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:
Thursday, 9th July 2026
6:30 PM
Thursday, 9th July 2026
6:30 PM
End:
Thursday, 9th July 2026
9:30 PM
Thursday, 9th July 2026
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Moved
Moved
Date:
09 Jul 2026
09 Jul 2026
Location:
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Chair
Leader
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 Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cubitt and Morrow.
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 9 June 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 09th-Jun-2026 18.30 Cabinet 29 Jun 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2026 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure provided an update on progress with the Local Plan. Cabinet were advised that concerns identified through the water cycle study and Regulation 18 consultation regarding future water supply capacity had not been resolved. Despite ongoing work with the Environment Agency, Natural England, neighbouring authorities, government departments and water companies, assurances regarding future water supply remained outstanding.
Members were informed that, as a consequence, the Council would not be able to meet the published Local Plan timetable or meet the Government's deadline for submission under the current planning system. Therefore the plan-making process would need to restart under the Government's new planning system and would delay adoption of a Plan until at least autumn 2029 resulting in the borough being at risk from speculative development for at least another three years. It was noted that discussions would continue with water companies, regulators and Government and that a revised timetable would be reported to a future Cabinet meeting.
The Leader highlighted the importance of securing appropriate infrastructure to support future growth and expressed concerns regarding the implications for the borough if infrastructure constraints remained unresolved. Cabinet recognised the significant work undertaken by officers in identifying and investigating the issues.
The Leader announced that the borough's Town of Culture bid had not been successful. However he highlighted the success of the 2026 Basingstoke Festival, noting record attendance figures, extensive community participation and the involvement of local artists, schools and community groups. Thanks were expressed to all officers, volunteers and participants involved in the festival.
Members were informed that, as a consequence, the Council would not be able to meet the published Local Plan timetable or meet the Government's deadline for submission under the current planning system. Therefore the plan-making process would need to restart under the Government's new planning system and would delay adoption of a Plan until at least autumn 2029 resulting in the borough being at risk from speculative development for at least another three years. It was noted that discussions would continue with water companies, regulators and Government and that a revised timetable would be reported to a future Cabinet meeting.
The Leader highlighted the importance of securing appropriate infrastructure to support future growth and expressed concerns regarding the implications for the borough if infrastructure constraints remained unresolved. Cabinet recognised the significant work undertaken by officers in identifying and investigating the issues.
The Leader announced that the borough's Town of Culture bid had not been successful. However he highlighted the success of the 2026 Basingstoke Festival, noting record attendance figures, extensive community participation and the involvement of local artists, schools and community groups. Thanks were expressed to all officers, volunteers and participants involved in the festival.
6
Active Wellbeing Strategy
The report requests cabinet to consider and agree the new Active Wellbeing Strategy
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture and Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture and Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Attachments:
- Document Report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Active Wellbeing Strategy 2026 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 1. Community Survey Report January 2026 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 2. Children and Young People Survey Report January 2026 (002) 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 3. Evidence and Data 29 Jun 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which sought approval of the Active Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2031, developed in response to the ever-changing landscape for communities, the council and other public authorities, particularly as health services moved towards a Hampshire wide Integrated Care System.
The Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion introducing the report on behalf of himself and the Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture, advised that the strategy brought together the Council's approach to sport, leisure and wellbeing. He noted that it had been informed through engagement with residents, community organisations and partners. In presenting the strategy, he highlighted its aims to improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce inequalities and increase participation in physical activity, particularly amongst residents who faced the greatest barriers to being active. The importance of partnership working and the links between the strategy, preventative services and wider council priorities were also recognised.
Cabinet welcomed the strategy and acknowledged the contribution of officers and partner organisations in its development.
Resolved: Cabinet approve the Active Wellbeing Strategy as shown in the appendices to the report.
The Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion introducing the report on behalf of himself and the Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture, advised that the strategy brought together the Council's approach to sport, leisure and wellbeing. He noted that it had been informed through engagement with residents, community organisations and partners. In presenting the strategy, he highlighted its aims to improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce inequalities and increase participation in physical activity, particularly amongst residents who faced the greatest barriers to being active. The importance of partnership working and the links between the strategy, preventative services and wider council priorities were also recognised.
