Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
22
Meetings (2025):
67
Meetings (2024):
72
Meeting
Cabinet - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 11th February 2025
6:30 PM
Tuesday, 11th February 2025
6:30 PM
End:
Tuesday, 11th February 2025
8:00 PM
Tuesday, 11th February 2025
8:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
11 Feb 2025
11 Feb 2025
Location:
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Chair
Leader
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Guest
Chair of the Development Control Committee
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
There were no apologies.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2025
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 07012025 1830 Cabinet 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holders Announcements
Minutes
There were no announcements.
6
Motion referred from Council - Family Farm Tax
Council resolved at its meeting on 19 December 2024, to request that
· the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.
· the council administration engage with local farmers and community representatives on what support the Council can provide to them.
· the council administration, in the next 12 months, to develop a Rural Strategy that aims to achieve:
1) Inclusive, sustainable rural communities, where everyone has the opportunity to participate, and can access the services and facilities they need.
2) An environmentally and economically sound rural borough where the needs of farming, conservation and development are appropriately balanced.
3) Residents feel supported to take ownership and drive improvements in their own communities.
4) Ensure our rural communities can be safe and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses.
· the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.
· the council administration engage with local farmers and community representatives on what support the Council can provide to them.
· the council administration, in the next 12 months, to develop a Rural Strategy that aims to achieve:
1) Inclusive, sustainable rural communities, where everyone has the opportunity to participate, and can access the services and facilities they need.
2) An environmentally and economically sound rural borough where the needs of farming, conservation and development are appropriately balanced.
3) Residents feel supported to take ownership and drive improvements in their own communities.
4) Ensure our rural communities can be safe and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses.
Minutes
Cabinet considered the following motion referred from Council at its meeting on 19 December 2024:
To request that
· the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.
· the council administration engage with local farmers and community representatives on what support the Council can provide to them.
· the council administration, in the next 12 months, to develop a Rural Strategy that aims to achieve:
1) Inclusive, sustainable rural communities, where everyone has the opportunity to participate, and can access the services and facilities they need.
2) An environmentally and economically sound rural borough where the needs of farming, conservation and development are appropriately balanced.
3) Residents feel supported to take ownership and drive improvements in their own communities.
4) Ensure our rural communities can be safe and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses.
Cabinet considered the requests set out in the motion and agreed to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer as set out in the motion.
Referring to the remaining points the Leader highlighted the significant amount of work and support already offered by the council to rural businesses and the wider rural economy.
The diversity of the rural business community was recognised particularly in farming and the agricultural sector and challenges of diversification. A meeting with larger rural estates was referenced where actions to focus support were agreed which included setting up a rural forum to act as a platform for closer collaboration, support for raising the profile of rural businesses and the contribution they made to the environment.
A rural grant funding scheme was also being launched which built upon the Rural England Prosperity Fund which will provide capital investment to support the diversification of the rural economy as well as improving the visitor infrastructure. Engagement with rural businesses in the rural community would help shape the scheme.
It was considered that the rural economy and rural community was embodied within all of the council’s strategies. Work was already being undertaken to engage with local farmers and community representatives on what support the Council could provide to them and work was also already being delivered to achieve the aims set out in the request for a Rural Strategy.
Resolved: Cabinet
1) Agree that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.
2) Acknowledge the work already being undertaken by the council which meets the requests set out in the motion.
To request that
· the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.
· the council administration engage with local farmers and community representatives on what support the Council can provide to them.
· the council administration, in the next 12 months, to develop a Rural Strategy that aims to achieve:
1) Inclusive, sustainable rural communities, where everyone has the opportunity to participate, and can access the services and facilities they need.
2) An environmentally and economically sound rural borough where the needs of farming, conservation and development are appropriately balanced.
3) Residents feel supported to take ownership and drive improvements in their own communities.
4) Ensure our rural communities can be safe and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses.
Cabinet considered the requests set out in the motion and agreed to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer as set out in the motion.
Referring to the remaining points the Leader highlighted the significant amount of work and support already offered by the council to rural businesses and the wider rural economy.
The diversity of the rural business community was recognised particularly in farming and the agricultural sector and challenges of diversification. A meeting with larger rural estates was referenced where actions to focus support were agreed which included setting up a rural forum to act as a platform for closer collaboration, support for raising the profile of rural businesses and the contribution they made to the environment.
A rural grant funding scheme was also being launched which built upon the Rural England Prosperity Fund which will provide capital investment to support the diversification of the rural economy as well as improving the visitor infrastructure. Engagement with rural businesses in the rural community would help shape the scheme.
It was considered that the rural economy and rural community was embodied within all of the council’s strategies. Work was already being undertaken to engage with local farmers and community representatives on what support the Council could provide to them and work was also already being delivered to achieve the aims set out in the request for a Rural Strategy.
Resolved: Cabinet
1) Agree that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.
2) Acknowledge the work already being undertaken by the council which meets the requests set out in the motion.
