Decision details

The Cabinet had before it a *  report of the Director of Place provided in relation to the LUF (Levelling-up Fund) application and requesting approval of the recommendations in order to allow officers to continue to examine potential opportunities to secure the additional funding required to support the delivery of the Cullompton town centre relief road.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the council had been informed that it had not been successful in securing the Levelling Up funding to support the Cullompton town centre relief road project, the reasons for this at the current time were unknown, but a meeting with the Ministry had been requested; it was hoped that this would allow officers to understand any technical aspects in the bid which had resulted in the application being unsuccessful.  With regard to the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF)grant, he reported that some of this funding had already been utilised in progressing the scheme and unless the scheme was completed the Council was at risk of claw back of this funding.

Consideration was given to:

·         Whether the HIF granted could be renegotiated

·         The proposed meeting with the Ministry

·         The increase in costs of the scheme

·         Other possible sources of funding and discussions taking place with Devon County Council, Homes England and the Ministry for Levelling Up

·         Discussions taking place with the MP

It was NOTED that the Council has been advised that, at this time, it has not been successful in securing funding through the Levelling-Up Fund in order to enable the delivery of the Cullompton town centre relief road.

RESOLVED that

That, in light of the above and reflecting the Cabinet decision of the 3^rd August 2021, approval is given for officers to;

a)            work to explore other funding opportunities which could deliver the additional funding required to enable the delivery of the Cullompton town centre relief road, and;

b)           bring a further report before Cabinet as soon as possible in order to update members on the progress of discussions and the options available to the Council in relation to the delivery of the relief road project. 

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr Mrs N Woollatt)

Reason for the decision – there is a need to explore further funding opportunities.

Note:  *report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.