Test Valley Borough Council
Councillors:
43
Wards:
21
Committees:
17
Meetings (2026):
29
Meetings (2025):
92
Meeting
Cabinet - Test Valley
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 8th April 2026
5:30 PM
Wednesday, 8th April 2026
5:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 8th April 2026
9:30 PM
Wednesday, 8th April 2026
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
08 Apr 2026
08 Apr 2026
Location:
The Annexe, Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey SO51 8GL
The Annexe, Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey SO51 8GL
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Democracy and Governance Portfolio Holder
Chairman
Leader and Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships Portfolio Holder
Councillor Phil North
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Planning Portfolio Holder
Councillor Phil Bundy
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Recycling and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Climate Emergency and Countryside Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Community, Leisure and Tourism (including Diversity and Inclusion) Portfolio Holder
Vice-Chairman
Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Delivery Lead - Community Led Projects Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Housing and Enivronmental Health Portfolio Holder
Agenda
1
Apologies
Minutes
There were no apologies given.
2
Public Participation
Minutes
There was no public participation.
3
Declarations of Interest
Minutes
Councillors P and K North wished it to be noted that under item 8 (Corporate Action Plan – Year 4 project to deliver improvements to Charlton Lakes path) as they were both active participants in the Andover Park Run who would benefit from the improvements, but has been advised that this was not an interest.
4
Urgent Items
Minutes
There were no urgent items.
5
Minutes of the previous meeting
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2026.
Attachments:
- Document $$Minutes 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2026 were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2026 be signed as a correct record.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2026 be signed as a correct record.
6
Recommendations of the Audit Committee
Attachments:
- Document Recs of Audit - Report 27 Mar 2026
- Document Rec of Audit - Annex - Anti fraud and Corruption Policies - Annual Update Report 27 Mar 2026
- Document Rec of Audit- Appen 1 - Anti Fraud and Corruption Policy - Annual Update Annex 1 27 Mar 2026
- Document Rec of Audit - Appen 2 - Anti Bribery Policy updated 230326 Annex 2 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a recommendation from the Audit Committee at its meeting on 23 March 2026 (annex 2 to the report) to request the update to the Council’s Anti-Bribery Policy be approved. The Anti-Bribery Policy sets out the Council’s response to the Bribery Act 2010 and supports the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy. It was approved by Cabinet 2012 and has been updated to reflect changes brought about by the Procurement Act 2023.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report the recommendation was proposed by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed to the following:
Resolved:
That the updated Anti-Bribery Policy provided in Annex 2 to the report, is approved.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report the recommendation was proposed by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed to the following:
Resolved:
That the updated Anti-Bribery Policy provided in Annex 2 to the report, is approved.
7
Recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
There were no recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Minutes
There were no recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
8
Corporate Action Plan - Year 4
Leader
Consider and agree the latest version of the Corporate Action Plan, which has been revised to set out delivery priorities for Year 4 of the Corporate Plan.
Consider and agree the latest version of the Corporate Action Plan, which has been revised to set out delivery priorities for Year 4 of the Corporate Plan.
Attachments:
- Document CAP 2023-27 Year 3 - Cabinet Report - April 2026 27 Mar 2026
- Document 2023-27 CAP year 4 Annex 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Leader which presented a revised version of the Corporate Action Plan, which sets out high-level delivery priorities for financial year 2026-27.
The Corporate Action Plan (CAP) sets out the annual delivery priorities under the Corporate Plan. This report presented a revised version of the CAP for Year 4 of the Corporate Plan, for Cabinet to consider. The CAP sets the overall direction for the council’s work to deliver the priorities set out in the corporate plan, and ultimately supports our commitment to work with our communities in a way that celebrates their uniqueness, sense of belonging and the ambitions people have for the places where they live.
The approval and publication of the revised CAP for Year 4 will help ensure that the council has a clear direction during the fourth year of its corporate plan. This will be particularly important as the council starts the transitions to become part of a unitary authority. During this period of time, it is essential that the council remains focused on delivering high quality services and supporting our communities to deliver on their ambitions for the places where they live.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the revised version of the Corporate Action Plan, which sets out delivery priorities for Year 4 of the Corporate Plan, be approved.
