Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Minutes:
102.1 The Chair invited Councillor Richardson – Cabinet Member for Economic Growth to introduce report MC/22/38.
102.2 Councillor Richardson outlined the purpose of the report and PROPOSED the recommendations contained within the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Flatman.
102.3 Councillor Pratt asked what considerations have been put in place to preserve the current habitat and whether a biodiversity net gain of 10% was enforceable.
102.4 Councillor Richardson acknowledged that the technical detail being asked would not be available until later in the planning process but would take note of the questions.
102.5 The Project Regeneration Manager explained that discussions are underway in conjunction with the Public Realm team and ecologists, and confirmed that all hedgerows on the school site would be kept and further information would be provided when it became available.
102.6 Councillor Stringer questioned whether the planning application was singular or split up.
102.7 REAL Consulting representative Alan Hepburn confirmed there would be one application submitted including both sites.
102.8 Councillor Carter requested confirmation on whether the parking and drop-off areas of the high school would be sold for housing and if access to current onsite bungalow would be levelled. In addition, Councillor Carter inquired into the financial robustness of the application, whether measures were in place for parental access to school drop-off areas, and why the leisure centre had not been incorporated into the application.
102.9 Councillor Richardson clarified that the enabling land mentioned by Councillor Carter was subject to agreements of disposal with the department for education but that they would defer to officers on whether that agreement had been reached as they anticipated that this would answer some of Councillor Carter’s queries. Councillor Richardson disclosed that conversations had begun on the management of travel and traffic flows, and the decision not to include the leisure centre was based on the sizeable scope and scale of the project.
102.10 Councillor Carter further inquired about future of the wellness centre should the leisure centre be lost.
102.11 Councillor Richardson informed the Council that occupancy would still need to be addressed with service levels agreements but that the wellness centre would be able to operate as a standalone hub should the situation arise.
102.12 Councillor Amorowson asked whether information could be provided about the areas of wellness and education.
102.13 Councillor Richardson refuted the relevance of the request but believed wider reading on the subject matter was available, only not to hand.
102.14 Councillor Mansel asked about the overall timeline and whether it would be phased.
102.15 Councillor Richardson answered that it was all tentative at this stage, but that timeline details would be provided should the application return to Council as a full business case.
102.16 Councillor Pratt conveyed concerns from a constituent that the Council would restrict their bar license.
102.17 Councillor Richardson reassured Councillor Pratt that no intention existed.
102.18 Councillor Amorowson conveyed concerns from resident dog walkers in Chilton about possible field restrictions.
102.19 Councillor Richardson deferred to the Director for Economic Development & Regeneration.
102.20 The Director for Economic Development & Regeneration gave reassurances that planned site use was not intended to be at the detriment of other site users, and that ongoing correspondences would continue with users.
102.21 Councillor Carter asked whether expansionary plans meant access issues to the current facilities for less-abled residents would be neglected.
102.22 Councillor Richardson commended the rejuvenation of the leisure centre and signposted suggested improvements towards the Communities department.
102.23 The Chair requested a proposer and seconder to extend the meeting in accordance with the guillotine rule.
102.24 Councillor Richardson PROPOSED the extension of the meeting, SECONDED by Councillor Flatman.
102.25 By a majority vote, it was agreed to extend the meeting.
It was RESOLVED:
That the time of the meeting be extended to allow for the remaining items on the agenda to be completed.
102.26 Councillors debated the matter. Concern was raised about parking spaces and connectivity. Conversation was held on the equivalent financial equity of rural leisure centres. Points were made towards nutritionary improvements and dining space support for the school.
By a unanimous vote,
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That Council notes the work and progress made on the scheme to date, including extensive public engagement, design and cost planning and scheme viability.
1.2 To also note the future gateways for decision making for the scheme including bringing the full business case, funding strategy and optimal operating model to Cabinet and Council later this year for a formal decision.
1.3 To approve the recommendations endorsed by Cabinet to submit a full planning application and develop detailed designs for the scheme.
1.4 To approve a further spend of £250,000 from the Growth and Efficiency fund to enable the works outlined in 3.3 to progress.
Councillor Hicks and Councillor Otton left the meeting at 8.24pm.
Supporting documents: