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Policy and Project Advisory Board - Tuesday, 21 July 2026 - 7.00 pm
July 21, 2026 at 7:00 pm Policy and Project Advisory Board View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
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The Policy and Project Advisory Board is scheduled to discuss proposals for free or discounted parking in Aldershot and Farnborough town centres, as well as matters relating to the maintenance of unattached land. The Board will also review its work plan for the upcoming year.
Free Parking for Shoppers
The Board is scheduled to conclude its consideration of offering free or discounted car parking for shoppers in the town centres of Aldershot and Farnborough. This follows an approved Motion at the Council meeting in October 2025 and previous discussions at the Board's meetings in December 2025 and March 2026. Lee McQuade, Economy and Growth Service Manager, and David Phillips, Executive Head of Operations, are expected to attend to provide a presentation and guide the discussion. The original Motion noted the challenges facing local businesses and acknowledged that parking charges might deter shoppers. It requested officers, under the guidance of the Policy and Project Advisory Board (PPAB), to develop a method for consulting residents, local businesses, and potential investors on the impact and implementation of free or discounted parking. The Portfolio Holder was asked to present feasibility investigation findings to the PPAB to inform recommendations for the Cabinet's budget considerations.
Maintenance of Unattached Land
Consideration will be given to matters concerning the maintenance of unattached land. This follows a Motion approved by the Council in December 2025 and initial discussions by the Board in March 2026. James Duggin, Chief Operating Officer, is scheduled to present information and lead the discussion. The Council's Notice of Motion highlighted concerns regarding the management and maintenance of unattached land and requested support and guidance. It also called for the PPAB to consider the feasibility and costs of reviewing unattached or unregistered land to clarify ownership and responsibility, assess emergency works needed for neglected areas, and evaluate the costs and legal considerations of the Council permanently assuming responsibility for maintenance. The Motion also proposed establishing partnerships with Crown land authorities, Hampshire County Council, and other relevant bodies. The report pack outlines various methods for the Council to potentially take ownership of such land, including negotiated purchase, the bona vacantia process, and adverse possession, detailing the associated processes, costs, and timing for both Crown land and non-Crown land.
Work Plan
The Board is scheduled to discuss its Work Plan for the upcoming year. The current Work Plan indicates that the Board's activities are aligned with delivering Council Plan priorities, undertaking research and reviews, assisting the Cabinet in decision-making and budget preparation, and coordinating with other committees to ensure efficient use of time. The plan details scheduled items for future meetings, including the Aldershot & Farnborough Growth Partnership and potential future items such as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and policies related to civil society, street trading, animal licensing, sex establishments, and tobacco and vapes.
The meeting will also include the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 9th June 2026, which can be found in the Minutes of Previous Meeting document.
Attendees