Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 4th March, 2025 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 30th January, 2025 (copy attached).

The minutes of the meetings held on 30th January, 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

To note an appointment of a new Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in place of Cllr A.H. Crawford for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year. The appointment will be made by the Leader of the Labour Group in accordance with Standing Orders and arrangements to secure political balance.

NOTED: The appointment of Cllr Becky Williams as a Member of the Committee for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year in place of Cllr A. H. Crawford.

In accordance with the provisions set out in the Overview and Scrutiny procedure rules, a request has been received from the following Members to call-in the Cabinet decision as set out in minute No. 65 from the Cabinet meeting on 11th February, 2025:

Attached for information are:

·         an extract of Minute No. 65 from the Cabinet meeting on 11th February, 2025;

·         detailed reasons for the call-in; and,

·         the Executive Director, Head of Regeneration and Development and Service Manager – Commercial Services and Deputy Head of Operations’, Report No. REG2501 that went to Cabinet on 11th February, 2025

The Committee was advised of the submission of a request to call-in the resolution made by the Cabinet on 11th February, 2025 in relation to the Farnborough Leisure Centre – Next Steps. The request for call-in had been submitted by Cllrs Sue Carter, G.B. Lyon, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant and S. Trussler.

The Committee was advised that should the call-in request be rejected, the decision made by the Cabinet on 11th February, 2025 would take effect as of 5th March, 2025. If the call-in request was accepted, a report would be made to Cabinet at its next meeting on 11th March, 2025.

Cllr Martin Tennant presented the call-in request and the reasons behind it. The Committee noted the reasons, which included, that:

·         the decision had been made with insufficient information, and

·         there were significant concerns regarding the lack of public consultation on the revised proposals which had changed considerably since the previous consultation, and the current leisure mix of facilities did not align with the needs and expectations outlined by residents at the time.

Cllr Tennant recognised and welcomed the development and understood the current financial pressures on the Council. However, the concerns of the opposition were that the specific needs of the community had not been sought since 2019 and those needs may have changed during that time. It was felt essential to provide a facility that was flexible, would be sustainable in the longer term and provided a mix of facilities that were wanted by the community.

Cllr Sophie Porter, Healthy Communities and Active Lives Portfolio Holder, addressed the Committee on behalf of the Cabinet, with support from Cllr Christine Guinness, Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder. Cllr Porter advised that the consultation work already undertaken had been picked up as part of the revised planning and the two key requirements (swimming and fitness) of residents would be provided. It was noted that Soft Market Testing (SMT) would be carried out to assess the viability of the facilities mix being proposed and adjustments could be made to the mix once completed. The Council were limited by the funds available and needed to be aware of potential risks in delaying the development further in relation to working with delivery associates and operators.

During discussions, it was noted that there were now considerably different financial restraints to be taken account of compared to the previous iteration and the new facility needed to generate an income, as there was no additional money to provide subsidy. The facilities mix proposed would be consulted on with operators, prior to RIBA Stage 3, to establish the best options to maximise income and space available. Commercially, it was advised that a gym and the provision of swimming lessons, would greatly support income generation. The Committee noted that the new plan had the same facilities as the previous iteration, with the exception of, a sports hall and premium health suite. By removing the sports hall, more space would be made available for other facilities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To consider the Work Plan for the 2024/25 Municipal Year (copy attached).

The Committee noted the current Work Plan.

An update was provided on the current position with the disposals of units at Union Yard, Aldershot. It was noted that a final offer on the site was still outstanding and papers wouldn’t be ready for the proposed additional meeting of the Committee on 13th March. It was therefore proposed that the meeting on 27th March would be used for the discussion on the Union Yard Disposals and the 13th would be used for an all Member Briefing on the background to the disposals. The details for both meetings would be finalised at the Progress Group on 6th March.