Hampshire County Council
Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 1
16 September 2004
Community Buildings Fund 2004/05
Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage
Contact: Margaret Plumridge Ext: 6173
1. Summary
1.1 The following decision is sought:
i) that partnership funding totalling £42,149 be approved for allocation from the Community Buildings Fund as listed below:
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Alton Methodist Church |
East Hampshire |
12,500 |
The Ark Church Centre, Liphook |
East Hampshire |
5,200 |
Chineham Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
3,600 |
Horton Heath Community Centre |
Eastleigh |
1,006 |
King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Upper Clatford |
Test Valley |
12,500 |
Quarley Village Hall |
Test Valley |
863 |
Rookesbury Hall, Newtown |
Winchester |
841 |
St Michael and All Angels, West Andover Parish Hall |
Test Valley |
3,539 |
Yateley Women's Institute Hall |
Hart |
2,100 |
|
Total |
42,149 |
2. Reason
To support organisations that seek to enable local people to meet the recreational, educational, social, cultural and environmental needs of their local communities and to achieve the aims of the Corporate Strategy by improving community buildings in order to enable local people to access the services and facilities they need.
3. Other Options considered and rejected
- Allocating partnership funding at higher and lower levels.
- Allocating no partnership funding at all.
4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted.
5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee
6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent
Approved by: (signature) Date: (date of decision)
.................................
Councillor J Waddington
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Hampshire County Council |
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Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage |
Item 1 |
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16 September 2004 |
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Community Buildings Fund - 2004/05 |
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Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage |
Contact: Margaret Plumridge, ext 6173
1. Summary
1.1 The County Council works in partnership with specific community organisations particularly community associations and village hall committees who seek to enable local people to meet the recreational, educational, social, cultural and environmental needs of their local communities. These organisations give local people an opportunity to participate in local activities and encourage local initiatives by people of all ages.
1.2 The Council has wide powers under Section 19 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to provide recreational facilities, and to contribute by way of grant or loan towards expenses incurred by voluntary bodies in providing such facilities.
1.3 Corporate Strategy
Partnership funding from the Community Buildings Fund enables the community sector to maintain the quality of Hampshire's cultural assets, namely their village halls and community association buildings some of which are listed. This finance enables improvements to be made to those buildings and can assist with the development of new facilities where appropriate. The provision of these buildings by the voluntary sector enables local communities to access the services and facilities they need
By providing financial support to these organisations for the maintenance of their buildings the County Council is able to work in partnership with the community sector to achieve the Corporate Aim - Stewardship of the Environment.
2. Purpose of Report
2.1 The purpose of this report is:
i) to provide details of the current financial position of the Community Buildings Fund, and
ii) to provide details of requests for partnership funding from the fund
2.2 The partnership funding distribution criteria is set out in Appendix 1.
2.3 Projects listed in Appendix 2 fully meet the criteria and have been allocated a proposed level of funding in line with the criteria.
2.4 Projects listed in Appendix 3 have applied for and are eligible for funding. However, further information is required about their funding package before they are brought forward for approval.
2.5 It has been noted that an increasing number of applications are being received from church organisations. There are three such applications in this report.
2. Finance
2.1 After provisionally setting aside £50,000 for major schemes there remained an allocation of £150,000 in the Recreation and Heritage capital programme for 2004/05 for the Community Buildings Fund. After allowing for decisions taken on 13 May (£60,755) and 1 July 2004 (£42,520) and the decision made by Councillor Thornber in respect of a request from Ringwood Community Association (£3,500) amounting in total to £106,775 there remains a balance of £43,225. If the recommended allocations in this report of £42,149 are agreed a balance of £1,076 would remain for the rest of the financial year. .
Recommendations
The following decisions are sought:
i) that partnership funding totalling £42,149 be approved for allocation from the Community Buildings Fund as listed below:
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Alton Methodist Church |
East Hampshire |
12,500 |
The Ark Church Centre, Liphook |
East Hampshire |
5,200 |
Chineham Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
3,600 |
Horton Heath Community Centre |
Eastleigh |
1,006 |
King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Upper Clatford |
Test Valley |
12,500 |
Quarley Village Hall |
Test Valley |
863 |
Rookesbury Hall, Newtown |
Winchester |
841 |
St Michael and All Angels, West Andover Parish Hall |
Test Valley |
3,539 |
Yateley Women's Institute Hall |
Hart |
2,100 |
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Total |
42,149 |
Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.
NB the list excludes:
Published works
Documents, which disclose exempt or confidential information as, defined in the act.
