Report to Councillor Jayawardena –
Deputy Leader and
Portfolio Holder for Strategy
12 February 2015
Subject:
Local Infrastructure Fund:
Round 3 project proposals of up to £250,000
Status:
Open
Report Ref:
908/SC
Ward(s):
Burghclere, Highclere and St Mary Bourne, Bramley and
Sherfield, Pamber and Silchester, Overton, Laverstoke
and Steventon
Key Decision:
Yes
Key Decision Ref:
908/SC
Report of:
Lesley Murphy – Policy Manager
Contact:
Jane Rawlins-Mateus – Policy Officer. Direct Line: 01256
845269, email: jane.rawlins-mateus@basingstoke.gov.uk
Appendices:
Details of proposed projects
Papers relied on to Local Infrastructure Fund application forms and
produce this report: supporting documentation
SUMMARY
1.
This Report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to present applications (of up to £250,000) to Round 3 of
the Local Infrastructure Fund (LIF) that are in a position to be considered, and make
proposals for funding. The applications that are not reviewed in this report will be
considered in separate Portfolio Holder and Cabinet reports as appropriate.
2.
Recommendation
It is proposed that the Portfolio Holder considers the information presented in this
report and approves the following:
2.1 Funding of up to £189,661 is released and ring-fenced from available LIF funds for
the following projects, subject to the specific conditions noted in this report being met:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Up to £27,400 for general upgrading and refurbishment of Ecchinswell playing
field play park
Up to £2,261 towards the cost of a replacement boiler at Stratfield Saye
Village Hall
Up to £50,000 to convert an existing dedicated plot of land in Sherfield on
Loddon into a functional cemetery, by providing hard landscaping features
Up to £6,500 is allocated for a feasibility study to investigate the options for the
development of a riverside walk in Overton and up to £103,500 ring-fenced
towards the provision of a footpath
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PRIORITIES, IMPACTS AND RISKS
3.
Contribution to Council Priorities
3.1 This report accords with the council’s Budget and Policy Framework and directly
supports the Council Plan priorities of creating neighbourhoods where people feel
safe and want to live, supporting active healthy and involved communities.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Term
Definition
LIF
Local Infrastructure Fund
BDBC
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
NHB
New Homes Bonus
MAIN CONSIDERATIONS
4.
Background
4.1 The Government introduced the New Homes Bonus (NHB) in April 2011. This bonus
is aimed at supporting areas and communities that have been affected by recent
housing growth (since October 2009). For every new home built and occupied in
Basingstoke and Deane, the Government gives the council a NHB grant each year
for six years. The council has allocated the majority of the NHB received to improving
infrastructure, half of which is being allocated to strategic projects and half through
the LIF.
4.2 LIF was launched in December 2013 and is intended to support projects that make a
significant, long lasting impact on the local community and benefit or relate
particularly to the areas of development that have accrued NHB. Typically LIF
funding is granted to capital projects, however, revenue schemes are considered on
an exceptions basis.
5.
Proposed projects and LIF allocation
A summary of applications and recommendations for funding is provided below. More
detail of the proposals presented is provided in the Appendix, which is based on
evidence received from applicants and an assessment of how projects have met the
LIF criteria.
Ward
Organisation Project
LIF funding
applied for
£25,500
LIF
funding
available
£82,867
Recommended
LIF
allocation
Up to £27,400
Burghclere,
Highclere
and St Mary
Bourne
Pamber and
Silchester
Ecchinswell
Village Hall
Upgrade and
refurbishment
of play park
Stratfield
Saye Parish
Council
Stratfield Saye
Village Hall
boiler
replacement
£8,000
£2,261
Up to £2,261
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Sherfield on
Loddon
Sherfield on
Loddon
Parish
Council
Overton
Overton
Parish
Council
6.
