Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies since 18 May 2018.
Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
The procurement of maintenance, 24 hour call
out/repairs service of automatic doors, gates and lifeline
equipment.
Implementation date of 1st April 2021.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 12/04/2021
Effective from: 12/03/2021
Decision:
That the contract for the maintenance and 24
Hour call out/repairs service of automatic doors, gates and
lifeline equipment be awarded to Faye Services Limited.
Reason - Faye Services Limited are the most economically
advantageous tender, from the procurement process.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Durham Constabulary in respect of
Multi Agency Partnership, SARC and MARAC.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 03/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Durham Constabulary be agreed in
respect of Multi Agency Partnership, SARC and MARAC for a contract
period of 4 years at a cost of £130,000.
Reason - This provides positive partnerships with other statutory
agencies working with the same client groups.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Care Connect (DCC) in respect of the
Home from Hospital Service, procured by DCC.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 06/08/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Connect Care (DCC) be agreed in
respect of the Home from Hospital Service, procured by DCC for a
contract period of 12 months with an option to extend for 2x12
months at a cost of £227,970.
Reason - DCC are extending the Contract and benchmarking has been
carried out.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Deerness Fencing and Landscaping Ltd
to create ponds and hibernacula structures and Ingenium
Parc.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 06/08/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Deerness Fencing and Landscaping Ltd
be agreed to create ponds and hibernacula structures at Ingenium
Parc for a contract period of 4 weeks at a cost of
£150,000.
Reason - A procurement exercise was carried out but a decision was
made to award only part of the works. The additional works are to
be retendered.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Gainford Care Home.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 06/08/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Gainford Care Home for an ongoing contract period at
a cost of £117,024.96.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Age UK North Yorkshire and
Darlington, Darlington Mind, Potens and the Grange Care Home in
respect of framework for the provision of day
opportunities.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 09/07/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington,
Darlington Mind, Potens and The Grange Care Home be agreed in
respect of framework for the provision of day opportunities for a
contract period of 12 months at a cost of £113,856.70.
Reason - The award is to enable a review of the services and a
procurement exercise to carried out.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with St Philip's Care.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 17/03/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with St Philip's Care for an ongoing contract period at a
cost of £125,553.02.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of day placement for a young
person with Breckenbrough.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 03/03/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of day placement for
a young person with Breckenbrough for a contract period of 18
months at a cost of £109,645.50.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of day placement for a young
person with Breckenbrough.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 18/02/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of day placement for
a young person with Breckenbrough for a contract period of 18
months at a cost of £109,645.49.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement at Darnton Suite, Hundens Park Care Home.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 18/02/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement at Darnton Suite, Hundens Park Care Home for an ongoing
contract term at a cost of £140,778.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Durham County Council in respect of
a shared service agreement with Durham County Council for the
provision of a Home Improvement Agency.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 18/02/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed to Durham County Council in
respect of a shared service agreement with Durham County Council
for the provision of a Home Improvement Agency for a contract
period of 4 years at a cost of £480,000.
Reason - Soft market testing has been carried out and it is
unlikely that there are any other providers of this service in the
area.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Delta Executive Travel in respect of
Transport Route 210.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 04/02/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Delta Executive Travel be agreed in
respect of Transport Route 210 for a contract period of 4 years at
a cost of £129,600.
Reason - The award is to ensure that this route could run along
side another two routes with this supplier awarded via the
Framework.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Alzheimer's Society in respect of
Dementia Advisor Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 08/01/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Alzheimer's Society be agreed in
respect of dementia advisor service for a contract period of 1 year
at a cost of £154,125.
Reason - The award will provide continuation of the service and
contract monitoring will ensure value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Durham House in respect of adult
domiciliary care package.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 08/01/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award to Durham House be agreed in respect of
adult domiciliary care package for an ongoing contract term at a
cost of £128,108.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Harbour Support Services in respect
of Domestic Abuse Outreach Support.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed for Harbour Support Services in
respect of Domestic Abuse Outreach Support for a contract period of
2 years with an option to extend by (1+1) at a cost of
£360,000.
