Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Growth and Regeneration.

The shareholder committee considered a report of the Head of Growth and Regeneration, which presented an update on the current position regarding the council’s support for Dorset Innovation Park Ltd and the operation of the Dorset Innovation Park.

In presenting the report, the Head of Growth and Regeneration provided an overview of the position with the 2025/26 year-end business rates, the outcome of the commissioned study into a hotel development at the park, conversations taking place with partner authorities regarding Wessex devolution proposals, the implications of the recent government published UK Defence Investment Plan and the planning application related to the Winfrith Nuclear site and Nuclear Restoration Services.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion the following points were raised:

·       It was noted that Dorset Council had commissioned a masterplan to guide the future development of the Winfrith Nuclear site, with the aim that the masterplan would be a material consideration in future planning decisions. It was planned for this to be considered by Cabinet later in the year

·       A planning application submitted on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, presented some conflict with what was to be included in the masterplan, and representations from the council’s economic development team had been made to the planning authority, which would need to be considered alongside other representations

·       The importance of the emerging proposals, which prioritised clean energy-led employment, including opportunities in nuclear, hydrogen, advanced engineering and research and development, were highlighted

·       Consideration of the proposals for a potential hotel development at the park were ongoing with further discussion to be held with Cabinet members in the Autumn, before a report was brought for decision by Cabinet

·       In response to a question, it was confirmed that a detailed finance report would be brought to the next meeting of the shareholder committee. This would provide further information to assist with shareholder decision-making.

The report was noted.