Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed back Councillor Doug Kelly after his period of absence. Councillor Kelly expressed his appreciation and thanks to all the members for their support over the recent months.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meetings held on  27 September and 27 October 2005 (attached)

            RESOLVED:

(1)   That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 September 2005 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(2)   That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 27 October 2005 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to:

a)     Councillor Mrs Harding’s name being deleted from apologies and added to members present; and

b)     Councillor Stallan’s declaration of interest as set out in minute 48 (c) be altered to read:

“Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Members Conduct, Councillor D Stallan declared a personal interest in item 3(a) (Local Plans Alterations Redeposit) by virtue of being a respondent to the consultation in a personal capacity. He declared that this interest was not prejudicial and that he would remain in the meeting for the duration of the consideration of the item and voting thereon.”

c)      And that Councillor Grigg’s declaration remained unaffected.

(Joint Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on the agenda.

(a)                                      Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Stallan declared a personal interest in agenda item 9 (Members Remuneration Scheme - Review for 2006-07 (recommendation 2)) by virtue of being employed by HM Revenue and Customs. He declared that his interest was not prejudicial and that he would remain in the meeting for the duration of the consideration of the item and voting thereon.

(b)                                      Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillor Cohen declared a personal interest in agenda item 9 (Members Remuneration Scheme - Review for 2006-07 (recommendation 3) by virtue of being the Chairman of the Licensing Committee. He declared that his interest was not prejudicial and that he would remain in the meeting for the duration of the consideration of the item but he would not be voting thereon.

(c)                                       Pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct, Councillors Mrs Davis, Mrs Pond, Angold-Stephens and T Richardson declared personal interests in agenda item 16 (Britannia Sports Ground, Langston Road, Loughton – Submission of Tender Bid) by virtue of being member’s of Loughton Town Council. They declared that their interests were not prejudicial and that they would remain in the meeting for the duration of the consideration of the item and voting thereon.

(a)            Apologies for Absence

(b)            Announcements

To consider any announcements by:

(i)         the Chairman of the Council;

(ii)        the Leader of the Council; and

(iii)       any other Cabinet Member.

(c)     Leisure Facilities

The Council’s five Leisure facilities have been successful in re-applying for the  Chartermark award. The Chairman will make a presentation to Kath Halle, Deputy Manager at Waltham Abbey Pool, who was responsible for submitting the application.

1.            Chairman’s announcements.

(a)                           Chairman’s Quiz Night – 24 February 2006

The Chairman reminded the meeting that his quiz night was being held on Friday 24 February 2006 at Theydon Bois Village Hall.

(b)                          Christmas Raffle.

Tickets for the Christmas raffle were now on sale, proceeds were to go to this years’ Chairman’s chosen charities.

(c)                           Flowers

The Chairman announced that the flowers from tonight’s meeting would be sent to the recently widowed wife of the Superintendent of Epping Forest, Jeremy Wisenfeld. The meeting expressed sadness at the news of his loss and offered its condolences to his family.

2.                              Leisure Facilities – Charter Mark Re-accreditation.

The Council’s five leisure centres, Epping Sports Centre, Loughton Leisure   Centre, Ongar Leisure Centre, Waltham Abbey Pool and Waltham Abbey Sports Centre had pioneered the way in being awarded Charter Mark over three years ago and have now been successful in re-applying for this prestigious award.

The award of Charter Mark reflects that the centres consistently provide a high-quality customer focused service. To meet the standard, organisations must demonstrate that they listen to their customers, learn what aspects of their service are most important to them, deliver a service that is tailored to customers’ needs and continuously improve.

This award now completes a trio of prestigious service awards alongside ISO 9001:2000 and Investors in People.

Kath Hallé, Deputy Manager at Waltham Abbey Pool, who was responsible for submitting the application on behalf of all the centres, was presented with the award from the Chairman of the Council.

To respond to questions of the Council made in accordance with the Council’s Scheme. Questions will be tabled if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

No questions from the public had been submitted.

