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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0052 2016/17

Executive Portfolio:
Growth (Including Planning)
Decision Number:
0052 2016/17
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
Earlestown
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Submission of a Townscape Heritage Funding Bid and committment to required funding for Earlestown Conservation Area
Summary of Decision:
To approve the submission of a Townscape Heritage funding bid and commitment to funding for regeneration in Earlestown Conservation Area
Proposed Decision:
To approve the submission of a Townscape Heritage bid for funding for physical regeneration works to be carried out to the recently designated Earlestown Conservation Area in Earlestown Town Centre. The funding bid would be for 90% of the delivery costs of the scheme. A committment to funding the additional 10% is also requested.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
Earlestown is the most appropriate location in the Borough to benefit from heritage based reneration funding. Earlestown has had a lack of investment in rencent years. Earlestown can benefit from regeneration funding and create confidence for others to invest in the future.
Reason for Decision:
An assessment has been undertaken of areas potentially suitable for a Townscape Heritage Scheme. Earlestown was considered to be the best candidate for a number of reasons. An urban design study carried out in 2010 identified a special character in its urban form, notwithstanding its significance in the evolution of the railways. The town has suffered under investment in recent decades such that there is a need for regeneration. Part of Earlestown Town Centre has been now designated as a Conservation Area and a Character Appraisal and Management Plan has been formulated and approved by the Council (see attached). There is also an opportunity to achieve lasting benefit as a result of the momentum created by other schemes and development. In particular, the recent electrification of the Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington railway line, as well as residential development of around 400 houses being built on the former Deacon Industrial Estate, close to the Town Centre. If the Town Centre can be uplifted through heritage led regeneration, this could encourage additional patronage, integrate new residents and create confidence for potential investors. In addition, a more vibrant Town Centre will help to overcome any concerns in relation to anti-social behaviour and community safety particularly around the area close to the Station, thus encouraging greater use of the railway as a sustainable transport option. A draft copy of the proposed Townscape Heritage bid submission is attached for information. The proposed project would be for 3 years starting in Auust 2017.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
The HLF require that the Council will need to underwrite any shortfall in funding if successful. This could occur if the costs are more than anticipated or other match funding is not secured.
Measures to Redress Risk:
The costs assocaited with the projects will be ascertained first. Where the costs are more than anticipated, the works to be undertaken and the programme will be reassessed.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
None
Attachments:
Please Contact Melanie Hale - Ext 6115 for more details.