Shrewsbury & Atcham
Borough Council

CABINET

7^TH FEBRUARY 2005

PRESENT: Councillor Nutting (Leader)

Councillors Armstrong, Bebb, Cooke, Mrs Jones, Owen, Price, Roberts, Ms Wild and Mrs Williams

Non Cabinet members in attendance: Councillors Bushell, Mrs Chaplin, Mrs Chebsey, Clarke, Evans, Mrs Holyoak, J P Jones, R Jones and Sambrook.

Officers in attendance: Chief Executive, Director of Community Services, Director of Development Services, Monitoring Officer, Head of Finance, Chief Accountant and Democratic Services Officer

MINUTES: 17^th January 2005 – confirmed

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND DISPENSATIONS GRANTED BY THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

The following members declared their personal interest and/or personal and prejudicial interests in the items shown below:

Member  & Decision Number and Matter

Councillor Bebb  - Minute 41/05 – Livestock Market – Personal interest as a farmer.

Councillor Clarke - Minute 40/05 – Depot Facilities – Personal interest as a County Councillor.

Councillor Cooke - Minute 41/05 – Livestock Market – Personal interest as a farmer.

Councillor Mrs Holyoak - Minute 40/05 – Depot Facilities – Personal interest as a County Councillor.

Councillor Mrs Holyoak - Minute 41/05 – Livestock Market – Personal interest as her son-in-law was a farmer.

Councillor J P Jones - Minute 30/05 – General Fund and Town Only Budgets and Medium Term Financial Plan – Personal interest as a friend of Shrewsbury Museums.

Councillor Nutting - Minute 40/05 – Depot Facilities – Personal interest as a County Councillor.

Councillor Ms Wild - Minute 41/05 – Livestock Market – Personal interest as her son attended the same school as the children of two of the auctioneers.

Councillor Mrs Williams - Minute 42/05 – Property Purchase – Personal interest  as one of her children was employed at a site in close proximity to the property.

Councillor Mrs Williams - Minute 45/05 – New Entertainment Venue – Personal and prejudicial interest as a local resident. She left the room during the consideration of and voting on this item.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

27/05 LEISURE AND RECREATION LAND

Mr David Kilby of Honeysuckle Cottage, Calcott Lane, Bicton, Shrewsbury asked the following question of the Leader:

"The market segments that have been identified as having the closest "fit" with Shrewsbury from a psychographic point of view are:

• Cosmopolitans age 42 plus, 38% post family, high income, urban based, active, like arts, culture, shopping. Enjoy intellectual challenge and discovery, value peace and relaxation.

Do the members of this Council believe it to be right that £2 million not £1 million has now been proposed for transfer from investment at land for leisure and recreation purposes at Bowbrook towards the Flaxmill Project in a bid to attract the market segment identified?

Whilst local community groups, which could include, Shelton Cricket Club, Shrewsbury Hockey Club, SAHA soccer club and the indoor bowls fraternity, now seem destined to miss out on this opportunity despite the borough purchasing 26 acres of land at Bowbrook 2 years ago, that could have been developed with the £2 million available.

Do members feel comfortable that equity has prevailed, when reading a report submitted by the Head of Finance to a meeting of Cabinet on 13^th December 2004, that says "consultation is included within the overall budget process to include Business Ratepayers"?

Yet I see no attempt has been made to consult with public on this Bowbrook v Flaxmill issue.

The Leader, Councillor Nutting responded as follows:

The Council is committed to secure land for future leisure and recreation provision. That could be either by opportunity purchase or by planning gain on planning permissions. The new Local Development Framework will provide a guiding tool to achieve the planning gain. If sites in the meantime are revealed for opportunity purchase the Council will consider them. It was not intended to use the £2 million to develop the Bowbrook land as that is for future recreation provision as part of a land bank to meet those needs. I think I am right in saying that there is now £1 million going towards the Flaxmill and there is £1 million left in the budget for land purchase in that area of town.

REFERENCES FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

28/05 HOUSING POLICY REVIEW

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the work carried out by the Housing Policy Task Group, namely:

(a)  That planning policy be amended (possible through Supplementary Planning Guidance) to decrease the current site size that triggers an affordable quota in the urban area down to 0.25hec.

(b)  That planning policy be amended (possible through Supplementary Planning Guidance) to decrease the number of market dwellings on a site that triggers an affordable quota down to 4.

