Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Cara Walker.

There were no declarations of interest declared at the meeting.

His Worship, The Mayor, reported that he had no announcements.

Councillor Smith, Leader of the Council, welcomed Councillor B Wright to the meeting and wished her a speedy recovery on behalf of all the Councillors, following her recent operation and stay in hospital. He also sent best wishes for a speedy recovery to Victoria Mallender, whose car had been hit by a tree in the recent storm.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 July 2020 be confirmed by assent.

CARRIED.

That the Service Committee Decision List for the period 24 June 2020 to 28 July 2020 be approved by assent.

CARRIED.

The Committee received & considered the report from the Head of Property & Asset Management.

His Worship, The Mayor, reminded Members that the report contained a confidential appendix which should not be discussed during the public meeting.

The Leader reported that a total of thirteen valid expressions of interest had been received across a range of uses; continuation of existing use, residential, commercial/mixed use and community provision. The Task & Finish Panel had met on 3 August 2020 to evaluate the expressions of interest. Following the evaluation of the tenders, the recommendation to Full Council was to offer the site for freehold sale based on a proposal for continued existing use. 

The Leader reported that the proposal would see the site open for free entry and incorporate family entertainment and leisure facilities including a miniature golf course, cafe and seating area and a small operated children's ride. There would be a garden area with grass, planting and trees to highlight nature and enable the location to be developed as a place for all ages to enjoy, both residents and visitors alike.

The Leader reported that the recommendation had been changed to encompass the addition of a restrictive covenant for the site so the site could not be utilised for any other purpose for the next 25 years.

Councillor Wainwright welcomed the addition of a restrictive covenant on the disposal to ensure that the site could not be built out for the next 25 years which had been a major concern for many of his party members and he was now pleased to second the motion.

Councillor Plant reported that he had received a great deal of correspondence regarding Pop's Meadow and the decision was the best outcome for the Council and residents alike. The covenant would be a comfort to local residents who were worried that a private enterprise might take over and develop this cherished community space. 

PROPOSER: Councillor Smith

SECONDER: Councillor Wainwright

That Council approves the freehold disposal of the Pops Meadow site for £100k for existing use purposes based on the expression of interest from bidder 1 and to include a restrictive covenant 'not to use the Property for any purpose other than the existing use provision and not to erect any building or structure on the property other than for that purposes for a period of 25 years', in addition, the sale will include a negotiated overage percentage outlined in confidential appendix B.  

CARRIED.

The Committee received and considered the report from the Housing Director.

His Worship, The Mayor, reminded Members that the report contained a confidential appendix which should not be discussed during the public meeting.


The Housing Director sought approval from Council to purchase properties from a Registered Provider to be held within the General Fund. Once the properties were repaired and renovated, thy would be used as a transitional housing scheme allowing the occupiers to learn the necessary skills to successfully maintain a tenancy.

PROPOSER: Councillor Smith

SECONDER: Councillor Wainwright.



That Council approve the expenditure and the borrowing set out in the confidential appendix to purchase, repair and renovate the properties and meet all associated costs associated with the purchase and the intended use of the properties.

CARRIED.