Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

Council considered a report of the Director of Planning and Property that update members on the recent issuing of a prospectus by Central Government (MHCLG) regarding the Towns’ Fund and Leyland being named as one of 100 towns nationally to be part of this programme. The report also sought authority for officers to progress work on the Leyland Town Deal and to establish a Leyland Town Board.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal explained that the Town’s Fund prospectus highlights that the Town Deal is about the town as a whole and not just the Town Centre.

MHCLG has referred to an Office of National Statistics (ONS) dataset that defines towns by population density and had provided Leyland with a Town Boundary map that is a good starting point but missed out key bits of Leyland’s geography such as Worden Park, Test Track, Croston Road, Farington and the Cuerden Strategic site.

Officers had therefore proposed a slightly amended boundary that was appended to the report.

The prospectus also requires that a Town Board be established, with a prescribed membership and a private sector chair that will develop and agree an evidenced based Town Investment Plan, a clear programme of interventions and to co-ordinate resources and influence stakeholders.

Councillor Michael Green welcomed the proposals but asked if the area of Midge Hall at the side of the railway could be included within the plan. Members agreed to this proposal.

Councillor Karen Walton also asked if the whole of Farington could be included as opposed to a part and Members sought clarification as whether the Upper Tier Council representation meant district or county level.

Councillor David Howarth urged officers not to forget about the Penwortham Bypass work that was still to take place.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster commented that whilst he was sceptical that this would actually happen, the Council could not just keep extending the boundary.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Assets, Councillor Matthew Tomlinson commented that it was a tight turnaround and that the quality of representatives on the Board was important has that would affect the quality of the bids.

It was proposed by Councillor Bill Evans, seconded by Councillor Matthew Tomlinson and subsequently

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That with the inclusion of the area of Midge Hall next to the railway line, the proposed boundary for the Leyland Town Deal be approved.

3.    That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal to create a Leyland Town Board.

4.    That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal and Leyland Board (once established) to progress work on developing the Leyland Town Deal and Investment Plan using the £162,019 allotted capacity funding given to the Authority by MHCLG. Work to include:

·         Organising and conduction consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71