Commissioning £50,000
of a new
cemetery for
Sherfield on
Loddon
Provision of a
£110,000
riverside walk
£359,319
Up to £50,000
£134,730
£6,500 for
feasibility study
£103,500 to be
ring fenced for
final works
LIF Terms and Conditions
6.1 Any funding agreed will be subject to such conditions as are appropriate in order to
safeguard the purpose for which the funding was intended. These have been
established in line with standard council Terms and Conditions for external funding
and include an agreement that the project will not require any further funding from the
council after the stated project end date and that there will be no on-going liabilities to
the council. Specific project conditions are identified in the detailed commentary
provided in the Appendix.
7.
Corporate Implications
7.1 Financial Implications
The council has set up a LIF which allocates 40% of NHB Grant to projects that will
have a significant impact in the local area. The total amount of LIF funding available
in 2014/15 is £4.6M. Of this amount £991,100 has been released to projects to date,
leaving an available sum of approximately £3.6M. A breakdown of this figure by area
is available on the council’s website (link).
The proposed grants totalling £189,661 can be met from the LIF resources available
for each of the relevant areas. After agreeing these grants the balance of LIF
available for future schemes would be approximately £3.4M.
If the recommendations are agreed, specific budgets for £189,661 will be released
from LIF provisions into the main capital programme, once any specific conditions
attached to the projects (outlined in the Appendix of this report) have been met.
7.2 Risk Issues
The general risk for the LIF is that projected costs may be understated or anticipated
partner contributions may not be received, leaving a need for further funding. In order
to mitigate against this, applications for funding need to demonstrate evidence of
partner funding where appropriate and that an adequate level of contingency is
included within the schemes costing.
7.3 HR Issues
No implications.
7.4 Equalities
When taking into account the Public Sector Equality Duty, under the Equality Act
2010, no significant issues have been identified with the proposals put forward. It is
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noted that the installation of a ‘birds nest swing’ at the Ecchinswell play park
facilitates access for disabled users with specific access needs.
The feasibility study carried out and design options for the path would need to take
into account the needs of the protected characteristics groups (Equality Act 2010),
particularly those with physical or sensory impairments or buggies etc. Any final
proposal put forward would be subject to an Equality impact Assessment.
7.5 Legal Implications
As noted in the report.
8.
Portfolio Holder Comments
This Decision proposes to allocate almost £190,000 to communities that have had
housing growth in the recent past. With improvements to the playing field in
Ecchinswell, the village hall boiler replacement in Stratfield Saye and the creation of
a new cemetery in Sherfield-on-Loddon, this Decision will improve the quality of life
for people in our borough.
I also support the principle of improved access to the River Test. However, given that
the path proposed is to be constructed through an area within the SSSI designation,
this should be thought through carefully. That’s why I believe it is important that the
feasibility study includes a consideration of alternative routes for a path, so that the
best route can be determined. This work should be conducted and considered fully,
prior to any allocation of funding to undertake construction.
If these proposals are taken alongside my last decision, 8/2015, the Council is
providing almost £500,000 to communities – urban and rural – to improve their social
infrastructure. This is as part of over £4 million available through the LIF across the
borough in 2014/15. LIF is funded through ‘New Homes Bonus’ a policy of HM
Government since 2010.
It is right that infrastructure improvements are made across our part of north
Hampshire. LIF is the delivering the long-lasting improvements that residents want to
see. This investment is only possible because we have a strong economy and a
long-term plan for our Council’s finances.
9.
Communication and Consultation
9.1 The LIF application process requires that Ward Councillors be consulted regarding
their support for the proposals. All projects presented in this report have been
presented to Ward Councillors and, where relevant, local Parish or Town Councils.
9.2 The decision-making process for LIF involves consultation with the Deputy Leader
and Portfolio Holder for Strategy (following, where appropriate, consultation with any
relevant Portfolio Holder/s and/or the Leader of the Council) for allocations up to
£250,000. Decisions regarding projects over £250,000 will be made by Cabinet.