Reasons - This award will enable the Council to join the DCC
Contract.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Foundation in respect of Durham and
Darlington Offender Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed for Foundation in respect of
Durham and Darlington Offender Service for a contract term of 2
years with an option to extend by 1+1 at a cost of
£511,200.
Reason - The supplier is able to maintain level of service within a
budget and contract monitoring will continue to monitor the
service.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Hunden's Care Home.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Hunden's Care Home for an ongoing contract period at
a cost of £140,778.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Elliot House (Paramount Care).
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Elliot House (Paramount Care) for an ongoing
contract period at a cost of £253,859.22.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Middleton Oaks, Middleton Hall Retirement
Village.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 21/01/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Middleton Oaks, Middleton Lodge Retirement Village
for an ongoing contract period at a cost of
£216,160.25.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Middleton Oaks, Middleton Hall Retirement
Village.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 21/01/2020
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Middleton Oaks, Middleton Hall Retirement Village
for an ongoing contract term at a cost of £231,084.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult day service with
Springfield Care (Potens).
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult day service
with Springfield Care (Potens) for an ongoing contract term at a
cost of £26,366.16.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of domiciliary care package
and day care service with Ascot Care.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of domiciliary care
package and day care service with Ascot Care for a contract term of
4 years at a cost of £197,939.39.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award with ESS in respect of CCTV maintenance
repairs and 24 hour call out service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 26/11/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed with ESS in respect of CCTV
maintenance repairs and 24 hour call out service for a contract
term of 18 months at a cost of £150,000.
Reason - A procurement exercise was carried out, the successful
supplier has failed to provide the service and ESS have agree to
the contract terms.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of Women's Refuge Service,
Family Help.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 26/11/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of Family Help
Women's Refuge Service for a contract term of 12 months with the
option to extend by 12 months at a cost of £156,000.
Reason - To secure this vital service and to allow for pending
legislation to be taken into account.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of Darlington Citizen Advice
Bureau Financial Inclusion Crisis Support Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of Darlington
Citizen Advice Bureau Financial Inclusion Crisis Support Service
for a contract term of 12 months with an option to extend by 12
months at a cost of £200,000.
Reasons - The contract will offer value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of supported accommodation
for a child with Supporting Independence.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of supported
accommodation for a child with Supporting Independence for a
contract term of 1 year at a cost of £197,600.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of Darlington Citizens
Advice Bureau Community Care Support Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of Darlington
Citizen Advice Bureau Community Care Support Service for a contract
term of 12 months with an option to extend by 12 months at a cost
of £300,000.
Reason - The contract will offer value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of the Emergency Duty Team
and the shared services arrangement with Stockton MBC.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 12/11/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of the Emergency
Duty Team and the shared service arrangement with Stockton MBC for
an ongoing contract term at a cost of £685,494.50.
Reason - The award has provided a saving to the Council.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of insurance contract with
Zurich Municipal.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 15/10/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of insurance
contract with Zurich Municipal for a contract term of 2 years at a
cost of £1,219,638.
Reason - The award is providing a saving year on year and a
retender in the current climate will not provide a
saving.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of road construction to new
build site to Wearmouth Construction.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 15/10/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of road construction
to new build site to Wearmouth Construction for a contract term of
12 months at a cost of £144,000.
Reason - Works have started with the Contractor and the award is to
ensure completion on the works.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult recovery and
treatment service with NECA.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 30/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult recovery
and treatment service with NECA for a contract term of 6 months at
a cost of £554,687.50.
Reason - To enable a robust mobilisation phase for the delivery of
the new service specification.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of day placement for a child
with Priory Group.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 16/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of day placement for
a child with Priory Group for a contract term of 46 months at a
cost of £159,526.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of day placement for a child
with Priory Group.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 16/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of day placement for
a child with Priory Group for a contract term of 46 months at a
cost of £128,206.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of foster placement with A1
Foster Care.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 16/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of foster placement
with A1 Foster Care for a contract term of 2 years at a cost of
£117,000.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of day placement for a child
at Ashbrooke School, Witherslack Group.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 03/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of a day placement
for a child at Ashbrooke School, Witherslack Group for a contract
term of 3 years at a cost of £216,558.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of children's day placement
with Priory Group.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 03/09/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of children's day
placement with Priory Group for a contract term of 3 years at a
cost of £239,289.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Request to waive contract procedure rules in
respect of the contract with Thyssenkrupp to supply, install and
maintain stair and through-floor lifts in residents'
premises.
