Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Virtual Meeting

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Items
No. Item

70.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence.

71.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS

Minutes:

71.1     Councillor Elisabeth Malvisi declared a local non-pecuniary interest in respect of Bid B20-12 – Long Melford, detailed in report number BCa/20/42.

 

71.2     Councillor Clive Arthey advised Members that he had been made aware he was known to an executive officer of one of the organisations who had submitted a bid in respect of report number BCa/20/44, however this was not a close personal relationship and therefore did not amount to a disclosable interest.

 

71.3     Councillor Jan Osborne declared a local non-pecuniary interest in respect of report number BCa/20/38 in her capacity as a Trustee for Citizens Advice.

72.

BCa/20/37 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 04 FEBRUARY 2021 pdf icon PDF 466 KB

Minutes:

72.1     Councillor Busby advised that he had not yet had a reply in respect of paragraph 65.6 of the minutes. It was confirmed that this would be followed up.

 

It was RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 04 February 2021 were confirmed as a true record. The minutes would be signed at the next practicable opportunity.

Recorded Vote
TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
To vote on confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on 04 February 2021 Ad-Hoc Carried
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  • 73.

    TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF PETITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL'S PETITION SCHEME

    Minutes:

    None received.

    74.

    QUESTIONS BY COUNCILLORS

    Minutes:

    There were no questions from Councillors.

    75.

    MATTERS REFERRED BY THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY OR JOINT AUDIT AND STANDARDS COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 51 KB

    Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    75.1    The Chair of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Alastair McCraw, provided Members with details of the recommendations following a review of local Citizens Advice at the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 15 March 2021.

     

    75.2    Councillor Ward advised that the issue of index linking would be dealt with as part of a wider review of grants across the authority.

     

     

    76.

    FORTHCOMING DECISIONS LIST

    Please note the most up to date version can be found via the website:

     

    https://www.babergh.gov.uk/the-council/forthcoming-decisions-list/

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Forthcoming Decisions List was noted.

    77.

    BCa/20/39 GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL MONITORING 2020/21 - QUARTER 3 pdf icon PDF 324 KB

    Cabinet Member for Finance

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    That the Council’s financial position for the General Fund at the end of quarter 3 be noted.

     

    Reson for Decision: To ensure that Councillors are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both General Fund Revenue and Capital

     

    Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: At this stage in the year, the financial position is for noting only.

     

    Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None

     

    Any Dispensation Granted: None

    Minutes:

    77.1    The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Ward, introduced the report and provided Members with an overview of the details contained in the report and the tabled papers.

     

    77.2    Councillor Ward thanked the finance team for their hard work and moved the recommendations in the report.

     

    77.3    The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Osborne.

     

    77.4    In response to a question from Councillor Arthey, the Corporate Manager for Finance and Commissioning and Procurement provided clarification regarding the favourable variance in relation to CIFCO.

     

    77.5    Councillor Busby raised a question regarding the favourable variance in respect of the leisure contract. The Corporate Manager for Finance and Commissioning and Procurement advised that this was as a result of the free swims scheme no longer being in operation. Confirmation of the relevant paragraph in the report would be provided to Councillor Busby outside of the meeting.

     

    77.6    Councillor Busby enquired whether the information in Appendix B of the report could show figures in relation to Babergh District Council only. The Cabinet Member for Finance advised this would be considered for future reports.

     

    77.7    Following a question from Councillor Osborne the Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that the variance as a result of the free swims scheme no longer being in operation had been taken into account when considering the overall budget.

     

    77.8    The Cabinet Member for Finance responded to questions from Councillor Maybury on issues including the free swim scheme and the loss in relation to planning income.

     

    It was RESOLVED:-

     

    That the Council’s financial position for the General Fund at the end of quarter 3 be noted.

     

    Reason for Decision: To ensure that Councillors are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both General Fund Revenue and Capital.

     

     

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    To vote on recommendation 3.1 as detailed in report number BCa/20/39 Ad-Hoc Carried
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  • 78.

    BCa/20/40 HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) FINANCIAL MONITORING 2020/21 - QUARTER 3 pdf icon PDF 205 KB

    Cabinet Member for Finance

    Decision:

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    That the Council’s financial position for the Housing Revenue Account at the end of Quarter 3 be noted.

