Social Value Ideas for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Church extension approved

The committee approved a major extension to St. Leonard's Church involving a single-storey extension, regraded footpaths, two air-source heat pumps, and cycle stands. The scheme was repeatedly describ…

“The proposed development would deliver substantial public benefits through the provision of additional floor space, enabling services currently accomm…”

Planning performance below target

Non-major planning applications were just under the council's 85% local target, though the officer said performance improved in the final quarter after new appointments and better use of extensions of…

“In terms of our performance, uh you'll see from the information, the government indicator is 70%. Our local target is 15% higher than that, 85%. Um an…”

Water supply blocks local plan

The council says it cannot progress the current local plan because Southeast Water has not provided the evidence needed on supply capacity, creating risk around housing delivery and infrastructure pla…

“Thank you very much leader. Uh I'm speaking to you as the west spot. Hang on. Give me give me a second. Don't Andy to introduce the paper on the big p…”

Dog walking site approved

Planning permission was approved for a change of use from agricultural land to a dog walking facility on land adjacent to Plantation Farm, subject to a section 106 agreement securing biodiversity net …

“Item number one is land adjacent to plantation farm rectory lane in Wolverton for a change of use of agriculture land to dog walking facility with ass…”

Agricultural grain store approved

Permission was granted for a new steel portal-framed agricultural building to be used as an on-grain dryer and store at Mana Farm. The discussion highlighted operational savings from avoiding long jou…

“Right. Thank you. Uh we have a motion on the table to approve the officer's recommendation. It's been seconded. All those in favor unanimous. Thank yo…”

Local plan delayed by water supply uncertainty

The council says it cannot proceed to the next draft local plan timetable because South East Water has not provided a definitive answer on available water capacity or future supply resilience. This cr…

“We discovered that Southeast Water couldn't guarantee that it could provide a resilient supply of fresh water for the new houses that we're being aske…”

S106 agreement discharged

The committee approved discharge of an existing section 106 planning obligation tied to a 1992 permission for a listed barn and a dwelling, with the legal mechanism to be completed by deed of discharg…

“"This is a submission to discharge um uh requirements of a section 106 agreement to remove the restriction requiring the barn and yard um and milhouse…”

Infrastructure-first site tests

Members stressed that future housing allocations must be conditional on infrastructure being able to support development, with explicit concerns about water, sewage, transport, schools and health prov…

“The spatial strategy must be based on infrastructure capable of supporting the development proposed. West Barkshire Council unanimously agreed a motio…”

Revised planning code of conduct

The committee discussed a draft replacement planning code of conduct to reflect national changes to planning decision-making from 31 October 2026. Members requested amendments to clarify lobbying, off…

“So as from the 31st of October there are significant changes being made which means fewer cases will go to committee for determination by councilors u…”

Hackney fare uplift consultation

The committee agreed to send the proposed Hackney Carriage fare table, including a 30p increase to the base drop, out to a statutory 14-day consultation under section 65, after which it will be referr…

“So the recommendation on this paper is for you to consider the new fair table with the 30p extension to the drop for it to go out for consultation for…”

Animal licensing policy consultation

The committee approved the draft animal licensing policy for consultation. The discussion identified a need for clearer guidance, better presentation of star ratings, stronger explanation of franchise…

“So what we want to do is make sure that our policy reflects the current legislation, the statutory guidance, best practice and that is accessible to p…”

Street trader policy adopted

The amended street trader policy was adopted following consultation. Changes included shorter-term licences for festivals, clarification that licences cannot be transferred, and flexibility through th…

“So, we have our very exciting um, November meeting, which will be the licensing act um, policy, which will be the first time I've ever changed the lic…”

Biodiversity Duty Reporting Requirement

Public authorities have a legal obligation under Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act to develop and publish a biodiversity report documenting policies and actions taken. Th…

“This duty is placed on all public authorities and falls under section 40 of the natural environment and rural communities act. and we have a legal obl…”

Local Nature Reserve Declaration - Little Pemwood

Little Pemwood, a 13-hectare ancient bog and wet woodland site north of High Clear, is imminently to be declared as the council's 11th local nature reserve. A management plan has been developed and a …

“the imminent declaration of Little Pemwood which is a 13 hectare site north of High Clear. It will be our 11th local nature reserve in the burough. A …”

Task and Finish Group - Biodiversity Strategy Refresh

Committee approved establishment of a task and finish group to refresh the biodiversity strategy and action plan. The group will meet approximately 5 times and include external parties and stakeholder…

“it would be to go back to the formulation of the biodiversity strategy and action plan way back in 23 and yeah 23 um which involved a lot of external …”