Title Location
Applications for financial assistance Community Support Service
Appendix 1
The application criteria for the Community Grants Fund is as follows:
Partnership funding is granted for:
· Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments
· Health and Safety issues
· Equipment to improve the buildings and increase usage
· Feasibility Studies
Who can apply:
· Village Halls (not parish run halls)
· Community Associations
· Other similar community groups
· Church Organisations that have a separate community programme on their property
Funding criteria:
· For projects costing less than £15,000, the funding criteria is up to one third of the cost.
· For projects costing more than £15,000, the grant is calculated at 50% of the combined district and parish contribution up to a maximum of 25% of the project costs or £12,500, whichever is the lesser.
· Feasibility Studies - applications will be considered for 50% of the cost up to a maximum of £500
Priority Criteria:
1. Health and safety issues that could result in the building being closed or activities seriously curtailed if the work is not carried out.
2. The work is absolutely essential in order to meet the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act. (It has been widely publicised that these types of buildings will not be closed provided reasonable steps have been taken to meet the terms of the Act).
3. The project is part of a phased development and this element is essential to it's overall completion.
4. Non priority work.
Appendix 2
Priority 1 Health and Safety
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Yateley Women's Institute Hall |
Hart |
2,100 |
Total |
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2,100 |
Priority 2 Disability Discrimination Act
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
The Ark Church Centre, Liphook |
East Hampshire |
5,200 |
Horton Heath Community Centre |
Eastleigh |
1,006 |
King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Upper Clatford |
Test Valley |
12,500 |
St Michael and All Angels, West Andover Parish Hall |
Test Valley |
3,539 |
Total |
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22,245 |
Priority 3 Phased Development
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
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Total |
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0 |
Priority 4 Applications for General Improvement Works
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Alton Methodist Church |
East Hampshire |
12,500 |
Chineham Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
3,600 |
Quarley Village Hall |
Test Valley |
863 |
Rookesbury Hall, Newtown |
Winchester |
841 |
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Total |
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17,804 |
Applications awaiting further information about funding
Hall/ Centre |
District |
£ |
Priority |
Beech Village Hall |
East Hampshire |
12,500 |
1 |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
New Forest |
12,500 |
4 |
Froyle Village Hall |
East Hampshire |
10,000 |
2 |
Highclere Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
12,500 |
2 |
Kilmeston Village Hall |
Winchester |
12,500 |
2 |
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Total |
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60,000 |
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Name: |
Alton Methodist Church |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Anthony Ludlow has been consulted. |
Project: |
Replacement of existing building to include new community facilities |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will provide new facilities for the use of the community |
Cost: |
£1,275,000 |
General Reserves: |
Accounts show reserves in the region of £55,000 with an additional endowment of £143,587 restricted for Methodist Church purposes. |
Project Reserves: |
Reserves held for new building currently total £19,000 with an additional £645,000 promised from 11 other sources. |
Statement: |
The current building is on a very small land-locked site with no option for extension other than upwards. Planning permission has been sought and granted for a 2 storey building providing for both worship and community use. It is planned that this building will provide a substantial main venue for community activities within Alton and representatives from the Church have been working with Voluntary Action East Hampshire and Alton Town Council to identify needs in the town and contribute to the Town Plan process. |
Funding: |
Own and promised funding: £664,000 Other anticipated funding: £208,000 East Hampshire District Council: £25,000 applied for (current maximum for EHDC grant is £15,000) Alton Town Council: £2,000 applied for (may be in-kind) |
Recommendation: |
50% of combined District and Town council contributions to a maximum of £12,500 subject to confirmation. |
Note: EHDC recommendation is for £15,000 - decision due September
Name: |
The Ark Church Centre, Liphook |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Michael Cartwright supports this application. |
Project: |
Refurbish toilet to provide disabled facilities and refurbish and extend kitchen. |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will provide new facilities for the use of the community |
Cost: |
£36,000 |
General Reserves: |
£47,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£192,676 - restricted and designated funds for church purposes |
Statement: |
After 40 years both the existing toilets and kitchen are in a poor state and need refurbishing plus DDA legislation requires provision of disabled facilities. |
Funding: |
Own funds: £20,000 East Hampshire District Council: £5,000 applied for Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council: £5,400 applied for |
Recommendation: |
£5,200 as 50% of combined District and Parish contributions subject to confirmation |
Name: |
Chineham Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Keith Chapman has been consulted. |
Project: |
Install new air ventilation system |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Health & Safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities for the benefit of the community |
Cost: |
£10,800 |
General Reserves: |
£31,000 |
Project Reserves: |
The hall has a comprehensive 5 year maintenance plan matched against available funds |
Statement: |
This project will make the area more acceptable to community users and will comply with proposed passive smoking legislation |
Funding: |
Own funds: £7,200 Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council: Funding already received for another project Chineham Parish Council: Funding already received for another project |