10. Conclusion
This report presents proposals for funding LIF Round 3 projects received that are in a
position to be considered, making proposals for the allocation of LIF funding (subject
to the conditions outlined in this report being met). All projects that are
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recommended for funding will have a significant long lasting impact for local
communities in areas of recent housing growth.
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Appendix – Details of Projects
Burghclere, Highclere and St Mary Bourne
Ecchinswell Village play park upgrade and refurbishment
Project
Funding is sought by Ecchinswell Village Hall Trust for general
upgrading and refurbishment of the existing play park on the playing
field in the centre of Ecchinswell village. This includes replacing items
or parts of equipment, making some play features safer and refurbishing. This proposal will benefit local children and families from
the new Bishop’s Green estates and other areas of Ecchinswell,
Sydmonton and Bishop’s Green Parish, which includes 90 children
from the local school.
The work will avoid the play park having to be closed by bringing it
back up to meet health and safety standards and requirements. It will
provide a fully functioning facility and community space, with a life
span of approximately 20-25 years, which will enhance the wellbeing
of children and families in the village and surrounding area.
Need has been evidenced through Basingstoke and Deane’s
commissioned DUNLOP report, issued in 2012, which highlighted that
the play area surfaces are all in poor condition. There are also other
parts of the play area that are in need of repair/replacement. If no
action is taken to address these issues, it is likely that the play park
will have to close in the next 12 months. No formal consultation has
been carried out; however, evidence has been gathered from current
users of the park, who are all in support of the proposal.
The project cost is estimated to be £30,400 and LIF funding applied
for is £25,500. The Village hall is looking at alternative sources,
including the Greenham Trust, which could potentially match fund
other sources of funding, this would therefore reduce the LIF
allocation. However, any application for match funding would require
confirmation of support from BDBC. It is anticipated that the outcome
of the Greenham Common Trust application would be confirmed at the
end of April 2015. Any LIF allocation would be finalised after this date.
There is currently £1,387 of Section 106 developer contributions
available for play improvements in this area, which should be used
towards the project (subject to a separate report).
The project would be delivered and managed by Ecchinswell Village
Hall Trustees and all major future repair costs will be funded by
fundraising events and local maintenance supported by the hall. It is
anticipated that this project would start around Spring of 2015.
Ward Councillor
and Parish
Council
comment
Ward Councillors Izett and Faulkner and Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and
Bishops Green Parish Council have confirmed their support of this
proposal, subject to appropriate verification of the tendered costs, the
contribution from the Greenham Trust and proper completion of the
works.
Officer comment This proposal meets LIF criteria and will benefit Ecchinswell
and
community as it acts as the main play provision in the village. Should
recommendation the Village Hall Trust be unsuccessful in its bid to Greenham Common
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Trust, there would be a funding gap of up to £4,900. The Village Hall
Trust has confirmed that approximately £3,000 of Village Hall funds
could go towards coving this gap.
On this basis, and when taking into account the available £1,300
Section 106 developer contributions available, it is proposed that that
LIF funding up to £27,400 is allocated to this project, subject to the
following conditions:





confirmation of outcome of funding application to Greenham Trust
Section 106 developers contributions being received or alternative
funding is confirmed to cover the total cost of the project
relevant planning and other legal permissions being granted
work being procured in accordance with BDBC procedures
LIF Terms and Conditions and all other relevant supporting
information
Pamber and Silchester
Stratfield Saye boiler replacement
Project
Stratfield Saye Parish Council are seeking funding to purchase and
install a new boiler in Stratfield Saye Village Hall to replace the
existing boiler, which is old and beyond economic repair, having
broken down several times last winter. This project would benefit local
residents from areas of new and existing housing and ensure that
community activities, including classes, acting as a polling station and
parish events, could continue at the hall throughout the year. It would
also avoid the costs of electric heaters that are inefficient and
expensive.
