Members of the Council should declare any interests which fall under the following categories. Please see the end of the agenda for definitions*:

a)    disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)    other significant interests (OSI);

c)    voluntary announcements of other interests.

Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee made a voluntary announcement in that she owns two properties within the area of search for Otterpool Park. She remained present at the meeting during discussions.

This report provides an update to Cabinet on a range of matters relating to the delivery of Otterpool Park. It sets out various options for delivering the council’s objectives for Otterpool Park and also makes recommendations that the council should explore, including the option of forming a development company. It also provides an update on the budget for the project.

The report provided an update to Cabinet on a range of matters relating to the delivery of Otterpool Park. It set out various options for delivering the council’s objectives for Otterpool Park and also made recommendations that the council should explore, including the option of forming a development company. It also provided an update on the budget for the project.

The Cabinet Members discussed various aspects of the report in open session before resolving to exclude the press and public.

Proposed by Councillor Monk,

Seconded by Councillor Pascoe; and

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it was likely to disclose exempt information, as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972: ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).’ ‘Financial or business affairs includes contemplated as well as current activities.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

The Cabinet Members commented on various issues set out in the confidential annex of the report.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Hollingsbee,

Seconded by Councillor Dearden; and

RESOLVED:

1.            That report C /17/76 be received and noted.

2.            That the definition of commercial return set out in paragraph 2.3 be approved.

3.            That the corporate joint venture option be agreed in principle as the vehicle for delivering the Otterpool Park garden town, with a further report to be submitted to Cabinet on the joint venture and potential for a development company.

4.            That the Head of Strategic Development Projects be authorised to seek financial, commercial and legal advice on the formation and operation of a joint venture company for Otterpool Park and investigation into a council controlled development company, and a sum of up to £350,000 to be included in the capital programme for this Item of expenditure to be approved by Council.

5.            That the existing Collaboration Agreement be extended to March 2019.

6.            That the Head of Strategic Development Projects be authorised, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to continue to liaise with the Homes England (HE formerly known as Homes and Communities Agency) regarding its role in Otterpool Park, with any updates requiring a decision on this matter brought back to Cabinet in due course (the confidential annex to this report refers).

7.            That the council agrees in principle to using its compulsory purchase powers if necessary to assemble land.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

 REASONS FOR DECISION:

a)  The council needed to have a method of delivering its aspirations for Otterpool Park. It is necessary to decide in principle on the favoured option so that further work can be undertaken to finalise the structure.

b)  The council should also consider whether to pursue the option of a development company for other sites.

c)  The resolution has resource and financial implications for the Council.