Cabinet - Tuesday, 14th November, 2017 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 17th October, 2017 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 17th October, 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To consider Report No. FIN1733 (copy attached), which sets out the Council’s anticipated financial position for 2017/18, based on the monitoring exercise carried out during October, 2017.

The Cabinet considered Report No. FIN1733, which set out the anticipated financial position for 2017/18, based on the monitoring exercise carried out during October, 2017. Members were informed that savings and efficiencies of around £550,000 had been required for the year and that this target had been achieved following significant reductions in expenditure in relation to the new waste collection, recycling, grounds’ maintenance and street cleansing contract and the results of the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS). It was reported that the General Fund forecast showed a projected year-end balance of £1.399 million, just below the mid-point of the range set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy. It was noted that the medium-term period remained financially challenging and that efforts should be concentrated on moving forward the 8-Point Plan to achieve a sustainable financial future.

The Cabinet NOTED the latest Revenue Budget monitoring position, as set out in Report No. FIN1733.

To consider Report No. FIN1734 (copy attached), which sets out the Council’s position regarding the Capital Programme for 2017/18, based on the monitoring exercise carried out during October, 2017.

The Cabinet received Report No. FIN1734, which provided the latest forecast regarding the Council’s Capital Programme for 2017/18, based on the monitoring exercise carried out during October, 2017. The Report advised that the Capital Programme for 2017/18, allowing for slippages from the previous financial year and additional approvals, totalled £36,988,000. It was noted that some projects of major financial significance included in the Programme were the continued construction of the Council’s new depot, Aldershot Town Centre Integration and developments in Union Street, Aldershot.

The Cabinet NOTED the latest Capital Programme monitoring position and the Prudential Indicators for 2017/18, as set out in Report No. FIN1734.

To receive Report No. DMB1704 (copy attached), which sets out the Council’s performance monitoring information for the second quarter of 2017/18.

The Cabinet received Report No. DMB1704, which set out the Council’s performance management monitoring information for the second quarter of the 2017/18 municipal year.

The Cabinet NOTED the progress made towards delivering the Council Plan 2017/18, as set out in Report No. DMB1704.

To consider Report No. FIN1735 (copy attached), which sets out the results of an annual review in relation to the levels of fees and charges for Council services.

The Cabinet considered Report No. FIN1735, which set out a proposed scheme of fees and charges for Council services.

The Cabinet was informed that this was the first time that the Council had reviewed all fees and charges in a single document. It was explained that the document included a description of the methodology applied in each case. The Cabinet considered the document and, in particular, discussed issues around planning and crematorium fees. In relation to parking charges it was considered important to retain the existing parking arrangements and restrictions in relation to Salisbury Road, Farnborough to continue to enable easy access to the pharmacy in that road.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the adoption of the various methodologies attached in Appendix 1 of Report No. FIN1735 be approved as a basis for uplifting the Council’s fees and charges;    

(ii)          the continued application of RPIx as the measure of inflation, where an annual inflationary uplift was specified, be approved; and

(iii)         the fees and charges, as set out in Appendix 1 to the Report, be approved for implementation on the applicable dates.

To consider Report No. FIN1732 (copy attached), which gives details of two applications for discretionary rate relief.

The Cabinet considered Report No. FIN1735, which set out details of applications for rate relief from the Lisa May Foundation (Office No.2, Fifth Floor, Arena Business Centre, No. 282 Farnborough Road, Farnborough) and Andover Mind (Nos. 121 – 123 Victoria Road, Aldershot).

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           20% top-up discretionary relief be awarded to the Lisa May Foundation from 1st September, 2017 to 31st March, 2022; and

(ii)          10% top-up discretionary relief be awarded to Andover Mind from 1st September, 2017 to 31st March, 2022.

NOTE:  Cr. Barbara Hurst declared a prejudicial interest in this item in respect of her involvement with Parity for Disability and its close relationship with the Lisa May Foundation and, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, left the meeting during the discussion and voting thereon.

Cr. P.G. Taylor declared a personal but non prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his involvement with the Farnborough Christian Outreach and, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting thereon.

To consider Report No. COMM1720 (copy attached), which sets out details of an application for a grant from the Farnborough Airport Community Environmental Fund.

The Cabinet considered Report No. COMM1720, which sought approval to award a grant from the Farnborough Airport Community Environmental Fund, which had been set up to assist local projects.

The Environment and Service Delivery Portfolio Holder had considered the application by the 1st Crookham Scout Group for an award of £2,400 towards the cost of purchasing and installing a six-section traversing wall within the scout compound. It was confirmed that this application met all of the agreed criteria.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that a grant of £2,400 be awarded from the Farnborough Airport Community Environmental Fund to the 1st Crookham Scout Group.

To consider Report No. PLN1734 (copy attached), which sets out responses to the Council’s recent consultation exercise and seeks adoption of the Rushmoor Car and Cycle Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document 2017.

