Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To received any apologies for non-attendance and details of Member substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillor Clarke and Councillor Sexton. Councillor Beecher was attending as Councillor Sexton’s substitute.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held 12 March 2026 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from members in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Councillor Bateson, Beatty, Buck, Gibson and Howkins were also members of the Planning Committee.

The Chair, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

There were none.

The Committee will receive a presentation on Heathrow Southern Rail.

The Committee received a presentation from Steve Costello from Heathrow Southern Rail.

Councillor Geach arrived 19:06.

The aim of the Heathrow Southern Rail project was summarised for the Committee. Two route options had been proposed for consultation, and both would serve Staines with frequent, direct trains. Transport for London were supportive of the project as it would enhance access to the airport from South London, Surrey and Hampshire. The current aim was to submit a Transport Works Act Application by late 2027.

Heathrow Southern Rail had also committed to the conditions set out by the Council in their resolution to support the project in October 2025. They were continuing to liaise with key stakeholders over the project to minimise impact on Staines Moor.

The Committee also received suggestions on how Staines station and the surrounding areas could be developed and adapted to accommodate increased footfall as a result of the additional trains.

The Committee resolved to note the update on Heathrow Southern Rail.

Meeting adjourned 19:52

Meeting reconvened 20:00

The Committee will receive a presentation on the Spelthorne Business Growth Service.

The Committee received an update on the Business Growth Service from the Economic Development Manager. The Service continued to surpass their targets, with 46 businesses receiving direct support and large number of others partaking in events and start-up sessions. A majority of registrations came from word-of-mouth.

Of the previous businesses from the programme that ended in April, over 90% were still trading. Businesses would continue to be monitored and offered support where required.

The Committee resolved to note the update.

The Committee will receive an update on the delivery of the Ashford Business Improvement District project.

Due to the presence of external presenters, the Chair proposed for this item to be received before Item 6, Update on Business Growth Service.

The Committee received an update on the Ashford Business Improvement District (BID) from Gary Reeves and Rishi Sood. Work and engagement were being undertaken with businesses to shape the business plan for the Ashford BID and understand what the business community desired as an outcome of the BID. A balance needed to be struck between aspirations and the BID being affordable. A voter canvass would be undertaken later this year, with aim for 60% of the vote to approve the BID. At least 142 businesses would be invited to ballot.

The Committee resolved to note the update on the Ashford Business Improvement District.

Committee is asked to approve the Group Head of Assets’ submission of a Planning Application for the demolition of 34 Kingston Road, Staines-upon-Thames and the procurement of a contractor to carry out the demolition.

The Committee resolved to approve the Group Head of Assets’ submission of a Planning Application for the demolition of 34 Kingston Road, Staines-upon-Thames and the procurement of a contractor to carry out the demolition.

The Committee considered a report on the demolition of a vacant property from the Investment Asset Manager. Due to the poor condition of the property and the amount of outgoing expenses, it was more economically effective for the Council to demolish the property.

The Committee noted the property formed part of the larger Oast House site, and the original intention was for the property to be demolished with the rest of the site. However, as plans for the wider site had not materialised, a decision was required as the property had become unsafe. The property could not be developed separately as it would have an impact on the development of the larger site. The Committee acknowledged no bats had been found at the site, but suggested if possible an ecological survey be undertaken. This would only be done if required to submit a planning application.

The Committee resolved to approve the Group Head of Assets’ submission of a Planning Application for the demolition of 34 Kingston Road, Staines-upon-Thames and the procurement of a contractor to carry out the demolition.

The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee has recommended the Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee consider the proposed Council Transitional Plan and provide comments on any areas relevant to the Committee’s remit.

The Committee considered the proposed Transitional Corporate Plan and  resolved to provide comments on areas relevant to the Committee’s remit to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee were advised that a proposed new Council Transitional Plan for 2026/27 was endorsed by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on 26 May 2026 and it was resolved that all service committees would be requested to review the items on the plan that fell in their individual remits. The Plan was deliverable within the Council’s existing budget and any new actions would require suggestions on how they could be funded. Feedback would then be collated and presented to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to make a recommendation to Council for adoption.

The Committee received confirmation that the items set out in the plan linked to parts of the Council’s Improvement and Recovery Plan. The Committee discussed desirable outcomes of the Transitional Plan including continued support for businesses who depend on the Council for support and advice, messaging for the new West Surrey authority about the importance of Spelthorne’s economic interests, the need for the new West Surrey Councillors representing Spelthorne to engage with the current Council to understand its position, especially over its relation to Heathrow. The Committee agreed a handover plan should be included to be shared with West Surrey Councillors to assist them with understanding the issues the Committee referenced.

The Committee considered the proposed Transitional Corporate Plan and  resolved to provide comments on areas relevant to the Committee’s remit to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee is to receive information on “Inclusive Economy” from the Governance Assurance Register.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda and would be presented to a future meeting.

To receive updates from the Chair on items within the Committee’s remit.

The Committee received an update from the Chair on work being undertaken for disposals in the regeneration portfolio. A further report would be presented to the Committee in September.

The Committee resolved to note the updates.

To note the Forward Plan for future business.

The Committee received the forward plan for future committee business.

The Chair advised the Governance Assurance update would be deferred to the next meeting.

The Committee resolved to note the forward plan.

Meeting ended 21:31