Scheme funding delay down to 'political problems'

Stratford-on-Avon District Council said it hoped for a positive outcome

Funding delays for a regeneration scheme are down to "political problems" that may stop West Midlands Combined Authority providing financial support, a meeting heard.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's cabinet this week approved a masterplan that will act as the guide for how it would like to see the "Stratford Gateway Site" developed.

But last month, the combined authority's investment board deferred a decision on going ahead with a funding deal with the council.

The council said it hoped for a positive outcome, but could not rely on "other people making decisions on that particular piece of funding".

Its cabinet - the team of Liberal Democrat councillors in charge - approved the Stratford-upon-Avon Gateway Masterplan, a supplementary planning document that bolts into local and national planning rules.

The combined authority deferred its decision after its board had "endorsed the proposed collaborative agreement" with the council, which would "facilitate a residential-led mixed use development".

Minutes from a February meeting showed board members had raised questions "regarding the budget for the scheme, land acquisition costs and liabilities related to the listed buildings".

'Financial obstacle'

At this week's council cabinet meeting, portfolio holder for planning and economic development George Cowcher, described the planning document as "very fit for purpose".

Conservative opposition leader Sarah Whalley-Hoggins said to leader Susan Juned: "We must pay tribute to all of the hard work - and I know you have - of officers and councillors over several years, but it is now clear that we have reached some sort of financial obstacle.

"What is going to happen now if that cannot be secured?"

Ms Juned replied: "I think some of the problems, unfortunately, lie with political problems elsewhere that are not under our control.

"That is with the West Midlands Combined Authority as one of the key bodies that we have been working with."

Ms Juned added it had been working "very hard with them".

The mayoral election for the combined authority takes place on 2 May, with the next investment board meeting scheduled for 24 June.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.