The Cabinet of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, to discuss and approve a new timetable for the Local Plan, a new policy for engaging agency workers and consultants, and to move forward with the construction contract for Farnborough Leisure Centre. Decisions were also made regarding the disposal of a property in Guildford and budget approvals for works in Farnborough.

Local Plan Timetable and Notice to Commence Plan-Making

The Cabinet approved the publication of an updated timetable for the production of Rushmoor's Local Plan. This decision is crucial as the previous Local Development Scheme was out of date. The new timetable will guide the preparation of the Local Plan, which is expected to take 30 months. The Cabinet also approved the publication of a notice to commence plan-making in May 2026. This notice is a statutory requirement and must be published four months before the formal plan preparation period begins. Councillor Keith Dibble, Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder, presented the report, highlighting that this updated timetable will allow the Council to progress the Local Plan as far as possible before the vesting of the new unitary authority. The final adoption of the plan will be the responsibility of the future unitary council.

New Engagement of Agency Workers and Consultants Policy and Procedure

A new policy and procedure for the engagement of agency workers and consultants was approved by the Cabinet. This policy aims to ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance with organisational and legislative requirements when the Council utilises external expertise. Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, explained that the policy was developed in response to an audit observation by the Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) which identified a lack of formal procedures. The new policy outlines roles and responsibilities for various departments, including Senior Leadership Team, Managers, Finance, the People Team, IT Services, Procurement, and Legal Services. It also details a digital system with notification alerts for authorising engagements before temporary workers commence.

Farnborough Leisure Centre - Construction Contract Award

The Cabinet moved forward with the Farnborough Leisure Centre project by approving the entry into a Development Management Agreement for RIBA Stage 5 (construction and handover) onwards. The total cost for the new leisure centre, playground, and surface car park is £27.5 million, with £18.5 million to be funded by the Local Regeneration Fund (formerly Levelling Up). The Council will need to borrow an additional £8.8 million, with revenue implications for interest costs and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) charges. These costs are intended to be funded by income from the leisure centre operator, following the contract award approved in February 2026. The Cabinet noted input from the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding paper circulation, environmental impacts, contractor insolvency protections, and surplus reinvestment. The decision also included authorising the appropriation of land for planning purposes and the use of powers to remove legal constraints to development. The Cabinet recommended to the Council the approval of a capital budget of up to £27.5 million for the project.

Disposal of No. 168 High Street, Guildford

In a decision made in the absence of the public, the Cabinet approved, in principle, the disposal of the freehold interest in No. 168 High Street, Guildford. This disposal is a key priority for the Council's Financial Recovery Plan, and the likely disposal value is expected to meet or exceed the amount set out in the plan. A preferred purchaser has been selected following a competitive market exercise. The Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with relevant officers and the Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, was authorised to confirm the final terms of the disposal.

Nos. 16-18 The Meads, Farnborough - Budget Approvals

Also considered in the absence of the public, the Cabinet approved an increase to the capital budget for proposed building works at Nos. 16-18 The Meads, Farnborough. This increase, up to a sum detailed in an exempt report, is to ensure the successful delivery of the works and will be funded from capital receipts allocated to commercial lettings in the 2025/26 Capital Programme. The Cabinet also noted the risk mitigation strategy for the project, which is part of the Council's ongoing priority to regenerate Farnborough town centre.