Agenda and minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Board held on 7^th December, 2005, be accepted as a correct record.

There were no matters arising not covered on the agenda.

-         to consider the resolutions set out in Minute No. 91 in respect of Call-in issues and the terms of reference of this Board.

Consideration was given to the resolutions set out at Minute No. 91 of the meeting of the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee held on 11^th November, 2005, regarding:-

(i)         Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee’s opinion that the Board had disregarded the views of scrutiny and the Ward Members in respect of its decision re:  Land at Golden Smithies Lane.

(ii)        the request by the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee that the Board review its Terms of Reference.

It was noted that the Chairman of the Regeneration and Asset Board had spoken to the Chair of the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee about these issues.

The Board stated that it was very clear about its Terms of Reference and those of the other Committees of the Council, and in this particular case the remit of the Planning Board, and emphasised that the role of the Regeneration and Asset Board was to raise capital for the Council’s projects.

It was pointed out that in June 2005 the Board’s Terms of Reference had been reviewed and these had now been included in the Council’s Constitution as Delegated Powers.  The Board expressed the view that it was not normal procedure to review the remit of Council Committees until at least twelve months had elapsed.

The Board confirmed that, in its discussion of the issue re:  land at Golden Smithies Lane, it had considered a range of issues including:-

-                   current use and designation in the Unitary Development Plan;

-                   adjacent land ownership;

-                   access options;

-                   the planning process and guidance on greenfield development;

(Minute No. 73 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 19^th October, 2005 refers),

and in its further consideration (Minute No.  83 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 9^th November, 2005 refers) had taken account of issues such as economic well being and the views of Scrutiny and the Ward Members.

Minute No. B163 of the Cabinet held on 30^th November, 2005 refers.

Assistant Chief Executive/Policy Officer to report.

-         to consider the context, purpose and vision for developing a social and environmental well-being action plan to complement the Town Centre Renaissance Programme.

Further to Minute No.  B163 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 30^th November, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Policy Officer, relating to a proposal to develop and implement a social and environmental well-being action plan to complement the Town Centre Renaissance programme.

Members were provided with a map which illustrated the area which had been designated as the Town Centre based on the Housing Market Renewal area development framework boundaries and also an Inner Area which was an area within one mile of the centre (based on ODPM Home Office definition)

It was reported that a needs analysis had identified the following key points:-

-                   small town centre population

-                   young population

-                   large Pakistani minority and higher than average proportion of people from other ethnic groups

-                   health problems

-                   lack of qualifications and skills

-                   high unemployment

-                   high crime rate

-                   a level of general deprivation

The establishment of a task and finish officer group, proposed timescales and consultation were noted.  It was hoped to present the Action Plan to Cabinet by March 2006.

Resolved:-  That the report, and proposal to develop an Action Plan to promote the social and economic well-being of the Town Centre, be noted.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under those Paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972:-

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those Paragraphs, indicated below, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Head of Asset Management to report.

-                  to seek approval to dispose of the asset.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager seeking approval for the disposal of the above-mentioned former garage site which had been declared surplus to the requirements of Neighbourhoods.  A plan illustrating the 0.19 acres site was appended to the report.

Reference was made to the following access issues:-

-           Whiston Parish Council’s wish to safeguard pedestrian access to its allotment site.

-           Provision of rights of vehicular and pedestrian access over the site to permit residential development on part of a garden of an adjoining property.

The capital receipt would support the Housing Revenue Account/HIP.

The views of the Head of Planning and Transportation and Head of Legal and Democratic Services were also contained within the report.  It was noted that the site was designated for residential use in the Unitary Development Plan and that four expressions of interest had already been received.

Members discussed the site’s configuration and noted the Head of Planning and Transportation’s view that any development should have regard to the amenity of the area and had suggested a single storey development.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to the disposal of the asset as set out in the report now submitted.

(2)  That the Head of Rotherham Investment and Development Office markets the site.

(3)  That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services completes the necessary      documentation.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Head of Asset Management to report.

-                  to seek approval for disposal of the asset.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, seeking approval for the disposal of the above mentioned site which had been declared surplus to the requirements of the Economic and Development Services Programme Area.   It was reported that the land had been retained for a future traffic scheme.  However the proposed highway improvements had now been abandoned.

