Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
23
Meetings (2026):
68
Meetings (2025):
75
Meeting
Cabinet - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
6:30 PM
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
6:30 PM
End:
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
9:30 PM
Tuesday, 10th March 2026
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
10 Mar 2026
10 Mar 2026
Location:
Council Chamber - Deanes
Council Chamber - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Chair
Leader
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Business Engagement
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Tomblin.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2026
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 10022026 1830 Cabinet 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2026 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements
Minutes
1) The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure provided an update on the Local Plan. Members were informed that a significant number of responses had been received following the consultation on the Water Cycle Study. Both Natural England and the Environment Agency had raised concerns regarding the borough’s water resource position. Officers were continuing to engage with both organisations to fully understand the issues highlighted.
2) The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration reported that Places Leisure had been announced as the preferred bidder to take forward plans for the development of a new aquadrome, delivering a modern, energy?efficient facility as part of the wider transformation of the leisure park. She advised that the existing aquadrome required significant investment and had become increasingly inefficient, and that the new centre would provide improved leisure provision and support the creation of a more vibrant destination. She confirmed that the current facility would remain open until the new one was completed and noted that the project was water?neutral as it replaced an existing facility.
3) The Leader of the Council advised that consultation had commenced on a proposal to accept the transfer of the land identified in the planning application for the proposed healthcare facility in Whitchurch.
2) The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration reported that Places Leisure had been announced as the preferred bidder to take forward plans for the development of a new aquadrome, delivering a modern, energy?efficient facility as part of the wider transformation of the leisure park. She advised that the existing aquadrome required significant investment and had become increasingly inefficient, and that the new centre would provide improved leisure provision and support the creation of a more vibrant destination. She confirmed that the current facility would remain open until the new one was completed and noted that the project was water?neutral as it replaced an existing facility.
3) The Leader of the Council advised that consultation had commenced on a proposal to accept the transfer of the land identified in the planning application for the proposed healthcare facility in Whitchurch.
6
Quarter 3 Capital Monitoring Report as at 31 December 2025
The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet of any major changes in the capital programme for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30, highlighting changes in the programme since the last reported quarter two forecast position to Council in October 2025. This report also presents the forecast capital outturn position for 2025/26 and compares it with the latest agreed budget.
Recommendation from the Co-leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Co-leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document Report 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
Cabinet received an update report which set out the position of the capital programme for the third quarter of 2025/26. A £5 million underspend was reported primarily due to the availability of suppliers and partners not delivering to agreed timescales. The updated position was reflected in the revised capital programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30, rephasing the projects into future years to reflect the expected spend profile.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The latest forecast capital expenditure for 2025/26 is £17.366M as reported to and approved by Council on 26 February 2026 in the Capital Programme Update and Strategy Report 2025/26 to 2029/30.
2) The 2025/26 significant forecast variations and explanations for them have previously been reported in the report to Council;
3) The latest forecast of capital receipts, grants and contributions for 2025/26 in section 3 of the report;
4) The risks associated with the capital forecasts are as detailed in section 6 of the report;
5) The latest approved capital programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30 as shown in Appendix 1 of the report; and
6) The capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30, based on the latest forecast of available resources
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The latest forecast capital expenditure for 2025/26 is £17.366M as reported to and approved by Council on 26 February 2026 in the Capital Programme Update and Strategy Report 2025/26 to 2029/30.
2) The 2025/26 significant forecast variations and explanations for them have previously been reported in the report to Council;
3) The latest forecast of capital receipts, grants and contributions for 2025/26 in section 3 of the report;
4) The risks associated with the capital forecasts are as detailed in section 6 of the report;
5) The latest approved capital programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30 as shown in Appendix 1 of the report; and
6) The capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30, based on the latest forecast of available resources
7
Quarter 3 Revenue Monitoring as at 31 December 2025
This report sets out the high level financial position for the third quarter of the financial year 2025/26, as of 31 December 2025.
Recommendation from the Co-leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Co-leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document report 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
Cabinet received an update report which set out the high level revenue financial position for the third quarter of the financial year 2025/26, as of 31 December 2025. A favourable variance of £2.4 million was reported arising primarily from additional income received through the government’s Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme, which supported recycling and food waste collection services and from a lease surrender payment relating to a large building. The lease surrender income would be allocated to support building decommissioning work.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The financial position for quarter 3 of 2025/26 and the forecast underspend of £2.400M for the financial year as set out in section 2 of the report;
2) The budget transfers amounting to £0.10M were processed during quarter 3, as summarised in section 4 of the report;
3) The 2025/26 savings and investment in services position detailed in section 6 of the report; and
4) The risks associated with the revenue forecasts as detailed in section 9 of the report.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The financial position for quarter 3 of 2025/26 and the forecast underspend of £2.400M for the financial year as set out in section 2 of the report;
2) The budget transfers amounting to £0.10M were processed during quarter 3, as summarised in section 4 of the report;
3) The 2025/26 savings and investment in services position detailed in section 6 of the report; and
4) The risks associated with the revenue forecasts as detailed in section 9 of the report.
