Decisions

Details of decision: 

The Portfolio Holder approves Somerset West and Taunton Council’s submission of a bid into the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government’s Levelling Up bid, entitled “A Vision for Tonedale”

Reasons for proposed decision: 

This Levelling Up bid provides an opportunity for Somerset West and Taunton, working in partnership with many partners, stakeholders, and the community at large to deliver benefits in community and commercial sectors, education and apprenticeships, health and wellbeing, employment opportunities and environmental improvements, whilst simultaneously meeting many of the Levelling Up outputs under the regeneration and cultural criteria.

Tonedale Mill and the surrounding green spaces and waterways are integral to the fabric of Wellington both as a place and as crucially in its identity. The deterioration of the nationally significant industrial fabric and infrastructure whilst in private ownership has reached a critical point, but it is not too late. The Levelling Up bid can combine the needs of the community with the salvation of the natural and built assets to the benefit of all.

Consultation to date:

Regular updates have been provided to the Wellington Town Council and Langford Budville Parish Council. Significant local stakeholders and consultation has occurred through our partnership with the Wellington Mills CIC.

WMCIC was established in 2018. In January 2021 SWT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the group to formalise and demonstrate the joint commitment to the heritage and environment of Wellington. They have completed multiple rounds of community consultation for the sites and may become end users for parts of each project.

SWT are also working closely with community sports, cultural and leisure groups who are interested in or who would benefit from the community land consolidation project.

Alternative funding options sourced:

The submission into the Levelling up fund bid does refer to a number of match funding contributions that have been made by SWT, including capital and revenue expenditure. This funding is already committed and/or spent and does not require further approval.

There is no financial ask of SWT in the Levelling Up fund. A report to Full Council will follow the submission to request that should the bid be successful, a supplementary capital budget is created to allow the spend of the monies on the projects described. The LUF proposal stipulates that some of the funds must be spent in financial year 21/22, hence this paper seeks approval to spend the funds if successful ahead of time to allow time for procurement and design to take place.

Any conflicts of interest declared by Leader or Executive Members consulted on the proposed decision.  If Yes provide confirmation from Chief Executive to grant dispensation for the Leader’s / Executive Member’s views to be considered.

Details of decision:  British Telecommunications plc (BT) has recently contacted the Council concerning proposals to remove four public call boxes within the Somerset West and Taunton area.

With the spread of mobile telephone communications the need for public telephone boxes has significantly declined over the past few years and is likely to continue leading to the current proposal.  The telephone box the subject of this proposal has been monitored for 12 months by BT and very low usage (in many cases no use at all) has been recorded.

Consultations with the appropriate Ward Councillors and Parish Councils have taken place within the last couple of months and the responses received confirm a wish to raise an objection to the removal have been added into the attached Schedule.

This Schedule formed a ‘draft’ decision which had to be notified to both BT and the Secretary of State.

A further round of consultation has been undertaken before the end of May 2021 before this ‘final’ decision in respect of the telephone boxes identified is being issued by the Council as the ‘Relevant Public Body’.

At this final stage, Executive Councillor Chris Booth has agreed that the final decision should be published and sent to BT and the Secretary of State.

.

Reasons for proposed decision:  BT has been assessing usage of public telephone boxes in the Somerset West and Taunton Area and has found that these boxes have not been used at all during the last year or on such an infrequent basis that it is simply not worthwhile keeping the boxes listed operational.

Alternative funding options sourced: None

Any conflicts of interest declared by Leader or Executive Members consulted on the proposed decision.  If Yes provide confirmation from Chief Executive to grant dispensation for the Leader’s / Executive Member’s views to be considered.

Not Applicable