A plan illustrating the 0.127 acres of land was appended to the report.  Details of the usage and current lease agreements were also set out in the report.

It was noted that the site already had planning permission for use as a storage facility and for car parking.  It was reported that the Head of Planning and Transportation had no objections to its disposal for this purpose.

Reference was made to the historical and heritage value of this site as the location of the former Don Pottery Yard.

Resolved:-  (1)  That, subject to the satisfaction of the Head of Planning and Transportation regarding any conservation and heritage issues at this site,  approval be given to sell the above asset as detailed in the report.

(2) That the Head of Rotherham Investment & Development Office negotiates the terms of the disposal.

(3) That the Head of Legal & Democratic Services completes the necessary documentation.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Head of Asset Management to report.

-                  to seek approval for disposal of the asset.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, seeking approval for the disposal of the above mentioned site which had been declared surplus to the requirements of Culture, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Services.  A plan illustrating the 0.035 acres of land was appended to the report.

It was reported that planning permission had recently been acquired for residential development which extends to the boundaries of the site and the developer required this area of land to construct a pedestrian access/amenity space.

Reference was made to the adjacent site of Wath Swimming Pool which would be declared surplus when a new facility had been built and whether this had any implications on the proposed sale of this land.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to sell the above asset as detailed in the report submitted.

(2) That the Head of Rotherham Investment & Development Office negotiates the terms and conditions of the disposal.

(3) That the Head of Legal & Democratic Services completes the necessary documentation.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Head of Asset Management to report.

-                  to consider the introduction of a clause to revalue purchase price in future contracts.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Minute No.  91(3) of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 7^th December, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, detailing options available in dealing with the sale of assets, after exchange of contracts, particularly with reference to timescales and possible revaluation.

The report covered the background to this issue, and in particular reference was made to the situation at Flash Lane.  In regard to delays in the planning process Members were asked to consider whether any significant delay should be covered by the insertion of a clause in the contract, which served to review the offer, following a given period of e.g. six months. 

Members were advised of the risks and uncertainties surrounding this proposal and noted the changing nature of the land and property market.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received.

(2)  That approval be given to the inclusion of a clause giving the Council the option to review purchase prices in all future contracts for sale, and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services constructs a suitable clause for inclusion in future contracts for sale.

(3)  That the Valuation Manager reviews purchase prices after a period of six months and submits recommendations to the Board as part of the normal update reporting process.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Head of Asset Management to report.

-                  to report the outcome of an auction of three surplus assets.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Officer, detailing the outcome of an auction of three surplus assets.

Members noted the overall good return.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Head of Asset Management to report.

-                  update report highlighting changes to forecast

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, updating the Board of changes to the forecast of capital receipts accruing to the General Fund resulting in a revision of the Council’s capital programme.

Reference was made to:-

-                   legal costs and expenses

-                   forecast for 2007/08 and for 2008/09

-                   issues in respect of the identification of future assets for sale

Resolved:-  That the position on the current status of the capital programme be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Partnership Implementation Officer to report.

-         to note the proposal for a joint legal agreement with Magna Trust for the delivery of the Conference and Events Space project.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Further to Minute No. 168 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 9^th January, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Partnership Implementation Officer, relating to a proposal for a joint legal agreement to be drawn up with Magna Trust for the delivery of the Conference and Events Space project at Magna, to enhance Rotherham’s offering in the event and conference market.

Information was given, and discussion took place, on the following:-

• Sources of funding and timescale
• Procurement issues
• Delivery through Rotherham Construction Partnership (RCP)
• Advantages of the proposed solution
• Risks
• Council support for Magna and realisation of the Council’s corporate objectives
• Sustainability of Magna

Members commented on the need to maximise the benefits of developments and tourism opportunities at Magna and to link these with the town centre.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and the “in principle” decision of the Cabinet Member be noted.

(2)  That a further report be submitted to the Board when the legal and financial details have been agreed.

(3)  That possible links between Magna and the town centre to maximise the economic and tourism benefits be examined and a report submitted to a future meeting.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Strategic Economic Manager to report.

-                  to endorse the decision to refuse the request.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – finance)

Further to Minute No. 156 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 19^th December, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager relating to the rejection of an application from Magna Science Adventure Centre for Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund monies.

