Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 16 August 2018

The minutes of the meeting of 16 August 2018 were confirmed and signed.

Councillor Buckton proposed that this item be deferred as Members require further information on the proposal.

Cabinet AGREED to defer this item until the meeting on 15 November 2018.

For information purposes.

Councillor Seaton presented the draft Cabinet Forward Plan for information.

Councillor Cornwell stated that the meeting on 15 November 2018 will now include the Council Audio/Visual Equipment item.

To consider property acquisition and regeneration of 11/12 High Street, Wisbech. 

Appendices A-G comprise 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 involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as indicated."

Members considered the Property Acquisition and Regeneration, Wisbech report and confidential appendices, presented by Councillor Oliver.

Councillor Oliver stated that the report was one of the most complex and challenging matters that the Council have had to consider for many years. He informed members that the report’s confidential appendices, outlines options for consideration in connection with an important derelict town-centre site. He explained that a significant grant was available from the Heritage Lottery Fund however this may be in jeopardy going forward if the required major refurbishment cannot be undertaken within the available timeframe. The report explains the regeneration benefits and the related delivery and financial risks and goes on to request that Cabinet members decide whether the Council wish to consider acquiring the site and determine the most appropriate way forward. He stated that it is important that members fully understand the risk and financial implications so that an informed and balanced decision can be taken.  

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses.

Cabinet AGREED;

·         To recommend to Council the approval of Option 2 as contained in the confidential appendices and in turn acquire the property as soon as practicable on the terms as outlined.

·         If necessary, Cabinet noted the need for Cabinet to approve (after the Council meeting), in principle, to make a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

·         To delegate to the Chief Executive, Corporate Director (Growth & Infrastructure) and Corporate Director (Finance) in conjunction with the Leader, Finance Portfolio Holder and Growth, Heritage & Community Safety Portfolio Holder to implement the preferred option and in particular:

§  to enter into an agreement to purchase and subsequently acquire the site on the terms outlined in the report; and

§  to take all action necessary to transfer the property to the identified developer on terms that protect the delivery of the scheme and enable the drawdown of the relevant HLF grant.

(Members resolved to exclude the public from the meeting for this item of business on the grounds that Appendices A-G of the report involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 2 & 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972.)