Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, the Executive 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 might have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Executive Member was asked to declare any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary interests that he may have in respect of business on the agenda.  No additional interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Decision Session held on       15 August 2016.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Decision Session held on 15 August 2016 be approved and signed as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Executive Member’s remit can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00 pm on Friday 9 September 2016.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note this meeting may be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

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/download/downloads/id/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809.pdf

It was reported that there had been two registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme and that one Member of Council had also registered to speak.  The registrations were in respect of agenda item 4 – Application for Community Right to Bid under the Localism Act 2011 – Holgate Community Garden.

Mr David Barrett spoke on behalf of the Friends of Holgate Community Garden. He drew particular attention to the environment and heritage of the site.  Details were given of the wildlife that could be found on the site and the benefits that the garden brought to residents of all ages.  Mr Barrett stated that the green space was particularly important because it was in an urban environment.  Examples were given of the ways in which the community supported and maintained the gardens and its importance to community cohesion.  Mr Barrett also stated that the garden was in an area of special character because of its Victorian streetscape and had historic value.  He stressed the need to ensure that the views of residents were taken into account.  He informed the Executive Member that he welcomed the recommendation in the report that the garden be listed as an Asset of Community Value.

Ms Annabel Jelley stated that she was speaking as a representative of the local community and as a mother who had regularly taken her child to the garden.  She drew attention to the terraced housing that was in the vicinity of the garden, many of which had only small back yards.  She stated that the community garden was used on a daily basis by children and other residents and that the provision of a safe green space contributed to good mental health.  The basketball facilities and play equipment also provided opportunities for exercise.  Ms Jelley gave details of the ways in which the community had come together to improve the garden, including planting and tending the garden and participating in the Edible York movement.  The garden was of enormous value to local people.

Councillor Mary Cannon spoke on behalf of the three Holgate Ward Members.  She explained the importance of the Holgate Community Garden to the social wellbeing of the local community.  It was a place for the community to come together for activities including picnics, basketball and play. A scarecrow festival was also planned.  A donation had been made from ward funding to the edible garden.  The Friends of Holgate Garden Group was very active and the community garden was particularly important as it was the only open space in that part of the ward.  Councillor Cannon stated that she was pleased to note that the recommendation was to approve the listing of the community garden as an Asset of Community Value.

The Executive Member stated that he had also received two written representations in support of the application:

·        The Executive Member read out a statement from Mr Richard Knowles, Headteacher of St Paul’s CE Primary School.  The statement detailed the importance of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Executive Member is asked to consider an application to list Holgate Community Garden as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Resolved:  That the application to list the Holgate Community Garden and Play Park as an Asset of Community Value be approved.

Reason:     To ensure that the Council meets the legislative requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and promotes community access to community facilities.

The Executive Member considered an application to list Holgate Community Garden as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The Executive Member stated that it was evident that the community garden was well used and he had seen for himself the improvements that had been made over time.  He clarified that the decision he was being asked to make was whether or not the Holgate Community Garden should be listed as an Asset of Community Value.  Options regarding access to the York Central site were being considered and decisions regarding that issue would be made by the Executive. 

Resolved:  That the application to list the Holgate Community Garden and Play Park as an Asset of Community Value be approved.

Reason:     To ensure that the Council meets the legislative requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and promotes community access to community facilities.

The Executive Member is asked to consider an application to list the Blacksmiths Arms Public House, Naburn, York as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Resolved:  That the application to list The Blacksmiths Arms Public House, Naburn as an Asset of Community Value be approved.

Reason:     To ensure the Council meets the legislative requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and promotes community access to community facilities.

The Executive Member considered an application to list the Blacksmiths Arms Public House, Naburn, York as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The Executive Member stated that he noted that the public house provided services which furthered the social wellbeing and interests of the local community.

Resolved:  That the application to list The Blacksmiths Arms Public House, Naburn as an Asset of Community Value be approved.

Reason:     To ensure the Council meets the legislative requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and promotes community access to community facilities.