This week in Rushmoor:

Council Property Sale Sparks Debate

The future of council-owned property at Union Yard, Aldershot has been a point of discussion, with a proposed sale to Vivid Housing raising questions about value and community impact. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to review the decision made by the Cabinet on 15th December 2025, to dispose of Blocks C & D.

While the sale is expected to proceed, soft market testing indicated that six companies offered less than Vivid Housing's proposal. The council's report pack suggests that while individual sales might bring in more money over a longer period, selling to Vivid Housing offers a more immediate financial benefit and reduces risk. However, this decision could impact the availability of affordable housing nominations, which will remain with the Council, while shared ownership will be managed by Vivid Housing. Concerns have also been raised about potential anti-social behaviour, with strategic meetings being held to address these issues.

The committee was also set to review its work plan and confirm the minutes of its previous meeting.

For more details, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

New Leisure Centre Plans Move Forward

The development of a new Farnborough Leisure Centre is progressing, with key considerations for its construction being presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The report, presented by Executive Director Karen Edwards and Development Manager Johanna Cohen, was to be reviewed by the committee before being passed to the Cabinet for their meeting on 3rd March 2026. Any recommendations from the committee's discussion will be considered by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet will also be asked to approve entering into a Development Management Agreement for the construction and handover phases of the project. This significant investment in community facilities aims to provide enhanced leisure opportunities for residents.

For more details, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting and the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Council Grapples with Pay Gaps and Leadership Selection

The upcoming Licensing and Corporate Business Committee meeting on Thursday, 5th March 2026, will tackle important issues including the council's Pay Policy Statement and reports on its Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gaps. The Gender Pay Gap Report shows a concerning increase, with a mean gap of 16.04% and a median gap of 13.17%. While the Ethnicity Pay Gap has decreased, it remains a focus for the council. Initiatives within the new People Plan aim to address these disparities through upskilling, mentoring, and flexible working.

The committee will also be selecting the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Councillor Peter Cullum, the current Deputy Mayor, is expected to move into the role of Mayor, with Councillor Akmal Gani being considered for Deputy Mayor. The selection process prioritises seniority and previous local government service.

Additionally, a polling place in Aldershot is set to be reinstated at the North Town Community Centre, following redevelopment work.

For more details, see the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Cabinet is also scheduled to discuss an updated timetable for the new Local Plan for Rushmoor, a crucial document guiding future development. This plan-making process is being streamlined under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. A new policy for engaging agency workers and consultants will also be presented, aiming to ensure transparency and compliance following an audit observation. An exempt report concerning the disposal of property at No. 168 High Street, Guildford, and budget approvals for building works at Nos. 16-18 The Meads, Farnborough, will also be considered.

For more details, see the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) will consider an application for the review of a premises licence.

For more details, see the upcoming Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) meeting.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Tuesday 03 March 2026: Cabinet - Local Plan, Agency Workers Policy, Farnborough Leisure Centre, Property Disposals.
• Tuesday 03 March 2026: Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) - Review of a Premises Licence.
• Thursday 05 March 2026: Licensing and Corporate Business Committee - Pay Policy Statement, Pay Gap Reports, Mayor and Deputy Mayor Selection, Polling Place Update.
• Wednesday 11 March 2026: Development Management Committee - Development Management matters.