To approve expenditure and deliver activities as detailed in the Leominster Heritage Action Zone Delivery Plan.

Cabinet member, economy and environment introduced the item, full details of which are set out in the agenda pack.

It was confirmed that there were additional resources in place to deliver this project.   It was also suggested that there be co ordination between this project and any public realm activities which may be taking place at the same time.

The group leaders were supportive of the project.

Resolved that

(a)            The Director for economy and place, following consultation with the Section 151 Officer, the Cabinet member for environment and economy and the Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, be authorised to approve expenditure required to deliver the public realm projects which will be procured in line with the council’s contracts procedures rules; 

(b)           The Director for economy and place, following consultation with Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet member for environment and economy and Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, be authorised take all operational decisions necessary to deliver the balance of the programme, including grant schemes and information and engagement projects within the total project budget of £3.6m; and

(c)            The Section 151 Officer be authorised to reduce the grant element of the overall budget to up to £1.8m from the £2m originally estimated and approved at Council so that the overall capital programme budget for this project is £3.6m.