Holton Road Commercial Renewal Area

Applicant Guide

This Grant Programme is only open to businesses who qualify under the De Minimus rule.

Types of Assistance

Commercial Improvement Grant – For significant external works to shop frontages above and beyond normal maintenance. Up to a maximum of 65% of eligible works*

Town Centre Living Grant– For significant external works to shop frontages above and beyond normal maintenance to create separate entrances to access vacant and redundant space above shops to assist in bringing that space into use for residential purposes. Up to a maximum of 75% of eligible works*

*subject to obtaining any necessary statutory consents

Key Requirements

  • Eligible Works – Are the proposed works eligible under the grant scheme rules, that is, works are to the outside of the property, which are visible from the public domain. Grant assistance will not be available for works already completed, and the proposed works must make a significant enhancement to the building.
  • Design – Are the proposed works in line with the design guidance issued. It is strongly recommended to involve Council officers in the design process.
  • Planning, Advertisement Consent & Building Control Approval – Proof that you have satisfied all statutory requirements will be required prior to the commencement of any works.
  • Professional Services – Qualifying expenditure may also include professional fees for the design and supervision of approved schemes. Professional agents must hold a suitable professional qualification appropriate to the nature of the works proposed. Eligible expenditure under this category must not exceed 10% of the total cost of eligible works.
  • Application Process – There will be a one-stage application process. The application will include requirements for detailed designs, a draft list/schedule of proposed works, recent photographs, tendered costing (3 quotes), and any statutory consent required.
  • Provide Proof of land ownership / Lease Details & Landlords Consent- If you are a leaseholder, are there 6 years remaining on the lease, and do you have external repair/maintenance responsibilities under the lease. If in doubt check the lease & discuss with landlord.
  • Provide Proof of match funding/ Credit Check– Applicants are required to provide proof of match funding e.g. bank statements, annual accounts, confirmation letter from lender. The Council will also check for any indebtedness of the Applicant prior to the approval of any grant.
  • Delivery & Payment – The grant will have to be delivered in accordance with the grant offer from the Council, and payment will be made upon satisfactory completion. Payments are exclusive of VAT, and claims must be supported by proof of payment (e.g. bank statements) and invoices/receipts.

Standard Terms and Conditions

  • 5-year grant condition period for which there is clawback.
  • Land Charge registered against property.
  • Approved use of the property remains the same.
  • The property is maintained in a good state of repair.
  • Comprehensive Insurance Cover.

Eligible Works Guide

Element / Eligible () / Ineligible (X)
Fees /
  • Architects
  • Building Surveyor
/
  • Legal Fees
  • Planning Fees
  • Building Regulation
  • VAT Payments

Building
Works /
  • Shop front improvement works.
  • Roof and Chimney Works
  • Fascia Board works
  • Rainwater goods works
  • Windows & doors
  • Stone / brick cleaning and repointing
  • Establishment of new entrance to access upper floors/ residential accommodation (External works only)
/
  • Annual repair and maintenance works
  • Works to areas NOT visible from the Public Domain.
  • Internal Works

Environmental
Works /
  • Hard Landscaping e.g. rebuilding of boundary walls.
/
  • Soft Landscaping

The above is provided to give applicants a guide to the nature of works that areeligible and ineligible under the grant.