No specific public consultation has been carried out. However, the
Parish Council advises that due to the lack of public transport in the
area the Village Hall has a significant role in the village and benefit to
local residents. The hall is used by approximately 80 people per week
plus 25 per month for coffee mornings and varying numbers for other
events.
The total cost of the boiler is estimated to be £8,000: £8,000 has been
requested from the LIF. It has been noted that the Parish Council
could commit £1,000 to the project and there is an intention to
approach the Ward Councillor for a contribution from his County
funding budget (each County Councillor has an annual budget of
£8,000 to be spent on local projects or initiatives in their electoral
division). The project is viable in the long term as funding needed for
maintenance and repair would be met by the additional revenues
generated and the Parish Council’s own contingency fund. The project
would be managed by the Parish Council in conjunction with the
Village Hall Management Committee. It is anticipated that the project
would be completed within a year.
Ward Councillor
comment
Councillor Gardiner has stated that he is fully supportive of the
application to replace the boiler in the village hall. He notes that, the
application is modest but will have a significant impact on the
continued use of the village hall which is an important part of the
infrastructure in this rural community. Councillor Tucker has also
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confirmed her support for the project.
Officer comment This scheme is significantly below the stated threshold and focus of
and
the LIF and LIF funding available for the Stratfield Saye is £2,261,
recommendation which is insufficient to cover the cost of the boiler. Under normal
circumstances, an application of this nature would be more suitable to
the BDBC Leisure Facilities and Community Buildings Capital Grants
Fund. However, there is no funding available through that scheme at
this time. It is understood that £4,114 of Section 106 developer
contributions can be made available for this purpose.
Whilst no business plan has been provided with this application, the
information included in the LIF application has demonstrated the key
aspects of the project and how it will be sustainable. It is therefore
proposed that £2,261 of LIF funding is released for this project,
subject to the following conditions:

available Section 106 developers contributions being received or
alternative funding is confirmed to cover the total cost of the project
 work being procured in accordance with BDBC procedures
 LIF Terms and Conditions and all other relevant supporting
information
N.B. Release of S106 funding would be subject to a separate report.
Sherfield on Loddon
Commissioning of the new Cemetery for Sherfield on Loddon
Project
Conversion of an existing dedicated plot of land into a functional multifaith cemetery, by providing hard landscaping features, e.g. fencing,
hedging, seats, paths, and an entrance/shelter. Land has been
purchased by the Parish Council, and planning permission has been
granted (following reference to the Environment Agency) for the
change of use from Agricultural to Burial ground (BDB/65020).
This project would be of general benefit to all residents in the local
area and the new cemetery has space for around 500 plots, which
should ensure sufficient space to meet the current level of
requirements for at least the next 50 years. The project is needed as
the adjacent church graveyard is now full and the local population is
increasing, particularly at Taylors Farm. No specific consultation has
been carried out; however, lack of plots to meet current demand from
local Parishioners demonstrates the need for this project. In response
to residents’ comments this funding is intended to provide hard
landscaping features to change the current ‘open field’ appearance to
a more recognisable burial ground.
The cost of the project is estimated to be £55,000 and £50,000 has
been requested from the LIF funding available. The £25,000 purchase
cost of the additional land was funded by a Public Works Loan. The
Parish Council has budgeted £5,000 as a starting fund for this project.
A Parish Council sub-committee would manage the work in
conjunction with the landscape designer/consultant. The cemetery
would be sustainable as it is anticipated that it will provide an income
of £2,500-£4,000 per annum, and its maintenance will consist only of
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grass cutting, already a part of regular Parish Council expenditure.
The current cost of burials strongly favours parishioners and, should
Taylors Farm be removed from the Parish in the forthcoming
Governance Review, the Parish Council would need to enable the
current residents of Taylor’s Farm to continue benefitting from “inParish” rates. It is anticipated that this project would be completed 2
years from the date of a decision made on the LIF funding.