Cabinet welcomed the strategy and acknowledged the contribution of officers and partner organisations in its development.
Resolved: Cabinet approve the Active Wellbeing Strategy as shown in the appendices to the report.
7
Capital Programme Outturn 2025/26
This report presents the final capital outturn position for 2025/26, compares it with the latest approved budget, and provides explanations of the significant variances.
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 Capital Programme Outturn Report 2025-26 29 Jun 2026
Minutes
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property introduced the report which set out the final capital outturn position for 2025/26. Cabinet were advised that the capital programme had ended the year approximately £1 million below budget, largely as a result of the timing of expenditure and the reprofiling of a number of schemes into the following financial year.
Cabinet noted progress made on key projects including investment in information technology and the 5G Living Lab. Members also considered proposed amendments to the capital programme, including the addition of funding for regeneration works at Basing View and improvements to the War Memorial Park skate park, together with a number of schemes funded through grants and developer contributions.
Recommendation to Council: Cabinet recommends Council to note:
1. That the actual capital spending in 2025/26 was £16.281M as shown in Table 3 of the report. This is £1.085M less than the latest agreed capital programme budget of £17.366M. The actual capital financing in 2025/26 is also shown in Table 3 of the report.
2. The 2025/26 significant outturn variations and explanations for them are shown in Appendix 1 and section 2 of the report.
3. The addition of £0.019M to the programme and rephasing since the last reported position in February 2026, under delegated powers, as shown in Table 4 and paragraph 2.6 of the report.
4. The impact of scheme variances for 2025/26 on future years’ capital expenditure has been included in the revised capital programme to 2029/30 aligned to Council Plan Priorities.
5. The revised capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30, adjusted for slippage and rephasing and additions contained within section 3 of the report and detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.
6. That the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30, based on the latest forecast of available resources.
Cabinet recommends Council to approve:
7. Additions to existing capital programme schemes of £1.751M as follows:
· Play Area Improvements - £0.008M in 2026/27 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions;
· May Place House - £0.161M in 2026/27 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions and £0.374M in 2026/27 funded from housing capital receipts;
· Local Authority Housing Fund - £0.825M in 2026/27 and £0.202M in 2028/29 funded from government grant; and
· Waste Water Treatment Works - £0.181M in 2026/27 funded from government grant.
8. Two new capital schemes and funding as follows:
· Basing View Regeneration with a scheme budget of £1.100M in 2026/27, £3.800M in 2027/28 and £2.200M in 2028/29 funded from capital receipts realised from property disposals.
· War Memorial Park Skate Park Improvements with a scheme budget of £0.033M in 2026/27 funded from savings identified in the existing capital programme.
9. The other capital programme changes shown in Appendix 2 of the report including 2025/26 outturn and future years rephasing and savings.
10. The revised capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 as shown in Appendix 3 of the report and the capital programme financing as shown in section 4 of the report.
Cabinet noted progress made on key projects including investment in information technology and the 5G Living Lab. Members also considered proposed amendments to the capital programme, including the addition of funding for regeneration works at Basing View and improvements to the War Memorial Park skate park, together with a number of schemes funded through grants and developer contributions.
Recommendation to Council: Cabinet recommends Council to note:
1. That the actual capital spending in 2025/26 was £16.281M as shown in Table 3 of the report. This is £1.085M less than the latest agreed capital programme budget of £17.366M. The actual capital financing in 2025/26 is also shown in Table 3 of the report.
2. The 2025/26 significant outturn variations and explanations for them are shown in Appendix 1 and section 2 of the report.
3. The addition of £0.019M to the programme and rephasing since the last reported position in February 2026, under delegated powers, as shown in Table 4 and paragraph 2.6 of the report.
4. The impact of scheme variances for 2025/26 on future years’ capital expenditure has been included in the revised capital programme to 2029/30 aligned to Council Plan Priorities.
5. The revised capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30, adjusted for slippage and rephasing and additions contained within section 3 of the report and detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 of the report.
