarification, the video that you sent showed one rat. I’m disappointed that you are using the Pest Control Association’s expert quote selectively. The quote from them wasn’t related to Basingstoke directly, it was a general quote about rats and is something we all know, “when rats come into your home, workplaces or other more high-risk sites, like hospitals and schools, they pose a significant danger to the health of the general public”. We take the responsibility extremely seriously and there are six officers in our environmental health team, who investigate any issues raised with us and give pest control advice. We have a pest control service that addresses issues on our land and provides free treatment to those on means-tested benefits. Where our environmental health team identifies an issue of serious infestation the identified burrows that they have on their land, we advise landowners on the best control work they need to carry out.
We worked with residents to resolve the rat problem in Church Square and Glebe Gardens to address issues stemming from a particular property. In response to the more recent issues reported to us in Church Square, we have identified action for another private landowner that could help resolve the problem. We have written to residents in the area asking them to report any further concerns to us. Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Supplementary Question
I would like to bring to your attention, I’m not an expert photographer, to take multiple rats sitting there and there. I can’t run after every rat to take a picture. And this quote, I quote here, this is from the Basingstoke Gazette, “Rat Infestation in Basingstoke”, is a public health concern, and it categorically mentions the town centre, and they mentioned about Glebe Gardens in this article as well, and I’m not quoting out of the hat here. It is the quote that is given by them, and it is published in the newspaper which is popular in Basingstoke.
Answer
Thank you for the supplementary, I think I was told it was National Pigeon Week last week or something, so I was really disappointed that we didn’t have a picture of the pigeons as well. But I look forward to lots more pictures from you and thank you very much.
Question 2
From: Cllr Tustain
To: Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing
In October last year I asked a question about when we would expect to see a thorough clearing of our paths, our alleyways, and our kerbsides that have become increasingly overgrown with weeds and grass in the tarmac, between paving stones and in drainage. As said then, the growth gives an impression of neglect, it damages the footpath infrastructure, and makes the paths less easy for those with mobility issues. Although some work has been done, there are many areas are becoming more overrun with pernicious weeds.
Would the cabinet member please give an update on progress and an idea of when she expects to finally see the work keeping up with growth.
Answer
We have a new contract with a specialist weed company to carry out the spraying that is needed on public land in the borough. This has been a major improvement on the work carried out in previous years. We should remember that the Conservatives cut weed spraying in the borough to just two sprays in a year. We are exploring in reinvesting an additional weed spray which reflects our commitment to putting frontline services first. The first treatment this year is nearly complete. These treatments take a while to take effect and the weeds to be killed. We have been monitoring the situation, with the new inspection regime in place. Any areas where the treatment has not been effective, we have raised with the contractor for re-treatment. We have an action plan to address the overgrowth and the shrubs and weeds, including more sweeping of pathways.
Our investment in frontline services is now beginning to make a difference. We plan to hold an all-member briefing to share our improvement plan.
I walked the area of concern with you and officers in Popley. Officers have been monitoring these areas and carried out a walkabout with a weed contractor last Friday. Although some areas were slow to respond to the treatment, there are clear signs of die back now. This is largely due to the size of the weeds as it takes longer for the chemical to work. The team are now strimming these weeds. The spraying started in June. In future we will bring this forward and be spraying in March and April. There will be another spray in September and October, and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the treatments.
Question 3
From: Cllr Mummalaneni
To: Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Given that the regeneration plans for Basingstoke town centre have been in the pipeline for several years and have involved numerous consultations, could the portfolio holder kindly provide a clear timeline and concrete steps for when we can expect to see tangible actions and progress on these plans?
Answer
Thank you very much Mr Mayor and thank you Councillor Mummalaneni. And just before I start my response, I can assure council folks that we take all of these matters extremely seriously. Our residents and this borough are at the pinnacle of importance for all of us.
