Decisions

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.

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Decisions published

25/11/2021 - Unit 10 Pioneer Court, Alderman Best Way, Morton Palms, Darlington ref: 1367    Recommendations Approved

We have been asked to approve a 10 year sub lease by the solicitors representing the ground leaseholder of Unit 10 Pioneer Court, Hagen Developments Limited
The proposal is for them to grant a lease to Priory Education Services Limited (Company House reg no: 062448800) whose registered company address is 80 Hammersmith Road, London.
The lease will be for a term of 10 years on FRI Terms for a rent of £60,750pa although the tenant is being granted an initial six month rent free period. Bank references are not required due to the Council only receiving a nominal rent of one peppercorn.
The use is office services use class E (formerly use class B1 of the Town and Country (Use classes) Planning Order 1987).
The company’s business is providing specialist secondary education and care to young people who have emotional behavioural difficulties, Autistic Spectrum disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and Dyslexia and the premises will be used as administration offices.
Trade references not required.

The Companies House check has not revealed anything to be concerned about.
The alienation clause in the lease between The Council and City & Northern (Now Hagen Developments) does not refer to any under-lessee being a good a proper person or company, just that the Council’s consent cannot be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

In light of the checks Hagen Developments will have commissioned, to ensure their direct under tenant is of substantial covenant and standing, we have no grounds for withholding our consent. Priory Education Services Limited will not be paying rent to the Council. They will be paying rent to Hagen Developments Limited.
The Council’s legal and surveyors fees of £400 are being paid by Hagen Developments Ltd for processing this approval.

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Economic Growth

Decision published: 09/12/2021

Effective from: 25/11/2021

Decision:

To approve the proposed sub underlease of unit 10 Pioneer Court to Priory Education Services Limited

Reasons for the Decision
Enables a vacant unit to be occupied providing new jobs to Darlington

Lead officer: Mark Ladyman


28/07/2021 - Appointment of Chair for the Municipal Year 2021/22 ref: 1326    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit Committee

Made at meeting: 28/07/2021 - Audit Committee

Decision published: 23/11/2021

Effective from: 28/07/2021

Decision:

RESOLVED – That Councillor Lee be appointed Chair of this Audit Committee for the Municipal Year 2021/22.


30/09/2021 - Planning, Listed Buildings and Tree Preservation Order Decisions September 2021 ref: 1362    Recommendations Approved

To agree the Applications for Planning Permission and Other Consents under the Town and Country Planning Act and Associated Legislation for September 2021

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Economic Growth

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 30/09/2021

Decision:

Individual decisions made in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the attached document

Lead officer: Dave Coates


31/08/2021 - Planning, Listed Buildings and Tree Preservation Order Decisions August 2021 ref: 1361    Recommendations Approved

To agree the Applications for Planning Permission and Other Consents under the Town and Country Planning Act and Associated Legislation for August 2021

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Economic Growth

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 31/08/2021

Decision:

Individual decisions made in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the attached document

Lead officer: Dave Coates


04/08/2021 - Naming of streets on a new housing development off Yarm Road, Middleton St George. ref: 1360    Recommendations Approved

Naming of streets on a new housing development off Yarm Road, Middleton St George.
Deerness Avenue, Greta Drive, Lune Close, Wear Close, Beldon Close

The developer of the site requested that the Council provide street names for their site. The street naming and numbering officer suggested names of rivers in County Durham the developer agreed.


Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 04/08/2021

Decision:

To agree naming streets

Streets to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17

Lead officer: Dave Winstanley


15/09/2021 - Naming of streets on a new housing development off Neasham Road, Darlington ref: 1359    Recommendations Approved

Naming of streets on a new housing development off Neasham Road, Darlington – Elder Brook Avenue, Gill Beck Lane, Elder Way, Heather Way, Ash Brook Lane, Wayfaring Drive, Cleavers Lane, Buckthorn Court.

The developer of the site submitted their proposed street names, several were not acceptable as there are existing streets with the same name within the borough, advised that a different suffix does not differentiate sufficiently. Further proposals were submitted and agreed with the street naming and numbering officer.


Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 15/09/2021

Decision:

To approve new street names

Streets to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17.

