Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Stubbs.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the meetings held on 15^th October 2014 and 12^th November 2014.

Resolved:-              That the minutes of the meetings held on 15^th October and 12^th November, 2014 be agreed as correct records.

Consideration was given to a report updating Members on the progress made in implementing the Community Centre Review.

A number of outcomes had emerged from the Review and a programme of works had been prepared.  Draft Heads of Terms had been sent to six community centre committees for consideration and a model lease was being prepared.

The Community Centre Working Party had already been operating along similar lines to a Cabinet Panel and it was felt that now as the appropriate time to formally establish a Cabinet Panel.

A comprehensive action plan had been approved and the report gave an update on the current position and the stages of the Community Centres in terms of repair, leases and governance.

Resolved:-              (i)       That a Cabinet Panel be established with delegated

decision making powers to progress the review and

specifically the options identified within the report.

(ii)       That a further report, on the implementation of the review, be received within six months.

The Cabinet considered a report on the current situation regarding the Urban North Staffordshire Green Space Strategy (UNSGSS) and the plan to review and update it.

The Portfolio Holder stated that a review of the Strategy was required to ensure that the green space asset base in Newcastle fulfils its potential to deliver a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits through a strategic approach to planning and management and that the

Strategy remains fit for purpose and a robust evidence base for the emerging joint Local Plan.

Councillor Mrs Naylon had three questions about this item:

(i)             In the interests of ‘joined up government’, could the Cabinet give assurance that the UNSGSS review would recognise and use the work in the Right of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) to result in a ‘multi-user approach’ to the provision of access to green spaces.  The UNSGSS made such use of terms ‘Footpaths and Cycleways’.  In 2014 there had been an increasing use of networks by mobility scooter users, tricycles and yes, horse and pony riders in our urban areas.  Could the Cabinet insist that the change in the demographic of ‘user groups’ is taken into account in the review.”

The Portfolio Holder explained that the Right of Way Improvement Plan set out the provisions but not necessarily the details of individual projects.  However, the Strategy would be looked at to see how it could best meet local needs.

(ii)            “Could Cabinet ask that the UNSGSS review please use the excellent ROWIP of 2014…there were 28 priority areas proposed; these need reviewing and moving forward.

In the public consultation exercise for ROWIP, Newcastle was recognised as the area which responded most vigorously to requests for information and suggestions for improvement, most of which were about increasing the availability of access (off road routes) and connectivity.  Could the Cabinet ask the UNSGSS review team go back to the ROWIP and look for ways of overcoming barriers/dead ends and lack of connection across City, Borough and Parish boundaries”.

The Portfolio Holder’s response was that the County Council was the lead authority for the ROWIP and they would take forward most of the proposals contained in the policy.  Where it related to the Borough Council, this would be taken into account when details of the project plans were approved.

The UNSGSS sets out the framework for green space strategy  provision and management but not necessarily details of all individual projects

(iii)           What was the timetable for the production of the UNSGSS and SALS and how could members be involved in the process of the two policy proposals?

The Portfolio Holder stated that the shortlisting and tender process would lead up to March, 2015.  Work could then commence on the review through 2015/16 and would take about a year to complete.

(a)     Resolved:-            That approval be granted to review the Green

Space Strategy in line with the National Planning Policy Framework and that cost of the review be met from the provision made in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Consideration was given to a report requesting Cabinet’s approval on the Sport and Active Lifestyles Strategy (SALS) Development.

The development of a SALS was required to lead towards healthy and active lifestyles for residents of the Borough.

Councillor Mrs Naylon asked ‘What was the timetable for the production of the SALS and how could members be involved in the process of the policy proposal?

The Portfolio Holder advised that the final draft for the strategy would be completed by November 2015 and would go to Cabinet in December, 2015.  Mrs Naylon was advised that  Members and stakeholders would be involved in the process – especially in the Community Review Assessmewnt.

Resolved:-              (i)       That it be acknowledged that physical inactivity is a

high risk factor in many of the Borough’s communities,

as identified in the Borough Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

(ii)            That the many benefits for health and wellbeing of physical activity be recognised and increased levels of physical activity be promoted.

