Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking Members consideration of an application made under the recently agreed Commercial Project Opportunities – Feasibility Fund.  This fund had been created to facilitate the undertaking of feasibility studies for corporate projects with commercial potential.

The report provided detailed information regarding a specific corporate project relating to Council owned land and the work undertaken to date.  Appendix 1 to the report detailed a proposal received by the Council and Appendix 2 set out a procurement exemption for which approval was sought.  It was noted that architectural advice would also be required and Appendix 3 set out the proposal in relation to this.

The Chairman advised that in accordance with Procedure Rule 20, Councillor E L Bamford had requested to speak on this item of business.

Councillor A S Fluker supported the project detailed in the report and proposed that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.  This was duly seconded.

In response to a question, the Interim Section 151 Officer clarified that the feasibility study would look at all aspects of economics, including options for the Council in terms of the development of the land.

RESOLVED

(i)        That the allocation of the sum of £27,000 from the Commercial Project Opportunities - Feasibility Fund for the provision of a study to inform the potential development (as set out in the report) on Council owned land be agreed;

(ii)       that subject to (i) above the Committee notes the intention of the Chairman of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee to authorise the necessary procurement exemption;

(iii)      that subject to (i) & (ii) above Members note that architectural advice will be sought in connection with the feasibility study.