Recommended to Council:
2. That the current Corporate Plan (2023-27) be extended for one additional year to align with TVBC’s transition to a new unitary council in 2028.
The Corporate Action Plan (CAP) sets out the annual delivery priorities under the Corporate Plan. This report presented a revised version of the CAP for Year 4 of the Corporate Plan, for Cabinet to consider. The CAP sets the overall direction for the council’s work to deliver the priorities set out in the corporate plan, and ultimately supports our commitment to work with our communities in a way that celebrates their uniqueness, sense of belonging and the ambitions people have for the places where they live.
The approval and publication of the revised CAP for Year 4 will help ensure that the council has a clear direction during the fourth year of its corporate plan. This will be particularly important as the council starts the transitions to become part of a unitary authority. During this period of time, it is essential that the council remains focused on delivering high quality services and supporting our communities to deliver on their ambitions for the places where they live.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the revised version of the Corporate Action Plan, which sets out delivery priorities for Year 4 of the Corporate Plan, be approved.
Recommended to Council:
2. That the current Corporate Plan (2023-27) be extended for one additional year to align with TVBC’s transition to a new unitary council in 2028.
9
Andover Former Magistrates Court
Leader
To consider future development options for the Andover Former Magistrates Court site and recommend a preferred approach.
To consider future development options for the Andover Former Magistrates Court site and recommend a preferred approach.
Attachments:
- Document FMC - Report 27 Mar 2026
- Document FMC - Annex 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Leader to consider future development options for the Former Magistrates Court site and recommends the demolition, outline the work undertaken in investigating future development options for the Former Magistrates Court site and recommend a preferred approach for the future of the site.
The Council has made significant progress with delivering its two priority regeneration projects for Andover; the new Theatre and Western Avenue/ Riverside Park. As these projects advance there is now the opportunity to confirm the Council’s approach to other regeneration projects contained in the Andover masterplan.
One of those projects is the future of the Andover Former Magistrates Court, a vacant building which, given its prominent location next to the River Anton, Andover college and Leisure Centre, detracts from one of the most active areas of the town centre.
The Former Magistrates Court site is in a key location within the town centre. Having considered all the information in the report, Councillors are requested to consider whether they wish to proceed with recommended option of demolition and the creation of additional car parking in a landscaped setting.
Councillor Andersen spoke as ward councillor Andover St Mary’s, and was supportive of the recommendations.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
That subject to Council approval of the recommendations below, that the Director of Strategic Planning & Growth be authorised to arrange for all steps to be taken to procure and carry out the works detailed in this report.
Recommendations to Council
1. That a budget of £1.5M be approved to undertake the demolition of the Former Magistrates Court, Andover (as identified in annex 1 to the report).
2. That a budget of £200,000 be approved to commission the necessary professional consultants to undertake the recommended approach outlined in section 6 of the report.
3. That the recommended project be added to the Council’s Capital Programme.
The Council has made significant progress with delivering its two priority regeneration projects for Andover; the new Theatre and Western Avenue/ Riverside Park. As these projects advance there is now the opportunity to confirm the Council’s approach to other regeneration projects contained in the Andover masterplan.
One of those projects is the future of the Andover Former Magistrates Court, a vacant building which, given its prominent location next to the River Anton, Andover college and Leisure Centre, detracts from one of the most active areas of the town centre.
The Former Magistrates Court site is in a key location within the town centre. Having considered all the information in the report, Councillors are requested to consider whether they wish to proceed with recommended option of demolition and the creation of additional car parking in a landscaped setting.
Councillor Andersen spoke as ward councillor Andover St Mary’s, and was supportive of the recommendations.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
That subject to Council approval of the recommendations below, that the Director of Strategic Planning & Growth be authorised to arrange for all steps to be taken to procure and carry out the works detailed in this report.
Recommendations to Council
1. That a budget of £1.5M be approved to undertake the demolition of the Former Magistrates Court, Andover (as identified in annex 1 to the report).
2. That a budget of £200,000 be approved to commission the necessary professional consultants to undertake the recommended approach outlined in section 6 of the report.
3. That the recommended project be added to the Council’s Capital Programme.
10
Western Avenue Riverside Park Tender
Leader
To approve delegated authority to progress the tender stage of the project.