7
Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Update Report 2025/26 to 2028/29
This report presents an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2025/26 to 2028/29 as part of the annual reporting on the Policy and Budget Framework required under the Local Government Act 2000 and provides detail to inform Council in setting Council Tax for 2025/26.
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Attachments:
- Document MTFS and Budget Update Report 2025-26 to 2028-29 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property presented a report which provided a summary of Cabinet’s revenue budget proposals for 2025/26 and contained a forward financial forecast for 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29. The proposals had been out to public consultation and considered by the Resources Committee. He added that there had been minor changes to the proposals to reflect the government’s funding settlement which was disappointing and highlighted the increased cost to the council for National Insurance contributions. He stated that feedback from the consultation process indicated that the council was aligned with its residents. Proposals within the budget were highlighted which included funding for a permanent green team, additional funding to support the emerging anti-poverty strategy and funding for events targeted at young people. He concluded that the budget was balanced for the next three years.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The revised Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2028/29 as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.
2) The aims and objectives of the Medium Term Financial Strategy which will be presented to Council for approval on 27 February 2025.
3) The formal budget public consultation began on 6 November 2024 and ended on 3 January 2025. Following the consultation, there are no changes to the budget proposals and the outcome of the consultation is summarised in section 17 and Appendix 6 of the report.
4) The budget proposals are based on the assumptions detailed within the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
5) That the proposals provide for a balanced budget in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2027/28, and further proposals will need to be considered to address the future year budget gap in 2028/29.
6) That the Financial Policies have been reviewed and are detailed in Appendix 4 of the report.
Cabinet recommend that Council:
note
7) The S151 Officer’s (Chief Finance Officer) statutory report regarding the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves detailed in section 10 of the report.
8) That the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) on the 3 January 2025 calculated the Council Tax base for the whole Council area at 70,025.3 Band D equivalents and for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a parish precept relates as per Appendix 2 [only available for council report].
9) The county, police and fire authority precepts detailed in Appendix 3 [only available for council report].
10) That as the billing authority, the Council has not been notified by any major precepting authority that its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2025/26 is excessive and the billing authority is therefore not required to hold a referendum, in accordance with section 52ZK of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
11) The risks and sensitivities within the financial forecasts highlighted in section 9 and in Appendix 5 of the report.
Determine
12) That for the purposes of section 35 (2) (d) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, any expenses incurred by the Borough Council in the financial year 2025/26 in performing functions in a part of the district which elsewhere in the district are performed by a Parish Council, shall not be special expenses of the Borough Council.
13) That its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2025/26 (£146.42 at Band D) reflects a £5.00 (3.54%) increase which is not excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
approve:
14) The net Council Tax requirement of £10.25M for 2025/26, the revenue estimates including the budget proposals in and contributions to and from reserves summarised in sections 6 and 7 of the report.
15) The Medium Term Financial Strategy, as shown in Appendix 1 of the report.
16) The financial policies set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
17) That the requirement for Council Tax for Borough purposes for 2025/26 be £146.42 (at Band D) as set out in Appendix 3 [only available for council report].
18) The Council Tax Resolution as set out in Appendix 3 [only available for council report] which brings together the Borough’s Council Tax Requirement and that of the other major preceptors (Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue and The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire) and sets the Council Tax charges for 2025/26.
19) That the S151 Officer (Chief Finance Officer) be given delegated authority to implement any variation necessary to the overall level of 2025/26 Council Taxes in the event that any of the precepting authorities change their precept calculation from that expected and reported at the Council meeting.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The revised Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2028/29 as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.
2) The aims and objectives of the Medium Term Financial Strategy which will be presented to Council for approval on 27 February 2025.
3) The formal budget public consultation began on 6 November 2024 and ended on 3 January 2025. Following the consultation, there are no changes to the budget proposals and the outcome of the consultation is summarised in section 17 and Appendix 6 of the report.
4) The budget proposals are based on the assumptions detailed within the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
5) That the proposals provide for a balanced budget in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2027/28, and further proposals will need to be considered to address the future year budget gap in 2028/29.
6) That the Financial Policies have been reviewed and are detailed in Appendix 4 of the report.
Cabinet recommend that Council:
note
7) The S151 Officer’s (Chief Finance Officer) statutory report regarding the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves detailed in section 10 of the report.
8) That the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) on the 3 January 2025 calculated the Council Tax base for the whole Council area at 70,025.3 Band D equivalents and for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a parish precept relates as per Appendix 2 [only available for council report].
9) The county, police and fire authority precepts detailed in Appendix 3 [only available for council report].
10) That as the billing authority, the Council has not been notified by any major precepting authority that its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2025/26 is excessive and the billing authority is therefore not required to hold a referendum, in accordance with section 52ZK of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
11) The risks and sensitivities within the financial forecasts highlighted in section 9 and in Appendix 5 of the report.