Your timing of this question is completely perfect Councillor Mummalaneni. At Cabinet on Tuesday, and as covered in the Basingstoke Gazette today, our Cabinet announced a package of improvements and investment over the next 12 months to inject civic pride back into the historic heart, the Top of Town. The success of the Top of the Town is incredibly important to us. We want it to be vibrant and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. And although we love our town centre, we know that investment is desperately needed. We met with many of our wonderful local businesses from the Top of Town in May and we share their desire and aspirations for the area. We want to be proud of the Top of Town. We want residents to throng there and for our businesses to thrive and grow. We listened. We heard. And we are delivering. We have cleaned the pavements and Market Square. We’ve removed vape stickers from bins and cleaned street furniture and we are repainting railings throughout the area despite them being the responsibility of Hampshire County Council. We are in the process of improving the planters to bring more colour to the area and we are going to pollard and lift the trees and install festoon lights. These are just some examples of what we’ve started to do, and we are passionately committed to supporting businesses in any way we can. We want to promote a buzzing café culture.
We have made it easier for businesses to have outdoor seating areas by reducing the public liability insurance required – from £10 million down to £5 million. This was costing our local businesses a great deal of extra money, so we’ve listened to what they’ve said, and we have taken action. We want to encourage live music and we will work with businesses. I want to say a huge thank you to businesses for working with us. You are the bloodline of our local economy, and we will continue to work with you to create a Top of the Town that we can all be proud of.
Supplementary Question
Thank you very much. Mayor, I would like to bring to your attention with you. I’m talking about on Basingstoke’s website: ‘Basingstoke.Gov.Uk – Master Plan principles of the town centre’. I would like to know the status of that one more, not the cleaning of the bins and paintings.
Answer
Are you suggesting that the cleaning of the bins and the cleaning of the top of town is not important to our residents? It’s incredibly important to us. The master plan is also extremely important to us. It was approved by the previous administration in 2022. Unfortunately, not much got done after that apart from very high level principles. So what we’re doing now, as you and the opposition know, we don’t own a lot of the buildings. The masterplan was very high level. We are now working very hard and very closely with officers to getting down to the next level where we’re going to see significant and ambitious outcomes for the town centre.
Question 4
From: Cllr Tustain
To: Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
In my ward there are several patches of land that are not under management by the local authorities or housing associations. On investigation it has been found that the land is owned by private real estate companies. Can the cabinet member advise as to how we can pick up on these neglected areas and ensure that the relevant freeholders are contacted and at minimum requested to maintain them.
Answer
Thank you for the question, Jacky. As we walked around your ward, we discussed one of these sites I believe. It is difficult when we are dealing with private land and we have no control over them. The council only has powers when it comes to private land in very extreme cases where lack of maintenance is causing an eyesore, danger or where it contravenes environmental health laws. In these cases, where there is significant neglect effect on the neighbourhood, we may be able to take enforcement action under the Town and Country Planning Act. Our usual approach though, is to start by contacting private landowners, just as you say, where there are particular issues for residents about the land or the property that is seriously affecting the local environment. Councillors concerned about the maintenance of private land in their ward can report this via the contact centre for investigation. It is also useful if you actually provide photos and a clear location when you’re reporting this, please. Thank you.
Question 5
From: Cllr Dillow
To: Cabinet Member for Property and Finance
The ice rink is the most used sporting facility in the town and a hub for the community. When this administration took control, it knew and loudly supported residents that have been demanding that Ice is kept in Basingstoke.
As others in this chamber and I have said numerous times, there are hundreds of ice skaters and ice hockey players as well as professional coaches permanently on tenterhooks on whether the rink will be open, due to the desperate need for refurbishment and repairs to the stands and the ice pad.
At last night’s Residents Services Committee, the motion that was passed in Full Council last February, to look at how this Council can ensure that there is provision to keep ice in Basingstoke was discussed.
Could the portfolio holder explain why the piece of work to investigate how a temporary rink could be implemented to mitigate any closure of the ice rink was only instigated after the motion was passed in February, when it has been obvious for well over a year that a temporary rink would be required to ensure that ice rink users had somewhere to go whilst any refurbishment and repairs are carried out?