To approve delegated authority to progress the tender stage of the project.
Attachments:
- Document Western Avenue Cabinet Paper April 2026 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report which recommended delegation of authority to the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with others, to issue two Invitations to Tender (ITT) for the Western Avenue and River Anton riverside park project and to enter into contract with the preferred bidders, subject to the total contract value being within the approved budget and the Stopping Up Order for the scheme being approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.
The creation of the riverside park will support the delivery of the objectives of the Andover Masterplan and the aspirations of the community in creating a new green space with connectivity to the River Anton in the town centre. The recommendations set out at the start of this report would enable officers to proceed with the tender phases of the project whilst the application to stop up the necessary parts of the highway progress and keep the project on programme for delivery by Autumn 2028.
Councillor Andersen spoke as ward councillor Andover St Mary’s and was supportive of the recommendations.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Leader, Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder, the Director of Finance and Revenues and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, be authorised to issue invitations to tender for the delivery of a) the highways and public realm contract and b) the soft landscaping and planting contract to facilitate the delivery of the Western Avenue and River Anton Riverside Park scheme.
2. That the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Leader, Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder, Director of Finance and Revenues and Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to enter into contract with the preferred bidders from both tenders and facilitate the delivery of all works pursuant to them, subject to the total contract value being within the approved project budget and the Stopping Up Order for the scheme being approved by the Secretary of State for Transport (DfT).
The creation of the riverside park will support the delivery of the objectives of the Andover Masterplan and the aspirations of the community in creating a new green space with connectivity to the River Anton in the town centre. The recommendations set out at the start of this report would enable officers to proceed with the tender phases of the project whilst the application to stop up the necessary parts of the highway progress and keep the project on programme for delivery by Autumn 2028.
Councillor Andersen spoke as ward councillor Andover St Mary’s and was supportive of the recommendations.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Leader, Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder, the Director of Finance and Revenues and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, be authorised to issue invitations to tender for the delivery of a) the highways and public realm contract and b) the soft landscaping and planting contract to facilitate the delivery of the Western Avenue and River Anton Riverside Park scheme.
2. That the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Leader, Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder, Director of Finance and Revenues and Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to enter into contract with the preferred bidders from both tenders and facilitate the delivery of all works pursuant to them, subject to the total contract value being within the approved project budget and the Stopping Up Order for the scheme being approved by the Secretary of State for Transport (DfT).
11
Test Valley Borough Local Plan Policies 2011-2029: Five Year Review
Planning
To approve the second five-year review of the adopted Local Plan.
To approve the second five-year review of the adopted Local Plan.
Attachments:
- Document Local Plan - Report 27 Mar 2026
- Document Local Plan - Annex 1 27 Mar 2026
- Document Local Plan - Annex 2 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Planning Portfolio Holder which sought approval for the second five-year review of the Test Valley Borough Local Plan 2011-2029 and for this to be published.
The outcome of the second five-year review will assist in informing how preparation of the draft Local Plan, progresses to the next stages and the weight attached to local plan policies in determining planning applications.
It was recommended that the review (Annexes to the report) be approved and published. This will ensure that the requirement to undertake a five-year review of the adopted Local Plan and publish the outcome of the decision as to whether its policies require updating is met.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor Bundy and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the second five-year review of the Test Valley Borough Local Plan 2011- 2029 (Annexes to the report) be approved and published in accordance with Regulation 10A The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended)
2. That the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder be delegated to carry out amendments of a minor nature to the document prior to publication.
The outcome of the second five-year review will assist in informing how preparation of the draft Local Plan, progresses to the next stages and the weight attached to local plan policies in determining planning applications.
It was recommended that the review (Annexes to the report) be approved and published. This will ensure that the requirement to undertake a five-year review of the adopted Local Plan and publish the outcome of the decision as to whether its policies require updating is met.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor Bundy and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the second five-year review of the Test Valley Borough Local Plan 2011- 2029 (Annexes to the report) be approved and published in accordance with Regulation 10A The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended)
2. That the Director of Strategic Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder be delegated to carry out amendments of a minor nature to the document prior to publication.
12
New Forest On-designation Mitigation Scheme
Planning
A proposed joint scheme with the National Trust to mitigate the impact of recreational pressure arising from new development on the internationally important wildlife and habitats of the New Forest.
