Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the BUILDINGS, LAND AND PROCUREMENT PANEL of the COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 16 July 2004.
PRESENT:
Councillors: T.K. Thornber, CBE (Chairman); B.D. Dash; C. Davidovitz;
B.T. Gurden; D.A. Kirk; J.W. Stocks; W.H. Wheeler; M. Woodhall; J.K. West (Observer).
164 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.
165 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 25 May 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
166 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Chairman's communications.
167 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
There were no Members' Questions.
168 DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations.
169 PROPERTY MATTERS
The Panel received for information a copy of "Property Matters" which was produced by Property, Business and Regulatory Services and issued to all schools with the purpose of improving communication relating to buildings and property issues. A copy is set out as Item 6 in the Minute Book.
170 ALTON INFANT SCHOOL - DESIGN PROJECT APPRAISAL
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on a building design project appraisal to provided three purpose-built permanent classroom spaces, a staff room and link corridor extension at this school.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that the building design project appraisal at Alton Infant School, at an estimated cost of £895,000, excluding fees, be approved.
171 LAKESIDE SCHOOL, CHANDLERS FORD - DESIGN PROJECT APPRAISAL
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on a building design project appraisal to provide improved educational and residential facilities at this school. Members welcomed the investment in buildings to provide improved facilities for youngsters attending this school and endorsed the proposed expenditure on fire safety and sprinklers which they felt was fully justified in this case.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that the design project appraisal at Lakeside School, Chandlers Ford, at an estimated cost of £2,065,000, excluding fees, be approved.
172 NIGHTINGALE PRIMARY SCHOOL, EASTLEIGH - DESIGN PROJECT APPRAISAL
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on a building design project appraisal for an extension to provide permanent classroom accommodation at this school.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that the building design project appraisal for an extension at Nightingale Primary School, Eastleigh at an estimated cost of £1,130,000, excluding fees, be approved.
173 FIRE SAFETY POLICY IN THE BUILT ESTATE
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) on the implementation of the new policy for installation of sprinkler systems based on a risk assessment approach, where appropriate, across the built estate and the additional structural fire precautions that have emerged. Councillors Kirk, Stocks and Woodhall declared personal interests as Members of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority; this did not amount to a personal prejudicial interest and the Members concerned remained in the meeting for this item.
Members drew attention to the fact that Hampshire County Council went beyond the statutory requirements for fire safety as provided in the Building Regulations and felt that the approach based on risk assessment could be commended as an example to other Local Authorities. Specific reference was made to the quality of environment created in developments such as the new nursing care provision and it was suggested that the opportunity should be taken for Members to visit one of the nursing care projects at a suitable stage.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that
(i) Further consideration be given to identify resources to support the continued implementation of the revised sprinkler policy and the completion of structural fire precautions.
(ii) The summary schedule of projects where sprinklers and additional structural fire precautions will be implemented as a result of the new policy be noted.
(iii) That a visit for Members be arranged to one of the new nursing care developments at a suitable stage.
174 PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES, BUILDING COST TRENDS AND PROJECT APPROVALS
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 11 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to a number of new procurement initiatives and on the funding for projects that are proposed for the current financial year. The Committee received an update on the fire damage reinstatement project at Nightingale Primary School, Eastleigh and on the action being taken following an accident and general poor performance by the contractor. Panel Members suggested there should be dialogue with the Executive Member for Education before any commitments were entered into for expenditure at Oak Farm Community School.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that approval be given to
(i) The procurement initiatives set out in Appendix 1 relating to:
· Minor work for schools - packaging arrangements
· Mechanical and electrical services supply chains
· External ramps and hard landscaping
· Hythe Primary School - hall and kitchen extension (completion contract)
· Brookfield Community School, Sarisbury - schools access initiative
· Brune Park Community School, Gosport - science laboratory refurbishments
· Neville Lovett Community School, Fareham - re-roofing and associated work
· Woodlea Primary School, Bordon - extension
(ii) That the project at Oak Farm Community School, Cove - NDS modernisation (catering/food technology) should be subject to further consultation with the Executive Member for Education before any further commitment on building expenditure is entered into.
(iii) That the information on cost planning and cost trends be noted.
(iv) That the projects listed in paragraph 6.1 of the report be approved.
(v) The action being taken following the fire at Nightingale Primary School, in response to the contractors' poor performance, be endorsed, including the approval of reinstatement work up to the value of £450,000.
Arising from the part of the above report relating to Hythe Primary School, Councillor Dash declared a personal interest as his wife was currently a member of the Governing Body. This did not amount to a personal prejudicial interest and he stayed in the meeting during consideration of this item.
