To consider and decide the recommendations set out in the report.
Minutes:
Councillor Scott (Portfolio Holder for Property, Major Projects and Strategic Engagement) introduced the report which included the following comments:
· Better engagement processes had been introduced including cross party working and the introduction of independent panels that sought to look at major projects with a view to giving certainty that would allow them to progress.
· Introduction of a Councillor conference that would be a significant item for the next couple of years - that would seek to establish future priorities and that included more Council involvement and better public engagement.
· Consider whether there were better ways to consult on the Local Plan.
· To look at doing things differently. A model currently being considered was a Transport Fayre and Conference – to run a number of stalls in Calverley precinct to include issues like 20’s Plenty, cycling and the various forms of public transport.
· Better communication on Climate change which would require a lot of public engagement.
· Better communication in general about the work of the Council and how best to disseminate information to the public.
Discussion included the following issues:
· Property acquisition and disposal was a priority for the Council as it affected income streams. The Council undertook a review of all its assets (approximately 400 in total) in 2011/12. The report identified those that were not in productive use – non active assets. Work now underway to determine how those currently not being used could be brought forward for development and into new uses. Where appropriate some had been transferred to the Town or Parish Councils. The Council were now in the process of considering some of the more challenging sites, seeking to reduce its liabilities and generating an income stream.
· Since work had commenced about 36 assets had been transferred to Town and Parish Councils. In addition about £15m had been raised.
· Asset management should be considered a priority. To proactively look to develop sites and react quickly to changes in market conditions.
· The Asset Management Plan included details of the 200 physical assets and 300 pieces of land that the Council owned. It set out the rationale for the Council holding those assets and the purpose for which they were being put. The draft Asset Management Plan would be published in November for the Cabinet Advisory Boards, for approval by Cabinet in December for public consultation. This Committee would be able to review the Plan in January before it went to Full Council in February.
· The Council had a process whereby land not being used could be put forward for other consideration e.g. be offered to Town or Parish Councils. It would be for Cabinet to determine best use.
· In advance of any decision on the Calverley Square Project preparations had been made should the scheme not proceed. In the first instance, a detailed understanding would need to be taken of what the vision for the future should be. Cross party collaboration would be essential. There would also be a need to consider what additional resources and funding would be required.
· One Public Estate was the Government’s approach to collaborative working across the whole of the public sector. Looking at the entirety of assets and where there were opportunities including geographically for the police, Council, Health Service etc. to work together.
RESOLVED – That the update be noted.
Supporting documents: