Decisions

RESOLVED

That  

i)     the Council commit to building an extended alternative facility at Highwood with a 240 m² hall and ancillary facilities including a nursery, subject to agreeing a pre-letting arrangement with a nursery operator;

ii)    an independent report in order to assess the current and future needs for community facilities in Horsham Town and the wider district be commissioned;

iii)   any viable option submitted for the future of the Drill Hall which accords with Council policies and was submitted during a period of two years (or until the completion of the new Highwood Community facility), would be considered by cabinet with a final recommendation to Full Council for approval; and;

iv)   Failing an alternative viable option coming forward within a period of two years to approve decommissioning of the Drill Hall to release this site for affordable housing on completion of the Highwood Community Centre.

Reasons for Recommendations

To rationalise the Council’s community assets to maximise their usefulness, reduce running costs and to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

RESOLVED

That:

i)       The Horsham District Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation Document be published for a six-week consultation between 17 February 2020 and 30 March 2020: and;

ii)      Authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Planning and Development to agree any necessary minor editorial changes to the Horsham District Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation Document.

Reasons for Recommendations

i)          It is both necessary and appropriate to invite public and stakeholder participation in the preparation of a new Local Plan for Horsham District.

ii)         In order to ensure that the consultation documentation is accurately prepared.

RESOLVED

That

i)     the inclusion of a ‘no-change’ CTR scheme to be approved at full Council be agreed.

ii)    the Empty Homes Premium increase to 200% for homes empty for more than five years from April 2020, and to 300% for homes empty for more than ten years from 2021/22 be adopted.

Reasons for Recommendations

1. CTR schemes are annual schemes and therefore require an annual review and approval, even when no changes to the scheme are being proposed.

    II.        To enable the Council to sustain a robust Empty Homes Strategy by bringing empty homes back into use.

RESOLVED

That:

i)             It be approved in principle that the Council enter into an agreement with CityFibre for an extension of the Council’s full fibre connectivity using the West Sussex County Council’s framework and the seven year revenue model.

ii)            the final approval of sites and contract detail subject to approval of funding of £802,440 from the business rates pooling being approved by West Sussex Leaders be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader,

Reasons for Recommendations

i)          This change will make the Council’s services fit for the next seven years from the date of build, expected to be in the second half of 2022.