URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12881

Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: SCDC has an allocation of £123,333 to deliver the Improving the High Street Grant Scheme in South Cambridgeshire.   The project aims to improve the aesthetics of our local high streets and small neighbourhood shopping areas, to promote rejuvenation, encourage residents to shop locally, and to attract more local businesses to the area. This scheme will allow Local Businesses, Community Groups and Parish Councils in South Cambridgeshire to apply for grants between £5,000- £20,000 per project. The CPCA is the lead authority for delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.   The scheme was open for application from the 12th of August 2025 to the 14th of September 2025 and 7 applications were received. Applications have undergone due diligence checks and were assessed by an Officer scoring panel as agreed by Cabinet on the 3rd of December 2024.    The Officer’s scoring panel have recommended the following applications to the Chief Operating Officer (as the delegated officer) for sign of; 1.    Barton Village Stores and Post Office, (WLWZMLKM) to be approved and funded £11,169.14, 2 Comberton Road, Barton 2.    Boswells Sawston Ltd T/A Sawston Mica Hardware, (GVZBKKSC) to be approved and funded £15,000, 85 High Street, Sawston 3.    Boswell and Son Ltd (WHBXZSLX) to be approved and funded £20,000, 67-69 High Street Sawston 4.    Boswell and Son Ltd, Waterbeach, Linton, Willingham (NLFJWKCD) to be rejected- please see the ‘Other options considered and reasons for rejection section. 5.    Cottenham Parish Council (TSVZRQTW) to be approved and funded £9253.93 High Street Cottenham 6.    Eltisley Parish Council (JVNVZZKHM) to be approved and funded £20,000, The Green, Eltisley 7.    High Street Dentist (SPMBCMNJ) to be approved and funded £6945.12, 47 High Street, Sawston   Horningsea Millenium Green Trust (LNFLQFHR) to be deferred, pending further information -please see the ‘Other options considered and reasons for rejection’ section.

Content: SCDC has an allocation of £123,333 to deliver the Improving the High Street Grant Scheme in South Cambridgeshire.   The project aims to improve the aesthetics of our local high streets and small neighbourhood shopping areas, to promote rejuvenation, encourage residents to shop locally, and to attract more local businesses to the area. This scheme will allow Local Businesses, Community Groups and Parish Councils in South Cambridgeshire to apply for grants between £5,000- £20,000 per project. The CPCA is the lead authority for delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.   The scheme was open for application from the 12th of August 2025 to the 14th of September 2025 and 7 applications were received. Applications have undergone due diligence checks and were assessed by an Officer scoring panel as agreed by Cabinet on the 3rd of December 2024.    The Officer’s scoring panel have recommended the following applications to the Chief Operating Officer (as the delegated officer) for sign of; 1.    Barton Village Stores and Post Office, (WLWZMLKM) to be approved and funded £11,169.14, 2 Comberton Road, Barton 2.    Boswells Sawston Ltd T/A Sawston Mica Hardware, (GVZBKKSC) to be approved and funded £15,000, 85 High Street, Sawston 3.    Boswell and Son Ltd (WHBXZSLX) to be approved and funded £20,000, 67-69 High Street Sawston 4.    Boswell and Son Ltd, Waterbeach, Linton, Willingham (NLFJWKCD) to be rejected- please see the ‘Other options considered and reasons for rejection section. 5.    Cottenham Parish Council (TSVZRQTW) to be approved and funded £9253.93 High Street Cottenham 6.    Eltisley Parish Council (JVNVZZKHM) to be approved and funded £20,000, The Green, Eltisley 7.    High Street Dentist (SPMBCMNJ) to be approved and funded £6945.12, 47 High Street, Sawston   Horningsea Millenium Green Trust (LNFLQFHR) to be deferred, pending further information -please see the ‘Other options considered and reasons for rejection’ section. To accept the recommendations of the Officer Panel. The application was considered and scored in detail by an Officer Panel. All due diligence has been completed. To reject or vary the recommendations of the Officer Panel and decide on the level of funding (£5000 - £20,000) to be awarded for each or defer a decision if further information is required from grant applicants.    As per above, the application from Boswell and Son Ltd (NLFJWKCD) was rejected. This decision was made as three applications from the same business GVZBKKSC, WHBXZSLX and NLFJWKCD were received.   Consideration was given to fund two of the applications GVZBKKSC & WHBXZSLX, which are linked applications for an improvement to be made to an area of Sawston high street which would benefit not only the business applicant, but many additional local businesses in the location. This approach ensures that funding is allocated fairly and is used to maximise the overall impact in line with the programme’s objectives.   As per above, the application from Horningsea Millenium Green Trust (LNFLQFHR)  is to be deferred to seek more information regarding the details of the lease and landownership.

Date of Decision: November 7, 2025