(c)  That the % of affordable units on sites in recommendations (a) and (b) above, be increased to at least 50%.

(d)  That should any amendments to the recommendations in (a) and (b) above be made to the detriment of affordability, then the % of affordability on those revised sites be raised to 65%.

(e)  That rural sites (i.e. in settlements of less than 3,000 population) be subject to a 50% affordable quota irrespective of site size.

(f)  That villages previously exempt from development opportunities under existing planning policy and identified through the Local Plan Advisory Group process, be now considered.

(g)  That consideration be given to include some hamlets for development.

(h)  That the recommendations and conclusions relating to all aspects of affordability to be incorporated into the Borough Local Plan from 2007, be adopted as Council policy in 2005.

(i)  That resources are made available immediately to Property Services to develop an electronic land terrier (GIS) of all council owned land to speed up identification of development opportunities.

(j)  That any affordable development be developed primarily on the basis of housing need, not the requirement to make a 4% return.

(k)  That SABC develops an in-house Home Buy Scheme to enable purchase of a property on an equity share basis and this be subject to local conditions.

(l)  That the Council's Housing Renewals policy be revisited to ensure it meets the priorities identified in the 2004 Housing Needs survey.

(m)  That a thorough review of the Council's Empty Property strategy be undertaken to develop a range of measures to enable innovative use of existing domestic and commercial stock, including conversion and landlord grants, and to respond to the opportunities presented by the Housing Act 2004.

(n)  That a project team be established consisting of officers from the Housing, Planning and Property Services to pursue and oversee all affordable developments.

Options considered:

To accept the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee with or without amendments.

DECISION:

(a)  That recommendations (a) to (h) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be referred to the Planning Policy Manager and then to Local Plan Advisory Group for consideration.

(b)  That recommendation (i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be supported in principle and further consideration be given to the recommendation during Cabinet's consideration of the report of the Head of Finance on the General Fund and Town Only budget.

(c)  That consideration of recommendations (j) and (k) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be deferred to a future meeting of Cabinet to enable more detailed reports to be submitted thereon.

(d)  That recommendation (l) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be accepted subject to the addition of the words "within existing resources".

(e)  That recommendation (m) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be accepted subject to the addition of the words "within existing resources".

(f)  That recommendation (n) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be accepted.

Reason:

(a)  To enable the Planning Policy Manager and Local Plan Advisory Group to take the Committee's comments into account during their review of the matter.

(b)  To enable members to be fully informed prior to taking a decision in respect of matters (j) and (k).

29/05 HARLESCOTT LANE PLAYING FIELD BOUNDARY FENCE

Further to Minute 06/05 consideration was given to the following recommendation from the Community and Voluntary Sector Working Group:

That Cabinet be asked to consider the provision of the Harlescott Lane Playing Field Boundary Fence being funded in the sum of £7,852 from the Town Only Rate in the General Fund.

Options considered:

(a)  To note the request.

(b)  To make no financial provision from the Town Only Rate.

(c)  To make financial provision from the Town Only Rate.

DECISION:

That financial provision up to a maximum sum of £10,000 be included in the 2005/2006 Town Only Budget for the Harlescott Lane Playing Field Boundary Fence to be funded from the Town Only Balances.

Reason:

(a)  A number of members had visited the site and considered that in the interests of safety provision should be included in the budget towards the provision of the fence.

(b)  To produce a balanced budget in order to finance the Council's priorities, responsibilities, aims and objectives.

MATTERS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

30/05 GENERAL FUND AND TOWN ONLY BUDGETS AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance on the General Fund and Town Only budgets and medium term financial plan. During the discussion the Chief Executive confirmed that should members not agree to make the service and funding implications set out in officer recommendation (g) then alternative proposals would need to be put forward and agreed during the forthcoming financial year in order to meet the Council's medium term financial plan.

Options considered:

(a)  Various levels of Council Tax increases for 2005/2006.

(b)  Inclusion of one-off and on-going growth bids.

DECISION:

(a)  That the revised estimates for 2004/05 totalling £9,842,981 including a deduction from balances of £297,769 be approved.

(b)  That the 2005/06 budget totalling £10,010,090 plus an addition to balances of £222,233 based on the draft Revenue Support Grant Settlement be approved.

(c)  That the General Fund Council Tax be increased by 3.5% from £113.40 to £117.37 for 2005/06 for a Band D property.