8
Grant Scheme to Support Neighbourhood Planning in the Borough
To consider the establishment of a new grant scheme to support communities undertaking neighbourhood planning.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Attachments:
- Document Report 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure presented a report seeking approval to establish a new council funded grant scheme to support communities undertaking neighbourhood planning, following the withdrawal of government grant funding.
The Cabinet Member highlighted the council’s commitment to neighbourhood planning and noted that support would be provided through a combination of officer expertise, technical guidance and financial assistance, recognising that the preparation of a neighbourhood plan was both resource-intensive and costly. The proposal reflected the principle that town and parish council’s should be empowered to play an active role in shaping the future of planning in their areas.
Resolved: Cabinet agree:
1) To introduce a grant scheme to support neighbourhood planning in the borough utilising the £0.10M set aside for this purpose in the Neighbourhood Planning Reserve to fund this scheme.
2) Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, to:
a) agree the details of the scheme, including setting relevant eligibility criteria in line with paragraph 4.9 of the report; and
b) to implement the scheme as agreed including assessing applications for funding against the eligibility criteria and making recommendations to the Section 151 Officer.
3) To monitor the uptake and impact of the scheme through the council’s Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) for planning which is published annually in December.
The Cabinet Member highlighted the council’s commitment to neighbourhood planning and noted that support would be provided through a combination of officer expertise, technical guidance and financial assistance, recognising that the preparation of a neighbourhood plan was both resource-intensive and costly. The proposal reflected the principle that town and parish council’s should be empowered to play an active role in shaping the future of planning in their areas.
Resolved: Cabinet agree:
1) To introduce a grant scheme to support neighbourhood planning in the borough utilising the £0.10M set aside for this purpose in the Neighbourhood Planning Reserve to fund this scheme.
2) Delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, to:
a) agree the details of the scheme, including setting relevant eligibility criteria in line with paragraph 4.9 of the report; and
b) to implement the scheme as agreed including assessing applications for funding against the eligibility criteria and making recommendations to the Section 151 Officer.
3) To monitor the uptake and impact of the scheme through the council’s Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) for planning which is published annually in December.
9
Local Nature Reserves - Review of Declaration Criteria and Priority List
To consider and approve revised criteria to assess potential sites for declaration as Local Nature Reserves and to approve the Priority List for declaration.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Attachments:
- Document Report v2 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report setting out revised criteria for assessing potential sites for declaration as Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and seeking approval of a new Priority List for future designations.
It was noted that Old Down was the first site on the list for declaration and Cabinet recognised the importance of its designation, commending the work of rangers and voluntary organisations to keep the green space vibrant, diverse and thriving. Members noted Old Down would remain open, freely accessible and available for public enjoyment on an ongoing basis, both during and following the designation process, which was anticipated to take approximately 18 months. Cabinet further noted that there were 11 LNRs within the borough, with Little Pen Wood being the most recent designated site, demonstrating the council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
Cabinet supported the proposals and endorsed efforts to enhance and where possible, accelerate the programme for protecting sites.
Resolved: Cabinet approve:
1) The revised criteria to be used to assess potential sites for declaration as Local Nature Reserves as set out in the report.
2) The Priority List for declaration as set out in the report and that these sites be declared in this order as part of the council work programme.
It was noted that Old Down was the first site on the list for declaration and Cabinet recognised the importance of its designation, commending the work of rangers and voluntary organisations to keep the green space vibrant, diverse and thriving. Members noted Old Down would remain open, freely accessible and available for public enjoyment on an ongoing basis, both during and following the designation process, which was anticipated to take approximately 18 months. Cabinet further noted that there were 11 LNRs within the borough, with Little Pen Wood being the most recent designated site, demonstrating the council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
Cabinet supported the proposals and endorsed efforts to enhance and where possible, accelerate the programme for protecting sites.
Resolved: Cabinet approve:
1) The revised criteria to be used to assess potential sites for declaration as Local Nature Reserves as set out in the report.
2) The Priority List for declaration as set out in the report and that these sites be declared in this order as part of the council work programme.
10
Adoption of a Declaration on the Rights of Rivers
This report presents a declaration on the Rights of Rivers for adoption by Cabinet, having initially been proposed as a motion at the meeting of Council on 15 May 2025.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Attachments:
- Document Report 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report proposing adoption of a declaration to recognise and support formal rights for rivers across the borough. The declaration sought to strengthen the council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the boroughs rivers and streams, with particular reference to the River Loddon and the River Test, both rare chalk streams which support wildlife communities and an important element of North Hampshire’s character. Cabinet noted that the declaration established six principles to be considered where practicable in council decision making and policy development and built on existing work to maintain, monitor and improve river health in partnership with organisations such as the Southeast Rivers Trust. Cabinet further noted that adoption would reinforce the council’s role as a custodian of local waterways and strengthen its ability to advocate to national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, for improved protection of vital habitats.
