Agenda item

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Executive considered a detailed report, presented by the Portfolio Holder for Growth, which provided an update to Members in relation to the Pleasley Vale Regeneration Project and activities, carried out around the site, and future work and projects for Pleasley Vale Business Park.

Pleasley Vale was recognised as an important asset of the Council and there was a strong commitment to ensure that the site was preserved and enhanced for future generations.

As a commercial business park, there were good levels of tenant satisfaction, and many had been on site for over 20 years. However, the rents alone did not cover the extensive capital repairs required to maintain and improve the buildings and land.

To address this issue, a project officer had been in place since November 2022, to manage a regeneration project with the objective of initially assessing the viability and appropriateness of a range of regeneration options and to commission reports and surveys to overcome site constraints and inform the principle of development.

The report provided details of potential funding opportunities to be explored for various projects on the site including flood management and renovation of the Gardeners Cottage and Coach House. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust had been appointed to produce a Nature Recovery / Blue and Green Infrastructure Masterplan to survey and assess the current condition of the site, identify constraints and opportunities for funding and collaboration with communities and education providers. The Property Services Team were currently identifying all priority repairs for the Mill buildings to identify the total cost of repairs and a report would be provided to a future Executive meeting when detail and costs were known.

The project team had also been developing a working group of stakeholders, including Leisure Services, Members, and representatives from Mansfield District Council to discuss site issues and opportunities for regeneration.

The Head of Business Growth highlighted the importance of flood management at Pleasley Vale which was a critical priority before any regeneration opportunities could be investigated and multiagency work was being carried out to show that this was being addressed.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources highlighted the extreme cost of insurance for the site due to the recent flooding caused by Storm Babet.

Moved by Councillor Clive Moesby and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Reasons for Recommendation

The purpose of this report is to update Members on the progress of the regeneration project and to highlight the current situation and challenges faced on site following recent flood events.

To inform Members of the works being commissioned to inform and be able to set out a clear plan of flood mitigation works and environmental improvements as the basis for protection of operation of the business park as well as exploring options for further regeneration works across the site. Once detailed costs are confirmed, these will be presented to Members for further discussion and approval.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

Do nothing - business as usual - This option has been rejected. Water management and flood prevention measures underpin any future plans for the use of Pleasley Vale for economic, social and leisure activities. Extreme storm events and flooding will continue to detrimentally affect ongoing operations at the Business Park. Failure to address this will result in financial losses to the Council and tenants operating on site, a high risk of not being able to insure the site for its current operations, as well as unusable parkland and workspaces leading to further deterioration of the site.

Do less – This option has been rejected. The works which have been identified are deemed to be a priority and a minimum level of intervention for the site if it is to continue operations, even to continue as a business park with no regeneration intervention.

Do more – This option has been discounted at the present time. Actual costs and budget shortfalls are currently unknown.

Having previously declared his interest in the following item of business, Councillor Steve Fritchley left the meeting.

As a Member on the Dragonfly Board, Junior Cabinet Member, Councillor Janet Tait left the Council Chamber.

Councillor Duncan McGregor in the Chair