Site Enabling Regeneration Fund Grant

A new Site Enabling Regeneration Fund (SERF) is available in East Dunbartonshire to support the development of sites within regeneration locations such as Kirkintilloch Business Gateway and the Westerhill Regeneration Area – for which there are approved Masterplans.

The fund can also be applied to support redevelopment at locations which are identified within the Local Development Plan for business use and town centre sites.

This is a pilot scheme and will be delivered using a limited amount of  funding. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The amount of overall funding available to deliver this programme is subject to available support and is under regular review. The Council reserves the right to cease provision of the grant, to align with available funding.

The initiative aims to boost investment in these Masterplan sites, both from the private sector and external sources, by assisting developments by landowners and/or tenant businesses, with a view to creating long-term, sustainable employment. Each application received will be assessed on its own merits.

The Masterplans for Kirkintilloch Business Gateway and the Westerhill Regeneration Area aim to reflect the business/employment requirements of Local Development Plan 2 Policy 4.R, and to create deliverable frameworks for development which facilitate the Council and landowners to work together in partnership.

The Masterplanning process also aims to:

• Give certainty to existing businesses and landowners about the future of the sites
• Support future bids for external funding towards infrastructure costs
• Create a masterplan which can be used as the basis for public consultation with the local community
• Support decision making by the Council on planning applications, in line with LDP2 Policy 4.R.

For additional background information, the full Masterplan documents for both sites can be accessed via the links below:

Kirkintilloch Business Gateway
Westerhill Regeneration Area

The specific aims of the SERF are to:

• Be a catalyst for the promotion of future private and public sector investment in these sites
• Inform future Council policy through the identification of scope for, and potential barriers to, meaningful development opportunities 
• Include a Circular Economy approach in supporting the re-use/re-purposing/repair of vacant land and/or buildings.

The SERF aims to provide grant funding to landowners and      potential investors in these areas:

1. Feasibility – to assist in the preparation of a feasibility study and/or associated Business Plan to confirm viability of the proposed project
2. Development – to enable preparation of detailed designs, confirmation of consents required, ratification of costings and potential funding sources
3. Implementation – to support project delivery and completion.
   Applications will require to include confirmation that the owners of the land/property in question are in agreement for the proposed project to proceed.

Applications will require to include confirmation that the owners of the land/property in question are in agreement for the proposed project to proceed.

• Sites under 1,000 square metres – 80% grant up to a maximum of £10,000 
• Sites over 1,000 square metres – 80% grant or a maximum of £25,000.

• Professional advisors’ fees, provided the advisors are members of a recognised professional institution, e.g Architects Registration Board (ARB) or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Please also refer to the Professional Advisor Advice Note (at the bottom of this webpage). Professional    advisors’ fees should be provided on a fixed fee basis.
• Building surveys
• Site surveys
• Appraisals and plans that are vital to developing a project 
• Property market advice
• Business case preparation.

• Fees for statutory consents e.g. planning permission, building warrant, listed building and/or conservation area consent
• Routine maintenance or repairs
• Construction works, alterations, extensions and repair of internal fabric
• Works commenced prior to approval of funding.

Applications will not be accepted in the following circumstances:

• The project in question has been in receipt of previous Council funding support
• The applicant has outstanding indebtedness to the Council
• The property associated with the project is subject to an active notice issued by East Dunbartonshire Planning  Services or Protective Services.

Prior to submitting an enquiry form, applicants should have a full understanding of the extent and costs of the project to be undertaken. Guidance can be obtained, and a site visit arranged if appropriate, by submitting an email to Business.Support@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

To request a link to the initial enquiry form, please email Business.Support@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Please note that the grant funding can only be used to support expenditure instructed following approval.

Following approval, the Council reserves the right to withhold payment of any part of the grant should  any part or conduct of the works breach any of the conditions of the offer, the agreement, the specification or the schedule of works.

Upon completion of the works, the applicant will submit the Professional Advisor’s  invoice(s) to the Council. The invoice(s) should be addressed to the applicant.

The grant will be paid by the Council to the Professional Advisor(s) direct, in accordance with the mandate. If the actual costs of the works are less than the sum initially approved, the grant will be reduced accordingly. Settlement of Advisor fees by way of cash payments will not be permitted.

Where applicants are asked by Professional Advisors to make an interim payment towards the cost of eligible works, it may be possible for an appropriate payment to be made, subject to agreement by the Council following receipt of confirmation of work completed to date.

• Check the eligibility of the proposal.
• Tender for quotes. Fees require to be provided on a fixed fee basis. Professional advisors’ fees are generally grant eligible and professional advisors   must be members of a recognised professional body for example, ARB for architects or RICS for surveyors. For fees to be grant eligible the applicant is required to have obtained three competitive fee bids from suitably qualified professionals. An applicant may choose not to use the professional submitting the lowest bid. In this case the difference will not be funded through the grant.
• Submit initial enquiry form 
• Officers will be in contact to discuss the application. If proceeding, a link will be provided to permit completion of a full application form.
• If approved, you must accept the grant conditions, but you are advised to seek independent legal advice prior to signing the grant documentation
• Appoint professional advisors
• Prepare outline of works to be carried out and submit to Council for review and approval
• Professional Advisor/s invoice for agreed works. The invoice should be addressed to the applicant and on approval, will be paid by the Council directly to the Advisor.

1. Applicants are advised to seek advice from suitably qualified professional advisors with relevant experience before applying.

2. Professional advisor’s fees are generally grant eligible and professional advisors must be members of a recognised professional body for example, ARB for architects or RICS for surveyors. For fees to be grant eligible, the applicant is required to have obtained three competitive fee bids from suitably-qualified professionals. An applicant may choose not to use the professional submitting the lowest bid. In this case the difference will not be funded through the grant.

3. Your professional advisors will guide you through the feasibility process (RIBA Plan of Work Stages 0–2) and advice on next steps, this may include: 

• Surveys and condition report
• Research, analysis and archaeological investigation of the fabric
• Developing drawings/specifications for the project
• Advice on other professionals who may be required
• Preparing a cost plan for the project
• Advising on health and safety in accordance with Construction (Design and Management) 2015 (CDM 2015)
• Preparation of a business case.

4. For properties located in a conservation area, or with listed building status, it is preferable for the professional advisors to have an accreditation in conservation.

5. A list of all Conservation Accredited Architects in Scotland can be found by contacting the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) 0131 229 7545 or visit the RIAS website.

6. A register of architects can be found by contacting the Architect’s Registration Board. You can search the ARB register online.

7. A register of Accredited Building Conservation Surveyors can be found by contacting the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in otland (RICS) or visit the RICS website.

8. Applicants should have no affiliations to the Professional Advisors quoting.

9. Example Scope of Works (this list is not exhaustive):

• Act as the professional advisors to the applicant and provide end-to-end client management
• Provide (insert type of professional service) following the structure of the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 Stages 0-2 and outputs outlined under the information exchanges heading.
• Work to, and meet, deadlines agreed between the Client, Council and the Professional Advisors
• Where appropriate, engage in early discussions with the relevant statutory authorities
• Identify necessary surveys, agree scope/methodology, assist the client in obtaining competitive quotations and administer the work
• The Professional Advisors shall inform the Client of any changes, or proposed changes, of which they become aware in any legislation, regulations, design guidance or bye-law which may impact on the Project
• The Professional Advisors shall use their best endeavours to achieve economies in time, cost and design
• Identify and, where possible, advise on any abnormal cost risks to the Client.