Decisions

To establish working principles, and to bring forward a holistic asset review considering the optimisation, rationalisation, mothball, closure, and disposal of property assets and interests across the Council’s estate.

This report will set out some early recommendations for consideration. Options and recommendations will be offered across a series of reports over the coming months for consideration and presented in alignment with ongoing budget planning and organisational change activity.

Cabinet agreed an approach in December 2022. Changes in the ownership of the football club, and a reluctance amongst other parties to progress on the basis previously agreed may impact on the ability to deliver the project as previously envisaged. The report will seek slightly wider authority for officers to complete negations to amend the councils interests in the Stadium.

To inform Cabinet of the re-profile of the Kirklees Resource & Waste Strategy 2021-30 and seek approval for the update.

When formulating the Resources & Waste Strategy, an extensive engagement process was conducted in Autumn 2020 and the Strategy incorporates the findings of this exercise.

This is an update of the 12 month and 5-year commitments within the original strategy. The update has been formulated with further internal engagement, public scrutiny and discussions with DEFRA. This is primarily to reflect the changes to Central Government legislation and funding timeframes.

A formal ‘review’ of whether the Kirklees Local Plan remains fit for purpose must be published within 5 years of Local Plan adoption (by February 2024) as required by Regulation 10A of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

The decision to commence a review of the Local Plan was delegated to the Strategic Director Growth and Regeneration.

The Kirklees Local Plan review will be assessed using an assessment template produced by the Planning Advisory Service. This is being used nationally by other authorities. The outcomes of the review will determine whether there is no requirement to update the Local Plan or whether a partial or full review is required. 

The outcomes of the review will be presented to Cabinet for ratification. A decision to proceed with an update of the Local Plan is a Full Council decision.

The launch of the Local Plan review was communicated through the following ways:

·         Kirklees Together: We’re reviewing the Kirklees Local Plan - Kirklees Together

·         All social media platforms

·         Local press: Examiner Series, Dewsbury Reporter

At the point that an update of the Local Plan is approved, statutory requirements (as outlined at Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012) require early engagement of “specific” and “general” consultation bodies, residents, and businesses.

A report to update Cabinet on proposals for the redevelopment of Sycamore Grange, following the previous Cabinet approval on 21 December 2022 to redevelop the site. The report will outline stakeholder engagement and feedback which has helped to shape the proposals.

The report will ask Cabinet to approve a scheme budget and seek Cabinet approval to apply for planning permission.

The report will ask Cabinet to delegate authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to the Strategic Director of Growth and Regeneration to invite tenders, assess bids and let contracts for the demolition and remediation of the existing building and site, and the detailed design and construction of a new Sycamore Grange retirement living scheme, bungalows and apartments, once planning permission has been obtained.

Engagement with tenants on their housing options, and the future of Sycamore Grange was undertaken in January 2023.

In April 2023, further engagement with tenants, adjacent residents, and Members was undertaken on emerging scheme plans. Stakeholder engagement has included housing management and Adult Services’ input.

Stakeholder feedback has been supportive of new proposals, and existing tenants have expressed an interest in returning to the scheme. More bungalows were suggested, as well as greenspace and parking. The new proposals have responded to this engagement.

The Tenant Voice Panel is supportive of the scheme, and it recommended that the scheme and new heating technologies must be affordable to tenants.

The Homes & Neighbourhoods Improvement Board will consider the proposals on the 18^th of September, and Board comments will be reported to Cabinet.