Visiting Member, Councillor Tuck addressed Cabinet and thanked officers and Cabinet Members for their work in progressing the proposed declaration, highlighting the extensive collaborative work undertaken with external partners who had made valuable contributions. She emphasised the importance of protecting the chalk streams, referencing recent sewerage overflow statistics, and outlined local initiatives to support citizen science and empower residents and experts to better understand and protect the health of local waterways.
Councillor Tuck drew attention to significant landscape scale restoration work at the headwaters of the River Loddon, the pursuit of a conservation covenant at Saunders Field to secure a long-term restoration programme for an area that had become highly degraded as well as ecological improvement opportunities along the Lower Brook and River Loddon running through Eastrop Park. She noted the support of the Environment Agency, the Loddon Catchment Partnership and local resident groups, including Natural Basingstoke and expressed hope that the Declaration of the Rights of Rivers would be adopted as a meaningful step towards improving the condition of local waterways.
Cabinet discussed the proposals and acknowledged the significant work undertaken to progress the declaration, ensuring it was as ambitious as possible within legal constraints. Assurance was given that Local Plan policies would be as ambitious as possible whilst remaining compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework. Reference was also made to the volume of sewerage discharged from the Sherfield and Loddon sewerage treatment works into the River Loddon and to the accountability of Thames Water in this regard.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Adopt the declaration on the Rights of Rivers as set out in Appendix 3 of the report; and
2) Note the actions taken to date, including embedding protection and enhancement of the water environment into key strategies and into the emerging Local Plan.
Visiting Member, Councillor Tuck addressed Cabinet and thanked officers and Cabinet Members for their work in progressing the proposed declaration, highlighting the extensive collaborative work undertaken with external partners who had made valuable contributions. She emphasised the importance of protecting the chalk streams, referencing recent sewerage overflow statistics, and outlined local initiatives to support citizen science and empower residents and experts to better understand and protect the health of local waterways.
Councillor Tuck drew attention to significant landscape scale restoration work at the headwaters of the River Loddon, the pursuit of a conservation covenant at Saunders Field to secure a long-term restoration programme for an area that had become highly degraded as well as ecological improvement opportunities along the Lower Brook and River Loddon running through Eastrop Park. She noted the support of the Environment Agency, the Loddon Catchment Partnership and local resident groups, including Natural Basingstoke and expressed hope that the Declaration of the Rights of Rivers would be adopted as a meaningful step towards improving the condition of local waterways.
Cabinet discussed the proposals and acknowledged the significant work undertaken to progress the declaration, ensuring it was as ambitious as possible within legal constraints. Assurance was given that Local Plan policies would be as ambitious as possible whilst remaining compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework. Reference was also made to the volume of sewerage discharged from the Sherfield and Loddon sewerage treatment works into the River Loddon and to the accountability of Thames Water in this regard.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Adopt the declaration on the Rights of Rivers as set out in Appendix 3 of the report; and
2) Note the actions taken to date, including embedding protection and enhancement of the water environment into key strategies and into the emerging Local Plan.
11
Manydown North Governance
This report seeks approval for the MGC LLP Business Plan and operational budget for 2026. The updated MGC LLP business plan and budget has been considered and approved by the MGC LLP Board in December 2025 and recommended for approval by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council as a member of MGC LLP.
Recommendation from the Cabinet member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Recommendation from the Cabinet member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Attachments:
- Document Report 02 Mar 2026
- Document Appendix 1 Confidential 02 Mar 2026
- Document Appendix 2 Confidential 02 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration presented a report which provided an update on governance matters related to Mandown Garden Communities LLP and the role of the company in enabling the delivery of development on Manydown North with the Manydown Development Vehicle LLP including approval of the 2026 MGC LLP business plan and budget.
She provided an update on progress at the Manydown development, highlighting the release of CGI images illustrating the proposed gateway to the site, including a landscaped entrance and central pond reflecting the character of the Hampshire landscape. The importance of an infrastructure-led approach was emphasised. It was noted that works had commenced at Roman Road, representing an important step in the delivery of the Manydown Community alongside significant work on essential infrastructure to support the future park.
Resolved: Cabinet approve
1) The MGC LLP Business Plan at Confidential Appendix 1 of the report.
2) The MGC LLP 2026 Budget at Confidential Appendix 2 of the report.
She provided an update on progress at the Manydown development, highlighting the release of CGI images illustrating the proposed gateway to the site, including a landscaped entrance and central pond reflecting the character of the Hampshire landscape. The importance of an infrastructure-led approach was emphasised. It was noted that works had commenced at Roman Road, representing an important step in the delivery of the Manydown Community alongside significant work on essential infrastructure to support the future park.
Resolved: Cabinet approve
1) The MGC LLP Business Plan at Confidential Appendix 1 of the report.
2) The MGC LLP 2026 Budget at Confidential Appendix 2 of the report.
Previous Meetings
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