Agenda and decisions

Any apologies for absence that have been received will be noted at this point.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

Members and officers are reminded to make any declarations of disclosable pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interests they may have in respect of matters on the agenda for this meeting.

To note the financial information, fast track grants approved since the last meeting and any grants nearing the three year cut off.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

The Panel noted the fast tracks granted since the last meeting of the Panel, and reviewed the status of the grant awards nearing the end of their drawdown period and considered the funding advisor update recommendations as outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

The Panel is requested to consider the report and the grant applications as listed and approve the grant applications and Officerrecommendations for applications for funding for 2024-25 from theUK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity Fund noting that there may be some minor adjustments to levels offunding provided where further points of clarification are being made.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

The Panel considered the report and the grant applications as listed and approved the grant applications and Officerrecommendations for applications for funding for 2024-25 from theUK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity Fund noting that there may be some minor adjustments to levels offunding provided where further points of clarification are being made; and requested to revisit applications from Arun and Rother Rivers Trust and Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Tuppenny Barn

Declarations of Interest: Cllr Bangert declared an interest and left the room for this item. Cllr Moss took over as Chair.

Purpose: To enable the running of three new ten-week community gardening programmes.

Sum Requested: £24,211

Sum Approved: £24,211

Reasons: To support people with poor mental health, those who are socially isolated, have additional learning needs, economically inactive or considered vulnerable.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Birdham and Wittering Scouts

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To install shutters and a kitchen.

Sum Requested: £20,000

Sum Approved: £20,000

Reasons: To improve user experience for those sessions and will allow them to look at running additional groups.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Axiom Product Development

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To purchase a large-scale 3D printer.

Sum Requested: £19,000

Sum Approved: £19,000

Reasons: To assist in decarbonising and reducing their environmental impact.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester Community Development Trust

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Bike project.

Sum Requested: £14,925

Sum Approved: £14,925

Reasons: To assist with supporting active travel.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester Community Development Trust

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To support vulnerable women into self-employment – Discover Your Future project.

Sum Requested: £21,978

Sum Approved: £18,780

Reasons: To support women who faces barriers such as lack of finance skills or confidence, overwhelming care responsibilities, investment, neuro-diversities or a lack of connections.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester BID Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To provide a contemporary bandstand or events space created using temporary tent stretch structure over Crane Street which are made of sustainable material and the use of temporary theatrical flooring.

Sum Requested: £40,000

Sum Approved: £ £30,000

Reasons: To be flexibly designed to it can be used as an outdoor alternative live performance space.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Replacement of the clubhouse.

Sum Requested: £16,000

Sum Approved: £16,000

Reasons: To provide shelter for members and guests from adverse weather conditions when this interrupts the playing of croquet.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester BID Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To enhance Chichester Cathedral Green Event space.

Sum Requested: £39,926

Sum Approved: £40,000

Reasons: To provide power supply and wifi to the Cathedral green outside space to enable events and activities to take place.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester City Football Club

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Car park resurfacing

Sum Requested: £40,000

Sum Approved: £29,600

Reasons: To provide a tarmac surface to provide safer and more accessible parking.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester Festival Theatre

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Provide a ‘third space’ – The Nest project

Sum Requested: £24,500

Sum Approved: £24,500

Reasons: To provide space for short courses, workshops, test projects and productions.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester Hockey Club

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To offer coaching and hockey playing opportunities for boys and girls aged 8 years old and upwards.

Sum Requested: £15,900

Sum Approved: £11,000

Reasons: To introduce 50 pupils from local secondary schools to the sport of hockey which is not offered as a sport by any of the local schools.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester Men’s Shed

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To support those experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Sum Requested: £20,000

Sum Approved: £20,000

Reasons: Fitting out of workshop, including installation of electricity and drainage.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Chichester Runners and Athletics Club

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Provision of a running track.

Sum Requested: £25,000

Sum Approved: £25,000

Reasons: To provide a safe training facility for all, particularly juniors who currently train on streets and in parks.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Farmhouse Cookery Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To purchase an advanced energy efficient commercial oven.

Sum Requested: £16,088

Sum Approved: £16,088

Reasons: To increase production, reduce energy consumption and further maximise operational efficiency to meet increased demand for their products.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Fishbourne Parish Council

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To provide 5m solar lights along Emperor Way foot and cycle path.