Members were referred to the reasons for this decision, which were explained in the report.

It was noted that Magna had since secured other sources of funding for their Aqua Tek project and that the facility was due to open at Easter 2006.

Resolved:-  That the application and decision of the Cabinet Member be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – financial assistance and expenditure)

Head of Rotherham Investment and Development Office to report.

-                  to consider the application to fund works to benefit the progress of Westgate Demonstrator Project.

(Exempt under Paragraph 8 of the Act – finance)

Further to Minute No.  129 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 28^th November, 2005, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, relating to the approval of a request for REFR capital funding to provide a temporary long and short stay, pay and display off street surface car park on the site of the now demolished Sheffield Road public baths.

It was noted that at this stage all the costs were being requested from RERF until a decision about a funding application to Transform South Yorkshire was reached later in January, 2006, which if successful would contribute funding towards the costs of this project and enable the return of the stated amount to RERF.

A request was made for an update on the discussions with the Chapel Walk Mosque Trust re:  car parking.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and the decision of the Cabinet Member be noted.

(2)  That an update on the car parking issues on Chapel Walk be submitted to a future meeting of the Board.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 5 and 8 of the Act – financial assistance and expenditure)

To confirm that the next meeting has been scheduled to be held on WEDNESDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY, 2006 at 8.45 a.m. at the Town Hall (prior to the meeting of the Cabinet, and not Wednesday, 15^th February, 2006 as previously scheduled).

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Board be held on Wednesday, 22^nd February, 2006 at 8.45 a.m. at the Town Hall, Rotherham.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following items in order to update Members of the current position.)

Development Surveyor to report.

-         to receive the report.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Development Surveyor, detailing the current position regarding major land transactions throughout the borough.

Members were asked to note the position in respect of:-

Zamor Crescent, Thurcroft

Flash Lane, Bramley

Daneshill, Moorgate

BrookfieldsPark – Phase II and Phase III

Manvers West – Express Parks

Lakeside South – Limes Development

Resolved:-  That the position on the current status of land sales be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property issues)

Asset Manager to report.

-                  to report the results of initial appraisal of two alternative council-owned sites.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

Consideration was given to a report and accompanying maps, presented by the Asset Manager, relating to the results of an initial appraisal of two alternative council-owned sites being considered for the joint location of a proposed Customer Service Centre and Health Centre to serve the communities of Aston, Aughton and Swallownest.

Sites considered included:-

-                  Mansfield Road (a greenfield site)

-                  Mill Stone Quarry Site

-                  Main Street/Rotherham Road

It was reported that the PCT and GP Practice favoured the Mill Stone Quarry Site.  Details of anticipated preliminary works that would be required to this site were set out in the report, together with an indication of costs. 

Members were asked to consider the allocation of funding for survey work to be carried out from the capital allocation approved for the Swinton Customer Service Centre, and were assured that this would not compromise the Swinton project.

A brief update was also given to Members re: the progress in respect of the Swinton and Rawmarsh Customer Service Centres.

Resolved:-  (1) That a full site and ground condition survey be carried out at the Mill Stone Hill site and the implications of the results of the survey be reported back to a future meeting of the Regeneration & Asset Board.

(2)  That the site and ground condition survey, at a budget cost of £21,500.00, be funded from the capital allocation approved for the Swinton Customer Service Centre, to enable the survey to be carried out in the current financial year.

(3)  That concurrent with the survey, the Parish Council, Ward Members and community be consulted through the Council’s Community Engagement Manager.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Act – finance/land and property issues)

Executive Director, Economic and Development Services to report.

(Exempt under Paragraph 9 of the Act – land and property)

The Executive Director, Economic and Development Services updated the Board on the following issues:-

(i)         BrookfieldsPark:-  end user and job creation.

(ii)        Bestobell site:-  remediation and reclamation activity.

(iii)       Guest and Chrimes:-  formulation of three separate collaborative agreements between the developer and the PCT, RCAT and the Council;  the commissioning of architects and commencement of stakeholder involvement in respect of the design.

(iv)       the YES project:-  awaiting details to satisfy the Highway Agency and then progress to Planning Board.

Resolved:-  That the updates be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Act – finance/land and property issues)