Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Ball and D Bigby.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions from members of the public under rule no.10 of the Council Procedure Rules. The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

There were no public questions.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2025.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2025.

It was moved by Councillor A Barker, seconded by Councillor E Parle and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2025 be approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

To consider any outstanding items from previous meetings.

The update was noted.

To report on cabinet’s response to recommendations made by the Community Scrutiny Committee.

The update was noted.

Report of the Head of Community Services

Councillor M Wyatt, Portfolio Holder, presented the report.

Several questions of clarity we asked and responded to by officers.

A discussion was had regarding the litter picking volunteers and the great work they did.  Members suggested that an event be organized to thank the volunteers, which was welcomed by officers.

The campaign’s impact on communities was praised, and it was suggested that more marketing be done, using the photographs and information within the report.  It was noted that the campaign was being pushed further into the rural parts of the district and Members felt that additional marketing would help share what is being done with the wider community.

The progress made in years one and two of the campaign was noted.

The Committee made the following recommendations for officers to consider on the draft year three action plan:

RECOMMENDED THAT:

1)    The campaign continues, be sustainable and to expand into more      areas.

2)    Volunteers be rewarded with a ‘thank you’ event.

3)    Marketing be increased to share the good work undertaken with the    wider community.

Report of the Head of Community Services

Councillor M Wyatt, Portfolio Holder, presented the report.

Concerns were raised about the methodology used to create the strategies and the data set, including paddle sport and drive time to sports facilities assumptions.  The validity of the data set was also questioned.  Officers confirmed that the methodology used was of a standard set by Sports England with input from various national governing bodies of sport.  Therefore, in their opinion it was reliable and assurances were made on its validity.  Further explanations were given and the risk of deviating from standard methodology were stressed.

Comments were made on the environmental implications of the use of 3G sports pitches, and it was questioned if there was anything in place to deal with the matter.  Officers confirmed that sustainability matters would be considered at the project delivery stage.

During discussion, some Members advocated for clearer timelines for projects including consultation periods, feasibility studies to be carried out and tighter definitions for community facilities.  Concerns were raised that without a theoretical timeframe for projects, then they may be lost under Local Government Reorganisation.  Officers clarified that the report was not in relation to the delivery of the projects, but the creation of an evidence base to assist with future project funding.  Therefore, the actions requested by Members would be for the next stage in the project process. Following further discussions, it was agreed for the Committee to recommend to Cabinet that they undertake the feasibility studies and funding for specific projects as identified within the strategies as part of the next steps within the lifetime of this council.

The Committee continued to have discussions regarding timelines, the conclusion of which was the suggestion that it was something that could be looked at by the Scrutiny Work Programming Group as part of future horizon scanning.

Comments were made on the lack of consideration for changing rooms and ancillary buildings.  Officers clarified that these were separate matters that were included as part of the Football Foundation’s Local Football Facilities plans.

The Chair thanked Members for their contributions.

RECOMMMENDED THAT CABINET:

Considers undertaking the feasibility studies and funding for specific projects as identified in the strategies during the life of the authority before Local Government Reorganisation.

Report of the Head of Economic Regeneration and Property

Councillor R Blunt, the Leader of the Council, presented the report.

Several questions of clarity were asked and responded to by the Leader of the Council and officers.

In relation to the proposed housing development, the financial implications of affordable housing versus market housing were raised.  The consensus was that a mixed-use development was preferred which included social housing.  Members stressed the need for proper proportion of social housing.  It was also suggested that homes be accessible for specific demographics.  Officers explained the budget allocation and the funding plans.  The potential for a mixed-use development was acknowledged, and it was confirmed that more work was needed on this once the principle was agreed for housing on the site.

During discussion, the timing of the project was questioned due to the risk of funds being absorbed into the new authority as part of Local Government Reorganisation.  The Leader of the Council acknowledged that time was critical and confirmed that the aim was to secure maximum revenue and continue the regeneration of Coalville within the current lifetime of the authority.

Members noted the mixed public feedback from the consultation responses and felt that future marketing and public communication were essential to gain the support of the public.  The Leader of the Council and Officers confirmed their commitment to continued public engagement and communication during the project.

A discussion was had on the heritage of the site and the possible opportunity to investigate what may be in the ground once works start.  It was acknowledged that the Coalville Heritage Society had shown interest and investigated grant funding to assist, which was unfortunately unsuccessful.  The Committee agreed to recommend to Cabinet that the Coalville Heritage Society be encouraged to investigate options available to help fund some archaeological investigations.

Following a request from Members, officers provided some further details on the plans and materials for the gardens.  The consultants for the project also gave details on the proposed trees for planting.  Members welcomed the plans and agreed to recommend to Cabinet that more marketing be undertaken to showcase the design visuals and promote the project with the aim to gain more community involvement.

The Chair thanked Members for their contributions.

RECOMMMENDED THAT CABINET:

1)    Encourage the Coalville Heritage Society to investigate the options     available to help fund some archaeological investigations on the site     when works begin and there is access to the ground.

2)    Undertake more marketing to showcase the design visuals and promote        the project with the aim to gain more community involvement.

To consider any items to be included in the work programme. The plan of forthcoming Cabinet decisions and the current work programme are attached for information.

Consideration was given to the future work programme.

A discussion was had Section 106 Agreements as a possible future item.  The Strategic Director of Place confirmed this would be referred for further discussion at the Scrutiny Work Programming Group.

The future work programme was noted.