The Cabinet of Cheltenham Council met on Tuesday 21 October 2025, approving a rent support grant for Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, and agreeing to consult on a new Nature Recovery Supplementary Planning Document. The council also approved the budget strategy, process, and timetable for 2026-27, and agreed to the disposal of the Municipal Offices.

Award of Rent Support Grant to Voluntary Sector

The Cabinet agreed to award a rent support grant to Leckhampton Rovers Football Club for their Burrows Fields and Pavilion site. The grant will cover 62% of the current market rent for the portion not recouped through subletting to the on-site café. Authority was delegated to the Participation and Engagement Team Leader, in consultation with One Legal, to finalise the terms of the grant agreement. Councillor Peter Jeffries, Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, highlighted the importance of supporting community and charity groups, noting that Leckhampton Rovers is a registered charity that maintains sports fields and a pavilion hosting a café. Councillors Victoria Atherstone and Izaac Tailford spoke in support, praising the club's contributions to the environment, community, and sporting opportunities. Councillor Paul Baker also commended the council's introduction of such grants, stating that they are crucial for the viability of community facilities.

Nature Recovery Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Consultation

The Cabinet approved the draft Nature Recovery Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for a four-week public consultation. This document provides guidance on how future development in Cheltenham can support and improve the natural environment, aligning with the council's corporate plan priorities to drive increased biodiversity and enhance the natural environment. Councillor Mike Collins, Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, introduced the document, explaining that it sets out how new buildings and developments can help connect and improve local green spaces, wildlife habitats, and the overall health of nature in Cheltenham. Councillor Richard Pineger raised a point about the importance of stating that a 10% biodiversity net gain is a minimum to prevent further decrease, which Councillor Tracey Birkinshaw agreed to consider. Councillor Victoria Atherstone inquired about the potential for identifying areas within the borough that could serve as habitat banks for developers, and Councillor Birkinshaw explained the council's preference for local solutions and ongoing work with the Gloucestershire Nature Partnership. Councillors Paul Baker and Victoria Atherstone both praised the document, highlighting the positive impact of previous SPDs and the importance of encouraging biodiversity.

Budget Strategy, Process and Timetable 2026-27

The Cabinet approved the budget setting timetable and the outline budget strategy for 2026-27. They noted a £295,000 overspend reported in September 2025 and the significant work required to address this through savings and efficiencies. The intention to continue working with the Gloucestershire Business Rates Pool for 2026-27 was also noted. Councillor Peter Jeffries, Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, presented the report, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability and meaningful public engagement. He highlighted the risk of over-reliance on reserves and the provisional local government financial settlement expected in late December. The Cabinet also requested that the Section 151 Officer, Deputy Section 151 Officer, and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets consider suggestions from the Budget Scrutiny Working Group when preparing interim budget proposals.

Disposal of the Municipal Offices

The Cabinet approved the recommendations set out in the report regarding the disposal of the Municipal Offices. This decision was made subject to a call-in period.

Briefing Session from Cabinet Members

Several Cabinet Members provided updates on their areas of work:

• Councillor Alisha Lewis, Cabinet Member for Major Developments & Housing Delivery, reported on a networking event with SMEs and startup companies, highlighting the excitement around the Golden Valley development. She also visited new homes at Regents Village, noting the speed and quality of construction, and the focus on accessibility.
• Councillor Victoria Atherstone thanked Cheltenham Festivals for inviting the 'No Child Left Behind' team to their event, where discussions were held on issues such as online bullying and harm in schools.
• Councillor Izaac Tailford, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm, shared updates on the Everyman Theatre's appeal for their new community centre, The Wilson's new exhibition, the success of the 'Lions at Large' trail which raised £370,000 for the Big Space Cancer Appeal, and the launch of a new Visit Cheltenham website. He also mentioned ongoing work with Gloucestershire County Council on the high street and promenade, and encouraged support for the Cheltenham BID ballot.
• Councillor Flo Clucas, Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services, reported on visiting David Bath, a citizen of honour collecting selection boxes for underprivileged children. She also provided an update on the St Peter's and the Moors hub, which is due to start work on 2 November, and discussed international collaboration on housing issues. She also attended a conference on housing ombudsman matters.
• Councillor Paul Baker, Cabinet Member Planning & Building Control, discussed the new Cheltenham Tree Strategy, which aims to protect existing trees and increase tree planting, particularly in areas lacking canopy cover. He also mentioned the evolving policy on Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGs) and progress on expanding curbside recycling to include plastics and Tetra Paks.
• Councillor Richard Pineger, Cabinet Member Climate Emergency, reported on a Climate Leadership Gloucestershire meeting reviewing the climate risk and vulnerability assessment, and the local area energy plan. He also mentioned a business summit and ongoing recruitment for a resident engagement officer. He provided an update on the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and work on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) schemes to prevent flooding.
• Councillor Peter Jeffries, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member Finance and Assets, noted that property matters are often confidential but highlighted a visit to Warden United, a new organisation that has taken over a resource centre and will be applying for a rent support grant. He also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Oriel Singers and attended the closing speech of the first Tech Cyber Week, congratulating Holly and her team on its success. He also stressed the importance of businesses voting in the Business Improvement District ballot.
• Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of the Council, mentioned her involvement in a corporate governance review of town and parish councils and the Local Government Review process. She also attended the launch of the Gloucestershire Skills Hub network and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Holst Museum.

Decisions by Cabinet Members

Cabinet Members reported on decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting:

• Councillor Victoria Atherstone made a decision to note new legislation requiring licenses for primate ownership and to set the associated fees. She also adopted the County Council's new Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2028.
• Councillor Rowena Hay appointed Martin Hallward to the To Folk organisation and Councillor Dovey as a Lido Trustee, as there were no other nominations.
• Councillor Mike Collins agreed to enter into a contract with recruitment consultancy Carrington West to supply a shared planning officer manager, supporting strategic local plan making.