Agenda item

Mr Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development, presented this report, which set out a number of strategic risks that had been identified by the Council.  He also introduced Mr Candlin who had been invited to attend the meeting to update members in respect of risk nos. 2, 9 and 10.  Committee members took the opportunity to ask Mr Candlin questions and a number of matters were raised and discussed included the following:

That the level of the risks concerned had remained fairly static and were likely to continue to do so until individual developments and underlying stages within projects were delivered. Mr Candlin indicated these included a number of significant community projects in Cranbrook, Paddock Wood and Southborough.

Concerns were expressed about the financial and operational position of RVP, in view of the closure of many of the shops and businesses and in the light of the lengthy delays experienced in the redevelopment of other sites such as the former ‘cinema’ site.  Mr Colyer confirmed that the Council, as the freeholder, continued to liaise closely with the new owners of RVP and he reassured members, indicating British Land’s considerable expertise in the sector and the need for them to fully assess the site before putting forward their development plans.  He indicated that they had a proven track record in actively managing and expanding this type of facility to provide extended opening hours and other leisure facilities in addition to the standard retail provision.

Mr Colyer also reminded members that, as reported at the last meeting of this committee, the Council continued to meet with the developers of the former ‘cinema site’ and the Council expected announcements to be made regarding progress by the middle of 2019.

In respect of the Calverley Square project, questions and concerns were raised about continued public misunderstandings over the scheme and its funding.  Members wondered how communication to the public might be improved.  Mr Colyer reiterated explanations that had been given at Full Council in December 2017 over the project funding.  Reference was also made to a new website (www.calverleysquare.co.uk) which was to provide a specific source of public information on the project and would allow sign up to a regular newsletter.

Mr Colyer also reminded members that the fees and charges for 2019/2020 were a completely separate matter and these were set by Cabinet at the recent meeting on 22 November.

The new waste contract was again unrelated and provided a comprehensive package incorporating both cost savings and the public desire for greater recycling and kerbside collection of glass.

Committee members asked a number of further questions about costs to date relating to the Calverley Square Project.  Whilst members indicated their comprehension of the differences between the Council’s revenue and capital budgets and understood the wider economic benefits of development for the future, they still felt that there was a significant element of public miscomprehension to be overcome. 

RESOLVED – That the risk management report and arrangements for managing strategic risk be noted.