Agenda and minutes

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (financial/business affairs).

Bernadette Rushton, Retail Investment Manager, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Retail Investment Manager, relating to the street café grant scheme.

The report set out the aims and objectives of the scheme together with the current expressions of interest from eleven town centre businesses in respect of installing high quality street café furniture, temporary canopies or umbrellas and portable enclosure barriers.

It was explained that investigations had been carried out to source the furniture etc and comparative quotations on behalf of the businesses had been obtained.  The benefits of this approach were also reported.

Reference was made to two applications that had been considered and supported by the Business Development Steering Group, from the following:-

-          Ministry of Food

-          Churchill’s

Reference was also made to the highways and planning requirements and enforcement of conditions.

Resolved:-  (1)  That grant assistance be awarded to the projects referred to in this report at a level of 75% of eligible costs relating to the purchase of street café furniture (excluding vat), up to a maximum grant payment of £2,000 including:-

-          Ministry of Food

-          Churchill’s

(2)  That any grants awarded are subject to the standard terms and conditions as identified within the Guidance Notes previously approved by the Cabinet Member.

(3)  That the progress with the project and with specific potential grant applicants be noted.

Bernadette Rushton, Retail Investment Manager, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Retail Investment Manager, to an application under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme for the opening of a healthy eating café in the ground floor area of 8/12 Doncaster Gate.

Details of the application were set out in the submitted report.

It was pointed out that although the project satisfied the eligibility criteria the views of the Grants Panel should be noted.

Reference was made to the unique offer proposed by this applicant noting the need for more detailed branding, promotion and targeting of customers.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a rental contribution to provide 50% of annual rent (ex VAT) in year 1 and 25% of annual rent (ex VAT) in year 2 be approved - the grant to be paid quarterly in arrears on submission by the applicant of proof of payment of rent.

(2)  That a capital improvement grant, to cover 75% of total cost of eligible works, be approved.

(3)  That any grant offer be subject to the Business Vitality Grants Scheme’s standard terms and conditions and the additional terms as detailed in the submitted report.