The Cabinet of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, where they approved an updated timetable for the production of the new Rushmoor Local Plan and a new policy for engaging agency workers and consultants. The meeting also saw the approval of a Development Management Agreement for the Farnborough Leisure Centre project, and decisions were 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 an updated timetable for the production of Rushmoor's new Local Plan, alongside a notice to commence plan-making. This decision is crucial for progressing the borough's planning strategy, particularly in light of the upcoming local government reorganisation in Hampshire. Councillor Keith Dibble, Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder, presented the report, highlighting that the previous Local Development Scheme was out of date. The new timetable aims to allow the Council to advance the local plan as far as possible before the vesting of the new unitary authority. The Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder, has been delegated authority to make any necessary amendments to the timetable and the wording of the notice to ensure compliance with regulations. The publication of the notice to commence plan-making is scheduled for May 2026.

Farnborough Leisure Centre - Construction Contract Award

A significant decision was made regarding the Farnborough Leisure Centre project, with the Cabinet resolving to enter into a Development Management Agreement with Alliance Leisure Services Limited for the construction and handover of the new leisure centre and surface car park. The total cost for this project is estimated at £27.5 million, with £18.5 million to be funded by the Local Regeneration Fund (formerly the Levelling Up Fund). The Council will need to borrow an additional £8.8 million, the revenue implications of which are intended to be covered by income from the leisure centre operator. The Cabinet noted the progress of the planning submission and the design changes made following feedback during the operator procurement process. They also approved the utilisation of revenue capacity funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and authorised the Executive Head of Finance to update the Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy. Furthermore, the Council's powers to appropriate the Queensmead Car Park and the site of the previous Pinehurst Car Park were approved for planning purposes. The Cabinet also recommended to the Council the authorisation of a capital budget of up to £27.5 million for the project.

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. Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, explained that this policy is designed to ensure that such engagements are consistent, transparent, and compliant with organisational and legislative requirements. The new procedure aims to strengthen governance and oversight, manage risks, and ensure legal and financial obligations are met. It includes process stage notifications, compliance, and authorisation requirements, with a digital system to manage workflows. The policy was developed in response to an audit observation by the Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) and has been agreed as an acceptable management action.

Disposal of No. 168 High Street, Guildford

The Cabinet approved, in principle, the disposal of the freehold interest in No. 168 High Street, Guildford. This decision 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, has been authorised to confirm the final terms of the disposal.

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

The Cabinet approved an increase to the capital budget allocation for proposed building works at Nos. 16-18 The Meads, Farnborough. This decision aligns with previous approvals and aims to ensure the successful delivery of the project as part of the Council's regeneration of Farnborough town centre. The increased budget will be funded from capital receipts allocated to commercial lettings in the 2025/26 Capital Programme. The risk mitigation strategy for the preferred contractors was also noted.