Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the BUILDINGS, LAND AND PROCUREMENT PANEL of the County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on 3 October 2006.

Councillors:

p M.J. Woodhall (Chairman)

130 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors R.J. Baulk, D.A. Kirk and J. Maxwell gave apologies as they were at the Conservative Party Conference.

131 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.

Councillor K. Gill declared on a non prejudicial interest in Minute No ? below as his grandchildren attended Burghclere Primary School.

132 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

133 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman welcomed Councillor K. Gill, who had recently been appointed to the Panel. The Chairman invited the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services to make comment on the two brochures circulated to the Panel about corporate procurement.

134 DEPUTATIONS

No deputations had been notified under Standing Order 21.

135 PROJECT APPRAISAL: PROVISION OF THE NEW ROMSEY HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE
The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) detailing a project appraisal for the provision of the new Romsey Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). At the meeting it was highlighted that an updated report had been circulated to Panel Members prior to the meeting and Members were asked to refer to this in their deliberations.

Councillor N. Cooper, Member for Romsey Town and Tadburn addressed the Panel and outlined his reservations about the siting of the proposed HWRC. A copy of the email received from Councillor Cooper was circulated at the meeting.

The Panel debated in detail the project appraisal for the construction of a new HWRC at Luzborough Depot, and whilst there was an understanding that the existing Casbrook HWRC was no longer sufficient to serve the Romsey area residents due to the significant increase in population over recent years within the catchment area of this site. The Panel were not entirely satisfied that alternative sites and options had been fully investigated and it was suggested that further evidence be provided about the processes that led to the selection of the Luzborough Depot by the Director of Environment. Furthermore the Panel, whilst understanding the concerns of local residents about traffic congestion and other issues, considered that these were matters for taking up at the Regulatory Committee.

In considering the report, it was noted that the Executive Member for Environment was aware of concerns raised by the Member for Romsey Extra, who supported the need for a new HWRC to better serve Romsey, but had registered objections to the Luzborough Depot site, regarding the impact for local residents. As these concerns were principally on unrelated issues, the Executive Member for Environment considered that the issues raised by the Member for Romsey Extra were best tested through the planning application process.

The Executive Member for Environment commended the project appraisal to the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, as the development of a new HWRC at the Luzborough Depot would improve waste and recycling facilities and would ensure the HWRC Service was more accessible to a greater number of Test Valley residents.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that subject to a further report/supplementary information outlining the merits and viability of alternative sites and noting the comments of the Executive Member for Environment, the project appraisal for the construction of a new household waste recycling centre at Luzborough Depot, Romsey, at an estimated cost of £1,692,000 be approved.

(b) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that authority to acquire the freehold interest in 0.35 hectares (0.87 acres) of land at Luzborough Depot, Romsey for the construction of a HWRC and to enter in a lease of the remaining 0.65 hectares (1.6 acres) for the continued use as a chippings depot on the basis as set out in the report and on other detailed terms and conditions to be settled by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Head of Estates) be approved.


(c) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised to submit a planning application seeking consent to carry out the construction of a new HWRC at Luzborough Depot, Romsey.

136 PROJECT APPRAISAL : RELOCATION OF THE ANDOVER WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) detailing a project appraisal for the relocation of the Andover Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). In considering the report, it was noted that the Executive Member for Environment supported this proposal.

RESOLVED:

a) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that the Project Appraisal for the relocation of the existing Andover HWRC to a new site on the Walworth Industrial Estate in Andover, at an estimated cost of £1,168,000, be approved.

b) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approve the submission of a planning application seeking consent to carry out the construction of the new Andover HWRC on the Walworth Industrial Estate in Andover, at an estimated cost of £1,168,000, be approved.

137 PROJECT APPRAISAL : REGENERATION OF OLDER URBAN AREAS AND LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN - TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME - RUMBRIDGE STREET, TOTTON - PHASE 2

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) detailing a project appraisal to implement Phase 2 of the Traffic and Environmental Improvement Scheme in Rumbridge Street, Totton.

The Panel welcomed the proposals and in particular considered that the scheme would provide a safer and more secure environment for pedestrians by reducing vehicle speed and movement. It was further noted that the scheme was the second part of a programme of improvements in the Totton Town Centre area. In considering the proposal, there was discussion about the traffic congestion created by the railway crossing. It was noted that the Executive Member for Environment recommended this proposal.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that the project appraisal to implement Phase 2 of the Traffic and Environmental Improvement Scheme in Rumbridge Street, Totton at an estimated cost of £834,000, be approved.

138 BURGHCLERE PRIMARY SCHOOL, BURGHCLERE

Councillor K. Gill declared a non prejudicial interest in the following item as his grandchildren attended the primary school and remained in the meeting room during consideration thereof.

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 9 in the Minute Book) detailing a project appraisal for extension and refurbishment works at this school.

In considering the report the Panel requested that future school project appraisals highlight both in the covering report and project appraisal the capacity of the school.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that the design project appraisal for Burghclere Primary School at an estimated cost of £556,000, excluding fees, be approved.

139 THE HORRILL CENTRE, DIBDEN

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) detailing a project appraisal for a Wellbeing and Day Opportunities Centre at Challenger Way, Dibden.

The Panel welcomed the proposals and considered that the purpose-built centre would provide enhanced facilities for elderly people and other vulnerable and socially excluded groups with the intention to maximise their well being and enhance the quality of the environment.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that the project appraisal for the proposed Horrill Centre at an estimated cost of £1,24000, excluding fees, be approved and the use of the capital receipt from the sale of the Old School House, Canon Street, Lymington to the Horrill Centre scheme be approved.

