Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies given for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of Executive held on the 1July 2013 and the 8 July 2013.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 1 July 2013 and 8 July 2013 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Commercial Property Investment Acquisition Strategy

The Executive Leader reminded Members that on 7 January 2013, the Executive agreed a Commercial Property Investment Acquisition Strategy as a way of optimising returns on Council investments.  This strategy was backed by funding of £3m to acquire commercial property investments.

The Executive Leader was pleased to be able to advise that the Council has successfully completed the acquisition of its first commercial property investment, which is Clifton House in Segensworth.  Based on the purchase price paid and the rent payable by the occupier, the Council will receive a net return on its investment of around 9%.

Officers have also had an offer accepted on a second commercial property, which is a convenience food retail store outside of the borough, and this is progressing to completion in the coming weeks. Assuming the purchase is concluded, this will also generate a positive return in the region of 6%.

Both of these investments will have a positive impact on the Council’s revenue budget, and consequently the Executive Leader confirmed that he has asked officers to consider whether (and how) a further tranche of funding could be used in this way, when preparing the Finance Strategy for consideration by the Executive in October.

Change to Political Group membership

The Executive Leader advised that the Chief Executive had received notification from Councillor D Whittingham that he wished to be treated as a member of the Fareham Borough Council Conservative Group with immediate effect.

The Executive Leader confirmed that the political balance of the Council is now 23 Conservative, 6 Liberal Democrat and 2 independent councillors.

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

The Executive Leader declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest for item 9(5) – Response to Consultation: Highway Proposals for Newgate Lane and Peel Common, Fareham and Western Access to Gosport, as he is the Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council. He remained present throughout the meeting but did not vote on this item.

There were no petitions presented for this meeting.

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

The Executive received a deputation from Mr Robert Duckworth in relation to Item 9 (5) - Response to Consultation: Highway Proposals for Newgate Lane and Peel Common, Fareham and Western Access to Gosport and was thanked accordingly.

The Executive Leader agreed to bring that item for consideration forward on the agenda.

To receive any references from the committees or panels held.

(1)       References from the Policy Development and Review Panels:-

To consider any matters referred from the Policy Development and Review Panels.

(2)       Minutes of the Housing Tenancy Board:-

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Housing Tenancy Board held on 20 May 2013 and 29 July 2013 and to consider any recommendations.

(2)     References from the Scrutiny Board:-

To consider any matters referred from the Scrutiny Board meeting held on 30 May 2013 and 4 July 2013 and to consider any recommendations.

(1)       References from the Policy Development and Review Panels:

(a)       The Executive received comments from the Public Protection Policy Development and Review Panel regarding the Annual Health and Safety Performance 2012/13 and took account of these comments in determining the matter at Item 11(3) below.

(b)       The Executive received comments from the Public Protection Policy Development and Review Panel regarding the Fareham Parking Enforcement Service and took account of these comments in determining the matter at Item 11(1) below.

(c)       The Executive received comments from the Public Protection Policy Development and Review Panel regarding the Emergency Planning Annual Report and took account of these comments in determining the matter at Item 11(2) below.

(d)       The Executive received comments from the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel regarding the Portchester MUGA – Results of Consultation and took account of these comments in determining the matter at Item 8(5) below.

(e)       The Executive received comments from the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel regarding the Leisure Strategy Review and took account of these comments in determining the matter at Item 8(2) below.

(f)        The Executive received comments from the Leisure and Community Policy Development and Review Panel regarding the Proposals to Commemorate the Centenary of WW1 and the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day and took account of these comments in determining the matter at Item 8(4) below.

(2)       The Executive received the minutes of the Housing Tenancy Board held on 20 May 2013 and 29 July 2013.

          RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)       receive the minutes of the Housing Tenancy Board held on 20 May 2013 and 29 July 2013; and

(b)       notes the Work Programme for 2013/14, as attached at Appendix A to the minutes.

(3)       The Executive received the minutes of the Scrutiny Board held on 30 May 2013 and 4 July 2013.

RESOLVED that the Executive receive the minutes of the Scrutiny Board held on 30 May 2013 and 4 July 2013.

