Decisions

That:

(a) Cabinet notes the progress made on the project since the September 2020 Cabinet meeting in terms of scope, design and budget in consultation with the Kidsgrove Leisure Centre Community Group.

(b) Notes that the Kidsgrove Town Deal funding allocation announced by MHCLG on the 3^rd March includes up to £2.3m towards the overall cost of the project.

(c) Notes the further work to be undertaken to secure the release of the Town Deal funding and authorises the Executive Director – Commercial Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, Corporate and Service Improvement, People and Partnerships and the Kidsgrove Town Deal Board to progress the work with all haste to maintain momentum with the project. 

That the information within the confidential appendix be received.

That the items detailed in the confidential appendix be considered irrecoverable for the reasons stated and be written off.

That:

(a) The Draft Newcastle-under-Lyme Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 2021 is approved for public consultation.

(b) Officers in consultation with the portfolio holder for Planning and Growth be authorised to make minor editorial changes prior to the publication of the Draft SCI for public consultation.

(c) Cabinet agree to receive a future consultation report setting out the recommendations of the Planning Committee, and the results of the public consultation before considering the adoption of the Statement of Community Involvement.

That approval is given for the Local Development Scheme (LDS) comprising the timetable for the production of the Local Plan and that approval is given for publication of the LDS on the Council’s website.

There were no apologies for absence.

That:

(a) The changed circumstances in which progress against the Economic Development Strategy has been made are noted.

(b) Progress on delivering the Economic Development Strategy Action Plan is noted.

(c) The opportunities presented by Future High Street Fund and Town Deal are noted and that these continue to be prioritised for delivery against Council Priorities in the next 12 month period

That:

(a) Cabinet accepts the award of £16.9m for the Kidsgrove Town Deal Investment Plan submitted in October 2020, as announced on the 3rd March 2021 in accordance with the Offer Letter now submitted.

(b) Officers are authorised to continue working with the Town Deal Board and other organisations as necessary to progress development and delivery of projects in the Kidsgrove Town Deal Investment Plan in line with the timescales set out within the award criteria and within the allotted funds.

(c) The multi-disciplinary officer group established to support delivery of the Advance Town Deal Projects continues this role to support delivery of the Kidsgrove Town Investment Plan.

(d) The Executive Director Commercial Development and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holder Corporate and Service Improvement, People and Partnerships, are authorised to pursue delivery of the Kidsgrove Town Investment Plan.

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

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following matter because it is likely that there will 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.

That the Forward Plan be received. 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd February 2021 be agreed as a correct record.

Councillor Northcott declared an interest in item 8 “Aspire Housing – Prospectus for Joint Working” on the grounds that he is a non-Executive Member of the Aspire Board.

There were no other declarations of interest stated.

That

(a) Cabinet accepts in principle that the Council will work in partnership with Aspire Housing in the delivery of residential developments throughout the Borough.

(b) The Executive Director Commercial Development and Economic Growth is authorised to work with the Leader of the Council to deliver the projects on a case by case basis.

(c) Further Cabinet updates will be presented to highlight progress on the working arrangement.