(d)  That the Town Only Council Tax for a Band D property be increased by 3.5% from £27.45 to £28.41 for 2005/06.

(e)  That Cabinet has regard to the Head of Finance's opinions regarding the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of proposed financial reserves.

(f)  That in the event of any savings in the out-turn on revised estimates for the 2004/05 financial year occurring, up to £40,000 be allocated for training and management of succession.

(g) That the medium term financial plan and the service and funding implications contained therein be noted and that Councillors consider the matter during the coming financial year by way of a Budget Review Working Party. In particular the following items be considered:

1. To increase Council Tax in 2006/07 and 2007/08 by at least 2% above inflation levels (assuming 3% inflation).

2. To introduce a £5 charge for £25 of Concessionary travel tokens from 2006/07 onwards.

3. To implement alternate weekly Waste/Recycling collections by 2007/08.

4. To introduce savings of £100,000 in the CCTV budget by 2007/08.

5. To further reduce the Museums/Tourism/TCMP budgets by £55,000 by 2007/08.

6. To reduce the provision for Job Evaluation from £200,000 to £140,000.

(h)  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Leader of the Council to approve Building Control Charges for 2005/2006.

(i)  That the budget surplus for 2005/2006 be set aside to finance the one-off costs associated with implementing the new establishment structure.

(j)  That the growth bid of £10,000 re Shopmobility – Extension to premises (one-off) be included in the 2005/2006 budget and the figures in recommendation (b) above be adjusted accordingly.

Reasons:

(a)  To produce a fully funded budget in order to promote the Council's responsibilities, aims and objectives including delivery of the Community Strategy.

(b)  To ensure that the General Fund balance remained at a reasonable level.

(c)  To provide funding for priority growth bids.

31/05 CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance submitted to Cabinet on 13^th December 2004 and the initial recommendation of Cabinet thereon following public consultation.

Options considered:

To recommend Council to accept the initial decision of Cabinet with or without amendments.

DECISION:

(a)  That the revised Capital Programme set out in the draft Budget Book 2005/2006 be approved.

(b)  That revenue savings identified to meet the anticipated budget shortfall over the next three years as set out in the Revenue Budget report be considered, to enable contracts to construct the New Entertainment centre to be finalised.

(c)  That in light of the land at Bowbrook for leisure and recreation not now being available, £1 million of the budget sum of £2 million be transferred towards the Flax Mill project with the remaining £1 million being allocated towards possible land acquisitions in the future.

(d)  That until the tendered costs of the Livestock Market and the New Entertainment Venue are determined, no new capital projects be approved except in cases of emergency/public safety/investment purposes and protection of assets.

Reason:

To safeguard the Council's long term financial position and ensure that sufficient capital resources were available to fund priority capital schemes.

32/05 PRUDENTIAL INDICATOR FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, EXTERNAL DEBT AND TREASURY MANAGEMENT 2005/2006

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance on the setting of Prudential Indicators for 2004/2005, a proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2005/2006 and reviewing the investment limits for the Building Societies in the Council Approved List of Organisations for Investment.

Options considered:

The Council, by regulation, had to set the Prudential Indictors and these had been calculated in accordance with the relevant regulations. In setting the Annual Investment Strategy regard had to be taken of the guidance notes produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and CIPFA which had been followed in the preparation of the report.

DECISION:

(a)  That the Prudential Indicators and Limits set out in Tables 1 to 6 of the Annex of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

(b)  That the statement in Paragraph 3.2 of the Annex of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

(c)  That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2005/2006 be:

1. To maximise investment income and keep borrowing costs to a minimum whilst ensuring that there is a sufficient spread of investments to minimise the risk to the Council.

2. The procedures and practices followed in implementing the strategy be consistent with the Council's Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Practice.

(d) That the Investment Strategy prepared in accordance with the ODPM Guidance on Local Government Investments and set out in paragraphs 6.2 to 6.9 of the Annex of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

Reasons:

To ensure compliance with the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, the guidance of the ODPM in relation to Local Authority Investments, namely that the Council's financial affairs were properly managed and that the risk to the Council's financial investments was minimised.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT – QUARTERLY REPORTS

33/05 BIG ISSUES

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive aimed at informing members of the Cabinet of progress made in relation to the Big Issues affecting the Council.