Ward Councillor
and Parish
Council
comment
This proposal has been submitted by the Parish Council and is
supported by Ward Councillors Jayawardena and Tomblin. Cllr
Tomblin notes that, ‘it is a worthy cause to be able to offer the local
community on-going opportunity to keep the memories of their
departed residents in a local setting. Given the existing burial ground
is full and that the required land has already been purchased then this
scheme will provide a very respectful setting by way of its design and
provision of hard landscaping at a modest cost’.
Officer comment This project is supported on the grounds that need has been
and
evidenced and there is local support for the work. It is proposed that
recommendation funding of up to £50,000 is released for this project subject to the
following conditions:




relevant planning and other legal permissions being granted
work being procured in accordance with BDBC procedures
LIF Terms and Conditions and all other relevant supporting
information
in the instance that governance arrangements for the Sherfield
Park community at Taylors Farm change, the Parish Council will
ensure that the ‘in-parish’ cost of burials would be maintained for
Taylors Farm residents within the existing Sherfield on Loddon
parish boundary.
Overton
Overton riverside walk
Project
The first stage of this project is to carry out a feasibility study to inform
the development of a riverside walk along one bank of the River Test
through Overton village. The second stage is to construct a footpath to
create access to the river for residents from Overton and the
surrounding area. This path would connect to other footpaths in the
village and, once established, the intention would be to develop
community, exercise and leisure activities alongside the river
including; picnic area, seating, fit trail equipment (designed for older
people) and river ecology/biodiversity information for schools.
The LIF application states that housing development at Overton Hill
(300+ houses) has opened up an opportunity with the landowner, to
gain permanent access through transfer of ownership of the land to
either BDBC or the Parish Council. It notes that this land transfer
proposal is to be included as part of the Section 106 agreement
negotiations and that agreement in principal from the landowner has
been obtained for the route. However, it is understood that the current
S106 Agreement does not include a reference to this particular
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riverside walk and, therefore, landowner approval would need to be
confirmed prior to any work being taken forward.
It is understood that Natural England have indicated that it supports
the principle of enhancing public enjoyment of the natural
environment, however, would need further information around the
details of the construction of the path prior to issuing consent. The
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has specific concerns
about some wildlife habitats, however, the applicants anticipates that
these could be managed within the conditions set by Natural England.
Community need has been evidenced through the Overton
Community Plan 2013, which concluded that ‘the most popular
request was to make the river more accessible. This is a major feature
of the local environment, which could provide a valuable additional
leisure resource as well as a learning environment for the local
schools.’ Twenty one organisations in the village were consulted as
part of the planning exercise and all have supported its
recommendations. The Overton Neighbourhood Plan survey, June
2014, received 600 responses, of which, 78% wanted ‘better access
to the riverside and circular footpath routes, provided precautions are
taken to prevent loss of biodiversity’ (However, the plan does state
that proposals leading to loss of biodiversity will be opposed).
The cost of the project is estimated to be £121,800 and £110,000 has
been requested from the LIF funding available, which includes a
feasibility study (£6,500). No partner funding has been secured to date
and funding for additional features would also need to be sought. The
budget has been calculated without being able to undertake a full site
survey, although it is based on the advice of a contractor familiar with
this work and that has undertaken similar projects for HCC and BDBC.
However, the risk is that the ground conditions are variable and
waterlogged, requiring more bridgework and raised walkways, which
may increase the project construction period and cost. Overton Future
(the local Community Planning Group) would oversee the project in
partnership with the Parish Council, which would also be responsible
for on-going maintenance. Proposed project partners are BDBC, HCC
and local walking groups. HCC have confirmed their support for the
proposal, as it links to the HCC Access for All policy and Countryside
Access Plans, and have offered advice and assistance with facilitating
a formal permissive path. It is anticipated that this project could be
completed in one year, subject to the outcome of the feasibility study.
