Agenda item

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    retrospective approval to the nomination of a Cabinet Member to the Freeport Board be given;

b)    the progress made so far on the Freeport bid and the proposed next steps be noted; and

c)    the approach to working with the site owner and the Freeport and Development Corporation to explore developing a Local Development Order or other suitable Order, to deliver greater planning certainty for the site be endorsed.

The Leader presented the report of the Chief Executive, providing an update on the East Midlands Freeport and the next steps to be taken.

The Leader highlighted the key headlines in the report, and reminded Cabinet that at the beginning of March 2021, the Government had announced the successful bid for the East Midlands Freeport.  Cabinet noted that there was still considerable work to be done, as the announcement did not mean that a Freeport had been granted, rather the expression of interest made had been supported.  Cabinet was also advised that as the site would encompass three sites, which was unusual, the branding was extremely important, and an announcement would be made shortly regarding a change of name for the proposed Freeport.  The Leader reiterated that the Council’s main interests related to the Ratcliffe on Soar power station, which was planned to be decommissioned in 2025, and Cabinet noted the challenges that lay ahead due to the different aspects of the site itself, details of which were highlighted in the report.

The Council’s ongoing support for the Freeport, including the other two proposed sites outside of Rushcliffe was reiterated.  The Leader highlighted the timescales issued by the Government and the governance arrangements, details of which were highlighted in the report, and it was hoped that the Freeport would be in operation by the end of 2021.  The considerable work being undertaken to meet that deadline was emphasised, with Leicestershire County Council being the Lead Authority, and six local authorities, including Rushcliffe on the Freeport Governing Board, with the majority of positions on that Board being taken by the private sector.  Details of the management and delivery of the key workstream to be administered by the Board were highlighted in the report and noted.  The Leader advised that of key importance was the development of an Outline Business Case (OBC) and it was envisaged that the Government timescales would be met.  The Cabinet noted that engagement with key partners would be crucial to the success of the Freeport, and it was hoped that this would be through a shadow “Engagement Network”.   

The Leader referred again to the challenges faced at the power station site, with part of the site designated as Green Belt and as a Centre of Excellence in the Council’s Local Plan.  Cabinet noted that officers were working very closely with the owners of the site to look at the planning challenges, and the potential plans and options going forward were highlighted in the report.

In conclusion the Leader reiterated the importance of the Freeports as a major platform for the Government, in playing a major role in the economy, with the potential for substantial additional employment, particularly new, high skilled jobs and new business opportunities, and Rushcliffe, as part of the Board would continue to make representations to ensure that occurred.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Edyvean referred to the very challenging timescales set by the Government, and the work already taking place to adhere to those deadlines, and noted the importance of working with the owners of the power station, to find the best way forward to create appropriate development, in particular in relation to green infrastructure, for the benefit of Rushcliffe as a whole.  Councillor Edyvean referred to the importance of avoiding the site becoming redundant and stated that considerable work had already been taking place to avoid that scenario. 

Councillor Upton referred to the importance of the power station site as a major gateway into Rushcliffe and reiterated the importance of the site not becoming redundant and derelict.  Cabinet was reminded that this would be the only internal Freeport in the country, the central location was ideal and the infrastructure already in place was very good, and this would be an excellent opportunity to improve the area. 

The Leader referred to the ambitious timescales set by the Government and the challenges faced in meeting those deadlines, together with the need to ensure that the governance arrangements were correct, and it was pleasing to see everyone working together and showing great ambition to move this forward, with the potential for significant job creation.  The Leader reminded Cabinet that the Freeport proposal was running in parallel with the Development Corporation, which was of key importance, and the strong competition from other areas bidding to be a Freeport was considerable.  In conclusion, the Leader stated that the timing of the proposal was perfect, to create opportunities for the East Midlands, and the excellent location of the power station site was reiterated, as was the importance of not allowing it to become redundant and derelict.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    retrospective approval to the nomination of a Cabinet Member to the Freeport Board be given;

b)    the progress made so far on the Freeport bid and the proposed next steps be noted; and

c)    the approach to working with the site owner and the Freeport and Development Corporation to explore developing a Local Development Order or other suitable Order, to deliver greater planning certainty for the site be endorsed.