Determine
12) That for the purposes of section 35 (2) (d) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, any expenses incurred by the Borough Council in the financial year 2025/26 in performing functions in a part of the district which elsewhere in the district are performed by a Parish Council, shall not be special expenses of the Borough Council.
13) That its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2025/26 (£146.42 at Band D) reflects a £5.00 (3.54%) increase which is not excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
approve:
14) The net Council Tax requirement of £10.25M for 2025/26, the revenue estimates including the budget proposals in and contributions to and from reserves summarised in sections 6 and 7 of the report.
15) The Medium Term Financial Strategy, as shown in Appendix 1 of the report.
16) The financial policies set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
17) That the requirement for Council Tax for Borough purposes for 2025/26 be £146.42 (at Band D) as set out in Appendix 3 [only available for council report].
18) The Council Tax Resolution as set out in Appendix 3 [only available for council report] which brings together the Borough’s Council Tax Requirement and that of the other major preceptors (Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue and The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire) and sets the Council Tax charges for 2025/26.
19) That the S151 Officer (Chief Finance Officer) be given delegated authority to implement any variation necessary to the overall level of 2025/26 Council Taxes in the event that any of the precepting authorities change their precept calculation from that expected and reported at the Council meeting.
8
Capital Programme Update and Strategy Report for 2024/25 to 2028/29
This report provides an update on the capital programme and Capital Programme Strategy for 2025/26 to 2028/29 for council approval.
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Attachments:
- Document Capital Programme Update and Strategy Report for 202425 to 202829 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which provided an update on the capital programme and Capital Programme Strategy for 2025/26 to 2028/29. The updated capital programme was £131.135 million which included new priority additions of £22.539 million of which £10.432 million was committed to the redevelopment of the Leisure Park.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) the addition of £22.539M to the capital programme requiring approval to spend and the removal of capital scheme savings of £37.650M which gives rise to a net reduction of £15.111M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 and 5 and Appendix 2 of the report.
2) the revised capital programme which totals £131.135M as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report and the associated use of resources.
3) the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 6 and 7 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
4) the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2028/29 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
5) that a review of the Capital Programme Strategy has been undertaken as detailed in section 10 of the report and the updated Capital Programme Strategy set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
Cabinet recommend that Council:
6) Agree the addition of £22.539M to the capital programme and the removal of scheme underspends of £37.650M, which gives rise to a net reduction of £15.111M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 and 5 and Appendix 2 of the report.
7) Approve the revised capital programme, which totals £131.135M (as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report) and the associated use of resources.
8) Approve the capital scheme renaming of Replacement Waste Collection Vehicles to New Waste Collection Contract.
9) Approve expenditure being incurred on capital schemes in accordance with the revised capital programme and the Financial Regulations.
10) Approve the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 6 and 7 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
11) Note that the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2028/29 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
12) Approve the Capital Programme Strategy shown as Appendix 4 of the report, which includes the council’s Infrastructure List shown as Annex 2.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) the addition of £22.539M to the capital programme requiring approval to spend and the removal of capital scheme savings of £37.650M which gives rise to a net reduction of £15.111M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 and 5 and Appendix 2 of the report.
2) the revised capital programme which totals £131.135M as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report and the associated use of resources.
3) the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 6 and 7 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
4) the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2028/29 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
5) that a review of the Capital Programme Strategy has been undertaken as detailed in section 10 of the report and the updated Capital Programme Strategy set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
Cabinet recommend that Council:
6) Agree the addition of £22.539M to the capital programme and the removal of scheme underspends of £37.650M, which gives rise to a net reduction of £15.111M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 and 5 and Appendix 2 of the report.
7) Approve the revised capital programme, which totals £131.135M (as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report) and the associated use of resources.
8) Approve the capital scheme renaming of Replacement Waste Collection Vehicles to New Waste Collection Contract.
9) Approve expenditure being incurred on capital schemes in accordance with the revised capital programme and the Financial Regulations.
10) Approve the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 6 and 7 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
11) Note that the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2028/29 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
12) Approve the Capital Programme Strategy shown as Appendix 4 of the report, which includes the council’s Infrastructure List shown as Annex 2.
9
Local Plan and Revised Local Development Scheme
This report reflects on the outcome of the new National Planning Policy Framework and outlines the most suitable way forward for plan-making. The report includes an updated Local Development Scheme which contains a new timetable for plan-making.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Attachments:
- Document Report 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - draft Local Development Scheme 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure introduced a report which reflected the outcomes of considerations regarding the new NPPF and outlined the most suitable way forward for plan-making, presenting an updated Local Development Scheme which contained a new timetable for plan-making.
The challenges of updating the Local Plan (LP) were highlighted due to changes to the NPPF resulting in a reassessment of the position and changes to approach, however it was reiterated that commitment to finalising the update to the LP was a priority to protect the borough from unwanted speculative development and to ensure the borough continued to thrive in the future.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure added that the latest changes to the NPPF were significant and as a result the plan making had to revert to the beginning of the plan making process despite exploring all possible options. He added that steps had already been taken with a call for sites and actions were being undertaken as quickly as possible to ensure development of the right homes in the right places and with the right supporting infrastructure for the borough.
