Agenda and minutes

Members of the Council should declare any interests which fall under the following categories:

a)   disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)   other significant interests (OSI);

c)   voluntary announcements of other interests.

There were no declarations at the meeting.

This report seeks agreement for Folkestone & Hythe District Council to allocate £250,000 from the Climate Change Reserve towards the development of a new green business grant scheme. This scheme will support the priorities and objectives of the council’s Carbon Action Plan, specifically  the need to promote and support green business activities and decarbonisation efforts across the district.

The report sought agreement for Folkestone & Hythe District Council to allocate £250,000 from the Climate Change Reserve towards the development of a new green business grant scheme. This scheme will support the priorities and objectives of the council’s Carbon Action Plan, specifically the need to promote and support green business activities and decarbonisation efforts across the district.

Proposed by Councillor Whybrow,

Seconded by Councillor Wimble; and

RESOLVED:

1.        That report C/21/80 be received and noted.

2.        That the establishment of the Folkestone & Hythe Green Business Grant Scheme and approve the proposed process and criteria for providing grants to local businesses be agreed as set out below. 

3.        That the allocation of £250,000 from the Climate Change Reserve to operate the Folkestone & Hythe Green Business Grant scheme to 31^st March 2024 be agreed.

4.        That the decisions on approving grant applications to this scheme be delegated as set out in paragraph 3.5.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions))

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Cabinet was asked to agree the recommendations set out because approval was required to establish a £250,000 fund to provide grants to support local businesses to improve their carbon footprint and to support the growth of businesses in the Low Carbon and Environmental Goods & Services (LCEGS) sector.

The report provides an update to Members regarding the current position of the Varne site, Coast Drive, Littlestone. In September 2017 Cabinet (report No C/17/13) approved the development of the land known as the Varne on Coast Drive, Littlestone with the following summary “Outline planning permission was granted last year for 4 large dwellings on this seafront Council owned site. A report has been written that includes an options appraisal to assess how best to meet Council objectives and maximise value for money from the asset”.

Cabinet approved Option One of the report - development of the land for holiday lets, to progress the Reserved Matters application and to use Prudential Borrowing to finance the project.

This report updates Members on the Reserved Matters application to achieve detailed planning permission and considers whether development of the site is now the best option following inflation linked to Brexit and Covid-19 and changes to the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) borrowing regime.

The report also considers a number of offers that have been made for the site that are considered to be above market value.

The report provided an update to Members regarding the current position of the Varne site, Coast Drive, Littlestone. In September 2017 Cabinet (report No C/17/13) approved the development of the land known as the Varne on Coast Drive, Littlestone with the following summary “Outline planning permission was granted last year for 4 large dwellings on this seafront Council owned site. A report has been written that includes an options appraisal to assess how best to meet Council objectives and maximise value for money from the asset”.

Cabinet approved Option One of the report - development of the land for holiday lets, to progress the Reserved Matters application and to use Prudential Borrowing to finance the project.

The report updated Members on the Reserved Matters application to achieve detailed planning permission and considers whether development of the site is now the best option following inflation linked to Brexit and Covid-19 and changes to the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) borrowing regime.

The report also considered a number of offers that have been made for the site that are considered to be above market value.

Proposed by Councillor Collier,   

Seconded by Councillor Peall; and

RESOLVED:

1.    That report number C/21/78 was received and noted.

2.    That a Reserved Matters application was submitted and full detailed planning permission was granted in November 2021 was noted

3.    Agreed that Offer 6 for the disposal of site represents best value to the Council and provide delegated authority to the Director, Housing & Operations to commence legal work to conclude the deal.

(Voting figures; 9 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The council had received a number of offers for the disposal of the site which were considered by Members. The report also updated Members on the project’s planning status.

This report updates the General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme for the five year period ending 31 March 2027. The General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme is required to be submitted to full Council for consideration and approval as part of the budget process. The report also updates Members on the required capital budget and proposed funding for the Princes Parade scheme following the two stage procurement process for the construction contract and the anticipated residential development capital receipts.

The report updated the General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme for the five year period ending 31 March 2027. The General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme is required to be submitted to full Council for consideration and approval as part of the budget process. The report also updated Members on the required capital budget and proposed funding for the Princes Parade scheme following the two stage procurement process for the construction contract and the anticipated residential development capital receipts.

Proposed by: Councillor Monk,    

Seconded by: Councillor Hollingsbee; and

RESOLVED:

1.        That report C/21/79 was received and noted.

2.        To seek Council’s approval to the updated General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme as set out in appendix 1 to this report.

(Voting figures; 7 For, 2 Against, 0 Abstentions)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Cabinetagreed the decisions because:

a)            It needs to be kept informed of the existing General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme position and take appropriate action to deal with any variance from the approved budget.

b)            Proposed extensions to existing schemes are required to be considered and approved before being included in the Council’s Medium Term Capital Programme.

c)            The proposed Medium Term Capital Programme needs to be considered before it is submitted to full Council for approval as part of the budget process.

d)            The Council must also have regard to CIPFA’s Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities when carrying out its duties under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003.