Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies given for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of Executive held on 05 December 2016.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Executive held on the 05 December 2016 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Post Office Relocation

The Executive Leader announced that he had attended a meeting with the Post Office regarding the relocation of the Post Office from its existing building on West Street to the first floor of W H Smith.

The Executive Leader advised that the public consultation had now closed but further comments from the Council would be permitted until the end of the week.  The Executive Leader reiterated that concerns have already been raised in respect of the access to the first floor and it was noted that the lift in W H Smith was not currently working.

The Post Office has identified a reduction in footfall at the Fareham West Street Post Office and has confirmed that they lease the building, not own it.  They have further confirmed they have six years left to run on the lease and the Executive Leader commented that it does not seem logical to pay rent on an empty building as well as paying rent on a new location. 

The Executive Leader advised Members that he would be writing to the Post Office indicating the Council’s view that this move would be a waste of taxpayer’s money at this time and asking the Post Office to consider not moving location for five years.

Welborne Garden Village

The Executive Leader announced that Welborne had been confirmed as one of 14 new English garden villages on 2^nd January. 

This will give the Council access to a £6 million fund over the next two financial years which has been put in place to support delivery and the money will be used to unlock the full capacity of sites.  There is also additional funding for additional resources and expertise to accelerate development and avoid delays. 

New starter home initiative

The Executive Leader announced that following a bid made last year, Fareham has been chosen by the Department for Communities and Local Government to be one of 30 local authorities selected to work in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency to deliver starter homes.

These homes will be built primarily on brownfield sites and be exclusively for first-time buyers aged between 23 and 40 years old at a minimum discount of at least 20 per cent below market value.   Fareham’s potential for early delivery of homes, was a key factor in being selected as a partner.

The new starter homes will draw funds from the Government’s £1.2 billion Start Homes Land Fund and it is hoped they will be delivered by 2020.

Welborne Delivery -  Prior Information Notice (PIN) published

The Executive Leader announced that the Council is progressing its delivery strategy for Welborne and that the Council has now published a Prior Information Notice setting out its intention to appoint a delivery partner for Welborne. 

Having undertaken some ‘soft market testing’ this is the next stage in the process before the Council starts the formal procurement process to find a delivery partner.  A key requirement for that partner will be to show a demonstrable track record in delivering the place-making and infrastructure required to realise Welborne Garden Village.

The Executive Leader announced that the new Welborne website has been launched along with an information leaflet circulated at the meeting giving the website address www.welbornegardenvillage.co.uk.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Councillor Miss S Bell declared a non-pecuniary interest for item 10(1) as she is a Council appointed Trustee of the Portchester Parish Hall.  Councillor Miss Bell remained present at the meeting and took part in the discussion of the item.

When he addressed the Executive for item 10(1), Councillor N J Walker declared a non-pecuniary interest as he is a Council appointed Trustee of the Portchester Parish Hall.  Councillor N J Walker remained present at the meeting.

There were no Petitions submitted at this meeting.

To receive any deputations, of which notice has been lodged.

There were no Deputations made at this meeting.

To receive any reference from the committees or panels held.

There were no references from other committees submitted at this meeting.

A report by the Director of Operations.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees to award a contract to the tenderer who submitted the most economically advantageous tender for the refurbishment of the Westbury Manor Museum.

A report by the Director of Operations.

RESOLVED that the Executive accept the submission by Dennis Eagle for the provision of five refuse collection vehicles (reference no QUO00153 Rev 3) and award a contract to the company.

Councillor Miss S Bell declared a non-pecuniary interest for item 10(1) as she is a Council appointed Trustee of Portchester Parish Hall.  Miss Bell remained present at the meeting and took part in the discussion.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillor S Cunningham addressed the Executive on this item.

Councillor N J Walker declared a non-pecuniary interest for item 10(1) as he is a Council appointed Trustee of Portchester Parish Hall.  Councillor Walker remained present at the meeting.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillor N J Walker addressed the Executive on this item

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees the Draft Regeneration Vision for Portchester set out in Appendix A for consultation.

A report by the Director of Finance and Resources.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillor S Cunningham addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:-

(a)  that the capital programme for the period 2016/17 to 2020/21, amounting to £65,686,000 as set out at Appendix A to the report be approved;

(b)  that the proposed fees and charges for 2017/18, as set out in Appendix B to the report be approved;

(c)  that the revised 2016/17 general fund budget, amounting to £8,903,300 be approved;

(d)  that the base 2017/18 general fund revenue budget amounting to £8,616,700 be approved; and

(e)  that the use of the surplus on the spending reserve as set out in paragraphs 49-51 be approved.