Answer
Yes, thank you Mr Mayor, a timely question because we have a better answer to it. You’ll remember I spoke when the motion was put in February and I said at that point the challenge with a temporary ice rink is to organise one. I need to know, when do you want it and how long for because that’s the first question I’ll be asked. And as back in February, we didn’t know when we want it and how long for, because at that stage it was a possibility that the ice rink would close and you’ll remember that we looked at options for including ice within the new leisure facility, so then it’d be 5 years potentially before a new ice rink provision was made. It could be that the existing provision carried on for 4 and a half years and then ours was built at the same time and then we wouldn’t need a temporary ice rink.
We can’t procure on the basis of can we ask you to just put one aside for us just in case. You can’t do that. We have moved on, because the leisure park is making huge progress, you don’t necessarily see it on the park, but it has made huge progress. Obviously, the replacement for the aquadrome, a new leisure facility, that progress is well underway and we’ll probably have further updates in the autumn.
As you know, there’s still a keenness for Great Wolf to come to town and that’s progressing well as well, the new EV Charging hub in the leisure park as well, as we look to do that and there’s been several meetings in this Council’s offices with other leisure operators keen to come and do business with us and we’re excited to speak to them.
All these things take time. Dealing with the specifics around the temporary ice rink, work was undertaken in terms of exploring what the potential costs were, the potential barriers and the potential difficulties. It’s work that was carried out in 2019 by the previous administration. You remember back then New River retail, they were going to take over the Leisure Park. That was a vision at the time, loads of work, looking at sites, exploring stuff, but of course they couldn’t go any further with that until such time as they knew what would happen with the New River deal and I’d like to thank Councillor Izett, despite lots of pressure from ice users for not getting us a temporary ice rink in 2019 because I’m not sure what we’d have done with it, and again you didn’t in 2020 and 2021 and that’s the challenge and that challenge hasn’t gone away. If you can tell me when the ice rink is closing, I can work out a program when we get to there.
Supplementary Question
It was blatantly evident in yesterday’s Resident Services Committee meeting that the response to Councillor Lee’s motion was wholly inadequate and didn’t offer any realistic solution to mitigate the loss of the ice rink while the ice pad is replaced. There is now no plan B. And time is of the essence. The question is - will the portfolio holder commit to ensure a suitable solution to keep ice in Basingstoke is in place to coincide with the scheduled repairs?
Answer
When we took over the administration, we committed to keeping ice in Basingstoke and we’ve come a long way and that looks like in the long term, ice will be kept in Basingstoke. I cannot commit to anything else for the simple reason that the ice rink could close, and I may get no notice or 3 months’ notice. Procuring a new ice rink could take 9 months to 18 months. So, what we’ll do is have a race. Which comes first, will we get the temporary ice rink set up before the new ice rink opens? That’s the challenge I’ve got. So it depends on timings, I won’t make the commitment because I won’t make promises I can’t keep. A lot depends on where we go with Planet Ice. Our priority will always be, I want people skating in Basingstoke on ice, real ice on really well-maintained ice for years and years to come and I’m not going to risk that to try and fill a small void.
If we can do it, we will do it. Officers were sent away, you were there last night, they’re going to do some more work and look at it again, but there is that real challenge. Forget the money issue, the issue is time, you can’t buy time and I’m going to have possibly, they’ll be done, they’ll tell me they’re closing in two weeks. I can’t deliver that in two weeks.
From: Cllr Mummalaneni
To: Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing
Last year, residents of Church Square sent a letter to the council about rat infestation with pictures, highlighting this issue. While I acknowledge that the Environmental and Health team carried out some work, it appears to have been only a temporary solution.
Recently, residents have once again brought this issue to my attention. During a visit to the area, I personally witnessed a family of rats in broad daylight, mingling with pigeons in the park opposite Marks & Spencer, as if they were having their own picnic. I have shared a video of this with council officers, and a fellow resident has mentioned witnessing rats on a daily basis.
In November 2023, John Horsley, a technical support officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), warned that the public in Basingstoke is in 'significant danger' from rats if the problem is not effectively addressed.
Given these concerns, may I request the portfolio holder to provide information on what kind of proactive, long-term strategy is in place to address this persistent problem?
