Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 26 February 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held 26 February 2024 were approved and signed.

For Cabinet to consider an updated playing pitch strategy (PPS) specifically for the sport of rugby in March.

Members considered the Updated Rugby Playing Pitch Strategy report presented by Councillor Miscandlon.

Proposed by Councillor Miscandlon, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED to adopt the recently developed Rugby Playing Pitch Strategy and that this is published alongside the Council’s current 2016 Playing Pitch Strategy as a supplemental document.

To consider a proposal to sign an updated District-wide Armed Forces Military Covenant (AFC) as a commitment to current and legacy armed forces personnel living the Fenland District.

Members considered the District-wide Armed Forces Military Covenant report presented by Councillor Wallwork.

Proposed by Councillor Wallwork, seconded by Councillor Miscandlon and AGREED to approve the signing of the Armed Forces Military Covenant.

To receive an update regarding ongoing work related to 24 High Street and 11-12 High Street, Wisbech.

Members considered the Wisbech High Street update report presented by Councillor Seaton.

Councillor Seaton advised that in respect of 11-12 High Street, there is a change to the published report in that the architect’s design has changed from 12 one-bedroom flats to 16 one-bedroom flats. 

Councillor Tierney said that some people may be concerned at the idea of a building with 16 flats over the top in the middle of town. He like to stress the importance of putting a decent management system in place to ensure the area remains a nice place to live and there are no problems once the properties have tenants move in. Councillor Hoy responded that local policies can be put in place to control who moves into the Council’s premises. Councillor Seaton confirmed that the Council is in control of who will occupy the flats when completed and good management will be high on its list of priorities.

Proposed by Councillor Seaton, seconded by Councillor Hoy and AGREED to note the current position in relation to the building of 24 High Street, Wisbech and note the actions regarding the development of a viable option for 11-12 High Street, Wisbech.

For information purposes.

The draft 6-month Cabinet Forward Plan was noted.

To understand the reasons why it is felt necessary to take legal action to CPO, Willow View, The Chase, March, PE15 9RJ in order to bring a long-term empty property back into use and address community concerns.

(Appendix B to this report comprises exempt information – to exclude the public (including the press) from a meeting of a committee it is necessary for the following proposition to be moved and adopted: “that the public be excluded from the meeting for Items which would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as indicated.”

Members considered the report concerning proposed legal action for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) utilising the Town and Country Planning Act powers for a long-term empty property, Willow View, The Chase, March, presented by Councillor Hoy.

Councillor Mrs French said she welcomes this action as it is something she has been working on for many years with officers and residents. The property was renovated in 2014/15 but totally vandalised after being left empty and the neighbours have suffered and been badly affected by incidents concerning this property. 

Councillor Miscandlon asked about the cost implications for the Council and Councillor Boden replied that the Council is covered as much as it can be under the legislation.

Councillor Boden stated that he is not generally in favour of CPOs for residential properties as it is not for the Council to interfere in private property matters but sometimes it is as a last resort, which it clearly is in this case. The property came to his attention when he became Leader, which shows this is not a route that is taken immediately, but If no action is taken then the problem will continue. Therefore, taking the route of a CPO in this case is entirely appropriate and the Council is exercising its role properly.

Councillor Hoy agreed with Councillor Boden; one of the first visits she made when she took on the housing portfolio over four years ago was to this property and hopefully positive progress can now be made.

Presented by Councillor Hoy, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED to make, seek confirmation of and implement a compulsory purchase order (CPO) pursuant to s226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA) and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 and all other enabling powers in relation to Willow View, The Chase, March, PE15 9RJ (“the Property”) which is shown edged red on the plan attached to Appendix A for the purposes of improvement.

And to resolve that the Council seek to acquire the Property whether compulsorily using the statutory powers or by voluntary agreement, and to delegate authority to the Minority Officer and Corporate Director:

·         To take all necessary steps to secure the preparation, making, and submission to the Secretary of State for confirmation and implementation of the CPO including (but not limited to), the publication and service of all statutory notices; the investigation of and response to objections (including the negotiation and completion of any necessary agreement and undertaking in order to secure the removal of objections to the CPO); and the presentation of the Council’s case at any public enquiry or via written representations and all other associated procedural steps.

·         To acquire the Property whether by voluntary agreement or compulsorily using the statutory powers section s226(1)(a) Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Acquisition of Land Act 1981.

·         To determine the form and contents of the CPO and the statement of reasons accompanying the CPO and to finalise the same.

·         Take all appropriate actions for making amendments, modifications  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB68/23