Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Democratic Services Officer will read out the emergency evacuation procedure as set out in the notes.

The Senior Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Alison Born and Lucy Hodge.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest, (as defined in Part 4.4 Appendix B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no urgent business.

Questions submitted before the deadline will receive a reply from an appropriate Cabinet member or an undertaking to respond within 5 working days of the meeting.  Councillors may ask one supplementary question for each question they submit, up to a maximum of two per Councillor.

There were 10 questions from Councillors and 17 questions from members of the public.

[Copies of the questions and responses, including supplementary questions and responses if any, have been placed on the Minute book as Appendix 1 and are available on the Council's website.]

Councillors and members of the public may register their intention to make a statement if they notify the subject matter of their statement before the deadline.  Statements are limited to 3 minutes each.  The speaker may then be asked by Cabinet members to answer factual questions arising out of their statement.

There were no statements from members of the public or councillors.

To be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 10^th July 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

This is a standard agenda item, to cover any reports originally placed on the Weekly List for single Member decision making, which have subsequently been the subject of a Cabinet Member requisition to the full Cabinet, under the Council’s procedural rules.

No single member items were requisitioned to Cabinet.

This is a standing agenda item (Constitution rule 3.3.14) for matters referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny bodies.  The Chair of the relevant Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel will have the right to attend and to introduce the Panel’s recommendations to Cabinet.

No matters were referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels.

To note the list of Cabinet Single Member decisions taken and published since the last Cabinet meeting (no debate).

The Cabinet agreed to note the report.

In 2024 the Council received planning permission for a 16-unit specialist supported housing development on land to the rear of 89-123 Englishcombe Lane, Bath.  The Council is now able to proceed with the proposed development and the Cabinet is asked to provide final authority and budget approval.

Cllr Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  The proposed development is not just policy compliant—it is award-winning and designed to meet critical local needs.

·  The improved design replaces a previously approved 37-home scheme with a less dense, more sensitive plan based on community feedback.

·  The development offers housing for 16 vulnerable residents, including individuals with autism or learning difficulties, and young people transitioning from children’s services.

·  The onsite services are designed with care professionals to provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment and onsite support for independent living.

·  Despite a lack of national protection for local Tufa flushes, the scheme treats ecological features as assets, achieving a 20% biodiversity net gain—double the policy requirement.

·  The scheme has received national recognition being shortlisted in the Design in Mental Health Awards and winning both a National Planning Award and National Design Award.

·  The scheme was heavily shaped by local input. Residents who demanded a better alternative were heard and their feedback directly influenced the redesign.  There will be continuing community involvement during the build-out phase.

·  Cllr McCabe thanked Homes England, council officers, and residents for their contributions to the scheme’s success.

Cllr Paul May seconded the motion.  He expressed support for the development and emphasised its importance for adults with complex needs. He highlighted the scheme’s planning approval and budget authorisation as a vital step toward addressing a local shortage of supported living accommodation. The housing is designed to offer a peaceful, accessible environment with onsite care, enabling residents to live independently while staying close to their families and avoiding costly placements outside the area.

Cllr Mark Elliott also expressed support for the scheme.  He noted that it would help to reduce financial pressure on Adult Services and would also improve the provision for those vulnerable people with complex needs for whom the Council has a statutory and moral duty to support.  It also represents the best option available from an environmental perspective.

Cllr Joel Hirst welcomed the evolution of the housing scheme for this site.  The Cabinet and officers have listened carefully to the concerns of residents regarding the original scheme.  The new scheme is integrated into the community making it easier to access local amenities.  The goal is to create a peaceful living environment for residents with high needs to be able to live as independently as possible.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To implement the development, composed of 16 units of specialist supported housing, as approved in planning application reference number 24/01168/REG03, or its successors in function.

(2)  To delegate authority to the Director of Capital and Housing Delivery to accept Homes England Grant, associated with the development, and other relevant significant delivery decisions.

The Cabinet is asked to adopt an amendment to the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone Local Development Order recommended by the Local Planning Authority, to meet the aims of policy SSV9 of the Local Plan and to ensure compliance with relevant highway standards and guidance.

Cllr Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·Cllr Roper highlighted the work of the Regeneration Team to provide the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) to encourage investment and regeneration to this area of North East Somerset.  The team is working alongside Midsomer Norton Town Council and WECA to deliver this project.

·The SVEZ is an example of doing something difficult and challenging to create jobs for the local area.  The scheme will bring around 1,000 new jobs to the Somer Valley.

·A decision is required to make a technical change to a roundabout and footpath.  The road network will also be upgraded to provide safe travel routes.

Cllr Sarah Warren seconded the motion and noted that this is an important project providing local jobs alongside sustainable travel options.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To adopt an amendment to the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) Local Development Order (LDO) recommended by the Local Planning Authority, to meet the aims of policy SSV9 of the Local Plan, and to ensure compliance with relevant highway standards and guidance. The LDO amendment relates to condition 5 (supporting documents) and condition 12 (highway approved plans). It is proposed to adopt revised plans for the Thicket Mead roundabout and A362 works adjacent to Sunnyside. A minor revision to the LDO boundary for the off-site highways works at Sunnyside is proposed. The wording of condition 12 is proposed to be amended to remove its status as a ‘fixed compliance’ condition.

(2)  To delegate to the Director of Capital & Housing Delivery, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, the authority to adopt future amendments to the LDO as approved under Decision E3486. Such amendments shall be limited to those within the remit of section 96A and 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The report gives details of performance against the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for the first three months of 2025/26.

Cllr Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the item, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

•   The report describes a positive financial performance.

•   The operational investment returns slightly exceeded the benchmark rate.

•   Interest and capital financing costs are forecast to be £175k under budget, offering relief to the revenue budget.

•   The upcoming “Fair Funding Review” by central government may negatively impact Bath & North East Somerset, making budget savings especially valuable.

•   Borrowing increased by £3.5 million, totalling just under £280 million.  This is standard practice for funding capital projects and is not unusual or excessive.

•   The Capital Financing Requirement is forecast at £441.8 million, representing total planned capital scheme funding needs.  Actual borrowing remains well below this figure due to prudent financial management.

·  Cllr Elliott commended officers for effectively managing cash, investments and borrowing and prioritising use of reserves before taking on new debt.  Performance indicators show that the council is within limits on all seven key Treasury Management Indicators.

Cllr Joel Hirst seconded the motion.  He stated that the report shows that the Council has control over borrowing and takes an excellent approach to investments.  B&NES has been consistent at balancing the budget and managing finances well, which means that it is better able to deliver for residents.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To note the Treasury Management Report to 30^th June 2025, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice.

(2)  To note the Treasury Management Indicators to 30^th June 2025.