URL: https://democracy.westsuffolk.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=953

Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet.   The Chief Operating Officer has exercised her delegated authority to proceed with the commencement of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stage 4 for the Rougham Hill redevelopment.

Content: The Constitution authorises Officers to make decisions within the scope of their responsibilities, unless it is required to be made by a Portfolio Holder or Cabinet.   The Chief Operating Officer has exercised her delegated authority to proceed with the commencement of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) stage 4 for the Rougham Hill redevelopment. The Chief Operating Officer has agreed to proceed with the commencement of RIBA stage 4 for the Rougham Hill redevelopment - planning application validated 8 July 2025. The planning application for the Rougham Hill redevelopment site was validated on 8 July 2025, meeting the planning obligation in the AFL. The project team are now seeking approval for commencement of RIBA stage 4, having considered the following options with recommendation. The gateway review is supported by Report J0059744/GWRIBA 4 V2 from the external project manager Carter Jonas.   The following areas of risk have been identified with mitigation, options and potential solutions detailed in the full Gateway 4 report:   ·         Planning: Risks from written pre-application response (these remain relevant until planning permission is granted). ·         Procurement ·         Design ·         Framework ·         Programme ·         Costs   The Chief Operating Officer is satisfied with the above and has made the decision accordingly.   The decision has considered the original business case to Council on Tuesday 27 September 2022 (Item 250 refers) and a further detailed business case agreed at Cabinet on Tuesday 6 December 2022 (Item 430 refers). The Council has the option of selling the land as part of an exit strategy and achieving planning permission will add value to that asset. However, if sold the opportunity to generate long term revenue to pay for public services would be lost and significant abortive costs would be incurred.

Date of Decision: July 28, 2025