MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON MONDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2004 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs M J Lloyd (Chairman), Mr A C Bartlett (deputising for Mrs M J Miller) Mr M J Cunningham, Mr P D Joyce, Mrs B Lawson, Mr V J Morey, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards,

Apologies :

Mrs M J Miller, Mr D T Yates

Portfolio Holder :

Mr R R Barry, Mrs T M Butchers

Also Present (non voting) :

Mrs M A Jarman, Mr A A Taylor

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42. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2004 were confirmed.

43. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations at this stage.

44. CALL-IN OF THE EXECUTIVE RECORD OF DECISION 03/04 – SEAVIEW ROPE WALK TOILETS, SALE AND ALTERNATIVE PROVISION

The Chairman invited the three members responsible for the call-in to outline their reasons for taking such action. Councillor Joyce then gave a brief background to relating to the previous call-in, on 22 June 2004, on the proposed land transaction for the same site. Members were reminded that the Select Committee had recommended to the relevant Portfolio Holders to delay the proposed arrangements pending determination of the associated planning application for the site and consideration of financial benefits of other alternatives.

The Executive had then, on 3 November 2004, considered the details of the results of seeking other interest in the site, but still incorporating the provision of public conveniences. Whilst this had resulted in three additional proposals the Executive had considered that the original offer, by Seaview Hotel, was still the most financially advantageous to the Council. It was however believed by the three members calling in the decision that the process adopted still lacked clarity.

The Monitoring Officer advised that the Constitution prevented a decision being called in twice. Those members responsible for the call-in however had expressed concern on the process used to reach the decision taken by the Executive on 3 November. The meeting therefore afforded an opportunity to give clarity on the issues involved.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services and the Compliance and Risk Manager advised that all appropriate policies and procedures had been correctly followed.

A number of issues relating to the existing policies for the disposal of land and property, and particularly the public perception of these, were raised and discussed. The Head of Property Services explained that consultations had been undertaken with the local Parish Council on the retention of public conveniences in the area. The Select Committee was also informed that the Guidance on Good Practice – Disposal of Land issued by the Commission for Local Administration for England had been taken into account when compiling the Council’s own procedures.

A proposal to request the Executive to seek new tenders was not supported. The Select Committee believed that there was a need for a better understanding by both members and the general public of how the Council endeavoured to obtain the maximum financial and practical gain from any disposal of land. As the first step in this a training session was suggested for all members.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR RESOURCES AND PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND POLICY

The decision of the Executive be endorsed and actioned accordingly.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY THE HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT, HEAD OF LEGAL AND DEMOCRATIC SERVCIES AND HEAD OF PROPERTY SERVICES

A training session be arranged for all members to assist in a better understanding of the policies and procedures involved in land disposals

CHAIRMAN