To consider and reach a decision on the following matter: 

a report by the Director of Community

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

RESOLVED that the Executive adopts the Leisure Strategy for 2013 to 2018, as set out in Appendix A to the report.

a report by the Director of Community

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillors Mrs K K Trott and P W Whittle, JP addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)       to implement a 15% reduction in the funding for the Fareham Tourist Information Centre from 1 April 2014;

(b)       to request that the Fareham Tourist Information Centre and Westbury Manor Museum be open on Mondays and that this be a condition of the grant; and

(c)       to encourage Fareham TIC to utilise volunteers to support the running of the service.

(d)       That in the event that the 15% reduction in funding and the associated funding conditions are not acceptable to Tourism South East, that the current agreement for the operation of the Fareham Tourist Information Centre is terminated on 31 March 2014 and the Council becomes a Destination Partner with Tourism South East who will provide and manage web pages promoting attractions and events in the Borough of Fareham.

a report by the Director of Community

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillors Mrs K K Trott, J S Forrest and P W Whittle, JP addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that subject to the title of Appendix A being amended to 2014 Commemorations – WW1 and D Day 70^th Anniversary, the Executive agrees:

(a)       to support the proposals listed to ensure that a number of projects can be undertaken to commemorate the centenary of World War 1 and 70th anniversary of D Day:

              i.        landscaping enhancements at Holy Trinity Church open space;

             ii.        wild flower meadows at the four QEII sites;

            iii.        5000 wild flower seed packets for distribution;

            iv.        activities undertaken by Hampshire County Council Museum and Arts service;

             v.        unveiling of commemorative stone/plaque on Monday 4 August 2014 in the town centre;

(b)       that the project be funded from 2012/13 under spends to the sum of £10,000 with the remainder being found from within existing revenue budgets; and

(c)       that an additional sum of £20,000 be allocated from the Council’s reserves to clean, maintain and upgrade the War Memorials throughout the borough.  

a report by the Director of Community

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)       agrees that a Multi Use Games Area is not provided on the site of the former Portchester Community Centre;

(b)       agrees that the Council does not replace the existing fencing between the former tennis courts and the residential properties in Clive Grove; and

notes the expanding community use of the tennis courts at the Portchester Community School.

a report by the Director of Planning and Environment

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillor P J Davies addressed the Executive on this item.

RESOLVED that subject to the amendment of references within the report corrected to Cartwright Drive (in place of Cartwright Drive) and the correction of the figure at paragraph 7 of the report from £14m to £4.7m, the Executive authorises a four-week consultation on the following documents:

• A new policy and supporting explanatory text setting out the Council’s approach to the redevelopment of Fareham College's Bishopsfield Road site;
• Development Site Briefs for three new employment allocations at:

­   Kites Croft

­   Midpoint 27, Cartwright Avenue

­   The Walled Garden, Cams Hall; and

• A Technical Note comprising a Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment High Level Assessment of the proposed development sites, and a Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening for Likely Significant Effects of the new policy and proposed site allocations.

a report by the Director of Planning and Environment

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)       agrees that the Titchfield Abbey Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy, as set out in Appendix A to this report, be adopted as evidence in support of the Fareham Borough Local Plan Review (June 2000), the policies contained within the Fareham Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy and the emerging policies of the Fareham Local Plan Part 2: Development Sites & Policies; and

(b)       grants Delegated Authority to the Director of Planning and Environment in consultation with the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Environment to make minor factual and formatting alterations prior to publication of the adopted document.

a report by the Director of Planning and Environment

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the results of the consultation and that the following buildings are added to the Council's Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest:

1.         The Parish Rooms, 217 Barnes Lane, Sarisbury;

2.         The former Victorian school building,  216-220 Barnes Lane, Sarisbury;

3.         28 Osborn Road, Fareham;

4.         32 Osborn Road, Fareham;

5.         34 Osborn Road, Fareham Wallington;

6.         36 Osborn Road, Fareham;

7.         38 Osborn Road, Fareham;

8.         Lowlands, 36 Wallington Shore Road;

9.         1 Church Road, Warsash, Former Gate Lodge to Hook Estate;

10.      37-41 High Street (The Square), Titchfield;

11.      Former Theatre Building (1 Coach House Mews), South Street, Titchfield; and

12.      The Parish Rooms, High Street, Titchfield.

a report by the Director of Planning and Environment

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

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the quarterly update on the financial costs of producing the Welborne Plan.

a report by the Director of Planning and Environment

The Executive Leader, Councillor S D T Woodward declared a Personal and Non-Pecuniary Interest on this item as he is the Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council. He remained present but did not vote on this item.

