Apologies had been received from Councillors Dan Morris and Cecilia Motley, and Tanya Miles, Executive Director (DASS).

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No interests were declared.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025.

TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any questions from members of the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Thursday 27 February 2025.

Public questions were received from:

Mike Streetly, in relation to the North West Relief Road.

Graham Betts, in relation to planning application 13/03285/FUL.

Phil Gillam, in relation to Oteley Road Dog Bins.

David Macey, in relation to Residents Parking in Listley Street.

The full questions and response provided can be found on Responses to Public Questions - Cabinet 5.3.25.pdf

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Thursday 27 February 2025.

An urgent question was received from Councillor David Vasmer, in relation to the North West Relief Road.

The full question and response can be found on Response to Urgent Members Question - Cabinet 5.3.25.pdf

To confirm Cabinet’s response to the recommendations from the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:

To forward the report to the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair of the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented the recommendations and members agreed their response.

RESOLVED:

To forward the report to the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Lead Member – Councillor Gwilym Butler, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Resources & Communities

Lead Officer – Ben Jay

RESOLVED:

1.    To note that the Period 10 position (as at the end of January) forecasts a projected spend above budget of £34.767m for 2024/25 and indicative savings delivery of £46.642m (51.8%).

2.    To note the projected General Fund Balance of £4.054m arising if no further action were taken.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Resources and Communities introduced the report noting a slight improvement of around £800,000. However, concerns were raised about the Council's management and the use of reserves to reduce the overspend. The Council's failure to achieve budgeted savings was also highlighted.

RESOLVED:

1.     To note that the Period 10 position (as at the end of January) forecasts a projected spend above budget of £34.767m for 2024/25 and indicative savings delivery of £46.642m (51.8%).

2.     To note the projected General Fund Balance of £4.054m arising if no further action were taken.

Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Assets

Lead Officer – Tami Sabanovic

RESOLVED:

To approve the Draft Housing Strategy 2025-2030, as outlined in Appendix 1, for a twelve-week public and stakeholder consultation period. Cabinet gave their agreement to proceed with the consultation, ensuring that feedback from residents, stakeholders, and partners is incorporated to create a robust and inclusive final document aligned with the Council’s priorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets presented the draft 2025-2030 Housing Strategy which outlined Shropshire Council’s approach to managing and delivering housing responsibilities, highlighting past achievements and current work, and identified future opportunities to meet Shropshire’s housing needs. He proposed a 12-week public and stakeholder consultation period to allow for thorough understanding and input.

Support for the strategy was expressed however concerns were raised about the operation of Homepoint and the delivery of affordable housing in rural areas. Members were advised that there was an intention to replace the Homepoint system in the medium to long term and the need for a comprehensive replacement.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the reduction in households placed in bed and breakfast accommodation and the investments made in temporary accommodation units.

RESOLVED:

To approve the Draft Housing Strategy 2025-2030, as outlined in Appendix 1, for a twelve-week public and stakeholder consultation period. Cabinet gave their agreement to proceed with the consultation, ensuring that feedback from residents, stakeholders, and partners is incorporated to create a robust and inclusive final document aligned with the Council’s priorities.

Lead Member – Councillor Lezley Picton, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Policy and Strategy, Improvement and Communications.

Lead Officer – Hayleigh Deighton

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Approve the ‘Marches Proposition’, in Appendix 1, as the agreed vision and collective ambition for the Marches Forward Partnership.

2.    Take forward the informal governance arrangements, set out within Annex 2 of the Marches Proposition, as a basis for collective delivery and resourcing.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Policy and Strategy, Improvement and Communications presented the report which sought approval for the Marches Proposition, Appendix 1, which set out the vision for the Marches Forward Partnership and established light touch governance arrangements, through establishment of a quarterly Partnership Board. This will enable the partnership to focus delivery on agreed priorities around the environment, health, transport and food production.

A request for intervention from the partnership to address a cross-border issue with school transport was received and it was confirmed that this would be followed up.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Approve the ‘Marches Proposition’, in Appendix 1, as the agreed vision and collective ambition for the Marches Forward Partnership.

2.     Take forward the informal governance arrangements, set out within Annex 2 of the Marches Proposition, as a basis for collective delivery and resourcing.

