Agenda, decisions and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor I J Bastable.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 03 September 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on Tuesday 03 September 2024 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Corporate Peer Review

The Executive Leader announced that whilst we all know that this Council delivers some incredible outcomes for our residents, we also know that there is always work to do to continue providing high quality services against the ever-rising demand from customers and tightening finances.   To help us continue with this mission, we have invited the Local Government Association to help us, by carrying out a Corporate Peer Review of the way we work.

Recognised as best practice, the review will be led by a small team of experience, independent Councillors and senior officers with the aim of recognising the good practice already in place and helping us to draw from examples of strong performance across the country, in areas where we can improve.  This is an improvement and assurance tool run by the sector, and will examine 5 key themes, these being:-

·         Local priorities and outcomes

·         Organisational and place leadership

·         Governance and culture

·         Financial planning and management

·         Capacity for improvement

The team will also be asked to examine our emerging plans for the regeneration in the town centre.

The review is planned to take place over 3 days in March 2025, and Members will have an opportunity to get involved we as develop our self-assessment for the Peer team.

Fareham Live

Following the amazing launch of Fareham Live last week, I have been inundated with messages and emails congratulating Fareham Borough Council on its success.  I wanted to thank everyone at the Council who delivered this project on time and within budget.

I spoke to a numnber of the cast from the Rocky Horror Show after the performance, including jason Donovan who was effusive in the praise for our venue.  This was mirrored by many of the VIP guests who were invited to the event by Trafalgar.  The vibrant programme of shows and events continues to be developed and over 30,000 tickets have been sold with new shows being added every week.

Initial estimates indicate that footfall through Fareham Town Centre has increased by 10% in the first week of Fareham Live opening and we hope that this will continue to rise,  The newly opened north-south link through the shopping centre has proven to be very popular and was also delivered on time and within budget.

I have asked the Chief Executive Officer to pass on our thanks and appreciation to the staff involved for everything they have done in delivering this amazing venue.

The Executive Member for Leisure and Community, Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley added her thanks to the team.

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

There were no declarations of interest made at this 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 references from the committees or panels held.

Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel – 02 October 2024

Minute 6 – Fareham Park Vision Update

The Panel received an Executive report and supporting presentation from the

Leisure and Community Officer providing Members with an update on the

Fareham Park Vision to create a Masterplan for new leisure, community and

recreation facilities.

The presentation, which is appended to these Minutes, provided Members with

a detailed overview of the developing project including, timescales, community

engagement and how this has fed into the options chosen and the next steps

with the Executive decision on Monday 07 October, which if approved will

allow for the planning application to be submitted in the coming months.

Members of the Panel showed overall support for the exciting project, although

raised concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the car parking on site, due

to the current Hampshire County Council consultation with regards to the

future of Henry Cort school. Members of the Panel were reassured by the

Officers’ phased approach which will allow for the various possible scenarios

to be fed into the project as it moves forward.

RESOLVED that the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel:-

a) notes the contents of the Executive report at Appendix 1; and

b) asks that the Executive consider the comments above at their meeting

on the 07 October 2024.

A report by the Director of Housing.

An amendment to sections 9 and 10 of the Policy was tabled at the meeting for Members’ consideration.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  agrees the Draft Fareham Housing Mutual Exchange policy be adopted;

(b)  notes the outcome of the consultation, and the changes made to the Policy and accompanying documents; and

(c)  agrees to delegate powers to make any amendments needed in line with future updates to Government guidance to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.

A report by the Director of Housing.

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the progress made with individual sites and tenures proposed.

A report by the Assistant Director (Democracy).

The comments of the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel were taken into account in considering this item.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillor P W Whittle addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  notes the content of the report and supports the identified next steps:

(b)  considered the comments of the Leisure and Community Scrutiny Panel;

(c)  agrees to the submission of the outline Planning Application to progress the Fareham Park Vision; and

(d)  notes the financial challenges of delivering such a transformative project for the Fareham Park area.

A report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillor P W Whittle addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  grants approval for the planting of a mini forest on part of the Seafield Park open space as shown on the plan attached to the report at Appendix A; and

(b)  notes that this Council will be responsible for the future upkeep, inspection and works to the mini forest following planting.

A report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the Hook Lake Project Board recommendation to not move to the next design stage of the project until and unless there is more certainty the project is affordable and can be delivered.

A report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  approves a budget of £35,000, together with the relevant budgets outlined in the confidential Appendix A to the report, for implementing alterations to security arrangements at Faraday Business Park; and

(b)  authorises the Director of Planning and Regeneration, following consultation with the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, to take any action necessary to resolve associated matters as outlined in the confidential Appendix A to the report.