Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies of absence.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Daedalus Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 30 November 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Daedalus Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 30 November 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements made at this meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in accordance with the Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive a presentation by the Airport Operator (RCA).

The Panel received a presentation from Marshall Barrand, Project Director; Martyn Francis, Airport Manager; and Cathy Hicks, Stakeholder Manager from Regional and City Airports Ltd (RCA) on the operation of Solent Airport. (Presentation is appended to these minutes).

Members asked a variety of questions of RCA. One topic that was discussed was the planning condition limiting the number of aircraft movements allowed and how the investment plans for the Airport would impact upon it. Marshall Barrand addressed the Panel to explain that the planned investment would not impact on the movement limit but that the airport was considering how more revenue could be generated within the limit.

Members also enquired as to whether further movements at the site would create further complaints from residents, and how RCA would look to address these. Marshall addressed the Panel to confirm that they would continue to have regular meetings with local residents and community groups, as well continuing to monitor aircraft feedback reports.

RESOLVED that Marshall Barrand, Martyn Francis and Cathy Hicks be thanked for their informative presentation.

To consider a report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer on the Daedalus Finance Strategy.

The Panel considered a report and received a presentation by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer on the Daedalus Finance Strategy.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor S D T Woodward, Executive Member for Policy and Resources addressed the Panel on this item.

RESOLVED that the Panel: -

(i)            Notes the content of the report; and

(ii)          Endorses the recommendations in the report, to the Executive when they consider this item at their meeting on 7 March 2022.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public and representatives of the press for this item on the grounds that, the matter to be dealt with under item 9 of the agenda involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED that the public and representatives of the press be excluded from the meeting for item 9 on the grounds that the matters to be dealt with will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider a report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration on the Investment Programme for Solent Airport, Daedalus.

The Panel considered a report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration on the Investment Programme for Solent Airport, Daedalus.

The Panel initially asked questions of RCA regarding the main report, before moving into private session where RCA were asked to leave the meeting so that the Panel could discussion the confidential appendices.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor S D T Woodward, Executive Member for Policy and Resources addressed the Panel on this item.

RESOLVED that the Panel: -

(i)            Note the content of the report; and

(ii)          Endorses the recommendations in report that will be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 7 March 2022.

To consider any items of business dealt with by the Executive that falls under the remit of the Daedalus Scrutiny Panel. This will include any decisions taken by Individuals Members.

The Panel considered the Executive items of business which fall under the remit of the Policy and Resources Portfolio, specifically in relation to Daedalus, including Executive Member decisions and Officer delegated decisions, that have taken place since the last meeting of the Panel on 20 October 2021.

The Panel considered the decisions at items 10(1) and 10(2) of the agenda.

RESOLVED that the Daedalus Scrutiny Panel considered the following items of Business.

No comments were received.

No comments were received.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Daedalus Scrutiny Panel.

The Director of Planning and Regeneration addressed the Panel on this item and invited members to put forward suggestions for items that the Panel would like to scrutinise at future meetings.

Jonathan Butts asked for an update on the contract with RCA. The Head of Strategic Sites confirmed that negotiations were continuing.

The Head of Strategic Sites also confirmed that the planned report to consider the Council’s response to expert advice commissioned on the governance of Solent Airport had been deferred until later in the year.