Issue - meetings

Report of the Economic Regeneration Team Leader

The Committee received the report as set out on pages 85-88 of the agenda, which asked it to approve an extension to Coombe Park Pavilion, subject to the grant of Planning Permission.

Those Members in attendance which also sit on the Development Control Committee requested advice from the Monitoring Officer in respect of whether voting to approve the extension subject to the grant of Planning Permission could lead to a suggestion of pre-determination. The Monitoring Officer advised that in his view, there was no conflict between Members approving this item and reserving their judgement on a future planning application, as the planning application would need to be judged entirely on its own merits.

In view of the fact that the report recommended the Council should manage the build, including the procurement exercise, the Committee sought reassurance that sufficient capacity existed within the Economic Regeneration team to take on these responsibilities. The Head of Planning, Development and Regeneration confirmed that whilst the Council would oversee the project, externally appointed construction project management support would be required. In addition, a new member of staff had been appointed to the Economic Regeneration team and was due to commence employment in early 2019.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by the Vice-Chair and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)       The construction of an extension to the existing Coombe Park Pavilion be allowed, subject to the grant of Planning Permission;

(ii)     Approval be given for the Council to be the Project Lead applying for funding from the Football Foundation; and

(iii)   Approval be given for the Council to manage the build, including the procurement exercise, supported by an externally appointed construction project manager.