Benchmarking has taken place to ensure value for money.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 09/07/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived in
respect of the contract with Thyssenkrupp, for 4 years and 8 months
at a cost of £4,000,000.
Reason - The contract will offer value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
At a Special Meeting of the Council on 18
February 2021 delegated authority was given to the Assistant
Director Law and Governance (the Returning Officer) to change the
location of polling places in the event that a designated polling
place is no longer available or suitable.
The following designated polling stations in the Bank Top and
Lascelles, Cockerton and Mowden Wards are no longer
available:
Rydal Academy, Rydal Road, Darlington,
Holy Family RC Primary School, Prior Street,
Darlington and Mowden Junior School, Conyers Avenue,
Darlington.
The Returning Officer has identified alternative polling places,
these are:
King William Street Community Centre, King William Street,
Darlington
St. John’s Church of England Academy, Fenby Avenue,
Darlington
Cockerton Library, Woodland Road, Darlington
The Mowden Pub Staindrop Road, Darlington
Decision Maker: Assistant Director Law and Governance
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 25/02/2021
Decision:
To change the polling places in the Bank Top
and Lascelles, Cockerton and Mowden Wards that are no longer
available to the alternative polling places identified by the
Returning Officer.
Reason - To ensure there are designated polling places for each
polling district.
Lead officer: Luke Swinhoe
Cabinet agreed the relocation of Darlington
Farmers Auction Mart (DFAM) from Clifton Road to Humbleton Farm and
the acquisition of circa 55 acres of land at Neasham Road, to
accommodate a future mix of housing, subject to a conditional sale
option agreement with a national housebuilder.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 29/08/2018
Decision:
To release Economic Growth Capital Investment
Funding and negotiate terms to acquire land at Neasham Road,
Darlington.
Reasons - To provide a site capable of contributing to the delivery
of Council Housing Stock and other affordable/social homes to
satisfy the Borough’s housing need.
To help facilitate the relocation of the Cattle Mart facility from
Clifton Road to Humbleton Farm.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
Following the acquisition of land at Neasham
Road, Darlington Cabinet (Min C102/Jan/19 refers), agreed in
principle, the disposal of the site for a future social, private
and affordable housing development. Subject to planning permission
approval and detailed terms being reported to a future Cabinet
meeting.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 24/01/2019
Decision:
To dispose of the site at Neasham Road for a
future, social, private and affordable housing development.
Reason - To provide a site capable of contributing to the delivery
of Council housing stock and other affordable/social homes to
satisfy the Borough’s housing needs.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
In October 2017, Cabinet agreed a request to
terminate the Commercial Street Development Agreement and to funds
being released from the Economic Growth Capital Investment Fund to
retain the beneficiary interest in a parcel of land within the
Commercial Street car parks (known as the Zissler strip). Min
C63/Oct/17 refers.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 15/12/2017
Decision:
To terminate the Commercial Street Development
Agreement and release funds from the Economic Growth Capital
Investment Fund to retain the beneficiary interest in the parcel of
land known as the Zissler Strip within the Commercial Street car
park.
Reason - To enable the Council to regain control of the site and be
in a position to consider future development
opportunities.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
The Auction of an irregular shaped piece of
land (approx. 26.30 sqm (283 sq ft), and site of Advertising
Hoarding) at Feethams Roundabout, Victoria Road, Darlington DL1 5JG
is due to take place mid-December.
The Council are interested in acquiring the land, subject to a
satisfactory survey for the purpose of advertising Darlington
Council’s services, information for Town Centre regeneration
schemes and town events.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 15/12/2020
Decision:
To acquire approximately 26.30 sqm (283 sq ft)
site of a 48-sheet advertising hoarding at Feethams Roundabout,
Victoria Road, Darlington DL1 5JG.
