Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: that a contribution of up to £4500 (50% of the total project costs) from the Community Planning Implementation budget would be made to Cucklington Parish Meeting subject to the following condition;

-       the Parish Meeting agree to repay the whole sum on the release of payment of the community benefit sum, negotiated locally for the Clapton Park Solar farm.

REASON:       towards the costs of installing the infrastructure to enable superfast broadband in the parish and surrounding area, subject to the standard conditions set out in appendix A.

(Voting: 9 in favour with 1 abstention)

The Neighbourhood Development Officer presented the report to members as detailed in the agenda.

Councillor Sarah Dyke-Bracher declared that she had a personal interest as she is a resident of Cucklington.

Mr Crawford-Smith, a resident of Cucklington, addressed the Committee to summarise the problems over internet speeds within Cucklington. He explained to the Committee that Wessex Internet were the best option to overcome the problem and that the company both had good references and were on the BT list of approved suppliers. He also pointed out that the Parish should benefit financially from the Clapton Farm Solar Park which would hopefully be installed in Cucklington soon.

During the discussion, members suggested that a funding loan may be more suitable, however it was noted that the Clapton Farm Solar Farm should not be relied upon for funds.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the funds be provided as a grant which would be repaid on completion of the Clapton Farm Solar Farm in the event that the Parish meeting were in receipt of funds. This would enable similar applications to come forward.

It was proposed and seconded to approve the funding request of up to £4500 subject to a condition to ensure the Parish meeting agreed to repay the whole sum on the release of payment of the community benefit sum, negotiated locally for the Clapton Park Solar farm.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 9 in favour, with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED: that a contribution of up to £4500 (50% of the total project costs) from the Community Planning Implementation budget would be made to Cucklington  Meeting, towards the costs of installing the infrastructure to enable superfast broadband in the parish and surrounding area, subject to the standard conditions set out in appendix A

subject to the following condition;

-       the Parish Meeting agree to repay the whole sum on the release of payment of the community benefit sum, negotiated locally for the Clapton Park Solar farm.

(Voting: 9 in favour with 1 abstention)