Answer
Thank you for the question, Arun. Just for clarification, the video that you sent showed one rat. I’m disappointed that you are using the Pest Control Association’s expert quote selectively. The quote from them wasn’t related to Basingstoke directly, it was a general quote about rats and is something we all know, “when rats come into your home, workplaces or other more high-risk sites, like hospitals and schools, they pose a significant danger to the health of the general public”. We take the responsibility extremely seriously and there are six officers in our environmental health team, who investigate any issues raised with us and give pest control advice. We have a pest control service that addresses issues on our land and provides free treatment to those on means-tested benefits. Where our environmental health team identifies an issue of serious infestation the identified burrows that they have on their land, we advise landowners on the best control work they need to carry out.
We worked with residents to resolve the rat problem in Church Square and Glebe Gardens to address issues stemming from a particular property. In response to the more recent issues reported to us in Church Square, we have identified action for another private landowner that could help resolve the problem. We have written to residents in the area asking them to report any further concerns to us. Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Supplementary Question
I would like to bring to your attention, I’m not an expert photographer, to take multiple rats sitting there and there. I can’t run after every rat to take a picture. And this quote, I quote here, this is from the Basingstoke Gazette, “Rat Infestation in Basingstoke”, is a public health concern, and it categorically mentions the town centre, and they mentioned about Glebe Gardens in this article as well, and I’m not quoting out of the hat here. It is the quote that is given by them, and it is published in the newspaper which is popular in Basingstoke.
Answer
Thank you for the supplementary, I think I was told it was National Pigeon Week last week or something, so I was really disappointed that we didn’t have a picture of the pigeons as well. But I look forward to lots more pictures from you and thank you very much.
Question 2
From: Cllr Tustain
To: Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing
In October last year I asked a question about when we would expect to see a thorough clearing of our paths, our alleyways, and our kerbsides that have become increasingly overgrown with weeds and grass in the tarmac, between paving stones and in drainage. As said then, the growth gives an impression of neglect, it damages the footpath infrastructure, and makes the paths less easy for those with mobility issues. Although some work has been done, there are many areas are becoming more overrun with pernicious weeds.
Would the cabinet member please give an update on progress and an idea of when she expects to finally see the work keeping up with growth.
Answer
We have a new contract with a specialist weed company to carry out the spraying that is needed on public land in the borough. This has been a major improvement on the work carried out in previous years. We should remember that the Conservatives cut weed spraying in the borough to just two sprays in a year. We are exploring in reinvesting an additional weed spray which reflects our commitment to putting frontline services first. The first treatment this year is nearly complete. These treatments take a while to take effect and the weeds to be killed. We have been monitoring the situation, with the new inspection regime in place. Any areas where the treatment has not been effective, we have raised with the contractor for re-treatment. We have an action plan to address the overgrowth and the shrubs and weeds, including more sweeping of pathways.
Our investment in frontline services is now beginning to make a difference. We plan to hold an all-member briefing to share our improvement plan.
I walked the area of concern with you and officers in Popley. Officers have been monitoring these areas and carried out a walkabout with a weed contractor last Friday. Although some areas were slow to respond to the treatment, there are clear signs of die back now. This is largely due to the size of the weeds as it takes longer for the chemical to work. The team are now strimming these weeds. The spraying started in June. In future we will bring this forward and be spraying in March and April. There will be another spray in September and October, and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the treatments.
Question 3
From: Cllr Mummalaneni
To: Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Given that the regeneration plans for Basingstoke town centre have been in the pipeline for several years and have involved numerous consultations, could the portfolio holder kindly provide a clear timeline and concrete steps for when we can expect to see tangible actions and progress on these plans?
Answer
Thank you very much Mr Mayor and thank you Councillor Mummalaneni. And just before I start my response, I can assure council folks that we take all of these matters extremely seriously. Our residents and this borough are at the pinnacle of importance for all of us.