(iii)           That the establishment of an officer project group to develop the Sport and Active Lifestyles Strategy (SALS) for the Borough, which will provide regular progress reports to the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Localism be agreed.

Members were updated on the work of the Active and Cohesive Scrutiny Committee in their development of a feasibility report into the delivery of a Sports Centre for Kidsgrove and surrounding area.

The Feasibility Report of the Active and Cohesive Scrutiny Committee was appended to the report.  The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee also presented the Cabinet with figures relating to the requirement for a pool in Kidsgrove with respect to population growth in the next few years.

The Portfolio Holder stated that the Scrutiny Committee had looked at the demand in the area, a suitable facility mix, undertaken a site options appraisal, investigated the likely costs and considered potential sources of funding.

It was stated that the Council owned neither the land or the buildings and therefore there was no financial benefit to be gained in demolishing Kidsgrove Sports Centre.  Further, Sport England had given a grant to spend on the sports centre therefore there would be a potential claim back requirement.

The Cabinet welcomed the report, adding that the people of Kidsgrove deserved a good quality sports facility.  Thanks were expressed to the Chair and Members of the Active and Cohesive Scrutiny Committee for their hard work.

Resolved:-              (i)       That the Feasibility Report from the

Chairman of the Active and Cohesive

Scrutiny Committee be received.

                                         (ii)       That the Active and Cohesive Scrutiny

Committee’s recommendations be endorsed

and their support for replacement sports facilities for the Kidsgrove area be confirmed.

(iii)      That the funding implications be noted and consideration be given to adding the scheme to a future capital programme through the process of prioritisation be agreed as part of the Newcastle Capital Investment Programme.

(iv)      That discussions take place with potential funding partners to identify sources of external match funding that would

contribute towards the cost of the project.

Consideration was given to a report presented linked to the final stages of the Living Wage implementation process.

Effective from 1 April 2013, the Living Wage is paid as a supplement to a group of employees across five identified posts within the authority, those employees receiving increases announced by the Living Wage Foundation annually, the most recent being November, 2014.

The impacts linked to four contacts were identified within the report, with proposals to address each being included within the milestones section of the license agreement, which are currently being finalised between the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources and the Chief Executive.

Gaining accreditation remains an objective for the authority.

Resolved:-              (i)                  That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)                 That completion of the final stages, by the Council, to become a Living Wage Employer be agreed.

(ii)                 That the requirements linked to the milestones included as part of the accreditation process (schedule 3, page 9 of the Accreditation Licence Agreement) following finalisation of the Licence Agreement between the Portfolio Holder  for Finance and Resources and the Chief Executive,  be agreed.

Consideration was given to a report looking at the bids received from Developers shortlisted to take forward the redevelopment of the Ryecroft site in the town centre.

This report was considered in light of the confidential report and appendices contained in the second part of this agenda.  It was noted that the latter documents contained commercially sensitive information submitted by the three bidders along with confidential advice from the Council’s specialist development advisor.

Resolved:-   (i)       That, taking account of the commercially sensitive and

confidential information contained in the Part 2 report, the

selection of Developer A as preferred development partner for the Ryecroft scheme be agreed and the other two shortlisted bidders be formally notified of this decision and thanked for their interest and proposals.

(ii)       That officers be instructed to enter into a Co-operation agreement’ with Developer A, as described more fully in the body of the reports during which detailed scheme proposals can be progressed in conjunction with the negotiation of a development agreement.

(iii)      That the relevant Portfolio Holder be authorised to sign the formal and full version of the Co-operation Agreement at the earliest opportunity.

(iv)      That officers be authorised to continue working with

County Council colleagues regarding preparation of the full business case for the re-provision of Civic Offices on the basis set out in the report.

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following report and appendices because it is likely that there will be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved:-                        That the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the Appendices to item 9 – Ryecroft Developer Notification by reason of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 in part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Members considered the information contained within this report along  with the appendices in coming to a decision on item 9 on the agenda.

Resolved:-              That the information be received.

There was no urgent business