Lead officer: Anthony Hewitt


16/09/2021 - Naming of streets on a new housing development off Edward Pease Way, Darlington ref: 1358    Recommendations Approved

Naming of streets on a new housing development off Edward Pease Way, Darlington – Globeflower Close, Cranesbill Lane, Lady’s Mantle Lane, The Assemblage, Pennycress Lane, Rockrose Garden, Eyebright Way, Saxifrage Way, Gentian Close

The developer of the site, Cussins, submitted the proposed street names. The names have been previously discussed with the street naming officer and Bussey and Armstrong as part of the wider West Park Garden Village project.

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 16/09/2021

Decision:

To approve new street names.

Streets to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17.

Lead officer: Anthony Hewitt


06/10/2021 - Naming of streets on a new housing development off Yarm Road, Middleton St George ref: 1357    Recommendations Approved

Names suggested by developer – Chestnut Tree Lane, Honeysuckle Close, Cornflower Close, Bramble Close, Elderflower Close

The developer of the site, Calmont Homes, submitted their suggestions for street names. Several were not acceptable as there are existing streets with the same name within the borough, advised that a different suffix does not differentiate sufficiently. Further proposals were submitted and agreed with the street naming and numbering officer

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 06/10/2021

Decision:

To approve new street names.

Streets to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17.

Lead officer: Anthony Hewitt


20/08/2020 - Renaming of street from Linkwater Lane to Linkinwater Lane ref: 1355    Recommendations Approved

Street name requires changing due to an error on the original application from the developer

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 20/08/2020

Decision:

To agree street name

Street naming in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17 & 18 and Town Improvements Clauses Act 1847, Section 64.

Lead officer: Dave Winstanley


13/07/2021 - Naming of new street - Avery Gardens ref: 1354    Recommendations Approved

The Street Naming and Numbering Officer worked with the developer to agree a suitable street name for the site which was approved by the Council in consultation with Councillor KeIr.


Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 13/07/2021

Decision:

To agree name of street

Street to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17.

Lead officer: Dave Winstanley


04/11/2021 - Naming and numbering of streets on a new housing development at Berrymead Farm, Beaumont Hill, Darlington ref: 1353    Recommendations Approved

Names suggested by the Street Naming and Numbering Officer and agree with the developers – Tayberry Way, Mulberry Avenue, Boysenberry Close, Cloudberry Close, Dewberry Lane, Tummelberry Close, Huckleberry Close, Blueberry Drive, Strawberry Drive, Bilberry Way, Cranberry Way, Gooseberry Grove, Blackberry Grove, Raspberry Grove, Loganberry Grove.


The joint developers of the site, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes requested the Council name and number the streets, which was agreed as detailed above and shown on the plan.

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 04/11/2021

Decision:

To approve street naming and numbering

Reasons for the Decision(s)
Streets to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17

Lead officer: Anthony Hewitt


08/10/2021 - Naming of streets on a new housing development off Whessoe Road, Darlington. ref: 1356    Recommendations Approved

Names suggested by developer – Bloom Avenue, Betula Drive, Splendor Court, Corylus Close, Patina Drive, Prosper Avenue, Empress Drive, Hemlock Close, Sakura Grove, Kalmia Grove, Aster Grove, Embley Court
The developer of the site, Miller Homes, submitted their suggestions for street names. Many were not acceptable as there are existing streets with the same name within the borough. Further proposals were submitted and agreed with the street naming and numbering officer.

Decision Maker: Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects

Decision published: 16/11/2021

Effective from: 08/10/2021

Decision:

To approve new street names
Streets to be named in accordance with the Public Health Act 1925, Section 17.

Lead officer: Anthony Hewitt


09/11/2021 - Development of Eastbourne Sports Complex ref: 1349    Recommendations Approved

Refurbishment of athletics track, provision of an additional artificial grass pitch and improved on-site parking.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/11/2021 - Cabinet

Decision published: 12/11/2021

Effective from: 20/11/2021

Decision:

The Cabinet Member with the Health and Housing Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the options for the refurbishment and development of outdoor facilities at Eastbourne Sports Complex.

