Agenda item

Please see recommendations detailed below:

7a - Cabinet 14 April 2021 - Minute No 325 - Management & development of Leisure Centres

Councillor Iyengar, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, presented the report on the Management & development of Leisure Centres as set out on the agenda and outlined the detail and implications of the recommendations. 

The Cabinet Member explained that the recommendations related to two specific projects of different sizes one which was at the heavily used Rossmore Leisure Centre namely the resurfacing of the synthetic turf pitch which was intensely used.  The smaller investment was at the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre with the replacement of the existing pitch carpet which would hopefully be undertaken in December 2021. He explained that the funding would be through prudential borrowing and grant funding.  The Cabinet Member also added that there were a number of other projects being planned across the conurbation and he looked forward to bringing them forward ensuring that the Council has a vision of sport for local people.  Councillor Mark Anderson seconded the report and welcomed the projects being brought forward.

Councillor Butler explained that she was concerned about recommendation (B) and highlighted that having read the Playing Pitch Strategy 2020-33 – it stated that artificial turf was a higher cost in terms of maintenance and funds required for replacement.  She reported that grass pitches were more sustainable environmentally and would require staff to maintain the pitch. Councillor Butler also referred to the life span of a synthetic pitch which she indicated was approximately 10 years and requested that consideration was give to grass pitches as well as artificial turf in the case of the Rossmore Leisure Centre.  The Cabinet Member reported on the consultation that was undertaken on both of the projects and that there was support for the project at Rossmore Leisure Centre.  He explained that the option of replacement of the grass pitch with the synthetic turf was discussed. He indicated that he was a fan of grass pitches and confirmed that as many grass pitches as possible would be retained.  The Cabinet Member explained that there was intense use of the pitch at the Rossmore Leisure Centre and therefore following discussions the artificial pitch was considered the best way forward in terms of durability, number of hours and days that it can be used.

Councillor Howell expressed his concern relating to Covid and the impact that this has had as there had been substantial changes in the way that people exercise and the amount of exercise that they were undertaking.  He asked how the Council was going to address such issues as those changes would clearly inform the strategy that would be developed at the next stage of the process.  The Cabinet Member in summing up responded to the issues raised by Councillor Howell, he acknowledged that Covid was not going to disappear quickly and highlighted that there would be support for team and contact sports but that there were caveats that the Council would need to factor in due to Covid but the general direction does not need to change.  

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet meeting held on 14 April 2021 on the above as set out on the agenda were approved.

Voting: Agreed

Councillor Butler wished to be recorded as voting against recommendation (B)

Note: Councillor Sean Gabriel having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest left the meeting for consideration of the above item and did not speak or vote.

7b - Cabinet 14 April 2021 - Minute No 326 - Our Museum: Poole Museum Redevelopment Project

Councillor Iyengar, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, presented the report on the Our Museum: Poole Museum Redevelopment Project as set out on the agenda, outlined the detail and implications of the recommendations and the funding arrangements.  He explained that the project would be transformational with the opportunity for locally themed exhibitions, events, seminars and workshops but also a magnet for most illustrious and prestigious visiting exhibitions and displays.  The Cabinet Member outlined the wider benefit for that quarter of Poole, the heritage action zone and proposals to create that area as a cultural quarter.  Councillor White seconded the recommendations.

Councillor Hadley welcomed the report, the investment in Poole Museum. and the breadth of appeal.  Councillor Howell reiterated that the development was a fantastic project and he hoped that the Council would achieve the full amount of funding to be able to deliver the project. He commented on the terminology used and the naming of areas during the regeneration process in Poole and asked that particular zones were named according to their values and there was consistency with the names.

Councillor Iyengar in summing up agreed the need for clarity around the names for the zoning and how these issues were decided which should resound with people who were invested in the area.

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet meeting held on 14 April 2021 on the above as set out on the agenda were approved.

Voting: Unanimous.

7c - Cabinet 14 April 2021 - Minute No 328 - Housing Scheme at Craven Court, Knyveton Road, Bournemouth

Councillor Lawton, Cabinet Member for Homes, presented the report on the housing scheme at Craven Court, Knyveton Road, Bournemouth as set out on the agenda, outlined the detail and implications of the recommendations and the funding arrangements for the scheme. The Cabinet Member reported that the project would make provision for 24 apartments 10 one-bed and 14 two-bed with passive house standards including very high thermal efficiency and excellent levels of air tightness which would reduce carbon emissions and the reliance on expensive heating systems which could reduce energy bills for residents by approximately 75%. Councillor Rampton seconded the recommendations.

