Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Director of Planning, Regeneration & Communities regarding the next steps for the provision of a Changing Places facility within the district. It was highlighted that at their meeting in June 2025, the Committee had approved allocation of a £100k budget to develop a Changing Places provision, with the report presenting a series of options and officer recommendations to enable Members to agree which option to take forwards.

It was explained that whilst there was a recommendation for one facility to be located in Gainsborough, Officers would continue to monitor other funding opportunities particularly to support those businesses who wished to deliver Changing Places facilities at their premises.

Having debated the matter in detail at their meeting in June 2025, Members expressed their thanks and appreciation for the swiftness of action in bringing the paper forward. Members were fully supportive of the proposals, and enquired as to specifics of the arrangements, for example insurance for the use of the mobility and lifting equipment, and regular safety inspections, as well as how the facility would be accessed by users.

It was explained that those specific details would be addressed throughout the process, with specialist input required for the specification and build. In response to a question regarding provision at the West Lindsey Leisure Centre, it was explained that any potential refurbishments would be required to include accessible facilities, with work ongoing to consider best options for the leisure centre.

Members reiterated their full support for the proposal, and thanked Officers for their diligence in working with local businesses and stakeholders to identify other potential locations. With regard to recommendation two contained within the report, it was suggested that it implied a full refurbishment of the WC provision, rather than just the addition of a modular unit. It was therefore proposed that the wording be amended to read

“Approve the installation of a Changing Places toilet, in the form of a modular unit, at Roseway Car Park, Gainsborough.”

The Chairman sought confirmation from the Committee that all were content with the amendment. This being confirmed, and having been moved, seconded, and voted upon, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the background work and engagement completed to date be noted; and

b)    the installation of a Changing Places toilet, in the form of a modular unit, at Roseway Car Park, Gainsborough, be approved; and

c)    the capital expenditure of the allocated budget of £100,000 in General Fund Balances for the purpose of delivering a Changing Places Toilet at Roseway Car Park, Gainsborough, be approved, and added into the Capital Programme for 2025/2026; and

d)    the ongoing revenue budget pressure of £10,000 pa from 2026/2027 for facility repairs and maintenance be approved; and

e)    Officers be tasked to continue engagement and investigations into district wide options for Changing Places Facilities.