Visiting speakers Mr Capner and Councillor McCormick were invited to address the meeting.
Mr Capner representing Whitchurch Town Council had concerns regarding the timetable and process for the Local Plan and felt the timetable did not comply with the government’s timetable if a further Regulation 18 was proposed and that Regulation 19 stage was not proposed until summer 2026, a significant period of time since the consultation on the original Regulation 18 Local Plan Update (LPU) started. He referred to a proposal by Whitchurch Town Council that the Regulation 19 stage be brought forward to before 12 March 2025 in accordance with government advice and guidance, to allow the council to adopt up to date policies for the protection of the natural and built environment, climate change, affordable housing and interim housing sites. He felt that approved policies carried more weight than those still subject to consultation.
He requested that the council adopt up to date policies by bringing forward the Regulation 19 stage before 12 March 2025 or by confirming those policies at the same time when further consultation was carried out only on the additional housing sites under a second Regulation 18. He suggested the second consultation should be carried out before the proposed date of autumn/winter 2025 to meet the government’s overall timetable.
Councillor McCormick referred to the delay in the LPU although thought it questionable whether if it had proceeded to completion the position of having to look at revised housing targets would be any different. He also referred to a reluctance to embrace the governments changes regarding housing development. He considered that building more homes was in the interest of residents and referenced the cost to buy or rent a property, the number of people on the housing waiting list and housing being offered outside of the borough to people being evicted. He further highlighted the costs of renting or purchasing a property in the borough compared to the average salary. Referring to the risk assessment it was highlighted that there was no mention of how a lack of political support would be addressed or any mention of the impact of local government reorganisation. He felt there was a risk of letting down residents as the administrations focus was on affluent residents and keeping house prices high through the prevention of housing developments which were needed to house less affluent residents who were a significant and growing proportion of the population. He also added that he failed to see any mention of how a year 5 land supply would be established from its current 2.94 years which needed to be addressed immediately.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure responded to the comments.
Referring to Councillor McCormick’s comments he clarified that the delay to the LP process was a decision of the previous administration. Referring to a link between the LP housing number and lower house prices, he was of the view that giving consent for more homes did not necessarily lead to building more homes and therefore lower house prices and highlighted there was a need for the significant number of outstanding planning consents to be built out. He felt that government focus should be on ensuring developers build the new homes rather than on local authorities. He accepted the comment regarding local authority reorganisation adding that it was an option to consider stopping the LPU however the bigger risk was to do nothing. He reaffirmed commitment to finalising the plan as soon as possible to place the authority in a strong position for the future.
Responding to Mr Capner’s comments regarding the timetable he confirmed that concluding the process by December 2026 was within the governments deadline. He added that advice had been sought and it was not possible to bring forward Regulation 19 before 12 March 2025. He welcomed the comments regarding the timetable and offered to discuss his suggestions for speeding up the LP process.
Officers advised that the transitional arrangements in the NPPF Annex 1 did not apply to the council because the previous Regulation 18 consultation housing figure was more than 80% below the new local housing need figure, therefore in order to allocate sufficient sites to meet that need in full there was a requirement to go back a stage which was why there was a call for sites so that sites may be able to be bought forward to meet the 5 year housing land supply. There was too much work involved in updating the evidence base, the sustainability appraisal and habitat regulations assessment to meet a commitment to allow the process to proceed at this point.
Cabinet discussed the proposals. Commitment to delivering affordable housing as a priority was reiterated, particularly socially rented housing. It was also clarified that people in housing need were not being housed miles outside of the borough. It was highlighted that Council as a collective agreed that housing numbers needed to be slowed down to allow infrastructure to be put in place and comment by Councillor McCormick regarding only meeting the needs of affluent residents was unfair. It was commented that the governments changes to the NPPF, increased housing numbers and local government reorganisation would create challenges for local authorities to meet the housing targets allocated. The council would incur further costs by having to revert to Regulation 18 stage when the council’s focus was on doing its best for its residents in relation to housing and infrastructure requirements. The commitment to completing the LPU process as quickly as possible was reiterated. It was highlighted that all Parish councils had been engaged with again in relation to the LP and the needs of all residents, particularly those in need of socially rented homes. It was further commented that 464 affordable homes were in the pipeline and Manydown North would deliver 3,500 houses of which 1,400 would be affordable homes. Small sites across the borough were being considered for housing delivery on brownfield and greenfield sites. The importance of delivering a LP to provide a framework led, policy led direction to developers who wish to build in the borough was reiterated together with the importance of infrastructure changes and services such as the delivery of doctors surgery’s and other such services.
