Leyland Town Deal
To receive and consider the report of the Director of Commercial.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor Bill Evans, presented the confidential report of the Director of Commercial requested approval for the budget to progress the Leyland Town Deal business cases, design and planning application.
Councillor Evans thanked all those involved with the project and noted the tight timescales involved.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, noted that the decision proposed was based on facts, but noted his preference for the government to have underwritten the project.
Members raised several queries, including the potential for an insurance product to cover any liability and the timescales involved. It is not known when the decision will be made to move forward with the Deal.
It was noted that the initial parameters for the Deal will change over time, including how private investors are involved, potentially investing in infrastructure or property.
The local sign off was confirmed as the Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), the Chief Executive and the Chair of the Board.
Councillor Phil Smith queried if the financial model had changed. This will be clarified following the meeting.
The Cabinet Member (Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor Bill Evans, proposed, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster seconded, to Resolve (unanimously)
1. To approve a budget of £2,774,000 to progress the business case submissions, design to RIBA stage 3 and preparation and submission of a planning application for the three Town Deal projects.
2. To approve the appointment of Steer to deliver the business cases.
3. To approve the waiver of the Contract Procedure rules for the appointment of Steer for the reasons set out in the report.