Lead Member – Councillor Chris Schofield, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regulatory Services

Lead Officer – Andy Wigley

RESOLVED:

To approve adoption of the Oswestry Shop Front Design Guide: Standing Pre-Application Advice Note (Appendix 2) to provide guidance on application of Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning application process.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services introduced the report which sought approval for Shropshire Council to adopt the final draft of the Oswestry Shop Front Design Guide: Standing Pre-Application Advice Note so that it forms a material consideration when taking planning decisions.

RESOLVED:

To approve adoption of the Oswestry Shop Front Design Guide: Standing Pre-Application Advice Note (Appendix 2) to provide guidance on application of Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning application process.

Lead Member – Councillor Robert Macey, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Digital

Lead Officer – Jane Trethewey

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approved the transfer of the operation of Church Stretton Leisure Centre to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, subject to legal advice, as part of the existing leisure contract, until 31 July 2027.

2.    Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and thereafter finalising negotiations and completing the transfer to the current leisure management contract with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust.

3.    Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the Local Member/s and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and negotiations to conclude the best value approach for the future operation of the Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow Leisure Centres, and complete any necessary contractual or lease agreements.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital presented the report which recommended transferring the management of Church Stretton Leisure Centre to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, under their existing contract. It further recommended delegating authority to negotiate and agree an extension of the lease arrangements at Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow Leisure Centres with Teme Leisure. The aim was to improve sustainability and maintain service levels while achieving financial savings.

Members received clarification on the maintenance responsibilities and costs for each party.

The importance of involving local members in the decision-making process and considering rurality in the evaluation of best value was emphasised.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the transfer of the operation of Church Stretton Leisure Centre to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, subject to legal advice, as part of the existing leisure contract, until 31 July 2027.

2.     Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and thereafter finalising negotiations and completing the transfer to the current leisure management contract with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust.

3.     Delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the Local Member/s and the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital for undertaking necessary due diligence and negotiations to conclude the best value approach for the future operation of the Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow Leisure Centres, and complete any necessary contractual or lease agreements.

Lead Member – Councillor Rob Macey, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Digital

Lead Officer – Jane Trethewey

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

1.    That notice is served upon the 3-18 Education Trust by 31st March 2025 of the Council’s intention to transfer operational responsibility for Much Wenlock Leisure Centre over to them at the expiry of the year’s notice.

2.    That the Council continues its engagement in dialogue with the William Brookes School, 3-18 Academy Trust and other key stakeholders to explore options for capital investment to support the shared ambition to retain public use of the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre on expiry of the Council’s revenue subsidy, in support of which the Council will seek to secure capital investment funding to assist in ensuring continued public use and the smooth transition to a new operator.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital presented the report which outlined savings identified within the authority's medium term financial strategy at Much Wenlock Leisure Centre and presented a summary of the recent consultation exercise, with a recommendation for the future management of the facility.

The local member emphasised the community's deep affection for the leisure centre, highlighting its importance as a hub for residents from Much Wenlock and surrounding areas. He noted the positive and constructive discussions with the 3-18 Education Trust and the collaborative efforts of the Town Council and MP Stuart Anderson. It was noted that the consultation revealed opportunities for improvements, such as better maintenance, refurbishment of showers and changing facilities, extended hours, and enhanced community engagement.

The Portfolio Holder assured members that the Council would continue to work closely with the school during the one-year notice period to explore options for capital investment and improvements. He highlighted the commitment to securing the Centre's future and the positive discussions with the school and other stakeholders.

At this point in the discussion, it was RESOLVED to go into exempt session to share some additional information under exemption category 3 to inform members’ in their decision.

On moving back to open session, it was

RESOLVED:

1.     That notice is served upon the 3-18 Education Trust by 31st March 2025 of the Council’s intention to transfer operational responsibility for Much Wenlock Leisure Centre over to them at the expiry of the year’s notice.

2.     That the Council continues its engagement in dialogue with the William Brookes School, 3-18 Academy Trust and other key stakeholders to explore options for capital investment to support the shared ambition to retain public use of the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre on expiry of the Council’s revenue subsidy, in support of which the Council will seek to secure capital investment funding to assist in ensuring continued public use and the smooth transition to a new operator.

To resolve that, in accordance with the provisions of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 [3] of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items

RESOLVED:

that, in accordance with the provisions of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 [3] of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items.

Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Assets

Lead Officer – Jane Trethewey

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved the recommendations as set out in the report.