Meeting documents

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors S C L Westrip, M Potts and S Barr.

It was proposed and seconded that the minutes of the meeting be agreed.

RESOLVED: “That the minutes of the meeting held 1 October 2007, copies of which had been previously circulated to Members were agreed as a correct record.”

There were no questions or representations received from the public.

There were no declarations of interest received from Members.

The Leader introduced the Forward Plan and Work Programme.

Updates were provided in relation to LSVT Issues; Demand Responsive Bus Services; Heart of the Village Pelton Fell; Revised Organisational Development Strategy; Empty Property Strategy; and Contaminated Land Strategy.

New dates for consideration of these matters were provided and the Director of Development Services also advised Members of the need for the Review of the Licensing Policy to be included on the Forward Plan for consideration in December.  Members agreed the amended programme.

RESOLVED: “That the Forward Plan and Work Programme be noted and updated accordingly.”

Members considered the Decision Tracker and were updated on the progress of a number of developments including: Procurement Strategy; Land Matters; Communities for Health Programme; Review into Toilet Provision in the Town Centre; District Play Strategy; and Community Resource Centre at Sacriston.

The Accountancy Manager provided information in relation to the Procurement Strategy and Members agreed that the Action Plan for this matter be incorporated into the Quarterly Performance Report and could be removed from the Decision Tracker.

The Head of Regeneration referred to Land Matters and advised that consultation was now underway with the residents of Henley Avenue, Pelton Fell.  He confirmed that the outcome of the possibility of progressing with a comprehensive scheme could be confirmed in December.

In relation to the Review into Public Toilet Provision in the Town Centre, the Head of Regeneration confirmed that consultation into the viability of a community toilet scheme was taking place with Traders and that further information would be provided at the December meeting of the Executive.  The Leader requested that the Assistant Chief Executive liaise with the Scrutiny Officer in relation to this matter so that he can report back on progress to the Regeneration and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

The Director of Development Services advised that a revised District Play Strategy would be presented to the Council meeting in November, which incorporated comments from Members.  He confirmed that a bid submitted to the Big Lottery Fund had been successful and the Leader requested that a press release be organised in respect of this.

New progress/key dates were provided in respect of Items 4, 5,10 and 19 and it was agreed that Items 6, 11, 12 and 21 be removed from the Decision Tracker.

RESOLVED: “That the Decision Tracker be noted, amended and updated accordingly.”

Consideration was given to a report from the Customer Relationship Manager to reconsider the development of a customer service centre within the Civic Centre, following the decision on Local Government Reorganisation in County Durham.

The Customer Relationship Manager provided details of the work previously undertaken for the project and the background to the report.  He confirmed discussions had taken place with the Assistant Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team who had felt that it was necessary to put forward the report.

The Leader suggested that details of all work carried out and associated plans and reports be logged and stored for possible future requirements.

It was proposed and seconded that the recommendation to the report be agreed.

RESOLVED: “That Members agreed not to progress the customer service centre proposals at this time.”

(i)                 Partnership and Efficiency                     (no references)

(ii)               Regeneration and Housing                    (no references)

(iii)             Leisure and Neighbourhood                  (no references)

There were no referrals from the Overview and Scrutiny Panels.

“That, in accordance with Regulation 21 (1) (b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) Regulations 2000, the public be excluded during the transaction of the following business because it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.”

It was proposed and seconded that the recommendation be agreed.

RESOLVED: “That, in accordance with Regulation 21(1)(b) of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) Regulations 2000, the public be excluded during the transaction of the following business because it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.”

Consideration was given to a report from the Head of Regeneration to inform Members of the current disposal position in relation to sites declared surplus to the Council’s requirements as identified in the Land Management Study.

The Asset and Development Manager advised that the report set out the next stages of the disposal process and provided an indication of the likely timescales involved and proceeded to update Members on each site.

It was proposed and seconded that the recommendations of the report be agreed.

RESOLVED:

“Surplus Land

1          That the Executive noted the disposal stages that had been reached.

2          That the disposal of Stone Row, Grange Villa be postponed until such time as the demand for this type of particular site increases.

3          That the community of Grange Villa be informed that the disposal of land at Stone Row has been postponed and are advised of the Council’s reason in doing so.

Land at 53 The Wynd, Pelton

4          That the land is not declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and is not disposed of for the requested purpose.

Land at South View, Kimblesworth

5          That the land be disposed of for the requested purpose and; that the Council proceeds on the basis of a collective disposal subject to the Council’s adopted Land Disposal Policy and procedures.

Allotment at Newcastle Bank, Chester-le-Street

6          That the land is not declared surplus to the Council’s requirements and is not disposed of for the requested purpose.”

The Leader gave thanks to the Head of Regeneration on behalf of the Executive for the work carried out and contribution he had made to the District Council and wished him well in his new employment.