The Committee resolved to approve that:
The Development Sub-Committee, with support from officers:
1. Progress a comprehensive mixed use, phased masterplan strategy for Council owned site in Staines,
2. Identify suitable development delivery options for Council owned sites, in other parts of the Borough and not included as part of a comprehensive Staines masterplan or subject to early disposal to mitigate high holding costs,
3. Identify and progress options for mitigating holding costs via:
a) Early disposal of sites, which have high monthly holding costs and are not suitable for inclusion in a comprehensive masterplan for Staines-upon-Thames,
b) Work to obtain fixed costs for the demolition of Thameside House to offset high holding costs,
c) Temporary lettings for those sites which will continue to remain in the Council’s ownership in the medium to long term; and
d) Delegate authority to the Development Sub-Committee to agree the terms and completion of lettings where these are not covered under the Officer Scheme of Delegation.
It was proposed by Councillor Williams seconded by Councillor Sexton and resolved that due to part of the presentation containing exempt information, that this item be moved to the end of the agenda.
The Group Head – Assets gave a presentation on the Mixed-Use Development Delivery Options, for Council Owned Land and Property Including Public Car Parks.
It was proposed by Councillor Beecher seconded by Councillor Sexton and resolved to exclude the public and press be excluded for the following agenda items, in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it was likely to disclose information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in being able to undertake even-handed negotiations and finalizing acceptable contract terms.
The Development Management Contractor presented a summary explaining the various delivery mechanisms available.
The Parking Services Operational Manager, and the Group Head – Neighbourhood Services presented an outline of the income generated from parking spaces across the borough alongside example of costs for Elmsleigh Multi Surface Car Park.
The Prinicpal Asset Manager, and the Asset Management Consultant presented alternative options that could be considered for each site. Options for mitigating holding costs were also explained.
The Committee resolved that a comprehensive mixed use phased masterplan development strategy for Staines be progressed.
The Committee resolved that potential delivery options for Council owned sites not included as part of a comprehensive masterplan be identified.
The Committee resolved that a report be taken to Corporate Policy and Resources on timescales, considerations and next steps, including:
The Committee resolved that principles for mitigating holding costs, excluding demolition, should be established.