A Ward Councillor commented on the scheme and felt that it would be a great addition to the Council’s housing stock. Whilst welcoming the provision of affordable housing a Councillor raised concerns relating to the budget for the scheme and the cost per unit together with the reference in the report that the cost of development was higher than what would be the market value once it was developed. He asked the Cabinet Member to comment on the value for money of the scheme.

The Cabinet Member in summing up explained that on paper the scheme appeared expensive.  He explained that he did not believe that it was that expensive as it was for senior living and was built to passive house standards which were expensive to build with triple glazing, thermal insulations etc. The Cabinet Member highlighted that it was a fantastic addition to the Council’s housing stock.

The recommendations arising from the Cabinet meeting held on 14 April 2021 on the above as set out on the agenda were approved.

Voting: Agreed.

Councillor Brown wished to be recorded as abstaining and Councillor Butler wished to be recorded as dissenting from the above decision.

(Councillors J Butt and D Butt were not in the room for the vote on the above decision)

7d - Standards Committee 20 April 2021 - Minute No 41 - Local Government Association - Model Code of Conduct for Councillors

Councillor Steve Baron presented the report on the Local Government Association – Model code of Conduct for Councillors as set out on the agenda.  Councillor Brooks in seconding the recommendation referred to the Nolan principles of public life. He reported on the changes that had occurred since the establishment of the Nolan principles in terms of social media. Councillor Brooks commented on the role of Councillors in all tiers of local government and that it was vital the system of democracy was well supported. He emphasised that all Councillors can be held accountable and should adopt the behaviour and responsibilities associated with rules.  Councillor Brooks reported that the conduct of an individual Councillor affects the reputation of all Councillors and the Council.  He further explained that in the application of the code it makes it clear that we were now concerned about areas of communication and interaction which not only included face to face meetings, online or telephone meetings but all forms of communication. Members were advised that building on the Nolan principles the code introduces 15 best practice points that all Councillors should follow. Councillor Brooks reported that the Council’s Monitoring Officer has a statutory responsibility for the implementation of the code. 

Councillor Andrews commented on the reasons for the insertion of the word ‘known’ within the recommendation. The proposals for reviewing the code were also raised and it was suggested that the inclusion of the word “known” should be fed back and included in the next iteration when the code was reviewed by the LGA.  Councillor Hadley also referred to the need to be cautious in making comments on social media.

Councillor Baron in summing up reported that he would be delighted to see the code adopted.

The recommendations arising from the Standards Committee on 20 April 2021 on the above as set out on the agenda were approved.

Voting: Unanimous.

7e - Audit and Governance Committee 22 April 2021 - Minute No 81 - Report of the Constitution Review Working Group - Changes to the Constitution

Councillor John Beesley, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committeepresented the report on the changes to the Constitution as set out on the agenda.  Councillor Beesley reported that the issue was brought to the Working Group by the Chair of the Licensing Committee.  He explained that the Working Group invited the Chair of the Licensing Committee to set out the principle reasons for making a change to the Constitution.  Councillor Beesley reported that the Working Group accepted that a Committee of 15 Councillors was too large to consider specific licensing applications and particularly as meetings involved hearing and consideration of complex, sensitive and often highly emotive issues around applicants for licences. It was accepted that 15 Councillors could potentially be unfair and daunting to an applicant. It was proposed that a process be put in place for the Licensing Sub-Committee to deal with a range of applications.  The Working Group supported the expansion of the schedule of application types that could then be considered by the Sub-Committee.  Councillor Beesley reported that issues of strategy and policy such as licensing policy and fees and charges would continue to be matters that should be addressed by the Licensing Committee. The proposals put to the Working Group to expand the list of licensing functions that could be discharged by a sub-committee as opposed to having to go to the full Licensing Committee were agreed.  This would include applications relating to premises or on land operated by the Council. The Working Group was of the view that the issue should be progressed as a matter of urgency ahead of a wider review of the Constitution and the recommendation was made to the Audit and Governance Committee on 22 April 2021 which was accepted.  In conclusion Councillor Beesley moved the recommendation as set out on the agenda which was seconded by Councillor Williams. 

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee explained that there was an absolute right for Sub-Committees to consider all matters with the exception of those outlined by the Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee. She was grateful that her arguments put forward to the Working Group and the Audit and Governance Committee were accepted.  She requested that as stated the revised arrangements for the Licensing Committee within Part 3 Rule 3 of the Constitution as set out in Appendix 1 of the report Audit and Governance Committee be approved and adopted.

The recommendation arising from the Audit and Governance Committee on 22 April 2021 on the above as set out on the agenda was approved.

Voting: Unanimous