Reasons - The land at Feethams Roundabout, Victoria Road,
Darlington, subject to a satisfactory survey of the site, is to be
used for the purposes of advertising, including promotion of
Darlington Council’s services, information for Town Centre
regeneration schemes and town events.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
In July 2017 Cabinet approved the Surrender in
full of an Agricultural Tenancy Agreement of circa 22 ha of land at
Stag House Farm, subject to terms being agreed with the
tenant.
The Agricultural Agreement was surrendered on the
30/10/2017.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 11/07/2017
Decision:
To negotiate terms and surrender the
Agricultural Agreement of circa 22 ha of land at Stag House
Farm.
Reason - To achieve early possession of the land at Stag House farm
to provide the Council with flexibility for making the land
available for future development.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
Morton Palms business park is on the edge of a
town office location situated to the west of the A66. The site
benefits from a Local Plan allocation and planning consent for a
range of employment uses with a focus on office development,
however, in order to attract new investment, it requires
infrastructure improvements, a key component of which is a car
park.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 12/09/2017
Decision:
To conclude negotiations on a funding package
for the provision of a car park at Morton Palms in order to promote
economic growth and new development at Morton Palms.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
In September 2020 Cabinet agreed 1.14 acres of
land at Whessoe Road held by the Council, be exchanged for 0.83
acres of land adjacent to Drinkfield Marsh, subject to terms and
conditions as detailed in the report.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 15/09/2020
Decision:
To exchange 1.14 acres of Council owned land
at Whessoe Road for 0.83 acres of land adjacent to Drinkfield Marsh
in order to safeguard the Drinkfield Marsh Local Nature
Reserve.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
In October 2020 (Min C44/10/20 refers) Cabinet
agreed to the disposal of a surplus piece of land at the rear of
Tandridge Court, Woodland Road, as a potential site for a future
self-build development. The site to be included in the
Council’s Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding
Register.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 04/11/2020
Decision:
To include a surplus piece of land at
Tandridge Court in the Council’s self-build and Customer
Housebuilding Register and to dispose of the land, in the future,
as a potential self-build development site.
Reason - To make available sites for future self-build housing
development and to facilitate the Council’s duty to maintain
a Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding register.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
Cabinet approval was obtained on the 11 July
2017 to enter into an Equalisation Agreement on the terms outlined
in the Report . This decision was subject to an agreed Decision
Notice signed on the 03/07/2020 and officers are now seeking
approval to exchange contracts.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 09/09/2020
Decision:
To enter into an Equalisation
Agreement/Collaboration Agreement re land at Skerningham, Whinfield
Road, Darlington.
Reasons - To promote new development and Economic Growth.
To note the options for the Council.
To enable a decision to be made now on the Council’s
position, so there is certainty on the direction of travel.
To enable the Council to have timely and efficient negotiations
required for the delivery of the Masterplan Frameworks.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
In July 2018 Cabinet agreed to a 3-year
option, expiring Jan 2022, to sell freehold 13.5 acres of land for
the purpose of a new factory development site at Ingenium Park.
Subject to the Council acquiring a small piece of land from the
prospective purchaser to facilitate the Ingenium Park access
road.
The prospective purchaser would like to vary the terms of the
option by immediately acquiring 1.67 acres of the land on a long
leasehold basis (999 years), this is to create an access to and
extension of a lorry standing area for a new vehicle test centre.
The option on the remaining land to be changed from freehold to
leasehold on a 3-year unexpired basis.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 21/05/2020
Decision:
To vary the terms previously agreed by Cabinet
in July 2018 for the sale of the 13.5 acres of land at Ingenium
Parc.
Reason - To allow the immediate lease of 1.67 acres of the land on
a long leasehold basis (999 years) with an option to lease the
remaining land on a 3-year unexpired basis.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
Negotiations have taken place with the owners
of the freehold Interest in the former Lime Cells, Hopetown Lane,
Darlington and provisional agreement, subject to terms, has been
reached to acquire the property with a view to it being used as
part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway 2025
Celebrations.
Date of completion - 16/02/2021
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 13/10/2020
Decision:
To acquire the freehold interest in the former
lime cells, Hopetown Lane, Darlington.