To consider the following reports of the Cabinet:

(a)   Supplementary Estimates 2005-06;

(b)   Capital Strategy 2005-09.

(a)               Supplementary Estimates 2005-06.

(Mover: Councillor Knapman – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Performance Management)

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Performance Management presented a report recommending:

a)                 Supplementary revenue estimate of £68,000 to cover the additional costs of the scheme with Transport for London to allow pass holders to travel free on buses based on the assumption that the number of passes issued would not increase substantially.

(b)       CSB supplementary estimate of £2,000 be approved to fund the budget shortfall over the current cost of refuse collection and disposal for the year.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

(1)            That a supplementary revenue estimate of £68,000 be approved to cover the additional costs of the scheme with Transport for London incurred as a result of higher than anticipated demand for concessionary fares in 2005/06; and

(2)            That a CSB supplementary estimate of £2,000 be approved to fund the budget shortfall over the current cost of refuse collection and disposal for the year.

(b)                          Capital Strategy 2005-09.

(Mover: Councillor Knapman – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Performance Management)

The Strategy presented to Council took into account the decision taken by the Cabinet at its’ meeting on 14 November 2005 to bring forward the 2007/08 allocation of £200,000 to 2006/07 to enable work on parking reviews to be expedited.

The draft strategy had also been considered by the Finance and Performance Management Committee who recommended that the fifth ‘bullet’ point in paragraph 10.1 regarding the Council’s street cleansing, recycling and refuse contract be deleted.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

That the Council adopt the Capital Strategy (attached at page 15) subject to the deletion proposed by the Finance and Performance Management Cabinet Committee.

To receive the attached report from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a draft protocol for regulating the Council’s links with external organisations and partnerships.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented a report to the Council on a draft protocol for regulating the Council’s links with external organisations and partnerships.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

That the draft Protocol for the Council’s relations with Partnerships and External Organisations (attached at page 33) covering member and officer liabilities, indemnities, reporting back to the Council, annual reports and training be approved.

(Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee) Report attached.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented a report to the Council following a review of Contract Standing Orders. This review did not seek to achieve a wholesale re-writing of current contract requirements but merely to bring the document up to date and clarify certain points.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

That the proposed changes to Contract Standing Orders set out in the report (attached at page 51) be approved and published as part of the Council’s Constitution.

(Head of Research and Democratic Services) To consider the attached report regarding proposed revisions to the Planning Protocol.

The Head of Research and Democratic Services presented a report on behalf of Dr Hawes who unfortunately, could not attend the meeting. The Standards Committee reviewed the Planning Protocol in the light of further advice issued by the Standards Board for England on the subject of lobbying of Councillors and the declaration of interests by members who serve on more than one tier of local Government.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

That the draft amendments to the Planning Protocol (attached at page 81) be approved.

(Recorded in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.5 that Councillor R Chidley voted against the adoption of the draft Planning Protocol.)

(Messrs M Donn, D Jackman and S Lye) To consider the attached report on the Members’ Connectivity Scheme and a review of the Remuneration Scheme for 2006/07.

The Head of Research and Democratic Services presented a report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on the Members Connectivity Scheme and a review of the Remuneration Scheme for 2006/07. He introduced Mike Donn a member of the panel who attended the meeting to answer any questions on the report.

First amendment moved by Councillor S Metcalfe and seconded by Councillor M Woollard.

“That recommendation 1(b) be removed and that the review mentioned in recommendation 1(c) be changed to read March 2007.”

Carried.

Second amendment moved by Councillor M Heavens and seconded by Councillor Mrs J Whitehouse.

“That ways of paying a special responsibility allowance to Chairmen of the Task and Finish Panels be reviewed by the Independent Remuneration Panel.”

Carried.