 

The submitted report stated that the Eastbourne Sports Complex, which had opened in 1999, had operated successfully for the past 22 years and continued to provide the Council’s key outdoor sports facilities that contributed to the Council’s vision and outcomes as well as contributing to the majority of the Council’s Portfolios.  The site provided a range of facilities and a number of athletic and football clubs used the site on a weekly basis, as well as a range of partners, schools and casual users, generating approximately 170,000 visits a year.

 

It was reported that there were currently a number of issues and opportunities to consider with regard to Eastbourne Sports Complex, namely the athletics track which was now at the end of its life cycle; the provision of an additional Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP), using an in principle offer of up to £700,000 towards the cost from the Football Foundation, and access and egress arrangements for the site.

 

Particular refences were made to the four options available; the financial implications of each of those options; the VAT implications; and the preferred option (Option 4) which would see the provision of an additional APG, refurbishment of the athletic facilities and improvements to car parking facilities on and off site.

 

In welcoming the proposals, a Member raised a concern in respect of the VAT implications on particular groups and the options available to the Council.  The Cabinet Member with the Health and Housing Portfolio and the Group Director of Operations responded thereon.

 

RESOLVED – (a)  That the refurbishment of the athletics track, the provision of an additional Artificial Grass Pitch and improved parking and traffic management arrangements, as detailed in paragraphs 35(d) and 36(d) of the submitted report, which would be subject to the outcome of the application to the Football Foundation for £700K.

(b)   That it be recommended to Council that £1.610M of Council funding for the scheme, be released, to be financed through prudential borrowing and capital receipts.

 

(c)  That the procurement of goods/services and works for the refurbishment and the development of the facilities be deemed non-strategic.

 

REASONS – (a)  To ensure that the Council continues to provide an appropriate competition standard athletics facility in the town.

 

(b)  In line with the Playing Pitch and Facilities Strategy provide an additional Artificial Grass Pitch at Eastbourne working in partnership with the Football Foundation.

 

(c)  Eastbourne Sports Complex contributes to the Council’s Vision and Portfolio priorities as the Council’s main outdoor sporting hub. The investment modernises facilities and will support the transformation of services and improve the facilities available for residents of the Borough.

 

(d)  Cabinet do not have the delegated authority to approve capital expenditure over £0.5m in one financial year.

 

(e)  To comply with the Contract Procedure Rules requirement that all tenders over £100,000 are presented to Cabinet to determine if they are strategic or non-strategic.

 

Wards affected: Stephenson;

Lead officer: Charleen Dods


09/11/2021 - Schedule of Transactions ref: 1352    Recommendations Approved

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: 09/11/2021 - Cabinet

Decision published: 12/11/2021

Effective from: 20/11/2021

Decision:

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Chief Executive (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


09/11/2021 - Project Position Statement and Capital Programme Monitoring - Quarter Two ref: 1350    Recommendations Approved

To provide a summary of the latest Capital resource and commitment position, to inform monitoring of the affordability and funding of the Council’s capital programme.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/11/2021 - Cabinet

Decision published: 12/11/2021

Effective from: 20/11/2021

Decision:

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Operations and the Group Director of Services (previously circulated) providing a summary of the latest Capital resource and commitment position, to inform monitoring of the affordability and funding of the Council’s capital programme; an update on the current status of all construction projects currently being undertaken by the Council; and requesting that consideration be given to a number of changes to the programme.

 

The submitted report stated that the projected outturn of the current Capital Programme was £268.563M against an approved programme of £268.815M; the investment was delivering a wide range of improvements to the Council’s assets and more critically services; the programme, including commitments, remained affordable within the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2021/22 to 2024/25; the Council currently had 46 live projects, with an overall projected outturn value of £138.692M, the majority of which were running to time, cost and quality expectations, but were being monitored given the current pressures on resources in the construction sector nationally; and that the projects were managed either by the Council’s in-house management team, a Framework Partner or by Consultants source via an open/OJEU tender process.

 

RESOLVED - (a)  That the status position on construction projects, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

 

(b)  That the projected capital expenditure and resources, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

 

(c)  That the adjustments to resources, as detailed in paragraph 23 of the submitted report, be approved.

 

(d)  That an additional £652,000, as detailed in paragraphs 19(d) and 23 of the submitted report, be released.

 

REASONS - (a)  To inform Cabinet of the current status of construction projects.

 

(b)  To make Cabinet aware of the latest financial position of the Council.

 

(c)  To maintain effective management of resources.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gail Banyard


09/11/2021 - Revenue Budget Monitoring - Quarter 2 ref: 1351    Recommendations Approved

To provide an up to date forecast of the revenue budget outturn as part of the Council’s continuous financial management process.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/11/2021 - Cabinet

Decision published: 12/11/2021

Effective from: 20/11/2021

Decision:

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Operations (previously circulated) providing an early forecast of the 2021/22 revenue budget outturn, as part of the Council’s continuous financial management process.

 

The submitted report stated that it was the second revenue budget management report to Cabinet for 2021/22 and that the projected revenue reserve at the end of 2021/22 was £29.536M, an improvement of £4.610M on the initial 2021/25 MTFP position.  The improvement in reserves included £2.317M of additional balances following the 2020/21 outturn; £0.993M of resources returned to reserves, following the rebasing exercise; £0.185M of projected departmental overspend in 2021/22; a £0.570M increase in corporate resources; and a net £0.915 required from the COVID-19 reserve.

 

It was reported that of the £29.536M projected reserves, there was a risk reserve balance of £5.350M and a commitment to use £15.838M to support years two to four of the current MTFP.

 

RESOLVED - (a)  That the forecast revenue outturn for 2021/22, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

 

(b)  That further regular reports be made to monitor progress and take prompt action if necessary.

 

(c)  That the carry forwards as detailed in the submitted report, be agreed.

 

REASONS - (a)  To continue effective management of resources.

 

(b)  To continue to deliver services to agreed levels.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gail Banyard


09/11/2021 - Council Tax Support Scheme 2022/23 ref: 1348    Recommendations Approved

To consider and approve a draft Council Tax Support Scheme.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/11/2021 - Cabinet

Decision published: 12/11/2021

Effective from: 20/11/2021

Decision:

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Operations (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the draft Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme (also previously circulated) for 2022/23.

 

The submitted report stated that the Council was required to set a Council Tax Support scheme each year and in doing so consider whether any changes should be made to the existing scheme and where changes were made, consider what transitional protection, if any, should be applied to anyone affected by those changes.  It was reported that no significant changes were proposed to the existing scheme.

 

RESOLVED - That it be recommended to Council that the draft Council Tax Support Scheme for 2022/23, as appended to the submitted report, be approved and adopted, including:-

 

(a)    continuing to provide up to 100 per cent Council Tax Support for care leavers under the age of 25; and

 

(b)    continuing to provide up to 80 per cent Council Tax Support for all other working people. 

 

REASONS - (a)  The Council is required to publish a local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2022/23 by 11 March 2022.

 

(b)  The continued application of a reduced entitlement for working aged people is still appropriate, given the current financial position of the Council.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gail Banyard


09/11/2021 - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Capital Projects Update ref: 1347    Recommendations Approved

To request the release of additional funds for Special Educational Needs (SEND) Capital Projects.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/11/2021 - Cabinet

Decision published: 12/11/2021

Effective from: 20/11/2021

Decision:

The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of People (previously circulated) updating Cabinet on the progress made in respect of the two Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) capital projects.

 

The submitted report stated that in 2019 Cabinet agreed the SEND strategy, a key element of which was increased provision of school places for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, allowing more young people to be educated locally (Minute C125(3)/Mar/19 refers); two schools agreed to work with the Council to provide those additional places, namely Rise Carr College and Red Hall Primary School; Cabinet agreed to release government grant to fund the schemes (Minutes C37(1)/Sep/19 and C71(1)/Jul/20 refer); the schemes were fully funded by Government grant; both units opened to pupils in September 2021; and that the unit at Red Hall Primary School provided 16 SEMH places whilst the unit at Rise Carr College provided 15 secondary SEMH places plus four assessment places.

 

A Member reported at the meeting that the groundwork at Rise Carr College was still unfinished and requested an update on when that work would be completed.  The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio responded thereon.

 

RESOLVED – That the progress made in respect of the two Special Education Needs and Disabilities capital projects at Rise Car College and Red Hall Primary School, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

 

REASON – To keep Cabinet up to date with the progress of the two SEND units.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Sarah Foster