Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from Nik Putnam, Maple Grove Developments.

Minutes of 14 December 2023 attached for approval.

The draft minutes of 14 December 2023 were presented for approval.

Members highlighted some outstanding actions from the previous meeting:

-       Katherine Fletcher MP to share details of residents’ concerns about the hoarding

-       To explore alternative names for BASE 2.  

The Chair stressed that these actions should be taken forward as a priority.

There were also a couple of corrections made to the attendance list.

Resolved – That the minutes of 14 December 2023 be approved.

Murray Lloyd, Project Director from Continuum gave a progress update on the Leyland Town Deal as follows:

Site works:?

-      Structural demolition of the former Iddons factory commenced in November 2023. All works are now concluded except for boundary wall remediation works which are ongoing. ?

-      Final site investigations have been completed. These will inform the remediation strategy once the ground sampling results are back.?

Design Update:?

-      Highways – Agreed scheme for Chapel brow to be agreed with LCC and S278 approvals process to commence. ?

-      Commercial Input – Agent advice in relation to the commercial spaces is being incorporated into the detailed designs ready for tender.?

-      Full title review completed, and insurances now being put in place. ?

Planning Update:?

-      Planning consultant has undertaken a full review of the design changes and advised on the approach to varying the consents in a way which will minimise programme impacts. Changes to be applied for via non-material amendments. ?

Procurement?

-      Quantity Surveyors now appointed for the scheme and are working with the team to refine the procurement strategy and then prepare the relevant procurement packs. ?

-      Cost plan update being completed, this will inform a revised financial model.?

Cabinet Report?

-      Report and presentation to SRBC Cabinet in late-February with a full update on the project.?

Christine Holmes, Leyland United Reformed Church raised concerns about the difficulty residents were having living and working in the area with the ongoing work on site. The Chair acknowledged the disruption to residents however he stressed the importance of realising the vision for the future and that once the project was completed successfully there would be benefits for the whole community including local residents.

The Chair referred to email correspondence from Councillor Jane Bell in relation to the name ”BASE2”, which she argued could be confusing as there was already a building known as ”BASE” in Leyland. The Chair agreed that renaming ought to be given further consideration as a priority.

The Chair also referred to a second email from Councillor Bell regarding Quin Street closure. Portia Taylor-Black indicated that this matter was in hand.

Resolved –

i)             That the progress update be noted;

ii)            That the issues raised by Councillor Jane Bell be addressed as soon as possible.

Portia Taylor – Black indicated that the risk register would be circulated for information.

To be confirmed.

Resolved – That the next meeting be held on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at 8.00am in the Civic Centre, Leyland.