Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the Minutes of the previous meeting.

That the Minutes of the meeting held on the 14 October. 2025 be agreed as

a correct record.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 14^th October 2025 be agreed as a correct record.

That the contents of the update report be noted.

The Leader introduced the update report on the problematic odours associated with Walleys Quarry landfill in Silverdale. The item had been on the Cabinet agenda for several years and while the site was now closed efforts were to be sustained to enable its full restoration including long term financial support.

The Chief Executive presented the report advising that the temporary works undertaken by the Environment Agency were holding up and a political coordination group involving the Government and other agencies was to meet up shortly for the first time, with the Council playing a critical role.

The Leader welcomed the fact that the odours were under control despite weather conditions similar to that of the previous year. High levels of emissions were recorded then, eventually leading to the closure of the site.

The Environment Agency was currently using the bond money from the previous operator to maintain the situation in its current state. A decision was to be made on a way forward to restore and cap the site, which required government intervention.

It was noted that there still hadn’t been any public inquiry despite a formal request having been put forward by the Council. The Leader would be pressing for a stakeholder meeting led by the Environment Agency.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning expressed being pleased with the figures, meanwhile supporting the Leader’s statement in relation to the necessity for a public inquiry and for the government to take responsibility for the financial aspects of the works required rather than local taxes being raised.

The Deputy Leader reiterated his colleagues concerns about what would happen when the bond money would run out.

The Leader concluded by thanking officers for their hard work and advising members that he would continue to report to Cabinet about his meetings with the various agencies involved along with pushing for an allocation of funding for the restoration and capping of the site.

Resolved:     That the contents of the update report be noted.

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(A)           That the recent developments by HM Government in respect of Local Government Reorganisation and English Devolution be noted.

(B)           That the work undertaken to date with stakeholders to prepare the final submission document be noted.

(C)           That it be recommended to Full Council that a unitary council for Newcastle-under-Lyme was the preferred option for submission.

On Devolution:

(D)           That Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council co-developing a submission to Government setting out a devolution growth framework for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, be supported.

(E)           That the submission document’s focus on devolution, and Staffordshire’s ability to deliver against devolution themes without recourse to completing Local Government Reorganisation, be endorsed.

(F)            That the proposed Strategic Authority geography at a suitable regional footprint to give the Strategic Authority parity of esteem with other regions, be supported.

On forced reorganisation of local government:

(G)           That it be noted that this Council remains of the belief that the current two tiers of local government in Staffordshire should remain in place as the best governance model for the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

(H)           That this Council believes that any new authority must have the highest possible standards of service to residents and any changes to the current governance model in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme must maintain or exceed the current level of local service provision.           

(I)              That the Government be requested to fully fund their selective forced reorganisation of local authorities in England. Funding of local services should not have to be cut nor council tax increased to pay for reorganisation.   

(J)             That Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Members of Parliament be requested to provide active support for these proposals and advocate them to HM Government.

Final Proposal

(K)           That the Leader, in conjunction with the Chief Executive, be authorised to make any required updates to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s final Submission to Government following the Full Council meeting on 19^th November before submission to the Minister by 28^th November 2025.

(L)            That it be noted that further reports will be brought to Cabinet and Council at the appropriate time.  

The Leader presented the report on the work undertaken by the Council in developing options for a final submission to the Government in the context of the forced local government reorganisation. The proposal followed the release of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024 and outlined a model of devolution growth framework for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning deplored the fact that money was being spent on a reorganisation that was imposed instead of frontline services. Contrary to what the term devolution would suggest powers were taken away from local authorities to higher based ones. Residents of the borough seemed to be opposed to the area being merged with another one and it would be helpful if the local MP could convey this position to the House of Commons.

The Leader supported the statement, adding that the Council had put a paper forward in March ahead of full Council recommending that a borough based unitary authority would be the way forward. Other proposals had since then been investigated and it came out that this original position still stood out as the most appropriate.

The Deputy Leader was also of the opinion that the Council’s resources could be used in better ways than engaging into the reorganisation scheme which he was strongly against.

Resolved:     (A) That the recent developments by HM Government in respect of Local Government Reorganisation and English Devolution be noted.

(B) That the work undertaken to date with stakeholders to prepare the final submission document be noted.

(C) That it be recommended to Full Council that a unitary council for Newcastle-under-Lyme was the preferred option for submission.

On Devolution:

(D) That Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council co-developing a submission to Government setting out a devolution growth framework for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, be supported.

(E) That the submission document’s focus on devolution, and Staffordshire’s ability to deliver against devolution themes without recourse to completing Local Government Reorganisation, be endorsed.

(F) That the proposed Strategic Authority geography at a suitable regional footprint to give the Strategic Authority parity of esteem with other regions, be supported.

On forced reorganisation of local government:

(G) That it be noted that this Council remains of the belief that the current two tiers of local government in Staffordshire should remain in place as the best governance model for the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

(H) That this Council believes that any new authority must have the highest possible standards of service to residents and any changes to the current governance model in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme must maintain or exceed the current level of local service provision.           

(I) That the Government be requested to fully fund their selective forced reorganisation of local authorities in England. Funding of local services should not have to be cut nor council tax increased to pay for reorganisation.   

(J) That Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Members of Parliament be requested to provide active support for these proposals and advocate them to HM Government.

Final Proposal

(K) That the Leader, in conjunction with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

(i)                        That the report be received and the detailed scheme for improvements to play and recreational facilities at Bradwell Dingle be endorsed.