6. That the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30, based on the latest forecast of available resources.
Cabinet recommends Council to approve:
7. Additions to existing capital programme schemes of £1.751M as follows:
· Play Area Improvements - £0.008M in 2026/27 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions;
· May Place House - £0.161M in 2026/27 funded from S106 Developers’ Contributions and £0.374M in 2026/27 funded from housing capital receipts;
· Local Authority Housing Fund - £0.825M in 2026/27 and £0.202M in 2028/29 funded from government grant; and
· Waste Water Treatment Works - £0.181M in 2026/27 funded from government grant.
8. Two new capital schemes and funding as follows:
· Basing View Regeneration with a scheme budget of £1.100M in 2026/27, £3.800M in 2027/28 and £2.200M in 2028/29 funded from capital receipts realised from property disposals.
· War Memorial Park Skate Park Improvements with a scheme budget of £0.033M in 2026/27 funded from savings identified in the existing capital programme.
9. The other capital programme changes shown in Appendix 2 of the report including 2025/26 outturn and future years rephasing and savings.
10. The revised capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 as shown in Appendix 3 of the report and the capital programme financing as shown in section 4 of the report.
8
Revenue Outturn Report 2025/26
This report sets out the outturn position as at the 31 March 2026 for revenue expenditure and income against the budget that was approved by Council in February 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 Revenue Outturn Report 2025-26 29 Jun 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report setting out the revenue outturn position for the financial year ended 31 March 2026.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property introduced the report and advised that, after taking account of grant allocations and one-off items, the Council had achieved an underspend of approximately £1.5 million. Cabinet noted that £0.6 million of the underspend related to delayed expenditure, including expenditure associated with the Local Plan. Members were also advised that the outturn position had benefited from improved treasury management returns and additional income associated with waste services. The proposals for the treatment of the underspend, including transfers to reserves, were highlighted and considered by Cabinet.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1. The net revenue expenditure on services in 2025/26, after grant and income carry forwards, resulted in a favourable variance of £1.51M lower than the budget approved by Council in February 2025, as detailed in sections 2 and 6 of the report;
2. The year end contributions to reserves that have been proposed in line with financial policies, as detailed in section 3 of the report.
3. The achievement of planned savings and pressures for 2025/26 as detailed in section 7 of the report; and
4. That budget virements amounting to £0.05M were processed during quarter four, as summarised in section 8 of the report;
Recommendation to Council: Cabinet recommends Council to approve:
5. The proposed transfer of the remaining outturn surplus of £1.51M after grant and income reserve transfers, to earmarked revenue reserves as detailed in section 3of the report:
· To the Budget Carry Forward Reserve £0.58M for release in future years as required; and
· To the MTFS Risk Reserve £0.93M
6. The proposed addition to the 2026/27 revenue budget, from the MTFS risk reserve, to fund to the lease surrender for the Winklebury Stadium as detailed in section 9 of the report.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property introduced the report and advised that, after taking account of grant allocations and one-off items, the Council had achieved an underspend of approximately £1.5 million. Cabinet noted that £0.6 million of the underspend related to delayed expenditure, including expenditure associated with the Local Plan. Members were also advised that the outturn position had benefited from improved treasury management returns and additional income associated with waste services. The proposals for the treatment of the underspend, including transfers to reserves, were highlighted and considered by Cabinet.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1. The net revenue expenditure on services in 2025/26, after grant and income carry forwards, resulted in a favourable variance of £1.51M lower than the budget approved by Council in February 2025, as detailed in sections 2 and 6 of the report;
2. The year end contributions to reserves that have been proposed in line with financial policies, as detailed in section 3 of the report.
3. The achievement of planned savings and pressures for 2025/26 as detailed in section 7 of the report; and
4. That budget virements amounting to £0.05M were processed during quarter four, as summarised in section 8 of the report;
Recommendation to Council: Cabinet recommends Council to approve:
5. The proposed transfer of the remaining outturn surplus of £1.51M after grant and income reserve transfers, to earmarked revenue reserves as detailed in section 3of the report:
· To the Budget Carry Forward Reserve £0.58M for release in future years as required; and
· To the MTFS Risk Reserve £0.93M
6. The proposed addition to the 2026/27 revenue budget, from the MTFS risk reserve, to fund to the lease surrender for the Winklebury Stadium as detailed in section 9 of the report.