Resolved: To agree:
1) The new Local Development Scheme (LDS), including an updated timetable for the Local Plan, to have effect from 12 February 2025.
2) To continue to take a proactive approach to plan-making in the borough, taking account of the implications of the new NPPF (December 2024).
The challenges of updating the Local Plan (LP) were highlighted due to changes to the NPPF resulting in a reassessment of the position and changes to approach, however it was reiterated that commitment to finalising the update to the LP was a priority to protect the borough from unwanted speculative development and to ensure the borough continued to thrive in the future.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure added that the latest changes to the NPPF were significant and as a result the plan making had to revert to the beginning of the plan making process despite exploring all possible options. He added that steps had already been taken with a call for sites and actions were being undertaken as quickly as possible to ensure development of the right homes in the right places and with the right supporting infrastructure for the borough.
Visiting speakers Mr Capner and Councillor McCormick were invited to address the meeting.
Mr Capner representing Whitchurch Town Council had concerns regarding the timetable and process for the Local Plan and felt the timetable did not comply with the government’s timetable if a further Regulation 18 was proposed and that Regulation 19 stage was not proposed until summer 2026, a significant period of time since the consultation on the original Regulation 18 Local Plan Update (LPU) started. He referred to a proposal by Whitchurch Town Council that the Regulation 19 stage be brought forward to before 12 March 2025 in accordance with government advice and guidance, to allow the council to adopt up to date policies for the protection of the natural and built environment, climate change, affordable housing and interim housing sites. He felt that approved policies carried more weight than those still subject to consultation.
He requested that the council adopt up to date policies by bringing forward the Regulation 19 stage before 12 March 2025 or by confirming those policies at the same time when further consultation was carried out only on the additional housing sites under a second Regulation 18. He suggested the second consultation should be carried out before the proposed date of autumn/winter 2025 to meet the government’s overall timetable.
Councillor McCormick referred to the delay in the LPU although thought it questionable whether if it had proceeded to completion the position of having to look at revised housing targets would be any different. He also referred to a reluctance to embrace the governments changes regarding housing development. He considered that building more homes was in the interest of residents and referenced the cost to buy or rent a property, the number of people on the housing waiting list and housing being offered outside of the borough to people being evicted. He further highlighted the costs of renting or purchasing a property in the borough compared to the average salary. Referring to the risk assessment it was highlighted that there was no mention of how a lack of political support would be addressed or any mention of the impact of local government reorganisation. He felt there was a risk of letting down residents as the administrations focus was on affluent residents and keeping house prices high through the prevention of housing developments which were needed to house less affluent residents who were a significant and growing proportion of the population. He also added that he failed to see any mention of how a year 5 land supply would be established from its current 2.94 years which needed to be addressed immediately.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure responded to the comments.
Referring to Councillor McCormick’s comments he clarified that the delay to the LP process was a decision of the previous administration. Referring to a link between the LP housing number and lower house prices, he was of the view that giving consent for more homes did not necessarily lead to building more homes and therefore lower house prices and highlighted there was a need for the significant number of outstanding planning consents to be built out. He felt that government focus should be on ensuring developers build the new homes rather than on local authorities. He accepted the comment regarding local authority reorganisation adding that it was an option to consider stopping the LPU however the bigger risk was to do nothing. He reaffirmed commitment to finalising the plan as soon as possible to place the authority in a strong position for the future.
Responding to Mr Capner’s comments regarding the timetable he confirmed that concluding the process by December 2026 was within the governments deadline. He added that advice had been sought and it was not possible to bring forward Regulation 19 before 12 March 2025. He welcomed the comments regarding the timetable and offered to discuss his suggestions for speeding up the LP process.
Officers advised that the transitional arrangements in the NPPF Annex 1 did not apply to the council because the previous Regulation 18 consultation housing figure was more than 80% below the new local housing need figure, therefore in order to allocate sufficient sites to meet that need in full there was a requirement to go back a stage which was why there was a call for sites so that sites may be able to be bought forward to meet the 5 year housing land supply. There was too much work involved in updating the evidence base, the sustainability appraisal and habitat regulations assessment to meet a commitment to allow the process to proceed at this point.
Cabinet discussed the proposals. Commitment to delivering affordable housing as a priority was reiterated, particularly socially rented housing. It was also clarified that people in housing need were not being housed miles outside of the borough. It was highlighted that Council as a collective agreed that housing numbers needed to be slowed down to allow infrastructure to be put in place and comment by Councillor McCormick regarding only meeting the needs of affluent residents was unfair. It was commented that the governments changes to the NPPF, increased housing numbers and local government reorganisation would create challenges for local authorities to meet the housing targets allocated. The council would incur further costs by having to revert to Regulation 18 stage when the council’s focus was on doing its best for its residents in relation to housing and infrastructure requirements. The commitment to completing the LPU process as quickly as possible was reiterated. It was highlighted that all Parish councils had been engaged with again in relation to the LP and the needs of all residents, particularly those in need of socially rented homes. It was further commented that 464 affordable homes were in the pipeline and Manydown North would deliver 3,500 houses of which 1,400 would be affordable homes. Small sites across the borough were being considered for housing delivery on brownfield and greenfield sites. The importance of delivering a LP to provide a framework led, policy led direction to developers who wish to build in the borough was reiterated together with the importance of infrastructure changes and services such as the delivery of doctors surgery’s and other such services.