175 BUSINESS SERVICE GROUP - REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2003/04
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 12 in the Minute Book) summarising the financial performance of the self-funding business units within the Property, Business and Regulatory Services Department during 2003/04. Members felt that the staff concerned should be congratulated on their entrepreneurial approach and on the results achieved.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that:
(i) That the 2003/04 report and final accounts for the Business Services Group be approved.
(ii) That the staff concerned be congratulated on their achievements.
176 THE USE OF "WOODFIRED BOILERS" IN THE BUILT ESTATE OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 13 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the installation of a "pilot" woodfired boiler plant at Queen Elizabeth County Park, Horndean. Councillor Wheeler declared a personal interest as a Gas Board pensioner; this did not amount to a personal prejudicial interest and he remained in the meeting during consideration of the item.
Members debated the issues in considerable detail and saw some attractions in proceeding on an experimental basis with a boiler which used sustainable and renewable fuel resources. However, they felt they would like to explore the concept of sustainable energy in more depth via a presentation at their next meeting, before the County Council commits itself to the concept. They also expressed doubts at the costs and design of the proposed boiler building and asked for a report giving full particulars at their next meeting in October.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources to request:
(i) a detailed presentation by the Director of Environment and Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services on sustainable and renewable energy sources, to form the background and context for a decision to be taken on any proposed "pilot" woodfired boiler;
(ii) that the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services prepare detailed plans and costs of the proposed woodfired boiler at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Horndean, for consideration by the Panel in the event that they go ahead with the concept under (i) above.
177 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED:
That, by virtue of paragraph 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting.
178 BINFIELDS SURGERY SITE, GREAT BINFIELDS ROAD, BASINGSTOKE
The Panel considered the confidential report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 15 in the Minute Book) on the proposed doctors' surgery site at Binfields, Basingstoke.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that:
(i) Approval be granted for 0.44 hectares (1.07 acres) of land at Binfields Farm Lane, North Binfields, Basingstoke be confirmed as surplus to County Council requirements and that private treaty negotiations be authorised on the basis recommended in the report, for the development of a two-practice doctors' surgery and pharmacy to replace existing facilities at the Lychpit Local Centre.
(ii) The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services be authorised to negotiate and finalise terms and conditions, including approval of the detailed design proposals for the new surgery, the grant of a long ground lease and the taking of a surrender of the existing leasehold interest of the East Barn Surgery in the County Council's accommodation at the Lychpit Local Centre.
179 CONTRACT ISSUES AND THE ENERGY MARKET
The Panel considered the confidential report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 16 in the Minute Book) on contract issues and the energy market.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that approval be given to:
(i) Authorise the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services to award contracts for the supply of electricity to monthly build small sites and for the supply of oil fuels and to conclude arrangements for the supply of mains gas in accordance with the principles detailed in the report.
(ii) A retrospective report on the arrangements concluded by presenting to a subsequent meeting of the Panel.
(iii) Inviting tenders to establish a framework contract for the supply of plumbed-in water cooling equipment.
180 LAND ADJOINING RACHEL MADOCKS SPECIAL SCHOOL, WECOCK, HAVANT - SALE OF DEVELOPMENT LAND
The Panel considered the confidential report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 17 in the Minute Book). The views of the local County Councillor, Mrs. S.E. Allbright, would be established and reported to the Executive Member for Policy and Resources' Decision Day.
RESOLVED:
That the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that the following be approved:
(i) The sale of 1.37 hectares (3.38 acres) of land adjoining Rachel Madocks Special School, Wecock, Havant on the basis recommended in the report and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Head of Estates Practice) be authorised to settle detailed terms and conditions of the sale on the basis set out in the report.
(ii) That the County Education Officer retain up to 100% of the capital receipt towards the cost of constructing a new school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) and an education centre in Leigh Park as part of the Havant special education strategy.
181 NORTH POPLEY DEVELOPMENT AREA - INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT JOHN HUNT OF EVEREST SCHOOL - PHASES I - III PRIMARY HIGHWAY AND SERVICING INFRASTRUCTURE
The Panel considered the confidential report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 18 in the Minute Book) and it was
RESOLVED:
(i) That, subject to the approval of the Capital Programme by the Cabinet on 26 July 2004, the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel advises the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that approval should be given to:
(a) The project appraisal for the infrastructure works including a scheme of site preparation works to provide the required highway and servicing arrangements and associated structural landscaping for the replacement of John Hunt of Everest School and the proposed strategic disposal phases of the County Council's development of its land at North Popley, Basingstoke.
(b) Secure the necessary stopping up and/or highway diversion orders associated with the infrastructure works under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and/or the Highways Act (1980).
(ii) That the County Council's appreciation be expressed to Louise Hague and Tony Davison, in the Estates Practice, for their achievements with the North Popley development proposals.
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