Agenda item

Report number PLA549 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration.                                                                      (attached)

DECISION:

(1)        That part (2) of minute CO78 relating to a contribution from the Stamford Town Council be deleted and that the District Council proceeds with its contribution towards the scheme;

(2)        The payment of the District Council’s contribution in three instalments of 40%, 40% and 20% to be linked in with the three main components of the scheme being Sheep Market North, Red Lion Square, and Sheep Market South.  These three components to be considered the specified outcomes to be delivered; the second 40% of funding to be payable upon satisfactory completion of the Sheep Market North component;

(3)        The other outcomes to be fulfilled are:

(i)                 during implementation, the satisfaction of the Highways Authority on the running of the project to be achieved;

(ii)               engaging the community in art workshops;

(iii)             delivering the phases on time and to budget;

(iv)             selecting and maintaining a quality standard of workmanship in all phases with positive ongoing feedback from the businesses and communities as to disruption minimisation by the contractor;

(v)               on completion, success to be measured by national recognition, increased footfall, positive post-evaluation by the residents, particularly in the quality of the environment, impact of the artwork, improved responses in the business survey, greater use of Red Lion Square for events, positive feedback from funding bodies, and reduction in accidents;

(4)        Noting that both the Economic Portfolio Holder and the Resources & Assets Portfolio Holder are satisfied with the design of the scheme and the liabilities and responsibilities likely to accrue to this Council have largely been resolved, subject to a small number of issues to be discussed by the Portfolio Holders;

(5)        Noting the scheme has been prioritised and allows for maximum flexibility in adjusting the scope of the works to suit the contract sum.  Therefore no further financial assistance will be forthcoming from the District Council.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)     Report number PLA549 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration referring to the Cabinet’s previous decision on 7^th November 2005 to contribute £350,000 towards the Stamford Gateway public realm scheme, subject to a number of outcomes;

(2)     The Stamford Town Council were invited to contribute towards the scheme but at its meeting held on 13^th December 2005 declined to do so although supported the project in principle;

(3)     Having regard to support for the scheme expressed earlier in 2005 by the Stamford Town Council, results of local consultation with the public and all those affected by the scheme also showing support, evaluation of the scheme by the Welland SSP, Lincolnshire County Council, SKDC, the Arts Council, and the East Midlands Tourist Board all being positive, the District Council still proceeds with the scheme in the light of the response from the Stamford Town Council subject to the outcomes specified;

(4)     Noting the outcome from an informal meeting between the Cabinet and members of the Stamford Town Council;

(5)     The scheme is a category A priority and accords with the majority views expressed by the local community.

[Before reaching its formal decision on this item the Cabinet adjourned for five minutes between 10.55am and 11.00am.]