     

    Reason for Decision: To ensure that Members are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both the HRA Revenue and Capital Budgets.

     

    Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: At this stage in the year, the financial position is for noting only.

     

    Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None

     

    Any Dispensation Granted: None

    Minutes:

    78.1    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Ward, who moved the recommendation in the report.

     

    78.2    The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Osborne, the Cabinet Member for Housing.      

     

    78.3    In response to a question from Councillor Arthey, Councillor Osborne provided an update on the ongoing work regarding garage sites and advised a briefing note would be issued in the near future.

     

    78.4    Councillor Holt raised a question regarding any plans to reduce the current delays in repairs work, and whether any additional funding or resources would be required. The Assistant Director for Housing confirmed that work would be prioritised in order of urgency and safety and provided details of the amendments made to working methods in recent months which had led to increased efficiency and effectiveness.

     

    78.5    Councillor Osborne responded to a question from Councillor Holt regarding the Right to Buy receipts and provided confirmation that the funds had been spent within the timescale allowed.

     

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    That the Council’s financial position for the Housing Revenue Account at the end of Quarter 3 be noted.

     

    Reason for Decision: To ensure that Members are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both the HRA Revenue and Capital Budgets.

     

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    To vote on recommendation 3.1 as detailed in report number BCa/20/40 Ad-Hoc Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 79.

    BCa/20/41 QUARTER THREE PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION pdf icon PDF 976 KB

    Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement

     

    A presentation of performance across the whole Council for the period 1 October – 31 December 2020 (Q3). To note the information contained within the presentation, giving the opportunity to reflect and comment on progress made against the key priorities aligned to the Corporate Plan 2019- 2027.

    Minutes:

    79.1    The Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement provided an introduction to the item which was for noting only.

     

    79.2    The Assistant Director for Customer Services provided a presentation of performance for the period October to December 2020.

     

    79.3    Councillor Arthey expressed concern regarding the increased figures in relation to contamination and fly tipping as detailed on page 18 of the presentation.

     

    79.4    Councillor Davis commented on the positive performance of the Communities team and thanked them for their hard work.

     

    79.5    Councillor Holt expressed thanks to the Economic Team for their work on the various grant programmes.

     

    79.6    Councillor Osborne commented on the increase in affordable homes acquired or built since 2015 and provided Members with details of further increases planned for the near future.

     

    79.7    The Assistant Director for Customer Services responded to questions from Members regarding telephony services and the feedback received from website users.

    80.

    BCa/20/42 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY (CIL) - CIL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMME MARCH 2021 pdf icon PDF 396 KB

    Cabinet Member for Planning

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    1.1      That Cabinet approved the CIL Expenditure Programme (March 2021) and accompanying technical assessment of the CIL Bids – B20-06, B20-12, B20-16, and B20-15 (forming Appendices, A and B of the report) as follows: -

                                    

    Strategic Infrastructure Fund

     

    CIL Bid, Location and Infrastructure Proposed

    Amount of CIL Bid and total cost of the Infrastructure

    Cabinet Decision

    B20-06 SUDBURY Chilton Depot, Alexandra Road

    Supply and Installation of Fuel Tank for HVO

    Amount of CIL Bid £50,000

     

    Total costs £50,000

     

    Cabinet approved CIL Bid for £50,000 from the Strategic Infrastructure Fund

     

    Ringfenced Infrastructure Fund (Long Melford only)

     

    CIL Bid, Location and Infrastructure Proposed

    Amount of CIL Bid and total cost of the Infrastructure

    Cabinet Decision

    B20-12 LONG MELFORD

    Old School Community Centre Long Melford

    CO10 9DX

     Old School Car Park -  upgrade and resurface including 10 new additional car parking spaces, 4 disabled spaces and 3 EV charging points and drainage and lighting

    Amount of CIL Bid £22,000

     

    Total costs £56,928

     

    Cabinet approved CIL Bid for £22,000 from Ringfenced Infrastructure Fund for Long Melford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Local Infrastructure Fund

     

    CIL Bid, Location and Infrastructure Proposed

    Amount of CIL Bid and total cost of the Infrastructure

    Cabinet Decision

    B20-16 COCKFIELD Mackenzie Community Open Space Project

    Amount of CIL Bid £15,799.36

     

