Agenda item - Stanmer Park – Permission to Consult on Master Plan in Preparation for Heritage Lottery Fund Grant Application

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1.            That Committee notes the progress made to date on the Stanmer project

2.            That Committee grants permission to consult on a Master Plan for Stanmer Park

3.            That Committee approves the proposed governance arrangements for the management of the project through to submission of the funding bid.

73.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that summarised the progress made on the Master Plan for restoration and improvement works of Stanmer Park to date, set out the proposed governance arrangements to oversee delivery of the Plan and sought permission to consult on the Plan.

73.2         Councillor Sykes asked if the SDNPA could be offered temporary accommodation as should the bid be successful, the time-scale for the start of works would not be until 2017.

73.3         The Chair added that the current accommodation was in a very poor condition and he would be highly disappointed if the SDNPA were forced to move to different accommodation for that reason.

73.4         The Head of Strategy & Projects clarified that there would be further discussions about possible opportunities for interim arrangements.

73.5         Councillor Davey stated that Stanmer Park was unique and residents were fortunate to have such a location close to the city. Councillor Davey added that although there were superb transport links to the area, it required investment and he hoped the bid would be successful.

73.6         Councillor Mitchell stated that she fully supported the proposals and expressed her hope that the vision for Stanmer Park could be realised.

73.7         Councillor Janio stated his support for the proposals and asked if the there was a timetable for further reports on the issue to be submitted to the Committee as work progressed.

73.8         The Head of Strategy & Projects clarified that there would be a report submitted to the Committee subsequent to the consultation and before submission of the HLF grant application.

73.9         Councillor Wealls asked if the current rental income could be used to borrow capital for re-development.

73.10    The Head of Strategy & Projects clarified that although opportunities to generate income from the land were been examined for the future, the current rental income of £105,000 was not sufficient to use for borrowing or investment.

73.11    RESOLVED-

1.            That Committee notes the progress made to date on the Stanmer project

2.            That Committee grants permission to consult on a Master Plan for Stanmer Park

3.            That Committee approves the proposed governance arrangements for the management of the project through to submission of the funding bid.