At the invitation of the Executive Leader, Councillors T G Knight and J S Forrest addressed the Executive on this item.

Upon being put to the vote (5 Executive Members voting in favour with one abstention) it was RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)       notes the public consultation carried out by Hampshire County Council on Highway Proposals for Newgate Lane and Peel Common, Fareham and Western Access to Gosport;

(b)       agrees the proposed consultation response as at paragraphs 5 to 39 of the report;

(c)       delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Environment to finalise the response to Hampshire County Council, incorporating any minor additions or amendments at this meeting; and

(d)       agrees that the response be sent as a matter of urgency to Hampshire County Council, prior to the end of the call in period, due to the prescribed consultation period.

To consider and reach a decision on the following matter.

a report by the Director of Regulatory and Democratic Services

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the performance of the Parking Enforcement service and that this will continue to be closely monitored.

a report by the Director of Regulatory and Democratic Services

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that this report be used as a record and update of the work that has and will continue to be undertaken to enhance the Council's emergency response capability and to satisfy the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

A report by the Director of Regulatory and Democratic Services

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)       notes the work undertaken by all employee's to maintain health and safety standards and, where necessary, improve health and safety performance for the benefit of all concerned during 2012/13;

(b)       notes that the Council as an employer, continues to achieve a standard of health and safety management within its activities that meets statutory requirements and demonstrates competence in health and safety management; and

(c)       notes that training sessions for Members will be scheduled for December 2013.

The following supplementary item has been added to the agenda for this meeting.   A report by the Director of Regulatory and Democratic Services.

That the Executive:

(a)       notes the changes made by the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013;

(b)       agrees the fees as set out in paragraph 15 of the report; and

(c)       delegates authority to the Director of Regulatory and Democratic Services to establish all necessary processes to give effect to the legislation, including the power to determine applications or revoke licences.

a report by the Director of Community

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

RESOLVED that the Executive recommends to Council the amendments to the strategy document, as set out in paragraph 44 of the report.

a report by the Director of Finance and Resources

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)       approves the draft scheme proposals for Council Tax Support as set out in the report. The draft scheme will contain the key principles as set out in our 2013/14 scheme prior to the decision by Members to make the necessary amendments in order to qualify for the transitional grant;

(b)       instructs officers to proceed with a period of public consultation to seek views on the draft scheme; and

(c)       notes the programme for implementation.

a report by the Director of Community

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the Council’s performance for the 2012/13 financial year.

a report by the Director of Finance and Resources

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the report on revenue and capital budget monitoring.

a report by the Director of Finance and Resources

RESOLVED that the Executive notes the treasury management monitoring report.

a report by the Director of Regulatory and Democratic Services

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the Hackney Carriage tariff, as attached at Appendix B to the report.

a report by the Director of Finance and Resources

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the response to consultation, attached as Appendix A to the report, and asks the Director of Finance and Resources to make the submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government prior to the closing date.

a report by the Director of Finance and Resources

RESOLVED that the Executive accepts the tender submitted by the contractor ranked 1 (as set out in the confidential appendix), and being the most advantageous tender received, the contract is awarded to that company.

To consider whether it is in the public interest to exclude the public and representatives of the Press from the remainder of the meeting on the grounds that the matters to be dealt with involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972 the Public and Press be excluded from the remainder of the meeting, as the Executive considers that it is not in the public interest to consider the matters in public on the grounds that they will involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To consider and reach a decision on the following matter:

a report by the Director of Community

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees to:-

1.         delegate authority to the Director of Community, following consultation with the Executive Leader to:-

(a)       purchase Numbers 19 and 20  Coldeast Close and associated land from the Homes and Communities Agency;

(b)       purchase of 123 Bridge Road and grounds

(c)       arrange the onward sale of 123 Bridge Road without the benefit of the large rear garden.

2.         approve a gross budget of up to £800,000 for the purchase of the three properties including fees.