Recommendation: |
£3,600 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Christ Church, Colbury Church Rooms |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Frank Bright has been consulted. |
Project: |
Extend building to provide disabled toilets and additional storage |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will provide new facilities for the use of the community |
Cost: |
£40,105 |
General Reserves: |
£1,781 |
Project Reserves: |
£192,920 of which £170,000 is tied up as a legacy and not currently available for general use. |
Statement: |
This work is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. The rooms are used by a variety of community groups including Guides, Youth Theatre group, WI, Youth Club, Family Learning and Further Education classes. |
Funding: |
New Forest District Council: Application made but were advised that NFDC no longer fund such projects. Ashurst & Colbury Parish Council: £250 applied for but no decision due until September |
Recommendation: |
As no contribution has been made by New Forest District Council we cannot support this application under the current funding criteria. |
Name: |
Horton Heath Community Centre |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Carol Boulton has been consulted. |
Project: |
Installation of loop system and sound system |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Equipment to improve the buildings and increase usage |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend its use to the community |
Cost: |
£3,018.57 |
General Reserves: |
£8,952.66 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The hall is extensively used by all groups in the community. A loop system is needed to comply with DDA. At the same time the sound system is being updated. |
Funding: |
Eastleigh Borough Council : £600 confirmed Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council: £200 confirmed Donation from Horton Heath Baptist Church: £606 Own Funds: £606 |
Recommendation: |
£1,006 as one third of project cost |
Note: This application was originally awaiting the outcome of a lottery application but the applicant has now reduced the scope of the project to match available funding.
Name: |
King Edward VII Memorial Hall, Upper Clatford |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Patrick Pierce has been consulted. |
Project: |
Extension to hall to provide new toilets, including disabled and new main entrance with ramped access |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£58,000 |
General Reserves: |
£3,500 |
Project Reserves: |
£14,500 for this project |
Statement: |
The hall was built in the 1950s and is now in need of updating and refurbishment. The principle concern is to provide access and toilets facilities for the disabled to meet DDA requirements. |
Funding: |
Test Valley Borough Council - £18,750 confirmed Upper Clatford Parish Council - £6,250 confirmed Own funds - £20,500 |
Recommendation: |
50% of combined district and parish council contributions to a maximum of £12,500 subject to confirmation |
Name: |
Quarley Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Patrick Pierce has been consulted. |
Project: |
Refurbish kitchen |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments Equipment to improve the buildings and increase usage |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£2,590 |
General Reserves: |
£5,450 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
Existing kitchen has only room for 2 people with no worktops and will not support the size of the hall which accommodates 100. |
Funding: |
Test Valley Borough Council - application made - no amount specified (TVBC advises no application received) Quarley Parish Council: application made - no amount specified |
Recommendation: |
£863 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Rookesbury Hall, Newtown |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Felicity Hindson has been consulted. |
Project: |
Purchase of replacement lightweight tables |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Equipment to improve the buildings and increase usage |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£2,523.90 |
General Reserves: |
£15,000 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The present tables are at least 50 years old and very heavy and unwieldy and cannot be erected, moved or lifted by one person. |
Funding: |
Own funds: £1,000 Winchester City Council: £500 applied for Soberton and Newtown Parish Council: £250 confirmed |
Recommendation: |
£841 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
St Michael and All Angels, West Andover Parish Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr David Kirk supports this application |
Project: |
Extend and resurface car park |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Health and Safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£10,615.63 |
General Reserves: |
£5,298 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The existing car park is too small and recent parking restrictions for on-road parking, linked with an increase in traffic has resulted in no other legal or safe parking being available. This proposal will provide extended safe parking plus dedicated parking for the disabled to meet requirements of DDA. The hall is used by a variety of community groups including Guides, Music & Operatic Society, Line Dance Group, Toddler Club, Playgroup, Lunch Club and Childminder Group. |
Funding: |
Own funds: £3,538 Test Valley Borough Council: £1,805 confirmed - based on a reduced formula to meet requirement of community use only. |
Recommendation: |
£3,539 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Yateley Women's Institute Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Adrian Collett is familiar with this organisation and the important role it plays in its local community. He fully supports this application. |
Project: |
Replace roof |
Priority: |
1 - Health & Safety |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Health and Safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£6,300 |
General Reserves: |
£2,782 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The roof is well past it's life span with holes in the felt and damage from overhanging trees. It is now in danger of collapse. |
Funding: |
Own funds: £600 Hart District Council - application made - no amount specified Yateley Town Council: application made - no amount specified |
Recommendation: |
£2,100 as one third of project cost |
Appendix 3
Organisations that have applied for and are eligible for funding but more information about their funding package is required
Name: |
Beech Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr Anthony Ludlow |
Project: |