Reason - The property is of local historic importance and is to be
used as part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway 2025
Celebrations.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
The Council acquired land at Blackwell, with
two mobile phone and telecommunication masts, in situ. The masts
are under separate leases.
The existing operators of the masts pay a rental to the Council.
However, due to changes in the telecommunication code there is
likely to be a significant adverse effect on rental levels in the
future.
Cabinet has agreed (Min C13/Jun/19 refers), a request from a
specialist company who own and manage telecommunication sites to
acquire the ground lease of the two masts.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 11/06/2019
Decision:
To dispose of the ground lease of land at
Blackwell, the site of two telecom masts, to a specialist
telecommunications company in order to maximise potential
investment returns for the council; and to minimise management
input in a specialised area and risks due to changing
legislation.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
Request to waive contract procedure rules in
respect of a child placement at Cambian.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 23/03/2021
Effective from: 09/07/2019
Decision:
That contract procedure rules be waived in
respect of a child placement at Cambian, for 12 month contract at a
value of £400,400.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as this
is the only placement that can meet the needs of the service
user.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
Prior to the current pandemic and a number of
lockdowns, the café within South Park was operated by a
private company, Richmondshire Leisure Trust who issued a Notice to
Quit at the end of September 2020.
Historically the café has been run either in-house by the
Council or outsourced to the private sector.
The catering operation at the Dolphin Centre and the Café in
the Collaboration Space are successful business units, and South
Park Café will be managed and operated by the in-house
catering team. When the Council has previously operated the
café, it has returned a small surplus. Income and
expenditure will be monitored closely and a review of the decision
to operate the café in-house will be taken in a year’s
time.
Decision Maker: Assistant Director Community Services
Decision published: 19/03/2021
Effective from: 01/03/2021
Decision:
That South Park Café be operated
in-house to enable the café to open as we come out of
lockdown, providing a popular service to park users.
Lead officer: Ian Thompson
Various licence
applications/permissions/consents made under the Licensing Act 2003
for the month of February 2021.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 17/03/2021
Effective from: 26/02/2021
Decision:
Individual decisions made in accordance with
the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the
attached document.
Lead officer: Brian Murray
To inform and update Members about issues
relevant to the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
2000 and developments and recent developments.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 09/03/2021 - Cabinet
Decision published: 12/03/2021
Effective from: 20/03/2021
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) updating Members on issues relevant to the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000; developments that have taken place since the last report to Cabinet in October 2020 (Minute C46/Oct/20 refers); and requesting that consideration be given to approving a revised RIPA Policy (also previously circulated).
The submitted report stated that the RIPA 2000 enabled local authorities to carry out certain types of surveillance activity as long as specified procedures were followed; the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) was the main legislation governing the acquisition of communications data.; the information obtained could be relied upon in court proceedings providing RIPA and IPA was complied with; and that the RIPA Policy had been amended as a result of the Inspection by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office that took place in August 2020 and reported in October’s Cabinet Report (Minute C46/Oct/20 refers) and to pick up on forthcoming changes to the Council’s senior management structure.
RESOLVED – (a) That the developments that have taken place since October 2020, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.
(b) That the RIPA Policy, as appended to the submitted report, be approved, to come into force on 1 June 2021.
(c) That further reports on the use of RIPA and associated issues, be submitted to further meetings of Cabinet.
REASONS – (a) In order to ensure that the Council complies with the legal obligations under RIPA, IPA and national guidance.
(b) To help in giving transparency about the use of RIPA and IPA in the Council.
(c) To update the RIPA policy and procedures to reflect both legislative, operational and structural changes.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Gail Banyard
Update 2020-21 delivery of the Transport
Programme including annual monitoring data, Transport Programme for
2021/22 and progress on the Local Implementation Plan.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 09/03/2021 - Cabinet
Decision published: 12/03/2021
Effective from: 20/03/2021
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) providing Members with the annual update on highways and transport from a regional and local perspective; outlining the delivery, performance and public satisfaction in 2020/21; and requesting that consideration be given to the 2021/22 programme, including the release of funding; and providing an update on the Tees Valley Strategic Transport Plan and the Darlington Transport Plan.
