The Cabinet considered the report which sought prioritisation of the Bevan Place Project within the Capital Programme.

The Strategic Head – Commercial & Property set out that in November 2020 the Council had agreed a three-year capital Programme part of which was to facilitate the development of new regeneration schemes for the Council. At the time of preparing the recommendations, high level assumptions were made as to potential projects, indicative costs and pace of delivery. This resulted in a list of potential projects and envisaged funding allocations, and a projects approval protocol was put in place.

In establishing the Capital Programme it also required the approval of a funding pot that would facilitate the rapid development of funds towards projects. However, with different schemes moving at different pace, there was a greater need to draw funds towards Schemes that were maturing faster. The realignment would provide officers with greater flexibility in delivering the Bevan Place Project at pace.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That £400,000 be vired within the approved Capital Programme to facilitate the delivery of Bevan Place project as follows:

·         £330,000 from Edenbridge (this project to be postponed to 2022/23 and be profiled as part of the 2022/23 Budget setting process)

·         £20,000 from the Sevenoaks Town Centre Regeneration Project

·         £50,000 from the “Other Feasibility” allocation.