    Total costs £25,378.36

     

    Cabinet  approved CIL Bid B20-16 for £15,799.36 from the Local Infrastructure Fund

    B20-15 LAVENHAM Church Street

    Church Street toilet block and parish office

    Amount of CIL Bid £43,440.00

     

    Total costs £69,504.00

     

    Cabinet approved CIL Bid B20-15 for £43,440.00 from the Local Infrastructure Fund

     

    1.2      That Cabinet noted and endorsed this CIL Expenditure Programme which included the position in respect of approved CIL Bids from Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (including Cabinet decisions in December 2020) (Appendix A Section B of the report) together with details of emerging infrastructure /CIL Bids (Appendix A Section C of the report).

     

    Reason for Decision:Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies have been collected since the implementation of CIL on the 11th April 2016. The CIL Expenditure Framework originally adopted in April 2018 and reviewed with amendments adopted on the 18th March 2019 and with further amendments on the 20th April 2020 requires the production of a CIL Expenditure Programme for each District which contains decisions for Cabinet to make or note on CIL Bids for CIL expenditure. These decisions relating to the expenditure of CIL monies form one of the ways in which necessary infrastructure supporting growth is delivered.

    Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: There is a diverse spectrum of approaches to CIL expenditure across the country from Unitary Authorities who have absorbed CIL into their individual Capital Programmes to others who ringfence all funds to be spent locally. A range of different approaches was identified in Appendix A of the Framework for CIL Expenditure report provided to Cabinet’s on the 5th and 8th of February 2018 and discussed in full during the workshops with the Joint Member advisory panel. Members adopted the documents set out  ...  view the full decision text for item 80.

    Minutes:

    80.1    The Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Arthey, introduced the report and provided Members with an overview of the bids detailed.      

     

    80.2    Councillor Arthey moved the recommendations in the report.

     

    80.3    The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Ward.

     

    80.4    Councillor McCraw reminded Members that the CIL Expenditure Framework was subject to annual reviews by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and that the Committee had been satisfied at each review.

     

    80.5    Following a comment from Councillor Busby regarding the CIL funding threshold, Councillor Arthey provided additional details regarding the types of projects eligible for funding and applicable limits.

     

    80.6    Councillor Davis reminded Members that a number of grants were also available via the Communities Team.

     

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    1.1      That Cabinet approved the CIL Expenditure Programme (March 2021) and accompanying technical assessment of the CIL Bids – B20-06, B20-12, B20-16, and B20-15 (forming Appendices, A and B of the report) as follows: -

                                    

    Strategic Infrastructure Fund

     

    CIL Bid, Location and Infrastructure Proposed

    Amount of CIL Bid and total cost of the Infrastructure

    Cabinet Decision

    B20-06 SUDBURY Chilton Depot, Alexandra Road

    Supply and Installation of Fuel Tank for HVO

    Amount of CIL Bid £50,000

     

    Total costs £50,000

     

    Cabinet approved CIL Bid for £50,000 from the Strategic Infrastructure Fund

     

    Ringfenced Infrastructure Fund (Long Melford only)

     

    CIL Bid, Location and Infrastructure Proposed

    Amount of CIL Bid and total cost of the Infrastructure

    Cabinet Decision

    B20-12 LONG MELFORD

    Old School Community Centre Long Melford

    CO10 9DX

     Old School Car Park -  upgrade and resurface including 10 new additional car parking spaces, 4 disabled spaces and 3 EV charging points and drainage and lighting

    Amount of CIL Bid £22,000

     

    Total costs £56,928

     

    Cabinet approved CIL Bid for £22,000 from Ringfenced Infrastructure Fund for Long Melford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Local Infrastructure Fund

     

    CIL Bid, Location and Infrastructure Proposed

    Amount of CIL Bid and total cost of the Infrastructure

    Cabinet Decision

    B20-16 COCKFIELD Mackenzie Community Open Space Project

    Amount of CIL Bid £15,799.36

     

    Total costs £25,378.36

     

    Cabinet  approved CIL Bid B20-16 for £15,799.36 from the Local Infrastructure Fund

    B20-15 LAVENHAM Church Street

    Church Street toilet block and parish office

    Amount of CIL Bid £43,440.00

     

    Total costs £69,504.00

     

    Cabinet approved CIL Bid B20-15 for £43,440.00 from the Local Infrastructure Fund

     

    1.2      That Cabinet noted and endorsed this CIL Expenditure Programme which included the position in respect of approved CIL Bids from Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (including Cabinet decisions in December 2020) (Appendix A Section B of the report) together with details of emerging infrastructure /CIL Bids (Appendix A Section C of the report).