Demolish and replace existing building with new hall |
Priority: |
1 - Health and Safety |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment (new building) |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will provide new facilities for the use of the community |
Cost: |
£746,000 |
General Reserves: |
£3,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£20,000 |
Statement: |
This project is needed to provide adequate meeting and recreational facilities within Beech as recommended in the village survey and analysis carried out in December 2002, and to ensure such facilities are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. |
Funding: |
East Hampshire District Council - £24,000 confirmed Beech Parish Council - £10,000 confirmed Own funds - £20,000 Lottery application - £300,000 (planned to be submitted in October 2004) Local fundraising - £266,000 Other sources - £100,000 |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of combined district and parish council contribution subject to maximum funding limit. |
Notes - Date and Status of lottery application to be confirmed
Name: |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr. Ken Thornber |
Project: |
Extend village hall to provide new stage, craft room and exhibition space. |
Priority: |
4 Non Priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend its use to the community |
Cost: |
£821,000 |
General Reserves: |
£112,500 |
Project Reserves: |
£160,000 for development of buildings other than the Village Hall held as restricted funds |
Statement: |
The aim of the project is to extend the village hall to enable the provision of a cultural and arts centre for both Brockenhurst and the surrounding area. |
Funding: |
New Forest District Council - application made - no amount specified Brockenhurst Parish Council - application made - £40,000 Arts Council - application made - £600,000 (decision not yet made) Additional applications made to 12 charitable trusts |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of combined district and parish council contributions subject to maximum funding limit and confirmation |
Notes - Status of Arts Council bid to be confirmed
June - Arts council bid unsuccessful
August - application made to landfill tax fund
Name: |
Froyle Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr Sir James Scott |
Project: |
Extend kitchen, refurbish toilet area and provide disabled toilets and accessible entrance |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Health and Safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£98,700 |
General Reserves: |
£28,000 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
Required to provide more space to cope with village events and provide disabled toilet to comply with Disability Discrimination Act. |
Funding: |
East Hampshire District Council - £15,000 applied for Froyle Parish Council - £5,000 confirmed Own funds - £10,000 Other donations - £8,000 Lottery - £45,700 applied for |
Recommendation: |
£10,000 as 50% of combined district and parish council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Note - awaiting outcome of lottery bid - due mid-September
Name: |
Highclere Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr John Wall |
Project: |
Refurbish hall to include: · Creation of disabled toilet · Improved access for elderly and disabled · Removal of all damp and noise pollution · Improved insulation · Enlarged floor area & seating capacity · Upgrading and updating of electrics
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Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Health and Safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£159,875 |
General Reserves: |
£18,023 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
These works were identified following local consultation and an access audit. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £20,000 Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council - £43,000 applied for* Highclere Parish Council - £5,000 applied for Lottery application - £75,000 applied for** Local donations - £6,875 |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of combined contributions from district and parish councils subject to maximum limit and confirmation |
Notes - ** lottery application refused
Application being made to Landfill Tax Fund
* B&DBC - £18,000 confirmed from developers contributions
Name: |
Kilmeston Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr Susan Glasspool |
Project: |
Refurbish hall, kitchen and toilets to modern standards and to meet DDA requirements |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£118,182 |
General Reserves: |
£20,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£9,000 for this project |
Statement: |
Current building is non compliant with DDA and is barely acceptable for general use. Standards of heating are inadequate for use by elderly. There is no other facility available to encourage social inclusion in the village. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £19,000 Winchester City Council - £20,000 confirmed over 2 years Kilmeston Parish Council - £5,000 applied for Community fund - £70,849 application made |
Recommendation: |
50% of combined district and parish council contributions to a maximum of £12,500 subject to confirmation |
Notes - Date and status of Lottery bid to be confirmed
Name: |
Rockbourne Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr Katherine Heron comments that this is a small village on the county border and consequently the precept is very small. She requests that a larger contribution be considered. |
Project: |
Extend and refurbish hall to provide new and accessible facilities including new meeting room, kitchen, storage and toilets. |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£150,000 |
General Reserves: |
£7,900 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
This work will particularly benefit older and disabled people living in Rockbourne which has poor public transport and no community transport scheme. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £8,150 New Forest District Council - £9,000 applied for Rockbourne Parish Council - £1,000 applied for Community Fund/DEFRA £127,350 applied for (response not expected before end of 2004) |
Notes: |
We have already contributed £500 in 2003/04 to a feasibility study. This study has also been supported by the Community Fund, district and parish councils. This application is for the main building project. |
Recommendation: |
50% of the combined district and parish council contributions to a maximum of £5,000 subject to confirmation (based on notified contributions) |
Note - Date and status of Community Fund/DEFRA bid to be confirmed
