The Place Shaping Team Leader presented the report which concerned a contribution of £20,000 funding from the Historic Buildings Grant to St Mary and Holy Trinity Church (Bow Church) - ‘the church’.  In December 2016 Commissioners had informally agreed that a letter be sent to the Rector of the church stating the Council’s intentions to offer a grant in principle subject to the submission of all necessary documents including three tenders.  The remainder of the monies for repair works would be provided by Heritage Lottery Fund, the Grocer’s Company, the National Churches Fund, the Heritage of London Trust and the church’s own funds.

At the Chair’s invitation the comments of GSSC were received stating that the proposals were supported.  Members of the Sub-Committee noted the historical and community value of the church and that there had been practical issues around congestion which had delayed the works. Members also wished the Council’s contribution to the works to be clearly conveyed.

DECISION

1.     That the grant funding of £20,000 to the church as a contribution to vital repair works to the exterior of the tower be approved.

2.            That the issue of a formal offer of grant to the church be approved.

3.            That the Council’s contribution to the works be clearly publicised.

The Place Shaping Team Leader presented the report which concerned a contribution of £20,000 funding from the Historic Buildings Grant to St Mary and Holy Trinity Church (Bow Church) - ‘the church’.  It was noted that

1.    in December 2016 Commissioners had informally agreed that a letter be sent to the Rector of the church stating the Council’s intentions to offer a grant in principle subject to the submission of all necessary documents including three tenders. 

2.    the remainder of the monies for repair works would be provided by Heritage Lottery Fund, the Grocer’s Company, the National Churches Fund, the Heritage of London Trust and the church’s own funds.

At the Chair’s invitation the comments of GSSC were received stating that the proposals were supported. 

Members of the Sub-Committee considered the report and noted the church was in a poor state of repair but had historical and community value and that there had been practical issues around highways which had delayed the works.  Members also wished the Council’s contribution to the works to be clearly conveyed by means of appropriate advertising.

RESOLVED

1.     That the grant funding of £20,000 to the church as a contribution to vital repair works to the exterior of the tower be approved.

2.            That the issue of a formal offer of grant to the church be approved.

3.            That the Council’s contribution to the works be clearly publicised.

Michael Ritchie, Place Shaping Team Leader presented his report in relation to the Historic Buildings Grant to St Mary and Holy Trinity Church in Bow. –known as Bow Church.

Mr Ritchie explained the Council was looking to award the Bow Church a grant of £20,000 in relation to vital repair works to the exterior of the church tower. He said the building is on the Historic England Heritage at Risk register and the grant would contribute to the work that was needed.

Members of the sub-committee made comments and asked the following questions:

·         This grant is part of a bigger fund for repair works. How does the Council ensure best value is achieved for the Council and who is overseeing the quality of the works undertaken?

·         Members commented they were in support of the grant being awarded and had confidence the Heritage Lottery Fund and other stakeholders mentioned would ensure the work was of a high standard.

Members of the Grant Scrutiny Sub-Committee AGREED to endorse the recommendations contained within the report and asked their comments be reported to the Grants Determination Sub-Committee.