Agenda and minutes

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

The Leader had none.

To consider the report of the Head of Asset Management and Office Services.

It may be necessary during discussion of this item to move the exclusion of the Press/Public, in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

The Leader considered a report on an opportunity to acquire the freehold interest of a site in Upper Halliford for planning purposes.

As the Leader wished to discuss with the officer the exempt information contained within the appendices it was

Resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following items of business in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

The Portfolio holder, Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos, and other members present made representations to the Leader about this matter.

Resolved to agree to acquire the freehold interest in the site in Upper Halliford, as described in the report of the Joint Head of Asset Management and exempt appendices.

Reason for the decision:

The finances to purchase the site were available in the Capital budget and there were significant benefits in acquiring the site including:

(a)       a decrease in the anti-social behaviour issues connected with the existing use of the Site;

(b)       the public benefit of securing an appropriate future use of the Site that is compatible with its location, as well as the adjoining residential area; and

(c)       its potential for housing.