Report as amended ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

            Members' Connectivity Scheme

(1)            That the proposal of the Council to pay a grant of £500 per member per annum as a supplement to the basic allowance to assist members in receiving electronic notification of and Internet access to papers for Council meetings and associated information be supported, subject to:

            (a)            the member signing an agreement to undertake to meet the terms and conditions set out in the Members' Connectivity Scheme;

            (b)            the payment of the grant after March 2007 being reviewed, as by that time it is considered that all members of the Council will have their own computer with Internet access capacity and broadband access to the Internet via a provider;

            (2)            That an approach be made to the HM Revenue and Customs seeking a dispensation for income tax liability in respect of the grant.

            Licensing Committee

            (3)            That no change be made to the amount of the special responsibility allowance for the Chairman of the Licensing Committee;

            (4)            That no special responsibility allowances be made for the roles undertaken by other members of the Licensing Committee; and

            (5)            That these issues be reviewed by the Remuneration Panel in 2006/07.        

            Overview and Scrutiny

            (6)            That no change be made to the amount of the special responsibility allowance for the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

            (7)            That special responsibility allowances be made to the Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Standing Panels (at a full rate of £1575 per annum) with effect from the municipal year 2006/07;

(8)             That ways of paying a special responsibility allowance to Chairmen of the Task and Finish Panels be reviewed by the Independent Remuneration Panel; and

(9)               That appropriate provision be made in the draft budget for 2006/07 to cover the cost of special responsibility allowances for the Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Standing Panels (currently 5 x 40% (£630) of the full amount = £3150).

            Cabinet

            (10)            That no change be made to the amounts of the special responsibility allowance for Portfolio Holders for the 2006/07 municipal year; and

            (11)            That the views of Group Leaders be sought on the Panel reviewing special responsibility allowances for Portfolio Holders for the 2007/08 municipal year including the possibility of ranking portfolios into tiers having regard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

(a)  To consider the following motions, notice of which has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.

(i)                 Countrycare

“ Following receipt of the Epping Forest Countrycare 19^th Annual Report 2004-05, this Council:

-         notes the contents of the report; and

-         congratulates the Countrycare Team on its outstanding environmental achievements across the District”.

Mover:         Councillor S Murray

Seconder:   Councillor Mrs J Davis

Background Paper: Notice of Motion dated 2 November 2005.

(ii)               Parking – Waltham Abbey

“That allocation of 24 parking spaces within the Quaker Lane car park in Waltham Abbey be taken out of the District Pay and Display scheme and that those 24 spaces be designated as free parking for 2 hours with no return within 3 hours”.

Mover: Councillor Mrs R Gadsby

Seconder: tba

Background Paper: Notice of Motion dated 8 December 2005.

(b)  To consider any other motions not received in time for inclusion in the agenda (to be tabled, if necessary).

(a)                             Countrycare.

The Council considered the following motion moved by Councillor S Murray and seconded by Councillor Mrs J Davis.

“Following receipt of the Epping Forest Countrycare 19^th Annual Report 2004-05, this Council:

a)      notes the contents of the report; and

b)      congratulates the Countrycare Team on its outstanding environmental achievements across the District.”

Motion as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

That following receipt of the Epping Forest Countrycare 19^th Annual Report 2004-05, this Council:

a)      notes the contents of the report; and

b)      congratulates the Countrycare Team on its outstanding environmental achievements across the District.

(b)                             Parking - Waltham Abbey.

The Council considered the following motion moved by Councillor Mrs R Gadsby and seconded by Councillor Ms S Stavrou.

“That allocation of 24 parking spaces within the Quaker Lane car park in Waltham Abbey be taken out of the District Pay and Display scheme and that those 24 spaces be designated as free parking for 2 hours with no return within 3 hours.”

Motion as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

That allocation of 24 parking spaces within the Quaker Lane car park in Waltham Abbey be taken out of the District Pay and Display scheme and that those 24 spaces be designated as free parking for 2 hours with no return within 3 hours.