The Cabinet considered Report No. PLN1734, which set out the Rushmoor Car and Cycle Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document 2017 for approval. Members were informed that public consultation had taken place, commencing on 7th July, 2017 and concluding on 6th September, 2017. The consultation process had attracted sixteen representations and the comments received were summarised in Appendix A to the Report. The draft document had been amended to take account of these representations and the revised document was set out in Appendix B to the Report.

The Cabinet was supportive of the new document and it was confirmed that the resolution of parking issues would remain a high priority for the Council.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the responses to the consultation on the draft Car and Cycle Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document, as set out in Appendix A to Report No. PLN1734, be noted;

(ii)                      the adoption of the Car and Cycle Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document 2017, as set out in Appendix B to the Report, be approved; and

(iii)         the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Environment and Service Delivery Portfolio Holder, be authorised to make any necessary minor amendments to the Supplementary Planning Document, prior to its publication.

To consider Report No. LEG1719 (copy attached), which sets out a proposal for the Council to exercise its compulsory purchase powers to enable the redevelopment of a property for an Integrated Care Centre.

The Cabinet considered Report No. LEG1719, which sought approval to acquire, either by agreement or by the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order, the land known as Voyager House, Apollo Rise, Southwood Business Park, Farnborough to deliver, in partnership with the North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group, an Integrated Care Centre for the Farnborough locality.

The Solicitor to the Council explained that, in making the decision, the Cabinet had to be satisfied that there was a compelling case for an integrated health centre in the public interest and that this involved balancing the need of the Clinical Commissioning Group and the public in having access to the proposed primary health care facility against the rights and plans of the owner for  the premises. In considering this and the other matters relating to this proposal, Members were referred to both the statement of reasons for making the order at Appendix 2 of the Report and the late information previously circulated, being letters dated 19th October, 2017 and 10th November, 2017 from Shoosmiths Solicitors and sections 4 and 5 of the Planning Statement and Sequential Test, dated 14th September, 2017, prepared by the Clinical Commissioning Group as part of the planning application, giving full details of their consideration of the alternative sites. It was noted that, in May 2017, prior to the sale of the premises to the owner in August 2017, the Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group had advised the vendor’s agent of their interest in the property and had attempted, unsuccessfully, to establish the identity of the purchaser. It was further noted that subsequent to the owners’ acquisition, an approach had been made to acquire the premises but terms had not been agreed, with the owners proceeding with the fit out of the premises and the Clinical Commissioning Group awaiting the outcome of their planning application.

The Cabinet considered the alternative sites set out in section 5 of the Planning Statement and Sequential Test document and was satisfied with the Clinical Commissioning Group’s assessment of them against the criteria in section 4 that they were not suitable for provision of the integrated health centre. The Solicitor to the Council confirmed that, following receipt of counsel’s advice, that Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 was the most appropriate power to use, the power in Section 25(4) and Schedule 4, paragraph 27(1) of the National Health Service Act 2006 being unavailable to the Clinical Commissioning Group. It was further confirmed that a change of use of the premises was within the definition of development under the section. The Cabinet was advised that planning permission had been granted on the 9th November, 2017 for the Integrated Health Care Centre on the site.

The Cabinet discussed the proposal and the owners proposed use of the premises for 40 serviced offices and was satisfied that there was a compelling need for an integrated health centre for the Farnborough locality for the reasons set out in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To consider resolving:

That, subject to the public interest test, the public be excluded from this meeting during the discussion of the undermentioned item to avoid the disclosure of exempt information within the paragraph of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 indicated against such item:

Item                Schedule      Category

No.                  12A Para.

                        No.

11                    3                      Information relating to financial or business affairs

RESOLVED: That, taking into account the public interest test, the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the under mentioned item to avoid the disclosure of exempt information within the paragraph of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 indicated against the item:

Minute           Schedule      Category

No.                  12A Para.

                        No.

55                   3                      Information relating to financial or business affairs

To consider Exempt Report No. LEG1718 (copy attached), which sets out a proposal for the Council to acquire the freehold of Voyager House, Apollo Rise, Southwood Business Park, Farnborough as a commercial property acquisition to let to the North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group to provide an Integrated Care Centre for the Farnborough area.

The Cabinet considered Exempt Report No. LEG1718, which sought approval to acquire the freehold of Voyager House, Apollo Rise, Southwood Business Park, Farnborough as a commercial property acquisition to let to the North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group to provide an Integrated Care Centre for the Farnborough locality.

The Solicitor to the Council confirmed that, since the Report had been prepared, the North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group had confirmed that:

-               approval had been received from the Clinical Commissioning Group Delegated Primary Care Commissioning Committee and Governing Body to proceed with the project;

-               the level of rent (determined by the costs of the acquisition and fit out) at a 5% return was affordable; and

-               they had authority to enter into an agreement for lease.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that, in light of the confirmation of the above information, the drawing down of the overall capital costs of the whole Voyager House project against the £15 million capital programme budget, approved by the Council on 27th July, 2017 for the purposes of investment property acquisition, be approved.