Issue - meetings

The Director of Customer & Corporate Servicesto present a report which sets out comments received under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 regarding the proposed ‘disposal of open space’ at Rowntree Park Lodge, and updates the business case for the proposal.

Resolved:  (i)      That the objections raised to the proposal be noted.

                   (ii)      That approval be given to continue with the proposal previously endorsed by the Executive in January 2018 to convert the upper two floors into holiday let accommodation.

Reason:     To support Rowntree Park and its stakeholders in developing the facilities on a long term sustainable basis.

                   (iii)     That it be noted that all net revenue generated will be ring-fenced for the benefit of Rowntree Park, as per the Executive decision in January 2018, and that the public will have an input in setting priorities for the use of the fund, which is projected to deliver £380k over the next 15 years.

                   (iv)    That it be noted that the Explore Reading cafe will be closed for a period of 12 weeks during the development works.

[See also under Part B]

The Assistant Director of Regeneration & Asset Management presented a report which informed Members of comments received under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 (the Act) regarding the proposed ‘disposal of open space’ at Rowntree Park Lodge and provided an updated business case for the proposal.

On 25 January 2018, the Executive had approved the lease of the upper floors of the Lodge as a holiday let, with revenue to be ring-fenced for the upkeep of the Park (Minute 108 of that meeting refers).  This change in use was classed by the Act as a disposal of open space, requiring public advertisement and consideration of any responses.  42 responses had been received, all objecting to the proposals, as summarised in paragraphs 17-18 of the report.  Officers’ responses to the objections were set out in paragraph 19.

An update to the original business case was set out in paragraphs 20-30.  This reflected the development of the proposal to provide a greater area of accommodation with a higher specification, resulting in an increased projected income, and the cost of this and of further works to remove asbestos and replace the roof of the dormer section.  The revised scheme cost and funding were shown in the table at paragraph 29.  The additional costs would require a further £110k budget, funded from prudential borrowing to be paid back over 15 years, during which time a net profit of £380k was projected for use in the Park. 

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism endorsed the proposals while stressing the need to maintain the trust of local residents, in particular the Friends of Rowntree Park, and engage them in further consultation.  Officers confirmed that, although a recommendation to Council on the budget was required today, a decision on delivery of the scheme could be deferred to an Executive Member Decision Session.*  Ideally, work on site would begin in September, subject to planning consent in July.  Having noted the comments made under public participation, it was

Resolved:  (i)      That the objections raised to the proposal be noted.

                   (ii)      That approval be given to continue with the proposal previously endorsed by the Executive in January 2018 to convert the upper two floors into holiday let accommodation.

Reason:     To support Rowntree Park and its stakeholders in developing the facilities on a long term sustainable basis.

                   (iii)     That it be noted that all net revenue generated will be ring-fenced for the benefit of Rowntree Park, as per the Executive decision in January 2018, and that the public will have an input in setting priorities for the use of the fund, which is projected to deliver £380k over the next 15 years.

                   (iv)    That it be noted that the Explore Reading cafe will be closed for a period of 12 weeks during the development works.

*See Part B minute