Your timing of this question is completely perfect Councillor Mummalaneni. At Cabinet on Tuesday, and as covered in the Basingstoke Gazette today, our Cabinet announced a package of improvements and investment over the next 12 months to inject civic pride back into the historic heart, the Top of Town. The success of the Top of the Town is incredibly important to us. We want it to be vibrant and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. And although we love our town centre, we know that investment is desperately needed. We met with many of our wonderful local businesses from the Top of Town in May and we share their desire and aspirations for the area. We want to be proud of the Top of Town. We want residents to throng there and for our businesses to thrive and grow. We listened. We heard. And we are delivering. We have cleaned the pavements and Market Square. We’ve removed vape stickers from bins and cleaned street furniture and we are repainting railings throughout the area despite them being the responsibility of Hampshire County Council. We are in the process of improving the planters to bring more colour to the area and we are going to pollard and lift the trees and install festoon lights. These are just some examples of what we’ve started to do, and we are passionately committed to supporting businesses in any way we can. We want to promote a buzzing café culture.
We have made it easier for businesses to have outdoor seating areas by reducing the public liability insurance required – from £10 million down to £5 million. This was costing our local businesses a great deal of extra money, so we’ve listened to what they’ve said, and we have taken action. We want to encourage live music and we will work with businesses. I want to say a huge thank you to businesses for working with us. You are the bloodline of our local economy, and we will continue to work with you to create a Top of the Town that we can all be proud of.
Supplementary Question
Thank you very much. Mayor, I would like to bring to your attention with you. I’m talking about on Basingstoke’s website: ‘Basingstoke.Gov.Uk – Master Plan principles of the town centre’. I would like to know the status of that one more, not the cleaning of the bins and paintings.
Answer
Are you suggesting that the cleaning of the bins and the cleaning of the top of town is not important to our residents? It’s incredibly important to us. The master plan is also extremely important to us. It was approved by the previous administration in 2022. Unfortunately, not much got done after that apart from very high level principles. So what we’re doing now, as you and the opposition know, we don’t own a lot of the buildings. The masterplan was very high level. We are now working very hard and very closely with officers to getting down to the next level where we’re going to see significant and ambitious outcomes for the town centre.
Question 4
From: Cllr Tustain
To: Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
In my ward there are several patches of land that are not under management by the local authorities or housing associations. On investigation it has been found that the land is owned by private real estate companies. Can the cabinet member advise as to how we can pick up on these neglected areas and ensure that the relevant freeholders are contacted and at minimum requested to maintain them.
Answer
Thank you for the question, Jacky. As we walked around your ward, we discussed one of these sites I believe. It is difficult when we are dealing with private land and we have no control over them. The council only has powers when it comes to private land in very extreme cases where lack of maintenance is causing an eyesore, danger or where it contravenes environmental health laws. In these cases, where there is significant neglect effect on the neighbourhood, we may be able to take enforcement action under the Town and Country Planning Act. Our usual approach though, is to start by contacting private landowners, just as you say, where there are particular issues for residents about the land or the property that is seriously affecting the local environment. Councillors concerned about the maintenance of private land in their ward can report this via the contact centre for investigation. It is also useful if you actually provide photos and a clear location when you’re reporting this, please. Thank you.
Question 5
From: Cllr Dillow
To: Cabinet Member for Property and Finance
The ice rink is the most used sporting facility in the town and a hub for the community. When this administration took control, it knew and loudly supported residents that have been demanding that Ice is kept in Basingstoke.
As others in this chamber and I have said numerous times, there are hundreds of ice skaters and ice hockey players as well as professional coaches permanently on tenterhooks on whether the rink will be open, due to the desperate need for refurbishment and repairs to the stands and the ice pad.
At last night’s Residents Services Committee, the motion that was passed in Full Council last February, to look at how this Council can ensure that there is provision to keep ice in Basingstoke was discussed.
Could the portfolio holder explain why the piece of work to investigate how a temporary rink could be implemented to mitigate any closure of the ice rink was only instigated after the motion was passed in February, when it has been obvious for well over a year that a temporary rink would be required to ensure that ice rink users had somewhere to go whilst any refurbishment and repairs are carried out?
