Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Community Services Portfolio Holder

The Community Services Portfolio Holder presented the report.

A Member said that this was very good news for the district and supported by many local people – all without costing the organisation any money.

It was agreed amongst Cabinet members that they would visit the site at the end of first phase of the project, and at other phases, and enjoy the success of the project.

It was moved by Councillor M Wyatt, seconded by Councillor T Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The comments made by Community Scrutiny on 13 July 2023 be noted.
2. That a phased delivery of the Ecopark project at Hermitage Recreation Ground be approved.
3. That the planned £32,260 funding from the National Forest to be incorporated into the Council’s Capital Programme for 2023/24 be recommended to full Council on 5 September 2023.
4. That the addition of £20,600 funding from the National Forest to the revenue budget as an earmarked reserve, to be drawn down by £1000 annually, be approved.
5. That a virement of £130,000 to the Ecopark project from the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, held in the Council’s 2023/24 Capital Programme and earmarked for the Ecopark Development, be approved.
6. That a further report will be presented to Cabinet for consideration on the delivery of additional enhanced biodiversity improvements within the Ecopark, once funding has been secured to deliver this element, be noted.

Reason for decision: to allow a phased delivery of the Ecopark project at the Hermitage Recreation Ground.