Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Cllr Jane Scott. 

Cllr Scott was substituted by Cllr Jonathan Seed.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Cabinet (Capital Assets) Committee meeting held on 20 May 2014.

The minutes of the meeting of the Capital Assets Committee held on 20 May 2014 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2014 subject to the inclusion of Cllr Fleur de Rhé-Philipe’s name in the list of those who had tendered an apology.

There were no announcements.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public. This meeting is open to the public, who may ask a question or make a statement. Questions can also be asked by members of the Council. Written notice of questions or statements should be given to Kirsty Butcher of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on Thursday 17 July 2014. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

The Deputy Leader explained that, as usual, any public present were welcome to address the meeting on any of the items on the agenda.

The Deputy Leader reported receipt of a question from Mr Andrew Hall, of Martingate Centre Ltd of Devizes concerning the disposal of the Corsham Mansion House and Library at Corsham, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes and available online with these minutes.

Cllr Sturgis responded to the question by explaining that the bids in respect of Corsham Mansion House and Library would be discussed by Cabinet Members on the rising of this meeting. When asked, Cllr Sturgis confirmed that it was hoped that a decision could be made by the end of the month (July 2014).

There were no urgent items.

Report author: Alistair Cunningham, Associate Director - Economic Development and Planning

  Cllr Toby Sturgis presented a report which informed members of the outcome of an assessment of council owned land for inclusion as potential new traveller sites in the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD) and sought agreement to include these sites in the development plan process through to potential allocation in the draft plan.  

Resolved:

That the Capital Assets Committee endorse the inclusion of the Council owned land listed at Appendix 3 of the report for further assessment as part of the Gypsy and Traveller DPD process to help maintain a five year supply of sites throughout out the proposed plan period in accordance with national policy.

Reasons for decision:

There are a number of drivers for pursuing the opportunity to include public land in the proposed Gypsy and Traveller DPD.  These include:

(i)           The requirement to maintain a five year supply of traveller pitches included in national policy.

(ii)          The need to provide a choice in the size, type and location of traveller sites in Wiltshire.

(iii)         The legal requirement in the Housing Acts for councils to provide for the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers in their area.

(iv)         The requirement in national policy for councils to respond positively to the accommodation needs of travellers, a commitment the Council has also made to the Wiltshire Core Strategy Inspector.

(v)          The benefits of reducing unauthorised encampments / developments.

This is to give further notice in accordance with paragraph 5 (4) and 5 (5) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 of the intention to take the following item in private.

To consider passing the following resolution:

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in Item Numbers 9 and 10 because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in  paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking item in private:

Paragraph 3 - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Resolved

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the following items of business because it was likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking the item in private:

Paragraph 3 – information relating to the financial information or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

No representations had been received as to why this item should not be held in private.

To consider the attached appendices (exempt from publication) in relation to item 7 above.

Resolved:

That the Committee note the confidential appendix presented and in so doing, confirm its decision taken under minute no. 23 above.

Report author: Maggie Rae, Corporate Director

  Cllr Toby Sturgis presented a confidential report which asked members to note the update to the project costs and timescales involved and to consider the options open to the Council.

Resolved:

That the Committee adopt the proposals as set out in the confidential report presented.

Reason for decision:

To advise cabinet of the factors involved and options available with a view to arriving at an appropriate decision.

Question from Mr Hall (signed minutes and online)