Purpose

Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has entered into an
arrangement with housebuilder ‘The Hill Group’ and
established the Sovereign Hill Partnership (SHP) to take forward
plans for the comprehensive transformation of Buckskin and South
Ham. Extensive background work and community engagement has taken
place over the last 18 months to develop high level principles and
options to feed into the development of a ‘masterplan’
to guide the delivery of a long-term approach to comprehensive
transformation. In Autumn 2023 the council and SNG signed a
high-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to agree a
collaborative approach to bringing forward transformation
proposals. It is now necessary to revise the MoU to reflect the
updated agreed shared transformation ambitions and be in accordance
with the principles contained in paragraph 2.4 of the report.
 

Decision

The decision is:
 

·        
To agree to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with SNG which will set out the collaborative
approach with BDBC and key shared ambitions for bringing forward
wider regeneration proposals.

·        
To delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration to agree the
terms and sign the finalised MoU on behalf of the council.
 
 

Reasons for the decision

Revision of the existing MoU is required to
take account of the updated agreed shared transformation ambitions,
strategic aims, objectives and working arrangements of the
partners. Entering into a new MoU will enable the council and SNG
to continue to collaborate effectively in driving forward the
regeneration of the area.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – do not proceed with the
MoU. This is not recommended as it would impede the delivery of the
objectives of the Council Plan, Local Plan and strategic policy and
could prejudice the future delivery of affordable housing and the
comprehensive regeneration of the area.
 
The recommended option is to agree to enter
into an MoU with SNG that sets the parameters for future
collaboration and joint working, including consideration of the
potential use of the council’s statutory powers if necessary,
in order to best facilitate the comprehensive transformation of
Buckskin and South Ham.