Sum Requested: £18,648

Sum Approved: £18,648

Reasons: To enable users to travel safely from Fishbourne to Chichester.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Fishbourne Playing Field Association

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To create a new pathway along the southern perimeter of its field

Sum Requested: £12,600

Sum Approved: £12,600

Reasons: To enable access from Blackboy Lane end through to the existing pathway by Langrune Close.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Friends of Centurion Way

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Restoration and reinstatement of the gateway arch to Centurion Way.

Sum Requested: £17,500

Sum Approved: £17,500

Reasons: To enhance this walking and cycling route from the City Centre to the South Downs National Park.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Kirdford Village Hall Management Committee

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To install solar panels and lithium battery storage.

Sum Requested: £12,000

Sum Approved: £12,000

Reasons: To enable an efficient management of energy requirements by storing any excess energy generated for future use.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Lavant Equestrian LLP

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To install an outdoor children’s playground.

Sum Requested: £11,200

Sum Approved: £11,200

Reasons: To provide a valuable space for young children to play safely.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Legend Presents Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To install seating around the jousting area and building a café outlet.

Sum Requested: £16,000

Sum Approved: £16,000

Reasons: To enable visitors to have a better experience by increasing viewing capacity for the Jousting and Falconry show.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Midhurst Vision Partnership CIC

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Revitalising Northern Gateway

Sum Requested: £40,000

Sum Approved: £25,000

Reasons: To improve the visitor experience and encourage greater footfall.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Northchapel Sports Club

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To develop Northchapel Sports Club’s multi use games area.

Sum Requested: £20,000

Sum Approved: £20,000

Reasons: To benefit all parties involved and allow sporting activities to be scheduled in a more practical and consistent way.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Cotehurst Ltd t/a Petworth Pharmacy

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Dispensing automation using robotic technology.

Sum Requested: £40,000

Sum Approved: £40,000

Reasons: To improve the efficiency of the dispensary service and free up time for staff to deliver advice and services to its customer base.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Selsey Press Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To purchase a guillotine cutter.

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: To help service the needs of a broader range of client and delivering operating efficiencies whilst reducing waste.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: SODT Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: To purchase a new over with oven loader and extraction.

Sum Requested: £27,000

Sum Approved: £27,000

Reasons: To increase the working decks from 6 to 7, to enable increased production.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Solufeed Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Installation of solar panels.

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: To become more carbon friendly, to reduce outages currently experienced and to substantially decrease annual energy costs.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Stopham Vineyard Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: The purchase of a cross flow filtration system for winemaking.

Sum Requested: £18,000

Sum Approved: £18,000

Reasons: To enable improved efficiencies, in the wine production. 

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: Stubcroft Farm Campsite Ltd

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Construction of a shepherd’s hut style catering trailer to provide food and drink for campsite guests and events.

Sum Requested: £19,000

Sum Approved: £19,000

Reasons: To provide café service for hot beverages, cakes and pastries, sandwiches plus simple hot breakfast and evening food options using local produce where possible.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: The Cowdray Heritage Trust

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Refurbishment of The Cowdray Heritage Trust Visitor Centre

Sum Requested: £40,000

Sum Approved: £20,000

Reasons: To enhance the visitor experience, engage with the public on a more regular basis and provide a greater range of events.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

Applicant: The Sylvia Beaufoy Youth Centre

Declarations of Interest: No interests declared.

Purpose: Solar battery project – to enable storage of solar energy. 

Sum Requested: £29,661

Sum Approved: £29,661

Reasons: To take advantage of natural solar resources to enable longer-terms sustainable energy solution for the Centre.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding agreement.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether

or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an

application.

For decision.

Concessionary Rent Relief Application

RESOLVED BY THE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

The Panel approve the Fernhurst Hub’s (The Lessee’s) application for a rent subsidy as set out in paragraph 6.0 of the report in connection with the 2024 rent review.

For decision.

Discretionary Rate Relief Application

RESOLVED BY THE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITIES AND WELLBEING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

No exceptional circumstances have been demonstrated, nor has any financial hardship been demonstrated, therefore the application for discretionary rate relief fund is refused by the Panel.

To note the date of the next meeting as Wednesday 26 June 2024.