During the discussion the Director of Development Services confirmed that discussions had taken place recently with Shrewsbury Town Football Club regarding possible minor amendments to their proposals for the new stadium at Oteley Road. The Club had been invited to submit their proposals in writing following which the matter would be dealt with in the usual way. The Director of Development Services also indicated that he intended to report further on the Flax Mill during the exempt part of the meeting. A further report on the New Entertainment Venue would also be given to members by the Portfolio Holder during the exempt part. In response to a question re "Flood Alleviation" the Director of Development Services undertook to send details to the Portfolio Holder for Flooding of the contributions to be provided towards flood defences around the English Bridge area arising from the redevelopment of the Gay Meadow.

Options considered:

(a)  To note the report of the Chief Executive.

(b)  To request a specific report be made on an issue to the next meeting.

DECISION:

That the report of the Chief Executive be noted.

Reason:

It was an information report aimed at informing the members of Cabinet on progress.

34/05 DELIVERY OF SERVICES

(Councillor Evans spoke on this item.)

Consideration was given to the review reports that had been prepared by Cabinet members in conjunction with the relevant Service Manager on the delivery of services within their Portfolio as follows:

(a)	Policy Support Services*	Councillor Nutting
(b)	Democratic & Legal Services	Councillor Nutting
(c)	Personnel Services	Councillor Owen
(d)	ICT Services	Councillor Owen
(e)	Financial Services	Councillor Nutting
(f)	Environmental Health Services*	Councillors Cooke, Ms Wild and Mrs Williams
(g)	Housing & Community Regeneration Services	Councillors Armstrong, Ms Wild and Mrs Williams
(h)	Leisure Services	Councillor Armstrong
(i)	Public Amenities Services	Councillors Armstrong, Bebb, Cooke and Mrs Williams
(j)	Entertainment & Museums Services	Councillor Armstrong
(k)	Engineering Services	Councillor Roberts
(l)	Building Control Services*	Councillor Price
(m)	Economic Development Services	Councillor Roberts
(n)	Development Control Services*	Councillor Price
(o)	Planning Policy Services*	Councillor Price
(p)	Property Services*	Councillor Price

Options considered:

To note the review reports of the Service Portfolios subject to the Portfolio Holders being requested to look into any "red" traffic lights within their portfolios.

DECISION:

That the review reports be noted subject to the Portfolio Holders being requested to look into any "red" traffic lights within their portfolios.

Reason:

(a)  They were primarily information reports aimed at informing members on the performance of the service portfolios.

(b)  To encourage the Portfolio Holders to ascertain whether any steps might be taken to progress and resolve the matters highlighted in red in the report.

MATTERS TO BE RESOLVED AND IMPLEMENTED SUBJECT TO ANY CALL-IN

35/05 CAR PARKING CHARGES 2005/2006

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance and Engineering Services Manager following public consultation on the review of car parking charges.

Options considered:

(a)  To confirm the car parking charges advertised in the Traffic Regulation Order.

(b)  Not to confirm the car parking charges advertised in the Traffic Regulation Order.

DECISION:

That the Traffic Regulation Order bringing into effect the charges set out in (a) of Minute 201A/04 be confirmed and that charges be effective from 28^th March 2005.

Reason:

To maintain the relationship between off-street parking charges, park and ride fares and the charges for parking in the town centre in accordance with the Council's car parking charging policies.

36/05 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

(Councillor Mrs Holyoak spoke on this item.)

Consideration was given to a report of the Customer Satisfaction Working Group which had been set up to review the results of the final QCL Market Research on satisfactory surveys for services in the Borough and on the findings and recommendations of the Group.

Options considered:

(a)  To take no action.

(b)  To welcome the on-going measures being taken by all parties to improve "customer satisfaction levels" in the borough area.

(c)  To welcome the on-going measures being taken by all parties to improve "customer satisfaction levels" in the borough area and to accept the proposals put forward by the Working Group in relation to new initiatives with or without amendments.

DECISION:

(a)  That Members appreciation of the contribution made by those persons who had assisted the Working Group with the review be formally sent to the individuals/groups concerned together with a copy of this report and resulting decisions.

(b)  That the on-going measures and efforts being taken by all parties to improve "customer satisfaction levels" in the borough area be welcomed.

(c)  That in relation to "level of crime":

The Environmental Health Manager be requested to take appropriate action to promote the responsibilities of his service for dealing with noise complaints.