Resolved: To agree:
1) The new Local Development Scheme (LDS), including an updated timetable for the Local Plan, to have effect from 12 February 2025.
2) To continue to take a proactive approach to plan-making in the borough, taking account of the implications of the new NPPF (December 2024).
10
Adoption of Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy
This report provides a summary of the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy that is proposed for adoption and highlights the council’s role in providing this form of infrastructure to support residents and visitors as effectively as possible.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Attachments:
- Document EV Strategy Cabinet report 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Summary of Responses 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - EV Charging Strategy for adoption 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure presented a report which provided a summary of the EV Charging Strategy proposed for adoption and which highlighted the council’s role in providing this form of infrastructure to support residents and visitors as effectively as possible. He added that the strategy detailed the installation of EV chargers on council land and how the council would work with other stakeholders and partners to deliver chargers. The strategy had been subject to public consultation and review by the Environment and Infrastructure Committee and the positive feedback received had helped to shape the final strategy. He concluded that a lot of progress had been made to encourage the change to EV’s and the strategy would ensure that actions were targeted as effectively as possible.
Visiting speaker, Councillor McCormick welcomed the strategy but felt it was not ambitious enough. He suggested the number of chargers planned for Culver Road would not be sufficient for future demand and highlighted the number of estates where communal parking made it impossible for EV owners to charge their vehicle at home. He questioned the commitment of Hampshire County Council (HCC) to Basingstoke as he felt that areas such as Winchester and Eastleigh had been prioritised for on street charging. He further referred to comparative data which highlighted greater provision in other areas of chargers per head of population. Furthermore he hoped there would be more progression with installing chargers outside community halls and shopping areas and suggested there should be more initiatives for disabled and vulnerable residents switching to EV’s to keep their mobility.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning agreed there were not sufficient EV chargers however the strategy was important to set ambitious targets. He added that good progress had been made to install chargers on council owned land but felt that HCC had been slow-moving to deliver chargers however the first batch of on-street chargers were due to be installed in Basingstoke over the next few months.
Resolved:
Cabinet note the comments made during the recent consultation on the draft Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and agree to adopt the updated version of the Electric Vehicle Strategy to guide future action.
Visiting speaker, Councillor McCormick welcomed the strategy but felt it was not ambitious enough. He suggested the number of chargers planned for Culver Road would not be sufficient for future demand and highlighted the number of estates where communal parking made it impossible for EV owners to charge their vehicle at home. He questioned the commitment of Hampshire County Council (HCC) to Basingstoke as he felt that areas such as Winchester and Eastleigh had been prioritised for on street charging. He further referred to comparative data which highlighted greater provision in other areas of chargers per head of population. Furthermore he hoped there would be more progression with installing chargers outside community halls and shopping areas and suggested there should be more initiatives for disabled and vulnerable residents switching to EV’s to keep their mobility.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning agreed there were not sufficient EV chargers however the strategy was important to set ambitious targets. He added that good progress had been made to install chargers on council owned land but felt that HCC had been slow-moving to deliver chargers however the first batch of on-street chargers were due to be installed in Basingstoke over the next few months.
Resolved:
Cabinet note the comments made during the recent consultation on the draft Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and agree to adopt the updated version of the Electric Vehicle Strategy to guide future action.
11
CIL Spend Protocol
This report sets out a process to guide decisions around how Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds will be spent. The report explains the detailed process by which the council will assess bids for council-led infrastructure projects as well as those from partner organisations.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Attachments:
- Document CIL Spend Report 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 1 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendices 2 - 5 03 Feb 2025
- Document CIL Spend Report Amended Recommendation 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which expanded upon the principles set out in the CIL Spend Policy. The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure stated that investing in the borough’s infrastructure was important however the challenge was to secure the funding needed to support the investment and ensure that the infrastructure kept pace with the growth in housing numbers. He added that the protocol would ensure the investment of CIL funding effectively and fairly.
Resolved: Cabinet agree:
1) The process for spending Strategic CIL, including how and when the council should engage with external infrastructure providers.
2) The process for spending Neighbourhood CIL in areas without town or parish councils.
3) Subject to a three week consultation with the Town and Parish Councils on the CIL Spend Protocol, to delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to:
· Consider the consultation response and to approve the final CIL Spend Protocol
· Make future updates to the CIL Spend Protocol
4) That the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property be delegated authority to make urgent funding decisions outside of the bidding process.
Resolved: Cabinet agree:
1) The process for spending Strategic CIL, including how and when the council should engage with external infrastructure providers.