The submitted report stated changes in travel behaviour had been one of the very visible signs of the restrictions imposed as a result of Public Health England and Government advice; as a result of social distancing measures capacity and demand on bus and rail services had been suppressed; free car parking had initially been introduced to support essential workers and essential trips; as schools re-opened Travel Demand Management techniques were used to plan public transport and home to school transport to ensure that children and young people could travel to school and college safely, whilst retaining capacity for the general public; challenges continued; the transport sector would need to work hard to increase bus and rail services back to full capacity and encourage passengers back on to them; and those people who started walking or cycling during the summer lockdown should be encouraged to continue to travel sustainably.
It was reported that despite the pandemic the capital programme of works had progressed; a full programme of maintenance schemes had been delivered; progress had been made on the planning and designing of a number of schemes; additional funding had been secured during the year from the Department for Transports (DfT’s) Pothole and Challenge Fund and the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Active Travel Fund; the Council continued to work in partnership with the TVCA and the other Tees Valley local authorities to deliver the Strategic Transport Plan; a new Bus Partnership had been established with representatives from the main commercial bus operators and the local authorities; working groups had been established to improve bus services and coordinate efforts to encourage people back onto buses; a new online portal had been developed to make the application process for concessionary bus passes more straight forward; a bulk re-issue of over 14,000 bus passes in Darlington had been completed; and that changes to car parking charges were approved by Cabinet following funding from TVCA (Minute C68(2)/Dec/20 refers).
Particular reference was made to the progress on the consultation for the Darlington Transport Plan, that had been delayed due to the Transport Planning Team working on the additional COVID-19 requirements and staff resource issues; whilst the work continued on COVID-19 transport adaptations, there was now resource in place to progress the Plan; the aims of the Plan had been reviewed and updated to reflect a new focus set out in the Town Centre Plan i.e. a place to shop, live, visit, be proud of and do business in, as town centres change from being predominantly retail; and that the plan would continue to prioritise maintenance but would focus on supporting economic growth through the delivery of sustainable transport options and identifying key traffic pinch points on the highway network participation.
Reference was made at the meeting to the guidance from the Government requiring half of all trips to be walked or cycled by 2030; concerns around the competitive bidding process which caused problems in long term planning; and bus congestion in some areas of the Town Centre. The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio responded thereon.
RESOLVED – (a) That progress in delivering the Local Transport Plan, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted and £0.893m Integrated Transport Block and £1.205m Highway Maintenance Funding (£0.964m plus £0.241m incentive funding), subject to Department for Transport confirmation, to deliver the 2021/22 transport programme, be released.
(b) That £1.274m Pothole and Challenge Fund monies awarded by the Department for Transport in September 2020 and £0.969m Pot Hole and Challenge Funding awarded in February 2021 for 2021/22, be released.
(c) That the Active Travel Fund monies, subject to Department for Transport and Tees Valley Combined Authority confirmation, to deliver the Tees Valley Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, be released.
(d) That the Darlington Transport Plan framework, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved, as the basis for consultation in 2021.
(e) That the following recommendations of the Communities and Local Services Committee, be approved, namely:-
(i) that the School Streets Initiative be progressed to the next phase; and
(ii) that the prioritisation of the top three schools for phase three be conducted using the ‘Essential’, Traffic Impacts’ criteria and ‘Supporting Criteria’.
REASONS – (a) To
continue to deliver Darlington’s Transport Strategy as set
out in the Third Local Transport Plan until a new Darlington
Transport Plan is adopted.
(b) To maximise the opportunities to maintain the highway asset for the benefit of all road users.
(c) To deliver the Woodland Road/Duke Street cycling and walking scheme as part of the wider A68 Pinch Point scheme; and continue to secure further funding for the delivery of sustainable transport initiatives.
(d) To enable residents, businesses and organisations to help shape the transport strategy for Darlington
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Barbara Strickland
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 09/03/2021 - Cabinet
Decision published: 12/03/2021
Effective from: 09/03/2021
Decision:
Submitted – The Minutes (previously circulated) of the meeting of this Cabinet held on 9 February 2021.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes be confirmed as a correct record.
REASON – They represent an accurate record of the meeting.