A proposed joint scheme with the National Trust to mitigate the impact of recreational pressure arising from new development on the internationally important wildlife and habitats of the New Forest.
Attachments:
- Document New Forest Ondesignation - Report 27 Mar 2026
- Document New Forest Ondesignation - Annex 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Planning Portfolio Holder which recommended a proposed joint scheme with the National Trust to mitigate the impact of recreational pressure arising from new development on the internationally important wildlife and habitats of the New Forest.
Vicky Fletcher from the National Trust and General Manager for Mottisfont and South West Hampshire Portfolio spoke in favour of the recommendations.
The recommendation outlined a proposed joint scheme with the National Trust to provide mitigation on areas of the New Forest to lessen the impact of recreational pressure arising from new development.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P Bundy and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the principle of supporting the National Trust in funding a dedicated role to support the delivery of New Forest on-designation mitigation as outlined in the report be approved.
2. That the budget identified in section 8 be released to the National Trust to fund the dedicated role to support the delivery of on-designation mitigation within the New Forest.
3. That the Director of Strategic Planning & Growth, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder and Finance & Resource Portfolio Holder be authorised to increase the budget necessary to support the delivery of the studies described in paragraph 8.3, subject to their being sufficient developer contributions to meet the extra cost.
Vicky Fletcher from the National Trust and General Manager for Mottisfont and South West Hampshire Portfolio spoke in favour of the recommendations.
The recommendation outlined a proposed joint scheme with the National Trust to provide mitigation on areas of the New Forest to lessen the impact of recreational pressure arising from new development.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor P Bundy and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
1. That the principle of supporting the National Trust in funding a dedicated role to support the delivery of New Forest on-designation mitigation as outlined in the report be approved.
2. That the budget identified in section 8 be released to the National Trust to fund the dedicated role to support the delivery of on-designation mitigation within the New Forest.
3. That the Director of Strategic Planning & Growth, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder and Finance & Resource Portfolio Holder be authorised to increase the budget necessary to support the delivery of the studies described in paragraph 8.3, subject to their being sufficient developer contributions to meet the extra cost.
13
Write Off of Uncollectable Debts
Finance and Resources
To consider the writing off of uncollectable debts.
To consider the writing off of uncollectable debts.
Attachments:
- Document Uncollectable Debt report - April 26 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
The report sought approval for the write-off of six business rates debts and two commercial property portfolio debts that have proved to be uncollectable. It is recommended that they are written off in the Council’s accounts.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
That the debts, shown in the table in paragraph 2.6 of the report, be written off in the Council’s accounts as uncollectable.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
That the debts, shown in the table in paragraph 2.6 of the report, be written off in the Council’s accounts as uncollectable.
14
Valley Housing Matters
Finance and Resources
To approve delegated authority to progress the tender stages of the project but not to enter into contract until the stopping up order has been made and Council has considered any request for additional funding should this be required.
To approve delegated authority to progress the tender stages of the project but not to enter into contract until the stopping up order has been made and Council has considered any request for additional funding should this be required.
Attachments:
- Document Business Plan 2026-29 Report 27 Mar 2026
- Document Business Plan 2026-29 Annex 1a 27 Mar 2026
- Document Business Plan 2026-29 Annex 1b 27 Mar 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder which presented Valley Housing Limited’s annual Business Plan. The Business Plan attached to this report sets out the basis of how the company will operate and provides a financial forecast for the next three years.
Valley Housing Ltd was been created by the Council as a vehicle to help meet identified housing needs in the local private rented sector. The report presented the Business Plan for the company for the period 2026/27 to 2028/29 and how this will impact of the Council’s own financial position.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
That the Valley Housing Ltd Business Plan, attached in the Annex to the report, be approved.
Valley Housing Ltd was been created by the Council as a vehicle to help meet identified housing needs in the local private rented sector. The report presented the Business Plan for the company for the period 2026/27 to 2028/29 and how this will impact of the Council’s own financial position.
Having considered the options and for the reasons set out in the report, the recommendations were proposed by Councillor Flood and seconded by Councillor P North. Cabinet agreed the following:
Resolved:
That the Valley Housing Ltd Business Plan, attached in the Annex to the report, be approved.
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