2) The process for spending Neighbourhood CIL in areas without town or parish councils.
3) Subject to a three week consultation with the Town and Parish Councils on the CIL Spend Protocol, to delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to:
· Consider the consultation response and to approve the final CIL Spend Protocol
· Make future updates to the CIL Spend Protocol
4) That the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property be delegated authority to make urgent funding decisions outside of the bidding process.
12
Housing Allocations Policy Amendment
This report seeks approval to amend the council’s Housing Allocation Policy to raise the maximum income threshold to £60,000 gross annual income for family households to qualify joining the Housing Register.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Attachments:
- Document Allocations scheme income change 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing presented a report which sought approval to amend the council’s Housing Allocations policy to raise the maximum income threshold to £60,000 gross annual income for family households to qualify joining the Housing Register. The rationale for the amendment was based on the analysis of data from the Office of National Statistics regarding property prices and income levels required to purchase a property.
In response to a question, it was confirmed that the change would not significantly increase the number of people on the housing register.
Resolved: To approve the following amendment to the Housing Allocations Policy:
Raise the maximum income threshold from £50,000 to £60,000 gross annual income for family households to qualify joining the Housing Register
In response to a question, it was confirmed that the change would not significantly increase the number of people on the housing register.
Resolved: To approve the following amendment to the Housing Allocations Policy:
Raise the maximum income threshold from £50,000 to £60,000 gross annual income for family households to qualify joining the Housing Register
13
The Camrose - disposal of council owned land and removal from list of Assets of Community Value
This report details a proposed land disposal to facilitate an affordable housing development by Sovereign Housing Developments Ltd at the Camrose site. Their plan for the site includes council owned land within the overall scheme. The report seeks authority for the council to dispose of council owned land to SHD, with SHD taking forward development of the land for the delivery of more affordable housing. Completion of the land disposal will be dependent on agreement to the terms and conditions set out in a land contract to be entered into by the respective parties.
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document Camrose Cabinet report final 280125 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 1 Location Plan The Camrose site (002) 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 2 Site plan and land ownership (002) 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 3-CONFIDENTIAL Financial Heads of Term 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 3-CONFIDENTIAL Financial -Section 123 Valuation 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 4 CONFIDENTIAL Illustrative scheme final 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which detailed a proposed land disposal to facilitate an affordable housing development by Sovereign Housing Developments Ltd (SHD) at the Camrose site.
Visiting speaker Mr Miller, Chair of Basingstoke Town Community Football Club (BTCFC), addressed the meeting. He stated the club appreciated the open discussions, collaborative approach and recognition of football’s importance in the borough and were encouraged by the proactive engagement with the council and commitment to working with the club. He referred to the legal processes which had dictated the fate of the club and suggested there was an opportunity for the council to do something for the future. He highlighted the effect on the clubs teams and community sports groups since the loss of the Camrose and the disruption to every aspect of community engagement however despite the difficulties the club had demonstrated the ability to run a sustainable, growing and well-managed community club. He requested commitment that the club have a say in reinvestment and clear assurances that proceeds from the Camrose sale would be re-invested into BTCFC to help the club secure its own home. He thanked the council for its continued proactivity and important consideration of the club.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property highlighted that the strip of land was hard to access and use independently and sale of the land would support a council priority to increase the number of affordable homes. The only other option was to do nothing with the land which would represent a future management liability. He gave commitment to the long term future of BTCFC and the use of receipts from the sale of the land to support the ambition of the club for a home of their own in the future.
Visiting speaker Councillor McCormick referred to the council’s performance regarding the past history of the demise of the Camrose and highlighted the little value of the Covenant on the land. He requested assurance that the sale proceeds from the land would be used for the promotion of sport, particularly football, in the borough. He referred to a like for like replacement ground for BTCFC and the commitment required to progress a new stadium. He further referred to the planning application from Sovereign and sale of the land with Basron.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property clarified that the council was not involved in any of the transactions when the Camrose land was sold between Lord Camrose and a private developer and thereafter to Sovereign. The Covenant was transferred to the developer when the land was privately sold. He added that it was important for the club to have a sustainable future and become a successful club that a growing town deserved to have.
The Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture gave assurance that he shared the ambitions of the club and would engage and work with the club to support them to achieve those ambitions.
The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration suggested a consortium of successful businesses in the borough to support the football club.
Resolved: Cabinet agree
1) Approve the disposal of council owned land at the Camrose, for a capital receipt as detailed at Confidential Appendix 3, to Sovereign Housing Developments Ltd (SHD) at Open Market Value and in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration to:
· Finalise the Heads of Terms
· In consultation with the Head of Law and Governance, to enter into a contract for the disposal of the site
· Prior to disposal to agree any enabling works on the council’s land
3) Agree to serve notice in accordance with Regulation 2 of the Regulations to remove the council owned site and the former Camrose site from the list of Assets of Community Value (ACV) as this land is no longer of community value.