To provide Cabinet with a cost update in
relation to the refurbishment of the crematorium in West Cemetery
and request additional resources to deliver the refurbishment of
the crematorium and new chapel.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 09/03/2021 - Cabinet
Decision published: 12/03/2021
Effective from: 09/03/2021
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the increase in costs to deliver the Crematorium Refurbishment and new Chapel project.
The submitted report stated that work to replace the cremators, redeveloping the existing chapel into a bereavement service office, and building a new chapel within West Cemetery, was due to commence in April 2020; the project had been delayed for a year due to the pandemic to ensure there was adequate capacity for cremations; and that as a result of that delay and the impact of Brexit and COVID-19, the costs for the project had increased significantly on the original estimate.
A Member in attendance at the meeting, addressed Cabinet, in respect of the new cremators, the capturing of mercury and to the continuation of the service throughout the project.
Discussion ensued on the increased costs and the work that had been undertaken to reduce those costs. The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio responded thereon.
RESOLVED – (a) That the continuation of the project, be approved, as the additional costs could be met within the existing financial envelope.
(b) That the additional capital funding of £1.512m, as detailed in the submitted report, be released.
REASONS – (a) To enable the replacement and updating of the current cremators ensuring they meet the requirements of current legislation.
(b) To provide a chapel that provides the facilities that are expected from a modern crematorium.
Wards affected: Hummersknott;
Lead officer: Barbara Strickland
To consider terms negotiated by the Director,
on behalf of the Council, to enable contractually binding
contract(s) to be completed.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 09/03/2021 - Cabinet
Decision published: 12/03/2021
Effective from: 20/03/2021
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Schedule of Transactions (also previously circulated).
RESOLVED – That the Schedule of Transactions, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved, and the transactions be completed on the terms and conditions detailed therein.
REASONS – The terms negotiated require approval by Cabinet before binding itself contractually to a transaction.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Barbara Strickland
For approval to commence a review of the
available planning powers to support the Council’s objectives
of achieving targets set in the Childhood Healthy Weight Plan for
Darlington document.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 09/03/2021 - Cabinet
Decision published: 12/03/2021
Effective from: 20/03/2021
Decision:
The
Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report of
the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
(previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to
commencing a review of the available planning powers that could be
used to support the Council’s objectives of achieving the
targets set in the Childhood Health Weight Plan for
Darlington.
The submitted report stated that Planning could influence the built environment to improve health and reduce obesity and excess weight in local communities; Local Planning Authorities could have a role in enabling a healthier environment by supporting opportunities for communities to access a wide range of healthier food production and consumption choices; Local Planning Authorities could consider bringing forward, where supported by an evidence base, local planning policies and supplementary planning documents, which would limit the proliferation of certain use classes in identified areas, where planning permission was required; and that in doing so, evidence and guidance produced by local public health colleagues and Health and Wellbeing Boards might be relevant.
Reference was made to a number of issues that Local Planning Authorities and planning applicants could have particular regard to including:- proximity to locations where children and young people congregate such as schools, community centres and playgrounds; evidence indicating high levels of obesity, deprivation and general poor health in specific locations; over-concentration and clustering of certain use classes within a specified area; residential amenity – odours and noise impact; traffic impact; refuse and litter; over proliferation – where the number of approved establishments within the Ward equalled or exceeded the UK national average per 1000 population; and opening hours.
A Member in attendance at the meeting addressed Cabinet in respect of the ratio of fast food outlets per 1000 compared to the UK national average and requested that consideration be given to widening input into the process at an early stage. Discussion ensued on the issues around childhood obesity; the timescales for the process; and the benefits of introducing Supplementary Planning Guidance. The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio responded thereon.
RESOLVED - (a) That officers be requested to explore the merits of adopting the available planning powers through the development of an evidence base and the analysis of good practice elsewhere in the country which would assist in addressing childhood obesity.
(b) That in conducting the review detailed at (a) above, officers be requested to consult with the Health and Wellbeing Board.
(c) That a report be brought back to
a future Cabinet meeting.
REASON - To contribute to the further health and wellbeing of the Town.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Barbara Strickland