Decision details

To review progress made by Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership 2023- 2024 and to agree the aims and strategy for the Joint Venture Business Plan for 2024-2027.

RESOLVED that

       i.         the progress made by Bracknell Forest Cambium Partnership for the

period December 2022 to December 2023 be noted.

     ii.         the proposed JV Business Plan for the Bracknell Forest Cambium

Partnership as set out in Annex A and the financial budget and forecast as set out in Confidential Annex B.

       i.         The recommendations 2.1 and 2.2 support the fulfilment of Bracknell Forest

Cambium Partnership’s objectives and aligns with the legal agreements entered into by the partners, which require the agreed JV Business Plan to be formally reviewed each year.

     ii.         The scope of the JV Business Plan has not changed materially since inception in 2020, although the Jubilee Gardens site is now be considered as part of a wider master planning of secondary sites, such as the Southern Gateway and Eastern Gateway Development area, The Southern Gateway also now includes High Street car park as Phase 1 of the Southern Gateway development. To note a separate report is being considered by Executive in March 2024 on the proposals for the Southern gateway and wider consultation. There is no obligation for the Council to enter into any exclusivity arrangements on additional sites and each site will be subject to Executive approval prior to any initial site development proposal (ISDP) being put to the Council for consideration.

    iii.         The Executive has agreed the ISDP for the Depot side in October 2023 which will now be developed for planning submission and subsequently a Settled Site Development Plan will be put to Executive for approval prior to land being drawn down into the JV.

    iv.         The Business Plan includes ambitions for the Southern Gateway which supports the council in its vision for the Town centre. The key points are to blend build form and landscape, improve connectivity on foot; cycling and for public transport; supporting the town centre economy with new cultural activities; mixed use; green spaces and high-quality offices and homes.

Members could choose not to endorse the Business Plan and instruct the

Partnership to rework any parts that cause concern. However, as there are no

proposed significant amendments to the Business Plan 2020-23 that have not

previously been considered and endorsed by Members, it is felt that this would not be

easily justified.

Councillors Bidwell and Neil declared affected interests in relation to

item 12 being the Council’s representatives on the Board overseeing the joint

venture and would leave the meeting for the duration of the item.