     

    Reason for Decision: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies have been collected since the implementation of CIL on the 11th April 2016. The CIL Expenditure Framework originally adopted in April 2018 and reviewed with amendments adopted on the 18th March 2019 and with further amendments on the 20th April 2020 requires the production of a CIL Expenditure Programme for each District which contains decisions for Cabinet to make or note on CIL  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    To vote on recommendations 3.1 and 3.2 as detailed in report number BCa/20/42 Ad-Hoc Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 81.

    BCa/20/43 SOLAR MULTIFUNCTION CARPORT MICROGENERATION pdf icon PDF 180 KB

    Cabinet Member for Environment

    Decision:

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    1.1          That Cabinet fully considered the base business case for delivering an installation of a multi-function solar carport with battery storage.

     

    1.2          That Cabinet agreed, having considered the business case under 1.1 above, to proceed with investment in the installation of a multi-function solar carport with battery storage by March 2022.

     

    1.3          That Cabinet endorsed a preferred design option, subject to planning approval, based on the options attached as Appendix B of the report.

     

    1.4          That Cabinet resolved to use up to £300,000 (including a contingency allowance) of the £600,000 included within the 2021/22 capital programme.

     

    1.5          That authority be delegated to the Assistant Directors for Economic Growth and Regeneration, and Environment and Commercial Partnerships to widen the business case to incorporate and link new leisure centre decarbonisation measures ,such as air-source heat pump and roof-mounted PV technologies, utilising additional grant funding recently obtained. No changes will be made to the base financial business case unless it is improved or else not adversely affected by any revisions.

     

    Reason for Decision:

     

    1.       The Council has declared a Climate Emergency and resolved measures to help achieve its ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 so this significant project is a visible step forward.

     

    2.       Localised microgeneration of electricity utilising its own brownfield assets is a practical step the Council can take towards meeting its carbon ambitions.

     

    3.       The project not only provides local power to our leisure centre but also will offer a number of electric vehicle charging points in the town centre to encourage more sustainable forms of travel and support air quality.

     

    4.       An opportunity to match investment with external central government funding, already secured, is available to improve the viability and manage the risks of the proposed scheme.

     

    5.       An opportunity to integrate multi-function solar carport into a broader strategic solution for decarbonisation of public assets, without stalling progress or accessing external funds.

     

     

     

    Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

     

    (a)      DO NOTHING (Not Recommended) – make no investment in microgeneration for the site or benefit from associated carbon reduction. Forego the opportunity for accessing guaranteed external funding. Brownfield land remaining under-utilised. Strategic Priorities including Carbon Reduction Management Plan are not delivered.

     

    (b)      DELAY CONSIDERATION PENDING HOLISTIC COUNCIL ASSET MANAGEMENT & ENERGY DECARBONISATION STRATEGY (Not Recommended) – to delay making a decision at this point would add risks to the spend of external funding.

     

    (c)      ASSESS FEASIBILITY AND VIABILITY FOR MULTI-FUNCTION INSTALLATIONS (Recommended) – gain the evidence and site-specific technical appraisals and options necessary for the Council to consider a business case investment, and draw-down of external capital funding support.

     

    Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None

     

    Any Dispensation Granted: None

    Minutes:

    81.1    The Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Malvisi, introduced report BCa/20/43 Solar Multifunction Carport Microgeneration, and provided Members with details of the proposed project.

     

    81.2    The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Malvisi and seconded by Councillor Busby.

     

    81.3    Members expressed their support for the project and thanked the Officers involved for their hard work.

     

    81.4    Councillor Arthey raised a question regarding the funding for the project and enquired whether CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding had been considered. In response the Assistant Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration advised that additional funding was currently being investigated.