(d)  That in relation to "health services":

1. Officers be requested to continue their successful work with schools to promote the benefits of walking to school.

2. The work being taken by the Environmental Health and Leisure Services to promote healthy lifestyles be welcomed

(e) That in relation to "Clean Streets":

The Public Amenities Manager be requested to introduce appropriate measures to increase the promotion of partnership initiatives to the public.

(f)  That in relation to "Affordable decent housing":

1. The Council write to the Government expressing its concern about the pilot scheme currently being undertaken and emphasising its support for the continued payment of rents to Registered Social Landlords and other landlords rather than tenants.

2. In cases where deemed appropriate, consideration be given by the Council to the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders powers on sites identified in the Local Plan as suitable for affordable homes to ensure their delivery.

3. The Group's support for an increase in the number and speed of delivery of affordable housing provision through the Planning Local Framework be endorsed. (Current threshold 25 units or more, new government guidance likely to be 15 units or more, supported by LPAG the current policy is 30% and LPAG target contribution is 50%.)

4. It be noted that consideration is to be given by Cabinet in due course to the outcome/recommendations of the Housing Policy Task Group.

5. That both the Council's Planning and Housing officers be urged to increase the communication and consultations currently taking place on this issue between the Shropshire Housing and Planning Officer groups.

(g)  That in relation to "Parks and Open Spaces":

Measures be taken to increase the provision of news items to the press about the activities being taken by the Council.

(h)  That in relation to "Job Prospects/Wage levels and cost of living":

1. The Economic Development Manager be consulted on all commercial planning applications received by the Planning Service.

2. The comments of the Economic Development Manager on planning applications be included in all reports/schedules submitted to the Development Control and Environmental Protection Committee by the Development Control Manager.

3. The Economic Development Manager play a part in any planning training given to members.

(j)  That in relation to "level of pollution":

It be acknowledged that the construction of North West Relief Road or bypass would help to overcome some of the pollution problems in the town centre, Heathgates and the A49.

(k)  That in relation to "Facilities for young children/activities for teenagers/sports and leisure facilities":

1. The enhancement and strengthening of the existing good relationship between the Borough's Leisure Services and County Council's Youth Service be supported.

2. The Leisure Services Manager be requested to look into the possible part formalisation of the above relationship with the Youth Service bearing in mind the need and importance of maintaining informal contact.

3. The Leisure Services Manager be requested to increase engagement with young persons to seek their views re provision.

4. The Leisure Services Manager be requested to introduce appropriate measures to increase the provision of "good" news items to the press.

5. The continued development of links with the community development section be supported.

(l)  That Cabinet be requested to consider whether or not discussions should take place with the local press in order that both parties might improve existing communications about the Council's services.

Reasons:

(a)  To express members' appreciation of the contribution being made to improve "customer satisfaction levels" and acknowledge the on-going measures being taken or proposed both by the Council and other bodies.

(b)  To communicate better with the public about the services and carry out actual improvements to service delivery.

37/05 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

Further to Minute 21/05 consideration was given to a report of the Planning Policy Manager on progress being made with the preparation of the new Local Development Framework for the Borough and the work of the Local Plan Advisory Group. Reference was also to the letter and paper circulated to all members after the dispatch of the agenda which confirmed that the Local Plan Advisory Group had agreed at its meeting on 3^rd February 2005 to recommend that the revised draft local development scheme be submitted to the Secretary of State.

Options considered:

To endorse the role of the Local Plan Advisory Group in steering the plan review.

DECISION:

(a)  That the role of the Local Plan Advisory Group in steering the plan review be endorsed.

(b)  That it be noted that a seminar would be held at 6.30 pm on 24^th February 2005 to advise all members of Council on the new Development Plan Process.

(c)  That authority be delegated to the Planning Policy Manager, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to finalise the Local Development Scheme (LDS) for submission to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Reason:

(a)  To support the valuable work being undertaken by the Local Plan Advisory Group.

(b)  To engage all members of Council in understanding the new legislative framework.

(c)  To ensure that the LDS was finalised and submitted to the Government within the prescribed time-scale.

ITEMS RAISED BY MEMBERS

38/05 SEVENTY STEPS – OVERNIGHT CLOSURE

(Councillor Evans spoke on this item.)

