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.
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