     

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    1.1          That Cabinet fully considered the base business case for delivering an installation of a multi-function solar carport with battery storage.

     

    1.2          That Cabinet agreed, having considered the business case under 1.1 above, to proceed with investment in the installation of a multi-function solar carport with battery storage by March 2022.

     

    1.3          That Cabinet endorsed a preferred design option, subject to planning approval, based on the options attached as Appendix B of the report.

     

    1.4          That Cabinet agreed to use up to £350,000 (including a contingency allowance and battery project ringfenced funds) of the £600,000 included within the 2021/22 capital programme.

     

    1.5          That authority be delegated to the Assistant Directors for Economic Growth and Regeneration, and Environment and Commercial Partnerships to widen the business case to incorporate and link new leisure centre decarbonisation measures, such as air-source heat pump and roof-mounted PV technologies, utilising additional grant funding recently obtained. No changes will be made to the base financial business case unless it is improved or else not adversely affected by any revisions.

     

    Reason for Decision:

     

    1.          The Council has declared a Climate Emergency and resolved measures to help achieve its ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 so this significant project is a visible step forward.

     

    2.          Localised microgeneration of electricity utilising its own brownfield assets is a practical step the Council can take towards meeting its carbon ambitions.

     

    3.          The project not only provides local power to our leisure centre but also will offer a number of electric vehicle charging points in our town centre to encourage more sustainable forms of travel and support air quality.

     

    4.          An opportunity to match investment with external central government funding, already secured, is available to improve the viability and manage the risks of the proposed scheme.

     

    5.     An opportunity to integrate multi-function solar carport into a broader strategic solution for decarbonisation of public assets, without stalling progress or accessing external funds.

     

     

     

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    To vote on recommendations 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 as detailed in report number BCa/20/43 Ad-Hoc Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 82.

    EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC (WHICH TERM INCLUDES THE PRESS)

    To consider whether, pursuant to Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public should be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below on the grounds that if the public were present during this/these item(s), it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information as indicated against the/each item.

     

    The author(s) of the report(s) proposed to be considered in Part 2 of the Agenda is/are satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

     

    Minutes:

    Members agreed not to exclude the public.

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    To vote on the resolution to exclude the public (which term includes the press) Ad-Hoc Drawn
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 83.

    Bca/20/43 SOLAR MULTIFUNCTION CARPORT MICROGENERATION - PART 2

    Cabinet Member for Environment

     

    Minutes:

    Members did not discuss Part 2 of the report.

    84.

    BCa/20/44 REGENERATION OF BELLE VUE SITE IN SUDBURY pdf icon PDF 223 KB

    Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Assets and Investments.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    It was RESOLVED:

     

    1.1      That Cabinet, having fully considered the objections to the disposal notice given pursuant to Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, approved the disposal of the site (shown in Appendix A of the report) for best consideration reasonably achievable.

     

    1.2      That Cabinet approved the preferred recommended proposal,  bidder B in paragraph 4.24 of the report, including the financial bid outlined in confidential Appendix D attached to the report.

     

    1.3      That Cabinet agreed up to 100% from the sale of the site be diverted to ensure the creation of a new Belle Vue park entrance, café and toilet facilities.

     

    1.4      That authority be delegated the Assistant Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and the Cabinet Member for Assets and Investments to conclude the legal agreements in respect of the recommended proposal.

     

    Reason for Decision:

     

    1.       The Council is obliged to publish a notice under S123 of the Local Government Act 1972 prior to any disposal of land which contains areas of open space. The Council is required to consider objections and make a formal decision on whether to proceed with the sale in the light of these objections and balanced with the needs of the site and the future economic growth aspirations of Sudbury.

     

    2.       The site has been unused for several years and forms a gateway to the town centre so bringing it back into economic use is a key part of the regeneration plans for the Sudbury Vision.

     

    3.       Proceeds from the capital receipt from the sale can be diverted to create a new park entrance, café and new toilets for local communities and visitors. An improved park entrance was a key ‘ask’ from public and stakeholder engagement including the exhibition event held in January 2020.

     

    4.       If the preferred bidder drops out or otherwise does not progress on terms proposed, the Council will be able to move forward with an alternative proposal or terms provided it meets best value requirements.