(ii)                       That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment be authorised to award a consultancy contract to undertake further consultation, detailed design and delivery of the project.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment presented the report on the delivery of play and recreational facility improvements to the Bradwell Dingle site and the allocation of Section 106 funding to that extent – also using the opportunity to thank representatives of the Friends of Bradwell Dingle for their work. A consultation had taken place and the feedback received from residents had been accounted for in the proposed scheme.

The Leader welcomed the report, meanwhile suggesting caution and aiming for more of the population to be informed of the proposals and provide input. It was noted that some people had tried to take credit for the efforts put in by the community which was regrettable.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage commented on the feedback received and the benefits of a pump track which had been a great success in Newchapel, curbing antisocial behaviour and bringing families together, securing the spot as a safe green space.

Resolved:     (i) That the report be received and the detailed scheme for improvements to play and recreational facilities at Bradwell Dingle be endorsed.

(ii) That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment be authorised to award a consultancy contract to undertake further consultation, detailed design and delivery of the project.

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That the allocation of £916,363 towards the costs of a Redevelopment Scheme by Aspire Housing Group on the site of the former Zanzibar Night Club, Marsh Parade, Newcastle, be agreed. 

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning introduced the report on the allocation of Section 106 monies towards a residential and commercial redevelopment scheme at Marsh Parade.

The Deputy Leader welcomed the proposal which showed good progress, adding that more affordable houses were always needed.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning noted that the grocery shop painted sign that had become a local landmark would be preserved.

The Leader wished to clarify that the proposal was about repurposing the money for housing that was to be spent anywhere in the borough.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning confirmed that was the case.

The Leader added that there had been a long wait for the site to be developed with other schemes coming up that were unsuccessful and it was great to see things moving forward. An enterprise unit parts was also scheduled, which would allow businesses to move in as well. 

Resolved:     That the allocation of £916,363 towards the costs of a Redevelopment Scheme by Aspire Housing Group on the site of the former Zanzibar Night Club, Marsh Parade, Newcastle, be agreed. 

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(i)              That the repair works to the underside of the pool roof to enable the continuation of swimming provision in the Borough for the benefit of residents, be approved.

(ii)             That £64,792.60 be allocated within the Capital Programme for J2 making the total scheme budget £362,018.60. This provides funding for the main contractor works and all associated fees such as Structural Engineer, Architect and Principal Designer. Authorising the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth to award these supporting contracts.

(iii)           That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth be authorised to award the contract for J2 Leisure Centre Poolhall Roof Repair and Refurbishment to Domino Commercial Interiors Ltd.

(iv)           That it be noted that the above works will be followed by the installation of pool covers which will reduce the water heating requirements supporting the Council’s Sustainability programme.

The Deputy Leader introduced the report on the contract award in relation to capital works to be undertaken to the roof of the Jubilee 2 leisure centre.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage wished to thank officers for their efforts to schedule the project in a way that would bring minimum disruption to the pool and added that only the main pool would be closed during the works – the smaller pool and the gym remaining open.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning highlighted the importance of not delaying repair works so that the costs don’t grow out of proportion which would be the case with further deterioration.

The Leader concluded by advising that the figures would be discussed as a confidential item at the end of the meeting.

Resolved:     (i) That the repair works to the underside of the pool roof to enable the continuation of swimming provision in the Borough for the benefit of residents, be approved.

(ii) That £64,792.60 be allocated within the Capital Programme for J2 making the total scheme budget £362,018.60. This provides funding for the main contractor works and all associated fees such as Structural Engineer, Architect and Principal Designer. Authorising the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth to award these supporting contracts.

(iii) That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth be authorised to award the contract for J2 Leisure Centre Poolhall Roof Repair and Refurbishment to Domino Commercial Interiors Ltd.

(iv) That it be noted that the above works will be followed by the installation of pool covers which will reduce the water heating requirements supporting the Council’s Sustainability programme.

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(i)              That the procurement of 18 vehicles to support the Council’s Recycling & Waste collection service including an option to procure on a contract hire basis with maintenance, be approved. 

(ii)             That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment be authorised to approve the award of contract for the supply of 18 vehicles following the procurement and evaluation process having confirmed a best value approach.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment introduced the report on the procurement of up to 10 Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV’s) and 8 Food waste vehicles either through direct purchase with separate in-house maintenance, or via contract hire including maintenance.

The Leader expressed his support to the project.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning congratulated the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment for thinking ahead and shared his satisfaction at the fact there would not be any break in service.

Resolved:     (i) That the procurement of 18 vehicles to support the Council’s Recycling & Waste collection service including an option to procure on a contract hire basis with maintenance, be approved. 

(ii) That the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment be authorised to approve the award of contract for the supply of 18 vehicles following the procurement and evaluation process having confirmed a best value approach.

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That the Forward Plan be received and noted.

The Leader presented the Forward Plan.

Resolved:     That the Forward Plan be received and noted.

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There was no urgent business.

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following reports, because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Local Government Act 1972.

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration if the following matter because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs contained within Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Resolved:                 That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following matter because it was likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2, and 7 in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

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That the information contained within the confidential appendix be received.

Resolved:     That the information contained within the confidential appendix be received.

That the recommendations, as set out in the confidential report, be agreed.

Resolved:     That the recommendations, as set out in the confidential report, be agreed.