Cabinet - Tuesday, 12th September, 2023 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

Under the Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors, all Members are required to disclose relevant Interests in any matter to be considered at the meeting.  Where the matter directly relates to a Member’s Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Other Registrable Interest, that Member must not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not remain in the room unless they have been granted a dispensation (see note below). If the matter directly relates to ‘Non-Registrable Interests’, the Member’s participation in the meeting will depend on the nature of the matter and whether it directly relates or affects their financial interest or well-being or that of a relative, friend  or close associate, applying the tests set out in the Code.

NOTE:

On 27th May, 2021, the Council’s Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee granted dispensations to Members appointed by the Council to the Board of the Rushmoor Development Partnership and as Directors of Rushmoor Homes Limited.

Having regard to the Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors, no declarations of interest were made.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 8th August, 2023 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 8th August, 2023 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To consider Report No. PG2329 (copy attached), which sets out the Council’s proposed updated Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy.

The Cabinet considered Report No. PG2329, which set out the Council’s proposed Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2023-2027.

Members were informed that this document set out the Council’s strategic approach to housing and homelessness prevention. It also met the Council’s statutory obligation to have a Homelessness Strategy in place and supported the delivery of the separate Rough Sleeping Plan. It was explained that the document has been developed in consultation with the Council’s Policy and Project Advisory Board and the Strategic Housing and Local Plan Group. The scope of the strategy had been broadened to address current issues across all housing tenures and to develop housing products and services for the future that would better serve residents, communities and the economy.

In expressing its strong support for the Strategy, the Cabinet stressed its importance in assisting the Council to meet its obligations in relation to the provision of new homes.

The Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that the adoption of the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2023-2027, as set out in Report No. RG2329, be approved.

To consider Report No. OS2312 (copy attached), which sets out the full business case for a major refurbishment of Aldershot Crematorium.

The Cabinet received Report No. OS2312, which set out the full business case for the Council to undertake a major refurbishment of the Aldershot Crematorium and requested the approval of capital funding to progress the scheme through to development.

Members were informed that, due to the age of the facility and the heavy operational demands, significant repair and refurbishment works were now required in addition to the regular maintenance regime. Other local crematoria had all seen significant investment in recent years and it was reported that, over that same period, demand for cremations at the Aldershot Crematorium had fallen. It was considered that investment was required to remain competitive and avoid further decline. It was proposed that the chapels at the Redan Road Cemetery would be refurbished and used as a temporary facility for services whilst the works at the main site were in progress.

In discussing this, Members acknowledged the importance of this facility and service and were supportive of the proposed approach.

The Cabinet

(i)           RESOLVED that:

(a)          the total funding requirement of £4.726 million, as set out in Report No. OS2312, be approved, broken down as follows:

-              refurbishment of Aldershot Crematorium - £3.537 million

-              supply and installation of a new fully functional cremator to accompany existing, with abatement and DeNOx capability - £0.9 million

-              refurbishment of the chapels at the Redan Road Cemetery to be used as a temporary facility during the main works - £0.289 million;

(b)          the impact on the 2024/25 budget, which would require additional costs of around £0.457 million to be incorporated into the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for consideration as part of the 2024/25 budget setting process, be noted, along with the fact that, from 2025/26 onwards, surplus funds of around £0.2 million would be available to contribute towards future revenue budgets; and

  (ii)        RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that approval be given to an additional capital allocation of £1.152 million for the crematorium refurbishment project, over and above the £3.574 million already agreed as part of the existing Capital Programme.

To consider Report No. PG2330 (copy attached), which seeks authority to amend the length of the lease to be granted in respect of Devereux House, No. 69 Albert Road, Farnborough from 199 to 399 years, to facilitate the redevelopment of the property into a replacement care home.

The Cabinet considered Report No. PG2330, which sought approval to amend the length of the lease to be granted in respect of Devereux House, Albert Road, Farnborough from 199 years to 399 years to facilitate the redevelopment of the property into a replacement care home.

Members were reminded that they had, previously, approved the disposal of the property by the granting of a development option with a 199 year headlease. Negotiations had been ongoing with a party that was considering purchasing the site. The Proposed Purchaser had asked whether, in order to market the premises to obtain a tenant or operator, the term of the proposed lease could be extended to 399 years. It was confirmed that Sanderson Weatherall, the Council’s consultant on property matters, had confirmed that this extension would not materially affect the level of the valuation that had been provided previously.

In discussing this matter, the Cabinet requested that any future owner or operator should be asked to consider retaining the current property name of Devereux House.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that the extension of the term of the proposed long ground lease of Devereux House to up to 399 years, as set out in Report No. PG2330, be approved.