Agenda item

To receive a statement by the Leader of the Council on the activities and decisions of Cabinet and items included on the Forward Plan.

Concerns were raised by Members regarding the development of the Site Allocations Policy. The main area of concern centred on the consultation process that would be carried out by the Council and confirmation was sought that any consultation process would take on board the work carried out by the NDP working Group led by Cllr Loades. The Leader confirmed that the work carried out by the NDP group and its recommendations would be carried forward to the upcoming consultation regarding site allocations. It was stated that the project currently being developed focused on processes rather that specific cases and that consultation would be sought at every stage.

Regarding the Economic Development Strategy for the Borough it was stated that there would be a new Marks and Spencer’s Development on Wolstanton Retail Park which would create 350 new jobs.

The question was raised as to whether there were any proposals to carry on the excellent work regarding re housing that had been carried out through the RENEW Pathfinder Programme. It was thought that this was unlikely at the present time.

It was confirmed that Knutton Recreation Centre would be disposed of as soon as possible following completion of Jubilee 2. Members questioned whether an exit strategy had been prepared regarding this and raised concerns that antisocial behaviour in Knutton might increase leading to vandalism of the bowling green and astro turf pitch where it was thought the CCTV was no longer operational. It was stated that there was a structured timetable and exit strategy in place and that this could be provided to Members in writing.

Members requested that answers to the following questions be provided in writing following the meeting:

·               What was the usage of the Centre when Jubilee 2 was announced?

·               How much money the Centre was making before it began to close?

·               What facilities are available in other communities/wards?

·               What steps are being taken to make the building secure following closure?

·               What is planned for the 3g football pitch and Bowling Green?

·               Why the CCTV is currently non operational?

A question was also raised regarding the future of the sports centre at Kidsgrove, this was not a Borough owned building but meetings were being held with the County Council regarding its future.

The Council welcomed the introduction of new boundary signs at gateway locations around the Borough illustrating the close connection between the university and the local area.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources and Efficiency stated that the majority of targets were being met following the publication of the figures for Quarter 2. There were still however areas of downturn such as for parking fees. A request was made that details be provided in the future of the specific areas of downturn and the areas where savings had been made.

The waste management strategy was proving very successful and the service had been recognised several times in national award schemes and had made savings of more than £500,000 annually. A note was made to thank the staff who had worked so hard over the past few years to increase the recycling rates to more than 50%.