The Leader referred members to Seventy Steps and expressed concern about the state of the passageway and the implications for the safety of users both during the day and night. He sought members' views on appropriate steps being taken by the Engineering Services Manager to secure its closure on a permanent basis.

Options considered:

(a)  To take no action.

(b)  To request the Engineering Services Manager to seek the closure of Seventy Steps using appropriate powers available to the Council or to the County Council as highway authority.

DECISION:

That the Engineering Services Manager be requested to seek the closure of Seventy Steps using appropriate powers available to the Council or to the County Council as Highway Authority.

Reason:

In the interests of community safety.

39/05 EXEMPT ITEMS

DECISION:

That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining item.

Reason:

The decision was made on the grounds that it could involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 7, 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

40/05 DEPOT FACILITIES

     (Councillor Clarke spoke on this item.)

Further to Minute 25/05 consideration was given to an exempt report of the Engineering Services Manager and Property Services Manager on the possibility of relocating the depot to land owned by Shropshire County Council at Longden Road.

Options considered:

Two options were considered.

DECISION:

(a)  That in light of the estimated costs, the proposals to move to Longden Road appeared to justify a more detailed study to firm up both the costs of the site and associated building/external works, with a view to an urgent report being submitted to Cabinet in order to meet with Shropshire County Council's proposed timescales.

(b)  That to fund the proposals, a supplementary allocation of £3000 be agreed to fund a Structural Engineering/Quantity Surveyor's advice being sought. If however, the detailed structural information could be obtained from Shropshire County Council, the scale of the survey could be reduced.

(c)  That a full report addressing all the issues raised by members at the meeting be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.

Reason:

If the costs of moving could be reasonably matched to the costs of remaining, then there was the potential benefit of freeing up the Underdale Road site for social housing.

41/05 LIVESTOCK MARKET

(Councillor Evans spoke on this item.)

Further to Minute 07/05 (Council) consideration was given to an exempt report of the Economic Development Manager and Property Services Manager on the new Livestock Market.

Options considered:

Two options were considered.

DECISION:

That it be deemed by a majority vote that the following decision was urgent and should not be subject to call-in on the basis that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council's and the public's interests:

That the Council accepts the lease terms as amended by Hall.

Reason:

Due to the urgent need to progress this matter and ensure that the Livestock Market was delivered by the end of 2005, the call-in should not apply to delay the decision.

42/05 PROPERTY PURCHASE

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this item should be considered as a matter of urgency in view of the need to act quickly if the Council wished to purchase the land for investment purposes.)

(Councillor Clarke spoke on this item.)

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive on the possible purchase of a property in Shrewsbury. A plan showing the location of the property was displayed at the meeting.

Options considered:

Two options were considered at the meeting.

DECISION:

That the Chief Executive be authorised to negotiate and purchase the property referred to in the report up to the maximum sum agreed at the meeting subject to any variation being agreed by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

Reason:

In the interests of the Council Taxpayers of the area.

43/05 THE FLAXMILL

Further to Minute 33/05 (Big Issues) the Director of Development Services reported for information on progress being made with the Flaxmill, including discussions between English Heritage, the property owners and Advantage West Midlands. He undertook to keep members informed of progress on a regular basis with a full report on the issue being submitted to a future meeting of Cabinet.

44/05 FACILITY MANAGEMENT

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this item should be considered as a matter of urgency in view of the need to act quickly if the Council wished to progress this item further.)

The Chief Executive reported on a possible opportunity for the Council to manage a facility outside the Borough subject to various terms and conditions outlined at the meeting.

Options considered:

Two options were considered at the meeting.

DECISION:

That the Chief Executive be authorised to explore the opportunity to manage the facility on the basis outlined at the meeting and a report thereon be submitted to a future meeting in the event of the property owners wishing to take the offer made to them by this authority to do so further.

Reason:

To enable members to consider the matter in more detail prior to taking a decision on the item.

45/05 NEW ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Further to Minute 33/05 (Big Issues) the Portfolio Holder for Leisure reported for information on progress being made with the New Entertainment Venue. Particular mention was made to a recent presentation by Levitt Bernstein on Stage C and the work that was still required to be carried out by them on this matter. The Portfolio Holder reported on the importance of securing the right design requirements for the development both in terms of its siting in a conservation area and for operational reasons.

 

6.30 pm – 8.40 pm

DATE OF PUBLICATION: 10^th February 2005

DEADLINE FOR CALL-IN: 14^th February 2005