Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Collins.

There were none.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 September were approved as a true record and signed accordingly.

Questions must be received no later than 12 noon on the seventh working day before the date of the meeting

No Member questions and no petitions had been received. There was one public question:

Question from Gary Clarke  to Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, Councillor Flo Clucas

Can the Cabinet Member confirm, with reference to any existing records or policies from 01 January 2020 to the present, whether there are any plans or intentions to package, transfer, or sell any part of the council’s housing stock, including the approximately 4,800 properties managed by Cheltenham Borough Homes, to pension funds, private equity firms, or other third parties?  If no such plans exist, will the Cabinet commit to issuing a formal, public declaration within 30 days, confirming that this housing stock will remain under the council’s direct ownership, control and management, with no such proposals under consideration?  If such plans do exist, what are the specific details of these proposals, including when they were last discussed, and how do they align with the council’s duties under the Housing Act 1985 to manage its housing stock for public benefit?

Cabinet Member response:

Thank you for your question. The council has no plans to package, transfer, or sell the council’s housing stock. As part of our ongoing approach to strategic asset management there may be occasions when individual properties or types of properties are considered for disposal, for example those where it would not be financially viable to carry out work to meet the decent homes standards.  In such cases disposal may be used with any proceeds being re-investment through the Housing Revenue Account.  

The questioner was not present to ask a supplementary question.

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets introduced the report, saying that these grants help the council to support community and charity groups which play an important role in making Cheltenham a better place to live.  They encourage groups to become more independent and less reliant on council funding, and in order the qualify for a grant they must show that they are working in line with council’s corporate priorities.  

He said the report details an application from Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, a registered charity, which maintains the fields, sports pitches,  pavilion and café, and makes a strong case of evidence for their contribution to all the corporate priorities, in particular enhancing the environment and building a safe and strong community.  They have over 600 members, 49 youth teams, and strong community links, and the council is happy to work collaboratively to support them.

There were no Member questions.

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities was really pleased to note that even in these difficult financial times, when balancing the budget and making sure there is enough money to go round is so challenging, the council is still able to support  the important voluntary and community sector, helping them to continue doing such great work in communities they serve.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm was also very supportive of this award, saying that his experience in helping to plant trees round the borders of Burrows Field, together with the county council and CBC’s greenspace team, had shown him how Leckhampton Rovers are working with the council on our corporate priorities and the environment, as well as providing an incredible amount of sporting opportunity for many teams of all ages.  He congratulated everyone involved for the great job they are doing.

The Leader said the 2016 decision to make grants like this available is one we should be very proud of – these organisations look after our buildings as well as delivering services the council cannot, and they wouldn’t be able to do this if they were charged market rents. Our communities would be poorer and weaker without the facilities and services they provide.

The Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, Parks, Gardens and Green Open Space also recognised the massive input to the town from Friends Groups, and from local football clubs who provide so much opportunity for children of all ages and abilities.  Leckhampton Rovers has taken on a huge project at Burrows Field, with grants from the Football Association and others to improve their pitches and facilities.  It is good that we can support them, and that we continue to support all voluntary organisations as much as possible.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets welcomed and agreed with all Members’ comments, saying this is one of those policies which is more about the outcomes than the money.

RESOLVED (unanimously) THAT:

1.     the following rent support grant  is agreed: 

Applicant:  Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, Burrows Fields and Pavilion

Recommended rent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Report of Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

The Leader read an introduction to the report on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control: 

It is my pleasure to present this consultation document.  If cabinet agree to its publication tonight, it will signal the beginning of a four-week public consultation exercise, which will go live as soon as possible.

This is a new draft nature recovery supplementary planning document (SPD) and it will give the public the opportunity to play a part in this vitally important process. The guidance sets out how future development in Cheltenham can support and improve the natural environment.

Cheltenham already has a wide range of green spaces, including nature reserves, parks, and important wildlife areas. This SPD offers guidance on how new buildings and developments can help connect and improve local green spaces, wildlife habitats, and the overall health of nature in Cheltenham. 

Residents, developers, and community groups can now share their views on the draft SPD, which launches on 7 November 2025 and runs until 7 December.  The consultation will be available on the council’s website. 

This draft guidance sets out how we can build in a way that supports wildlife, protects green spaces, and help nature thrive across Cheltenham. We’re keen to hear from residents, developers and community groups so we can shape a final document that works for everyone and makes a real difference.  Hopefully, it really will be a win-win opportunity for us all.

This work supports the policies in our development plan and links to the emerging Gloucestershire local nature recovery strategy which identifies the best places to restore nature and the most important actions to take. 

Hopefully, cabinet colleagues will be able to support both the recommendations contained in this consultation document.

I am sure that you have all been able to read it in full.  However, I just wanted to say that it is fully in line with our corporate plan priorities, and aligns with the following actions:

·         We will drive increased biodiversity in our borough and fully utilise our planning system to encourage developers to enhance our natural environment, mitigating the impact of new buildings.

·         We will fulfil our biodiversity net gain (BNG) obligations within the planning system.

In addition, I think that it is important to draw out these important points which are contained within the document.

Nature recovery refers to the process of restoring and revitalising ecosystems that have been degraded or lost due to human activity, climate change, or other factors. It involves regenerating natural habitats, creating new ones as well as protecting them (and the species they support) from degradation. The goal is to create healthier, more resilient environments that can support a wider variety of species on a large scale. Nature recovery is important for a number of reasons, as set out in the SPD, including:

1.               Biodiversity Conservation

2.               Climate Change Mitigation

3.               Ecosystem Services

4.               Resilience to Natural Disasters

5.               Human Well-Being

6.               Sustainability

As I said at the beginning, I hope that you will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets was pleased to present the report which outlines the strategic approach and key milestones for the development of the council’s budget and council tax  proposals, reaffirming its commitment to financial sustainability and giving corporate priorities meaningful public engagement.  The report notes the current forecast overspend of £295k for 2025-26, underlining the need to continue identifying savings and efficiencies while protecting frontline services. It also sets out the risks of relying too heavily on reserves to balance the budget.

He said that the report reflects the provisional local government financial settlement expected in late December, with final confirmation likely in January next year. This will influence the shaping of the final budget proposals.  Sadly the government always leaves decisions and announcements far too late, but have to indicate three-year settlement  which will hopefully be followed through.

In conclusion, he said that the success of the budget depends on strong collaboration of Cabinet colleagues and officers across the council, and   encouraged all colleagues to engage early with the timetable and contribute ideas and feedback within their individual portfolios, as we all work together to present a balanced and resilient budget for Cheltenham.

There were no questions or comments.

The Leader reminded Members that this report is legally required and presented at the same time every year. 

RESOLVED (unanimously) THAT: 

1.     the budget setting timetable at Appendix 2 and outlined in section 3 of this report is approved;

2.     the outline budget strategy outlined in section 4 is approved;

3.     the £295k overspend reported to Cabinet in September 2025 and the large amount of work which will be required to close this gap and deliver the required savings and efficiencies in 2025/26 is noted;

4.     the intention for this council to remain working together with the Gloucestershire Business Rates Pool in 2026-27 as outlined in section 7 if applicable is noted;

5.     the Section 151 Officer, Deputy Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets are requested to consider suggestions from the Budget Scrutiny Working Group in preparing the interim budget proposals for 2026-27.

The Leader invited Members to share their briefings on events and progress since the last meeting.

The Cabinet Member for Major Developments and Housing Delivery:

-       thanked CyNam for their generous invitation to a networking event before Nick Clegg’s talk at the recent Literature Festival.  It was good to speak with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and people in the tech industry who are already established locally or thinking of moving to Cheltenham.  People are excited by the Golden Valley proposals, and really see opportunities to build in Cheltenham.  She is grateful to CyNam for making this happen;

-       it is fantastic that ten new homes are fully finished at Regents Village, and will be ready to be moved into by Christmas.  She praised the speed and quality of the homes, with solar panels, EV charging, ground source heat pumps, and important accessibility features such as level access and wider corridors and doors.  This is a great investment and she looked forward to welcoming the new residents;

-       the Swindon Road development is also progressing, with residents getting a second newsletter soon to keep them updated, and she looked forward to attending the ground-breaking at that site soon.

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities said that she had also attended an inspiring event at the Literature Festival, at which the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Team, together with their partners (the Children’s Society, The Rock, and Springbank Community Resource Centre) talked about the work they have done this year as part of a Youth Voice activity, giving young people a voice.  She was proud of the young people who were brave enough to stand up and speak about some tough subjects, including online bullying and harm in schools, and thanked NCLB for inviting her to their workshop where she made a bracelet.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm had had a busy month:

-       he attended the launch of the Everyman’s Grove Street Appeal, which hopes to raise £1m for a creative arts and educational community centre, to open in Spring 2026.  This will offer outreach activities in an excellent location, and provide an accessible way into the arts;

-       he spoke at the launch of The Wilson’s new free exhibition, Material Worlds, which together with the Hayward Gallery is displaying art created from everyday articles.  The exhibition is proof that Cheltenham punches above its weight in the world of culture and arts, and is a real testament to the work of Lisa Edgar and her team;

-       the Lions At Large trail has now ended; it increased footfall in Cheltenham and Gloucester, thus supporting local businesses, and sale of the lions raised £370k for the Big Space Cancer Appeal.  Thanks to Cheltenham BID  and Visit Cheltenham for supporting the project, and helping Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals;

-       he attended a Marketing Cheltenham meeting at Whaddon Road, where local businesses got together to share insight, and included a showcase of the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Members reported on the following decisions:

1. 23 September 2025: Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, Councillor Flo Clucas

To award a contract to Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (A&CAA)   WITHDRAWN

2. 18 September 2025:  Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities, Councillor Victoria Atherstone

To note the legislative update and approve the proposed fee for primate licence applications

3. 03 October 2025:  Leader, Councillor Rowena Hay

Nominations to Outside Bodies

4. 24 September 2025:  Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

To agree to enter into a contract with recruitment consultancy Carrington West for the supply of services of a shared planning policy manager (covering Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury) for up to a period of 12 months

5. 13 October 2025:  Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities, Councillor Victoria Atherstone

To adopt the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the following resolution:-

“That in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining agenda items as it is likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, if members of the public are present there will be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 3, Part (1) Schedule (12A) Local Government Act 1972, namely:

Paragraph 3:  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular

person (including the authority holding that information)

RESOLVED THAT:

-       in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining agenda items as it is likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, if members of the public are present there will be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 3, Part (1) Schedule (12A) Local Government Act 1972, namely:

Paragraph 3:  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the sale of the Municipal Offices to the preferred bidder be approved

2.    the Leader or Deputy Leader, in conjunction with the Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 officer), is authorised to:

-            conclude negotiations regarding the Heads of Terms;

-           enter into an Exclusivity Period which allows for investment in the due diligence process by the preferred bidders;

-           instruct solicitors to prepare the sales contract on terms set out in the Heads of Terms;

-           subject to successfully passing gate reviews, enter into a formal sales agreement for the disposal (drafted by solicitors in accordance with Heads of Terms)