On 20 December 2024, Cabinet accepted the
Community Regeneration Partnership funding and
commenced delivery. Prior to this, the programme was accepted into the Policy Framework by Full Council on 8 June 2024 and the principle of entering the Partnership approved by Cabinet on 26 July 2024.
Subsequently, the funding has been received and a
Memorandum of Understanding entered with MHCLG
which includes TDC as the Accountable Body. The
funding period lasts until 31 March 2026.
The continuation of this service is essential to ensure the project progresses through to delivery. The grant scheme has seen strong take-up and is at capacity, with grants assessed by officers under the grant criteria previously approved by the Portfolio Holder.
Retail Design Solutions is currently assisting the majority of shopfront grant applicants in obtaining the planning permission required to carry out the approved works. Whilst this process will not be completed for all applications by 31 March 2026. In line with Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government guidance, project work can continue beyond this date provided a substantial start and commitment can be demonstrated. A future report is to be presented to Cabinet evidencing how this has been achieved on each project across the programme. In the matter this decision relates to, the continued services of the consultant will support applicants who have been approved under the grant criteria to deliver the funding, thereby delivering on the Council’s commitment, by facilitating necessary consents.
All payments to Retail Design Solutions for CRP2 Shopfront Improvement Grants will be drawn from the CRP2 funding already agreed and allocated to this grant scheme.
This extension relates to Retail Designs Solutions continuing to complete planning applications and associated tasks, supporting applicants of the Shopfront Improvement Grant schemes under both the UKSPF and Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP2) in obtaining the necessary planning permissions for grant approval

To exercise the right under clause 3 of the contract with Retail Design Solutions to extend the contractual term by one year, so that it now expires on 31 March 2027, no financial uplift to the original contract.

The appointment duration concludes prior to the timescales of Local Government Reorganisation. Reassignment terms are incorporated within the Council’s standard terms of appointment, which allows for the appointment to be transferred to a future authority, if required.