Answer
Yes, thank you Mr Mayor, a timely question because we have a better answer to it. You’ll remember I spoke when the motion was put in February and I said at that point the challenge with a temporary ice rink is to organise one. I need to know, when do you want it and how long for because that’s the first question I’ll be asked. And as back in February, we didn’t know when we want it and how long for, because at that stage it was a possibility that the ice rink would close and you’ll remember that we looked at options for including ice within the new leisure facility, so then it’d be 5 years potentially before a new ice rink provision was made. It could be that the existing provision carried on for 4 and a half years and then ours was built at the same time and then we wouldn’t need a temporary ice rink.
We can’t procure on the basis of can we ask you to just put one aside for us just in case. You can’t do that. We have moved on, because the leisure park is making huge progress, you don’t necessarily see it on the park, but it has made huge progress. Obviously, the replacement for the aquadrome, a new leisure facility, that progress is well underway and we’ll probably have further updates in the autumn.
As you know, there’s still a keenness for Great Wolf to come to town and that’s progressing well as well, the new EV Charging hub in the leisure park as well, as we look to do that and there’s been several meetings in this Council’s offices with other leisure operators keen to come and do business with us and we’re excited to speak to them.
All these things take time. Dealing with the specifics around the temporary ice rink, work was undertaken in terms of exploring what the potential costs were, the potential barriers and the potential difficulties. It’s work that was carried out in 2019 by the previous administration. You remember back then New River retail, they were going to take over the Leisure Park. That was a vision at the time, loads of work, looking at sites, exploring stuff, but of course they couldn’t go any further with that until such time as they knew what would happen with the New River deal and I’d like to thank Councillor Izett, despite lots of pressure from ice users for not getting us a temporary ice rink in 2019 because I’m not sure what we’d have done with it, and again you didn’t in 2020 and 2021 and that’s the challenge and that challenge hasn’t gone away. If you can tell me when the ice rink is closing, I can work out a program when we get to there.
Supplementary Question
It was blatantly evident in yesterday’s Resident Services Committee meeting that the response to Councillor Lee’s motion was wholly inadequate and didn’t offer any realistic solution to mitigate the loss of the ice rink while the ice pad is replaced. There is now no plan B. And time is of the essence. The question is - will the portfolio holder commit to ensure a suitable solution to keep ice in Basingstoke is in place to coincide with the scheduled repairs?
Answer
When we took over the administration, we committed to keeping ice in Basingstoke and we’ve come a long way and that looks like in the long term, ice will be kept in Basingstoke. I cannot commit to anything else for the simple reason that the ice rink could close, and I may get no notice or 3 months’ notice. Procuring a new ice rink could take 9 months to 18 months. So, what we’ll do is have a race. Which comes first, will we get the temporary ice rink set up before the new ice rink opens? That’s the challenge I’ve got. So it depends on timings, I won’t make the commitment because I won’t make promises I can’t keep. A lot depends on where we go with Planet Ice. Our priority will always be, I want people skating in Basingstoke on ice, real ice on really well-maintained ice for years and years to come and I’m not going to risk that to try and fill a small void.
If we can do it, we will do it. Officers were sent away, you were there last night, they’re going to do some more work and look at it again, but there is that real challenge. Forget the money issue, the issue is time, you can’t buy time and I’m going to have possibly, they’ll be done, they’ll tell me they’re closing in two weeks. I can’t deliver that in two weeks.
15
Questions to the Chair of Cabinet and/or a committee
To receive questions from members in relation to the minutes of the meetings detailed below:
Committee
Meeting Date
Council
9 May 2024
Development Control
15 May 2024
Council
16 May 2024
Development Control
12 June 2024
Audit and Accounts
24 June 2024
Committee
Meeting Date
Council
9 May 2024
Development Control
15 May 2024
Council
16 May 2024
Development Control
12 June 2024
Audit and Accounts
24 June 2024
Minutes
There were no questions.
16
Exclusion of press and public
To consider whether, in view of the nature of the remaining items on the agenda, any of them are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information within the terms of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972
17
Confidential/exempt items for information
Previous Meetings
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