Cabinet recommend Council to:
4) Reserve proceeds from the sale of council-owned land to invest in football facility improvement works in Basingstoke.
Visiting speaker Mr Miller, Chair of Basingstoke Town Community Football Club (BTCFC), addressed the meeting. He stated the club appreciated the open discussions, collaborative approach and recognition of football’s importance in the borough and were encouraged by the proactive engagement with the council and commitment to working with the club. He referred to the legal processes which had dictated the fate of the club and suggested there was an opportunity for the council to do something for the future. He highlighted the effect on the clubs teams and community sports groups since the loss of the Camrose and the disruption to every aspect of community engagement however despite the difficulties the club had demonstrated the ability to run a sustainable, growing and well-managed community club. He requested commitment that the club have a say in reinvestment and clear assurances that proceeds from the Camrose sale would be re-invested into BTCFC to help the club secure its own home. He thanked the council for its continued proactivity and important consideration of the club.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property highlighted that the strip of land was hard to access and use independently and sale of the land would support a council priority to increase the number of affordable homes. The only other option was to do nothing with the land which would represent a future management liability. He gave commitment to the long term future of BTCFC and the use of receipts from the sale of the land to support the ambition of the club for a home of their own in the future.
Visiting speaker Councillor McCormick referred to the council’s performance regarding the past history of the demise of the Camrose and highlighted the little value of the Covenant on the land. He requested assurance that the sale proceeds from the land would be used for the promotion of sport, particularly football, in the borough. He referred to a like for like replacement ground for BTCFC and the commitment required to progress a new stadium. He further referred to the planning application from Sovereign and sale of the land with Basron.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property clarified that the council was not involved in any of the transactions when the Camrose land was sold between Lord Camrose and a private developer and thereafter to Sovereign. The Covenant was transferred to the developer when the land was privately sold. He added that it was important for the club to have a sustainable future and become a successful club that a growing town deserved to have.
The Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture gave assurance that he shared the ambitions of the club and would engage and work with the club to support them to achieve those ambitions.
The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration suggested a consortium of successful businesses in the borough to support the football club.
Resolved: Cabinet agree
1) Approve the disposal of council owned land at the Camrose, for a capital receipt as detailed at Confidential Appendix 3, to Sovereign Housing Developments Ltd (SHD) at Open Market Value and in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration to:
· Finalise the Heads of Terms
· In consultation with the Head of Law and Governance, to enter into a contract for the disposal of the site
· Prior to disposal to agree any enabling works on the council’s land
3) Agree to serve notice in accordance with Regulation 2 of the Regulations to remove the council owned site and the former Camrose site from the list of Assets of Community Value (ACV) as this land is no longer of community value.
Cabinet recommend Council to:
4) Reserve proceeds from the sale of council-owned land to invest in football facility improvement works in Basingstoke.
14
Annual Property Plan 2025-26
This report sets out the objectives and actions of the Annual Property Plan 2025/26. It builds on work undertaken in previous years to implement the Strategic Asset Management Plan and Property Investment Strategy 2022/23 to 2025/26.
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document Annual Property Plan 2025-26 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 1 CONFIDENTIAL - Disposals and Lease Regears Target List 2025-26 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 2 Annual Property Action Plan 2025-26 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which set out the objectives and actions of the Annual Property Plan 1015/26. The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property highlighted some of the achievements during the year regarding the EPC rating for council properties and progress that had been made in the town centre and Basing View to make sites active. He added that the property portfolio was generating almost twice the amount of income compared to that received from council tax which enabled the council to deliver services to its residents. He thanked the property team for their work with particular reference to the completion of the assignment of the long leasehold to secure ice for an additional 15 years.
Resolved: To agree the Annual Property Plan 2025/26 contained within paragraph 3 to 4 of the report.
Resolved: To agree the Annual Property Plan 2025/26 contained within paragraph 3 to 4 of the report.
15
Manydown North Governance
This report seeks approval for the MGC LLP Business Plan and budget for 2025 and approval of the updated attorneys for MGC LLP.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Attachments:
- Document Manydown North Governance Cabinet report 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 1 MGC LLP Budget 2025 - Confidential 03 Feb 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - MGC LLP Business Plan - Confidential 03 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration presented a report which sought approval for the MGC LLP Business Plan and budget for 2025 and approval of the updated attorneys for MGC LLP.
Resolved: To approve
1) Approve the MGC LLP 2025 Budget at Confidential Appendix 1of the report.
2) Approve the MGC LLP Business Plan at Confidential Appendix 2 of the report.
3) Approve the updated Attorneys for MGC LLP as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.
Resolved: To approve
1) Approve the MGC LLP 2025 Budget at Confidential Appendix 1of the report.
2) Approve the MGC LLP Business Plan at Confidential Appendix 2 of the report.
3) Approve the updated Attorneys for MGC LLP as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.
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