Ward Councillor
and Parish
Council
comment
The project has been submitted by Overton Parish Council (to be
managed by Overton Future). Councillor Baker supports the proposal
and notes that it would meet a long-standing desire of Overton
residents for better access to the River Test, giving the opportunity for
healthy outdoor activity, reducing social isolation and supporting
community cohesion, as well as a better connection with local natural
environment.
Councillor Tilbury notes that, there is a desire in the village for greater
access to the river, however, he has concerns surrounding land
ownership issues, future maintenance costs and the impact of this
proposal on the wildlife in the area. He cites that a previous attempt to
use this area as a public park in the 1980s failed due to objections
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from the Nature Conservancy Council (now Natural England) and the
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Subsequently, in 1996, the
River Test was designated a SSSI by Natural England, giving it and
the wildlife on it an even greater level of protection. Cllr Tilbury
concludes that there are too many unknowns to consider a feasibility
study at present and highlights that one option may be for Overton
Parish Council to come up with a plan that includes: details of who will
own the land, engineering works to be carried out and BDBC support
for pre-application advice. In addition, Cllr Tilbury has commented that
there is another area where a riverside walk may be able to be
achieved for the cost of the feasibility study.
Officer comment Whilst there is evidence of community need and local support for the
proposal, there are some areas of concern. The BDBC Planning team
and
recommendation have noted that there is a need to confirm land owner agreement in
principle, identify potential site constraints and, where necessary
mitigating actions, relating to any highway access/planning
permissions, pedestrian safety, visual impact, ecology and protected
species (given the SSSI), trees, maintenance responsibilities/costs
etc. These areas could be investigated through an initial feasibility
study to confirm whether the proposal is viable, before seeking preapplication advice. BDBC could only support such a scheme if it
demonstrates that it could be delivered without negative impacts on
the area and on the basis that any necessary planning consents and
environmental permits were approved.
The council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy acknowledges that there is
poor access to accessible natural green space in Overton and that the
river is not generally accessible. The strategy supports improvements
to public access, and this project would help fulfil one of the strategy’s
objectives for this area. The strategy also recognises the importance
of the designation and that any additional access to this sensitive
habitat must not have a detrimental impact on the features for which
the site is designated. The BDBC Natural Environment team have also
noted that the proposal calls for a fairly high specification path to be
constructed through an area within the SSSI designation and the
proposals for fit trails, seating and boardwalks are not detailed. The
project would appear to result in a significant land-take within the
designated area and require a raised concrete sandbag reinforced
embankment, which could act as a flood defence, and potentially
change the hydrology of the area. The introduction of a new path
could also increase recreational pressure/disturbance on an area
currently fairly undisturbed.
Based on the information provided and technical views of BDBC
officers, it is recommended that there is a need for the applicant to
approach Natural England and the Environment Agency and the
current landowner about the proposal, prior to any funding being
released for a feasibility study or further works. If support is obtained
in principle from the aforementioned parties, a feasibility study could
be supported.
It is proposed that up to £6,500 is allocated for a feasibility study to
investigate the options for the development of a riverside walk in
Overton, subject to the following conditions:
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

confirmation of support for proposal by current landowner
confirmation of Natural England and the Environment Agency that
they do not foresee any fundamental issues with implementing the
project, subject to the findings of a feasibility study
 the scope and scale of the feasibility study being approved by
relevant BDBC Officers
 the feasibility study includes a consideration of alternative routes
for a path, prior to going forward with the original proposal
 LIF Terms and Conditions and other relevant supporting
information
In addition, it is proposed that up to £103,500 is ring-fenced to go
towards developing the footpath. The allocation of funding for any
work would be subject to the outcome of the feasibility study and
approval via a further report, subject to the following conditions:





the outcome of the feasibility study and approval by relevant BDBC
Officers
confirmation of partner funding within 12 months of the approval of
the feasibility study funding
BDBC planning/legal requirements and procurement procedures
evidence of any necessary additional funding to meet total project
cost and
confirmation that there would be no on-going maintenance costs to
BDBC
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