TEST Valley Borough Council has decided to set up posts of three special managers for the regeneration of Andover and Romsey as part of the masterplans for both towns.

In a full council meeting on Wednesday, November 16, the council voted in favour of allotting additional resources within Planning Policy & Economic Development Service to facilitate progress of the masterplans.

This means the council will set up three new posts – regeneration planning manager, regeneration delivery manager and regeneration project manager.

The budget implications of the three new posts are set out as £85,070, £85,070 and £65,670 respectively – £235,810 in total.

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The net cost of these additional posts will be included into the budget forecast as part of the budget setting process for 2023-24.

Recommending the item, finance and resource portfolio holder Cllr Maureen Flood said it will allow the council to progress both masterplans simultaneously.

“Currently the regeneration manager leads the regeneration projects in Andover and Romsey and is the technical expert on strategy, development and delivery.

“The council’s working arrangements are such that the regeneration manager is supported by a number of senior officers across the organisation. This has proved invaluable to understanding the complexities of regeneration and identifying the appropriate course to take in delivering the objectives of both masterplans.”

Council leader Phil North added that the council is expecting the government minister to provide state funding for the regeneration of the two towns.

While, Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Cooper supported the proposal and called it “essential”, Liberal Party councillor Christopher Ecclestone raised several questions about it.

Saying the roles of project manager and delivery manager are same, Cllr Ecclestone asked the council leader to specify the job description of each post.

Cllr Phil North said the job descriptions are yet to be detailed and it will be put together if the roles are established.

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Cllr Ecclestone also questioned the budget allotment for each role.

“I don't know how we can put a salary number on a role that we don't know about. It seems to me that we have Andover regeneration and Romsey regeneration implementation manager options. Then the planning manager actually becomes a redundant position.”

TVBC Mayor Cllr Alan Dowden said there are parts of Andover and Romsey that “really need some regeneration”.

He added: “I very much hope that the government does come up with the money in December, but of course we don't know if it will be the same government minister or if it’s going to be someone else.”

The item was voted on with a majority of customers favouring the recommendation.