     

    Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

     

    1.       DO NOTHING (Not Recommended) – the site continues to be retained and maintained by the Council. The land remains under-utilised and a cost burden to the Council, with a lack of a clear consensus on its future. Vision and Strategic Priorities remain undelivered at this key gateway to Sudbury.

     

    2.       RETAIN THE SITE (Not Recommended) – Retain existing site in Council ownership and repurpose for other council uses. The Council approved the disposal of the site in 2013 as it was no longer deemed necessary to hold as an asset. There is a need to ensure the site is brought back into some form of use and is enhanced as a gateway to the town, but given previous uses the cost is likely to be high and therefore a third-party development is more likely to ensure wider outcomes for the town are delivered.

     

    3.       UNDERTAKE A NEW MARKETING PROCESS (Recommended) – to consider objections to the disposal and  ...  view the full decision text for item 84.

    Minutes:

    84.1    The meeting was adjourned from 7:09pm until 7:19pm.

     

    84.2    The Chair welcomed Samuel Antwi and Alan Taylor, Shared Legal Service to the meeting.

     

    84.3    The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth introduced the report and provided Members with an overview of the work undertaken with regard to the regeneration of the Belle Vue site in Sudbury.

     

    84.4    Councillor Arthey raised a query on the red line boundary of sale area and the terrace at the rear of the house. In response the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration advised Members that the red line indicated on the plan represents the boundary between the house and the park.

     

    84.5    Councillor Arthey then queried whether the future owners of the house would have rights of access to maintain the property. The Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration advised that these negotiations would be made as part of the legal agreement once a decision had been made regarding the bidder.

     

    84.6    Councillor Busby commented that the proposal from the preferred bidders was outside of the area offered for sale, indicated by the red line on the plan, and queried whether this disqualified them from the bid process. The Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration confirmed that as this was an informal tender any additional areas included in the bids submitted would be clarified during negotiations after a preferred bidder had been chosen.

     

    84.7    Councillor Busby went on to comment that the land outside of the red line was public open space.

     

    84.8    Councillor Osborne raised a question regarding the objections received concerning open space. The Regeneration and Capital Projects Manager responded that the report referenced the objections and considerations for Members to balance loss of space from sale with potential wider benefits. The 2006 Local Plan showed the existing designation but the 2019 report for the Joint Local Plan is now available. This itself may not reference all areas that could be interpreted as accessible green/open space in the town. Members were also advised that there had been re-provision of facilities for public recreation uses in the town and wider park.

     

    84.9    Councillor Holt responded to Councillor Osbornes question relating to  whether a high level of consultation and engagement had taken place, and advised Members that the steering group included a number of Sudbury Town Councillors.

     

    84.10  Councillor Parker raised concerns regarding recommendation 3.5 of the report and queried whether the recommendation could be amended. The Chair advised that this would be addressed later in the meeting, after debate and prior to the vote for the item.

     

    84.11  Councillor Owen asked whether there had been any discussions with any of the bidders prior to the site being marketed. The Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration advised that a number of the bidders had previously bid for, or been interested in, the site, and had been back in contact when the site was marketed.

     

    84.12  Councillor Owen commented that when the house was previously marketed in 2019 the bidders were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    To vote on recommendation 3.1 as detailed in report number BCa/20/44 Ad-Hoc Carried
    To vote on recommendations 3.2 with additional wording, 3.3 and 3.4 as detailed in report number BCa/20/44 Ad-Hoc Carried
    To vote on the resolution to exclude the public (which terms includes the press) Ad-Hoc Carried
    To vote on the recommendation to re-admit the public (which term includes the press) Ad-Hoc Drawn
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 85.

    EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC (WHICH TERM INCLUDES THE PRESS)

    To consider whether, pursuant to Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public should be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below on the grounds that if the public were present during this item, it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information as indicated against the item. The author of the report proposed to be considered in Part 2 of the Agenda is satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

    Minutes:

    It was RESOLVED:-

     

    That pursuant to Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below on the grounds that is the public were present during this item, it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information.

    86.

    BCa/20/46 REGENERATION OF BELLE VUE SITE IN SUDBURY - PART 2

    Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Assets and Investments.