Issue - meetings

Financial Summary and Proposed Grant Awards

Meeting: 27/07/2021 - Moorlands Partnership Board (Item 72)

72 Financial Summary and Proposed Grant Awards pdf icon PDF 232 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report requested Member approval to allocate grant funding in 2021/22. The budget for the year following the rolling forward of unspent 2020/21 budget was £60,350. The current position was shown:-

 

Scheme

Budget £60,350 2021/22

Total potential grant offers for this MPB meeting

 

6 Russell Street, Leek

£350

St Edwards summer houses

£8,000

Remaining funds

£52,000

 

 Given the larger amount available and the limitations of time available to allocate it (8 months) a number of options had been identified for consideration:-

 

1.    Increase the maximum granny award from £4,000 to £8,000 to encourage the take-up of grants;

2.    Increase the grant percentage from 50% to 75% of the total cost;

3.    Offer ‘one-off’ enhanced grant offers over and above the proposed new maximum to key strategic conservation projects;

4.    Use the Town Centre Manager for the Moorlands – Lisa Hoyland – to actively promote the scheme;

5.    Approach the 3 main Town Councils to directly invite any potential projects. Money could then be allocated to each Town Council en-bloc.

 

Members spoke in favour of the above options but were keen to also include Parish Councils in No. 5 above. Examples of sites where grants would be potentially of assistance were The Royal Oak, Cheadle and the former W H Smiths shop, Cheadle.

 

RESOLVED – That the above 5 options be APPROVED for adoption from this point, with the addition to option 5 for approach to be made to all Parish Councils.

 

PROPOSED GRANT AWARDS

 

6 Russell Street, Leek – Works had been completed in the restoration of 4 sash windows but additional works had become evident during the process resulting in an anticipated £700 extra cost.

 

RESOLVED – That an additional 50% grant of £350 be APPROVED towards the additional cost.

 

St Edwards Estate Summer Houses, Cheddleton – This was the second application considered by the Board. The previous application resulted in a grant of £4,000 in 2017, later withdrawn following concerns over the lack of public access and enjoyment of the summer houses. A recent change of directors of the management company had resulted in a renewed effort to work with the Parish Council, with discussions taking place regarding the use of the summer houses for an annual fete.

 

Whilst members were in favour of awarding the grant, it was felt necessary to consult with Cheddleton Parish Council for their view.

 

RESOLVED – That, subject to Cheddleton Parish Council agreement, an enhanced grant of £8,000 be APPROVED towards the repair of the 6 summer houses on the St Edwards Estate. The work would be subject to the standard grant scheme conditions and the following technical conditions:-

 

·       That the scope of works and a detailed repair specification be agreed in writing with the Conservation Officer and Grants Officer prior to the commencement of the works or manufacture of any components;

·       Colour schemes to be agreed with the Conservation Officer and Grants Officer.