9
Vyne Meadow Car Park
The purpose of this report is to set out a preferred strategy for disposal of Vyne Meadow car park to a Registered Provider (RP) for the delivery of 100% affordable housing, a key corporate priority.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document Report 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 1 Basingstoke Parking Study EXEMPT 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 2 Vyne Meadow Car Park - Red Boundary Line 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 3 - Financial Implications EXEMPT 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 4 disposal process options 29 Jun 2026
- Document Appendix 5 EIA Form 29 Jun 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which set out a preferred strategy for the disposal of Vyne Meadow Car Park to a Registered Provider for the delivery of 100% affordable housing.
The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing introduced the report and outlined the resident engagement undertaken regarding the future use of the site, noting that feedback had generally supported exploring redevelopment opportunities and recognised the need for affordable housing in the community. Cabinet were advised that parking studies had identified available capacity within town centre car parks and that the site had previously been identified as a potential development opportunity. The Cabinet Member added that any proposal for the site should respect conservation and seek to deliver improvements to accessibility, connectivity and green infrastructure within the area. The proposed decision would enable the Council to seek a development partner to bring forward proposals and continue engagement with the local community to help shape future plans. Cabinet were also advised that the Council could withdraw from the process at any stage and that any future land disposal would be subject to a Section 123 valuation and consideration of both public benefit and best value. It was further highlighted that the approach being taken was intended to be careful, methodical and inclusive, reflecting previous regeneration work undertaken in Oakridge. Approval of the decision would allow discussions to progress with preferred housing partners, with the aim of achieving a high-quality development, while recognising that further consultation and detailed work would be required before any final proposals were brought forward.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Ganesh, addressed Cabinet in relation to the proposals. Whilst recognising the need for additional affordable housing, concerns were raised regarding the proposed disposal of a council-owned asset located adjacent to the town's main railway station for less than best consideration. He highlighted the importance of transparency, governance and ensuring value for money for residents. Concerns were also expressed that the site had not previously been identified through an asset disposal programme and that the report did not provide sufficient evidence that the proposal represented the best outcome for taxpayers.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Minas-Bound, addressed Cabinet and raised concerns regarding the process by which council-owned assets not on the disposal list were brought forward for consideration. Reference was made to previous town centre parking and development studies and he disputed that the site had previously been identified as a prime site for development. Concerns were also expressed regarding the potential disposal of a site close to the railway station at below market value, governance arrangements, public perception and whether sufficient evidence had been provided to support the proposed approach.
In response, it was clarified that the disposal list reference by speakers, related to commercial properties and that Vyne Meadow Car Park was operational land. It was further explained that the site and could not be considered as a prime development site due to physical constraints, including access arrangements and surrounding infrastructure. It was further highlighted that any future disposal would be required to comply with the statutory requirements governing the disposal of local authority assets, including consideration of an appropriate Section 123 valuation. Cabinet was reminded that the report sought approval to explore development opportunities and seek proposals from Registered Providers.
Members reaffirmed the Council's commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing and recognised the limited opportunities available to deliver affordable homes within the town centre. Cabinet noted that the proposals represented the start of a process and that any future development proposals would be subject to further assessment, community engagement and consideration of both financial and wider social value. It was further noted that Cabinet would retain the ability to withdraw from the process should proposals fail to meet the Council's objectives.
Whilst acknowledging the concerns raised by the visiting speakers, Cabinet concluded that that further exploration of affordable housing opportunities on the site was justified and aligned with the Council's corporate priorities.
Resolved: Cabinet agree:
1. In principle to support the disposal via a conditional land sale of Vyne Meadow car park to a Preferred Partner Registered Provider (RP) for less than best consideration, upon the basis the disposal is likely to contribute to the improvement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area and its residents, pursuant to S123 Local Government Act 1972 to enable the delivery of affordable housing on the basis that the car park is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements.
2. A disposal is subject to:
· A satisfactory scheme;
· Agreement of Heads of Terms;
· Agreement of a satisfactory scheme and a s123 valuation report;
· The grant of Planning Permission for the development of Vyne Meadow car park for Affordable Housing;
· Proof of funding for delivery;
· Inclusion of an option for the council to repurchase the Vyne Meadow car park at the disposal price from the successful RP if the Planning Permission is not implemented within or development is not completed within a defined period;
· Notification of any subsidy under the Subsidy Control Act.