To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 10.3 of the Council Procedure Rules of the Constitution:

(a)       to the Chairman of the Council;

(b)       to any Member of the Cabinet;

(i)                 Roads and Pavements – Gritting

Question by Councillor S Murray to the Acting Portfolio Holder for Civil Engineering and Maintenance (Councillor R Glozier):

“Could the Portfolio Holder say what steps have the Cabinet and appropriate officers taken to ensure that Essex County Council makes arrangements for  the roads and pavements of Epping Forest District to be adequately gritted this coming winter (bearing in mind the severity of the winter expected)?”.

Background Paper: Notice of Question dated 27 October 2005.

(ii)               Loughton Leisure Centre – Boilers

Question by Councillor J Markham to the Leisure Portfolio Holder (Councillor C Whitbread):

“Will the Portfolio Holder advise whether the faulty boilers at Loughton Leisure

Centre (to which I drew attention at an earlier Council meeting) have been included on a  defects or latent defects list; and

(a)   if so, would he confirm that the Council will not be responsible for their

 replacement; and

(b)   if not, can he explain why this has not been possible”.

Background Paper: Notice of Question dated 17 November 2005.

(iii)             Commercial Waste – Loughton High Road

Question by Councillor J Markham to the Environmental Protection Portfolio Holder (Councillor D Jacobs):

“Will the Portfolio Holder advise what action he proposes to take  to overcome the problems, including anti-social behaviour and  danger to those with poor sight, resulting from commercial waste being put out overnight in Loughton High Road for collection  on the following day”.

Background Paper: Notice of Question dated 17 November 2005.

(iv)             Parking Review and Residents’ Parking Permits

Question by Councillor K Faulkner to the Acting Portfolio Holder for Civil Engineering and Maintenance (Councillor R Glozier)

“At a recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, Paul Hardy of Essex County Council’s Highway Department confirmed that he will honour the District Council’s decisions prior to the highways agency reverting back to County Council; the Portfolio Holder will be aware that these include a parking review for Loughton and the introduction of residents’ parking permits for the District; can he, therefore, advise what action he is taking to ensure that these matters are quickly dealt with and whether he can instruct his officers to institute some form of progress chasing to ensure there is no further delay in their implementation”.

(v)               Roding Valley Meadows

Question by Councillor K Faulkner to the Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder (Councillor J Knapman)

“The Roding Valley Meadows were due to be transferred to the new Parish Councils under a scheme agreed by the relevant District Council committees in 1996; despite some initial problems the way forward for the transfer was agreed in around 2001, however the situation has not yet been resolved; Loughton Town Council is currently paying out £100,000 a year for maintenance with no tenure, a situation, it is not prepared to allow to  ...  view the full agenda text for item 64.

(a)            Roads and Pavements - Gritting

By Councillor S Murray to Councillor R Glozier, acting Portfolio Holder for Civil Engineering and Maintenance

“Could the Portfolio Holder say what steps have the Cabinet and appropriate officers taken to ensure that Essex County Council makes arrangements for  the roads and pavements of Epping Forest District to be adequately gritted this coming winter (bearing in mind the severity of the winter expected)?”

Response by Councillor R Glozier, acting Portfolio Holder for Civil Engineering and Maintenance

“Following notice of the question, advice was sought from the Essex County Council’s Highways Office at Harlow.  The County Highway Manager advises that all the County gritting routes have been set in the normal way and all roads which meet the relevant criteria will be gritted.  The principles are set out in the leaflet produced by the County Council, a copy of which has been placed in the Chamber for members’ information.  It can be seen that the main roads take priority for gritting and snow clearance, and those roads serving institutions such as hospitals and other emergency services.

The County Council has officers on standby throughout the winter period, and those officers take decisions on whether or not to grit based upon the meteorological circumstances (e.g. temperature and moisture).

The overall policy towards gritting and snow clearance has not changed, and this Council has no influence over the decisions made by the County Council in this regard.”

(b)            Loughton Leisure Centre - Boilers

By Councillor J Markham to Councillor C Whirbread, Portfolio Holder for Leisure.

