Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point, The Cabinet Member is asked to declare:

·        Any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        Any prejudicial interests or

·        Any disclosable pecuniary interests

which he may have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Cabinet Member was asked to declare any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary interests which he may have in respect of the business on the agenda.  None were declared.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting during consideration of annex C of agenda item 5 (Pioneer Business Park – Application to remove restrictive covenant) on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  This information is classed as exempt under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

Resolved:  That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of annex C of agenda item 5 (Pioneer Business Park – Application to remove restrictive covenant) on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  This information is classed as exempt under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2014.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2014 be approved and signed as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered to speak can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Wednesday 17 September 2014.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the Cabinet Member.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming or Recording Meetings

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/3130/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings

It was reported that there was one registration to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Mr John Reeves, agent of the applicant, spoke in support of the application to lift the restrictive covenant on an office site on the Pioneer Business Park for low-cost residential development (agenda item 5).  He stated that much of the office accommodation on the site was out of date and stated that action needed to be taken to address the oversupply.  He gave details of office rental rates within the city and explained that businesses now preferred to have their offices located in other parts of the city. Details were given of the nature of the proposed development and the reasons why Clifton Moor would be an appropriate location. Mr Reeves requested that the Cabinet Member supported the proposal to lift the covenant.

This report sets out details of an application to lift the restrictive covenant of an office site on the Pioneer Business Park for low-cost residential development.

Resolved:  That the request to remove the restrictive covenant on an office site on the Pioneer Business Park for low-cost residential development be agreed in return for the capital sum detailed in annex C of the report.

Reason:     To enable the provision of apartments at reasonable cost in an area of surplus office accommodation.

The Cabinet Member considered a report which set out details of an application to lift the restrictive covenant on an office site on the Pioneer Business Park for low-cost residential development. 

It was noted that the application was in accordance with the Asset Management Policy on lifting restrictive covenants on Clifton Moor and that a capital receipt had been agreed in accordance with the policy.

The Cabinet Member considered the options detailed in paragraphs 8 to 10 of the report.  He stated that, although it was disappointing that there was not the demand for office accommodation on the site, he also recognised that there was a need for additional housing in the city.  He therefore believed that, on balance, the proposals were a positive move and that the covenant should be lifted.

Resolved:  That the request to remove the restrictive covenant on an office site on the Pioneer Business Park for low-cost residential development be agreed in return for the capital sum detailed in annex C of the report.

Reason:     To enable the provision of apartments at reasonable cost in an area of surplus office accommodation.