Decisions

That:        

1.The Knutton Masterplan be approved in principle for public consultation and the result of that consultation be reported back for Cabinet’s consideration;

2. Opportunities be explored and taken to pursue funding through the Government’s Town Deal programme for Newcastle to provide some of the resources necessary to deliver some of the investment proposals contained in the Knutton Masterplan.;

3. When the outcome of the Newcastle Town Deal submission is known and therefore the fuller financial implications of delivering the Knutton masterplan are clearer, a more complete report is brought to Cabinet;

4. A Project Board be established to take forward the masterplan and any subsequent delivery plan, with membership including Newcastle Borough Council, Aspire Housing and Staffordshire County Council and that this council’s representation to include officers, the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency;

5. Discussions are held with Aspire Housing to explore options for the early redevelopment of the Borough Council-owned sites identified for possible housing development as a means for expediting the delivery of this aspect of the masterplan; and

6. Should any suitable sites become available in the area that authority is given for the Council to directly purchase or work in partnership with Aspire to make appropriate purchases.

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

That the Forward Plan be received.

That

1. The disposal of this land, by way of a long lease, to Loggerheads Parish Council for £1, be authorised.

2. The Executive Director – Commercial Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be authorised to agree the terms and conditions of this lease with Loggerheads Parish Council.

That:

1. The planned improvements at Bradwell Crematorium be supported.

2. The preferred option is approved and an exception to Council Contract Procedure Rules be agreed to enable a direct award of contract without a call for competition for the refurbishment of the Council’s two cremators by the manufacturer and incumbent service provider as set out in the report.

That:

1. The Masterplan to extend Newcastle Crematorium and to redevelop the remaining Council owned land off Chatterley Close is received.

2. The scheme to extend the grounds of the Crematorium is approved in principle.

3. The Executive Director - Commercial Development & Economic Growth is authorised to consult with appropriate stakeholders on the proposals in accordance with the Asset Management Strategy 2018-21 and to report the results to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

4. The Executive Director - Commercial Development & Economic Growth is authorised to engage consultancy support to prepare a hybrid planning application for the extension to the crematorium grounds (full) and, subject to the outcome of the consultation with stakeholders and public, residential development to the remainder of the site (outline).

5. Subject to a detailed financial analysis, the scheme to extend the crematorium grounds is funded from the capital receipt gained from the sale of the remaining land for development.

6. The Head of Operations is authorised to engage consultancy support to prepare an outline business case for an improved memorialisation offer in the crematorium grounds with a view to generating increased revenue and provision of £14,000 is made available for this support in the General Fund Capital Programme/Borough Growth Fund in 2020/21. 

That:

1. Cabinet formally endorses the Kidsgrove Town Deal Investment Plan and will receive a further report on the outcome of the Town Investment Plan submission at the point that this is received from government;

2. The Executive Director Commercial Development & Economic Growth is authorised to work within existing Council resources to continue to support the Town Deal Board and other organisations as necessary to progress development of projects in the Kidsgrove Town Deal Investment; and

3. That a multi-disciplinary officer group is established to oversee delivery of the Kidsgrove Town Investment Plan and will report into the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Service Improvement, People and Partnerships and then into Cabinet. 

That:

1. The contents of the attached report and Appendices A and B be noted and Cabinet will continue to monitor and Challenge the Council’s performance alongside its financial performance for the same period.

2. The supplementary estimates (item 4.4 Appendix A) be noted and approved in order for them to be included in this year’s budget.

That:

1. The draft Medium Term Financial Strategy be endorsed.

2. The funding gap of £1.790m in 2021/22 and £5.911m over the 5 year period covered by the MTFS be noted.

3. The approach to develop savings and income generation proposals in the medium term be agreed.

4. The current uncertainty regarding the medium term impact of Covid and local

government funding and the need for scenario planning and identification of savings options for best, worst and medium case scenarios be noted.

5. The draft MTFS be referred to Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views. 

There were no Apologies for Absence.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

That the report be noted and the work being undertaken in response to the Coronavirus restrictions be endorsed.

There was no Urgent Business.