“Will the Portfolio Holder advise whether the faulty boilers at Loughton Leisure

Centre (to which I drew attention at an earlier Council meeting) have been

included on a defects or latent defects list: and

(a)                                       if so, would he confirm that the Council will not be

responsible for their replacement; and

(b)                                       if not, can he explain why this has not been possible”.

Response by Councillor C Whitbread, Portfolio Holder for Leisure.

“As Councillor Markham has highlighted there have been intermittent problems with the function of the boilers at Loughton Leisure Centre, particularly in the first year of opening. These were attributable mainly to scaling, caused by hard water.

Remedial works have been undertaken by the installation of a water softener. Since this was fitted the boilers have been functioning effectively and do not feature, therefore, on any latent defects list.”

As a supplementary question Councillor Markham asked:

“Could I clarify whether the Portfolio Holder indicated that the cost of the ‘water

softener’ equipment would not come back to the Council as extra costs?”

Reply by Councillor Whitbread:

“I will arrange for the Head of Leisure Services to give you a full answer

on this point.”

(C)            Commercial Waste – Loughton High Road

By Councillor J Markham to Councillor D Jacobs, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Protection.

“Will the Portfolio Holder advise what action he proposes to take to overcome

the problems, including anti-social behaviour and danger to those with poor sight, resulting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

Recommendation:

To consider a request from the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services and the Local Government Association for the Council to nominate a champion for Regulatory Services.

            (Head of Research and Democratic Services)  One of the key priorities of both the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and the Local Government Association (LGA) is to raise the profile of Local Authority Regulatory Services.  As part of this, it has been suggested that an elected member in each authority be nominated as  "Champion for Regulatory Services" to be the Council's lead at member level on Local Authority Regulation and to champion the development of the role of Regulatory Services in their area.

Background Paper: Local Government Association alert 288/05 dated 7 September 2005, letter from the Chairman of LACORS and briefing note.

The Council was asked to consider a request from the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Service and the Local Government association for the Council to nominate a champion for Regulatory Services.

Councillor Mrs D Collins nominated Councillor Mrs P Smith for this position, and this was agreed by the meeting.

            RESOLVED:

That Councillor Mrs P Smith be approved as the Council’s Champion for regulatory Services.

Recommendations:

(1)      That Councillor Mrs P Richardson be appointed as a member of the Complaints Panel in place of Councillor T Farr for the remainder of the current municipal year: and

(2)      That Councillor Mrs P Richardson be appointed Chairman of the Complaints Panel for the remainder of the current municipal year.

(Group Leaders) At its meeting on 27 September 2005, the Council resolved to terminate the appointment of Councillor T Farr (BNP Group) as Chairman of the Complaints Panel from that date. The Council also resolved that Group Leaders be asked to consider the issue of chairmanship of the Panel.

At a meeting on 26 October 2005, Group Leaders agreed to support the nomination of Councillor Mrs P Richardson (BNP Group) as Chairman of the Panel. As the proposal involves the nomination of a member from the same Group as Councillor Farr, it is not necessary for the Council to adjust other chairmanships in order to achieve pro-rata allocations as required by the Constitution.

The proposal also necessitates the appointment of Councillor Mrs Richardson as a member of the Panel in place of Councillor Farr.

            RESOLVED:

(1)               That Councillor Mrs P Richardson be appointed as a member of the Complaints Panel in place of Councillor T Farr for the remainder of the current municipal year; and

(2)               That Councillor Mrs P Richardson be appointed Chairman of the Complaints Panel for the remainder of the current municipal year.

Recommendation:

            To note the receipt of a petition signed by 274 members of the public from Epping Forest District and elsewhere concerning the reinstatement of Councillor T Farr.

1.         A petition signed by 274 members of the public was received on 4 October 2005.  The petition states:

            "Terry Farr, District Councillor for Alderton Ward, should be reinstated immediately.  He was democratically elected; he has broken no law or harmed anyone and was just exercising his freedom of speech by voicing an opinion."

2.         This petition is a reference to the decision of an Adjudication Sub-Committee of the Standards Committee to suspend Councillor Farr from service as a councillor for a period of three months from 20 September 2005 or until such earlier time as he undertakes specified training.

3.         The Council can do no more than note the receipt of this petition.  The Council has no powers to reinstate Councillor Farr as requested by the petitioners.  The action was taken by the Sub-Committee of the Standards Committee within their statutory powers.  The Standards Committee itself have no powers by which to change their ruling on this case.  The only way that this could be done is if Councillor Farr were to appeal successfully to the Standards Board for England's Adjudication Panel.

Council noted the receipt of a petition signed by 354 members of the public from the Epping Forest District and elsewhere concerning the reinstatement of Councillor T Farr.

To consider whether, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press should be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below on grounds that they will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph(s) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act indicated:

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items which are confidential under Section 100(A)(2) of the Local Government Act 1972:

Paragraph 9 of the Council Procedure Rules contained in the Constitution require:

(1)       All business of the Council requiring to be transacted in the presence of the press and public to be completed by 10.00 p.m. at the latest.

(2)       At the time appointed under (1) above, the Chairman shall permit the completion of debate on any item still under consideration, and at his or her discretion, any other remaining business whereupon the Council shall proceed to exclude the public and press.

(3)       Any public business remaining to be dealt with shall be deferred until after the completion of the private part of the meeting, including items submitted for report rather than decision.

Background Papers:  Paragraph 8 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules of the Constitution define background papers as being documents relating to the subject matter of the report which in the Proper Officer's opinion:

(a)            disclose any facts or matters on which the report or an important part of the report is based;  and

(b)       have been relied on to a material extent in preparing the report does not include published works or those which disclose exempt or confidential information (as defined in Rule 10) and in respect of executive reports, the advice of any political advisor.

Inspection of background papers may be arranged by contacting the officer responsible for the item.

            RESOLVED:

That the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the item of business set out below on the grounds that it will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Agenda            Subject                                 Exempt Information and

Item No.                                                      Paragraph Number.

  16                  Brittannia Sports Ground,            8 & 9

                        Langston Rd, Loughton

-         Submission of Tender

Bid

To consider an executive valuation summary.

(Mover: Councillor Knapman – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Performance Management)

The Finance and Performance Management Portfolio Holder introduced this report to the Council to consider whether to submit a bid to purchase the Britannia Sports Ground at Langston Road, Loughton and make appropriate financial provision to cover the possibility that the bid is successful.

It was noted that:

• The Bank of England had decided, following a review, to close the facility and to offer it for sale on the open market;
• The facilities are used by current employees, Bank of England pensioners and various local sports clubs. Currently the Bank provides a subsidy of approximately £200,000 per annum to maintain the facilities. It was indicated that the fees and charges are below commercial rates;
• The site was being offered for sale as three lots, namely:

a)      the Car park and bowling green (zoned as employment development land);

b)      the sports ground and clubhouse (allocated as Green Belt); and

c)      the entire site.

The Council debated the merits of submitting a bid for any of the three options but were deterred by the lack of detailed information and the apparent subsidy of £200,000 per annum needed to meet running costs.

            RESOLVED:

(1)               That the Council determines not to submit a bid to purchase the Britannia Sports Ground, Langston Road, Loughton.

(2)            That the Bank of England be advised of the decision under (1) above and further informed:

(a)   that the Council continues to be concerned to ensure that irrespective of the future ownership of the property, it should be preserved as a Leisure facility;

(b)   that the Council is prepared to discuss the future of the property if approached by the Bank of England following the completion of the bidding process;

(c)   that the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development be  authorised to discuss the property with the Bank of England in the event that the Council is approached;

(d)   that the members authorised under (c) above report to the cabinet on the outcome of any discussions.

(3)            That a supplementary estimate of £3,750 be approved in respect of fees payable to Humbert’s for the report and valuation.

Following further debate, the Leader of the Council received leave from the Council to add a further recommendation to the report to inform the vendor of the Council’s interest in retaining the sports facilities and willingness to discus the site further if approached.