140 STRATEGY FOR THE BUILT ESTATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 11 in the Minute Book) detailing progress made against the strategy for the built estate.

The Panel raised concerns that whilst there had been significant additional funding for schools over recent years, investment in the non- schools estate had remained static. It was suggested that the Executive Member for Policy and Resources consider options to re-address the balance.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised of the progress made against the strategy for the built estate and also consider options to re-address the balance with funding for the non-schools estate.

141 REVENUE AND CAPITAL REPAIRS 2006/07 - SIX MONTHLY REVIEW

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 12 in the Minute Book) updating Members on the current financial position for revenue and capital repairs and the New Deal for Schools (NDS) condition funding.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised to approve the following:

(a) The proposed change in professional fee allocation within the capital repairs programme.

(b) The proposed additions to the capital repairs/NDS programmes, as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(c) New fire alarms and upgraded emergency lighting be installed at Linden House, Lymington; Cherry Orchard, Andover; Newman Basset, Basingstoke; Nightingale Lodge, Romsey; Cornerways, Kingsworthy; Bulmer House, Petersfield and Cranleigh Paddock, Lyndhurst.

(d) Either a risk assessed set of minor improvements to the structural fire precaution measures at Stocklands be progressed or the fire alarm and emergency lighting be upgraded subject to the decision on future provision.

142 CORPORATE PROCUREMENT REVIEW PROGRAMME - UPDATE ON ADULT SERVICES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 13 in the Minute Book) detailing progress on the following four priority areas:

· Analysis of residential rates and costs

· Independent sector residential care non pay costs

· Use of assessment matrix in learning disability

· Domiciliary care market analysis and negotiations


RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised of the progress on the procurement reviews in Adult Services.

143 HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL/HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 14 in the Minute Book) summarising the processes, policy and procedures that resulted from the Partnership agreement. The objectives and action plan arising out of the first year of the partnership and identifying future objectives and issues to be tackled in year two.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that approval be given to:

(a) The fire safety improvements completed during the first year of the Partnership between the County Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

(b) The continuation of the Partnership arrangements and the objectives and actions for the forthcoming twelve months.

144 MAJOR PROJECTS UPDATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 15 in the Minute Book) highlighting key issues on the following schemes:

· Merton Rise/Everest Community College

· Nursing Care accommodation

· Winchester Discovery Centre

· Ashburton Court


RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that approval be given to:

(a) Progress with the Merton Rise development and the disposal strategy for the next major phase of work be reported to the Panel in Spring 2007.

(b) The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services submitting a further report on the marketing of the redundant library HQ building in North Walls, Winchester and the overall cost of the Discovery Centre project.

(c) The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services submitting a further report on Ashburton Court about the costs, financial risks and key dates in the programme for consideration before the main packages of work are let by the main contractor.

145 PROCUREMENT INITIATIVES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 16 in the Minute Book) detailing an interim review of the arrangements for the current financial year of all present initiatives, including the framework for major schemes and other strategic partnerships. The report also proposed a number of new initiatives to be introduced over the remainder of the financial year.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources be advised that approval be given to:

(a) Projects being undertaken through the Framework for Major Schemes as identified in Appendix 1.

(b) The procurement initiatives implemented this year as set out in Appendix 2.

(c) The proposed procurement initiatives set out in Appendix 3 relating to :

· Extension to Second Tier Framework Pilots (SME)

· Rowner Youth Services - Extension to provide enhanced facilities

· Tadley Burnham Copse School - Amalgamation

· Basingstoke School Plus - Provision of post school working environment

· Flat Roofing Framework - new framework

· Ramps & Hard Landscaping Framework - New framework

· Temporary Buildings Term Contract - Extension to existing arrangement with the Elliot Group

· Portchester Community School - Extension of existing contract for re-cladding; replacement windows and re-roofing

· Swanwick Lodge Secure Unit - Refurbishment and enhanced facilities

· Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College - Phase 2 re-cladding

· Parkway and Nuance Global House - Office accommodation

(d) The development of the following scheme under the Framework for Major Schemes and Programmes of Work is noted:

· Burnham Copse School, Tadley - amalgamation of existing schools

(e) The extension of the Second Tier Framework (SME) arrangement until September 2007.

146 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED:

That, in relation to the items set out in Minute 147 - 150 below, the press and public be excluded from the meeting as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that if members of the public were present during the items there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within paragraph 3 of Part 1 to Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the three reports concerned.

147 PROVISION OF THE NEW ROMSEY HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE - APPENDIX

The Panel considered the exempt appendix relating to the project appraisal for the provision of the new Romsey HWRC (Item 6 in the Minute Book).

148 RELOCATION OF THE ANDOVER HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE - APPENDIX

The Panel considered the exempt appendix relating to the project appraisal for the relocation of the Andover HWRC (Item 7 in the Minute Book).

149 NEW FOREST EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL REORGANISATION - THE FORMER BLACKFIELD AND LANGDOWN INFANT SCHOOLS

The Panel considered the exempt report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 20 in the Minute Book) concerning the disposal of two areas of land owned by the County Council which were surplus to educational requirements and formed part of the rationalisation of primary schools in the New Forest East area.
[SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPT MINUTE ]

150 TREADGOLDS MUSEUM, BISHOP STREET, PORTSMOUTH - FUTURE STRATEGY

The Panel considered the exempt report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 21 in the Minute Book) detailing the current position regarding the Treadgolds Museum in Portsmouth, which had been closed for a number of years.
[SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPT MINUTE ]