3. That authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Housing and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, to finalise heads of terms for the disposal of the site to a RP and to enter into a contract for sale and conclude the transaction.
The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing introduced the report and outlined the resident engagement undertaken regarding the future use of the site, noting that feedback had generally supported exploring redevelopment opportunities and recognised the need for affordable housing in the community. Cabinet were advised that parking studies had identified available capacity within town centre car parks and that the site had previously been identified as a potential development opportunity. The Cabinet Member added that any proposal for the site should respect conservation and seek to deliver improvements to accessibility, connectivity and green infrastructure within the area. The proposed decision would enable the Council to seek a development partner to bring forward proposals and continue engagement with the local community to help shape future plans. Cabinet were also advised that the Council could withdraw from the process at any stage and that any future land disposal would be subject to a Section 123 valuation and consideration of both public benefit and best value. It was further highlighted that the approach being taken was intended to be careful, methodical and inclusive, reflecting previous regeneration work undertaken in Oakridge. Approval of the decision would allow discussions to progress with preferred housing partners, with the aim of achieving a high-quality development, while recognising that further consultation and detailed work would be required before any final proposals were brought forward.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Ganesh, addressed Cabinet in relation to the proposals. Whilst recognising the need for additional affordable housing, concerns were raised regarding the proposed disposal of a council-owned asset located adjacent to the town's main railway station for less than best consideration. He highlighted the importance of transparency, governance and ensuring value for money for residents. Concerns were also expressed that the site had not previously been identified through an asset disposal programme and that the report did not provide sufficient evidence that the proposal represented the best outcome for taxpayers.
Visiting speaker, Councillor Minas-Bound, addressed Cabinet and raised concerns regarding the process by which council-owned assets not on the disposal list were brought forward for consideration. Reference was made to previous town centre parking and development studies and he disputed that the site had previously been identified as a prime site for development. Concerns were also expressed regarding the potential disposal of a site close to the railway station at below market value, governance arrangements, public perception and whether sufficient evidence had been provided to support the proposed approach.
In response, it was clarified that the disposal list reference by speakers, related to commercial properties and that Vyne Meadow Car Park was operational land. It was further explained that the site and could not be considered as a prime development site due to physical constraints, including access arrangements and surrounding infrastructure. It was further highlighted that any future disposal would be required to comply with the statutory requirements governing the disposal of local authority assets, including consideration of an appropriate Section 123 valuation. Cabinet was reminded that the report sought approval to explore development opportunities and seek proposals from Registered Providers.
Members reaffirmed the Council's commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing and recognised the limited opportunities available to deliver affordable homes within the town centre. Cabinet noted that the proposals represented the start of a process and that any future development proposals would be subject to further assessment, community engagement and consideration of both financial and wider social value. It was further noted that Cabinet would retain the ability to withdraw from the process should proposals fail to meet the Council's objectives.
Whilst acknowledging the concerns raised by the visiting speakers, Cabinet concluded that that further exploration of affordable housing opportunities on the site was justified and aligned with the Council's corporate priorities.
Resolved: Cabinet agree:
1. In principle to support the disposal via a conditional land sale of Vyne Meadow car park to a Preferred Partner Registered Provider (RP) for less than best consideration, upon the basis the disposal is likely to contribute to the improvement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area and its residents, pursuant to S123 Local Government Act 1972 to enable the delivery of affordable housing on the basis that the car park is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements.
2. A disposal is subject to:
· A satisfactory scheme;
· Agreement of Heads of Terms;
· Agreement of a satisfactory scheme and a s123 valuation report;
· The grant of Planning Permission for the development of Vyne Meadow car park for Affordable Housing;
· Proof of funding for delivery;
· Inclusion of an option for the council to repurchase the Vyne Meadow car park at the disposal price from the successful RP if the Planning Permission is not implemented within or development is not completed within a defined period;
· Notification of any subsidy under the Subsidy Control Act.
3. That authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Housing and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, to finalise heads of terms for the disposal of the site to a RP and to enter into a contract for sale and conclude the transaction.
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