Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Councillor R Ashman presented the report to Members.

A full and lengthy debate was held which received much support but some reservations were expressed, particularly over the costs, sourcing of funding for the Council’s contribution, and on deliverability of the proposals considering external factors such those relating to HS2. But in the main it was felt it was better to be ‘in the tent’ than ‘outside of it’ in order that the Council can have some influence on the outcomes.

It was moved by Councillor R Ashman, seconded by Councillor D Harrison and by a vote of 30 for and 4 against it was subsequently

RESOLVED THAT: Council

(1)         Notes the work that has been done to date on this project and the recommendations from Cabinet at its meeting on 10th November 2020 as detailed in the update report;

(2)         Approves making a financial contribution of £500,000 to support the Interim Vehicle over the next 3 years, with the additional funding required to be allocated          through the reallocation of existing economic development earmarked reserves no longer required and subject to the agreed funding contributions from other affected local authorities and Government funding being secured;

(3)         Approves the Council to join the Interim Vehicle and participate in the     incorporation of it;

(4)          Approves in principle to the Council entering into the Members’            Agreement and participating in the incorporation of the Interim      Vehicle CLG and delegates authority for agreeing the final form of            the Members’ Agreement and articles of association to the Strategic Director (Place) in consultation with the Planning and Infrastructure         Portfolio Holder;

(5)         Notes the proposal to appoint the Portfolio holder for Planning and Infrastructure as Director of the Interim Vehicle by Cabinet at its meeting on 10 November 2020.