Agenda item

The minutes of the Executive of the 14 January 2020 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Bialyk, seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Sutton, and taken as read.

In respect of Minute No. 4 (Commercial Strategy), the Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 5 (Environmental Enforcement Pilot Scheme Results and Future Options), the Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 6 (Flood Protection Schemes 2019-2022), the Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 7 (Structural Inspection Programme of Exeter City Council Bridges), the Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 8 (Housing Rents and Service Charges 2020-21), the Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 9 (2020/21 Budget Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan), the Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried unanimously.

In respect of Minute No. 11 (New Performance Venue and Redevelopment of the Corn Exchange), the Leader confirmed the Council’s commitment to re-develop the Corn Exchange and of the intention to consult the relevant Scrutiny Committee.

In respect of Minute No. 12 (Minutes of the Leisure Complex and Bus Station Programme Board), the Leader, responding to Members’ queries, confirmed that full consideration had been given to the options in respect of a long distance coach waiting facility including consultation with the Devon and Cornwall Police on public safety matters such as anti-social behaviour and that the minutes of the Programme Board set out in detail the reasons for not seeking to deliver this facility.

In respect of Minute No. 13 (Loan to Exeter City Living for Clifton Hill Development), the Leader explained:-

·         the rationale behind the establishment of Exeter City Living (ECL);

·         the need to provide ECL with a loan to ensure it would be able to deliver the Council’s aspirations to provide high quality homes at eight sites across the city together with the proposed residential element for the Clifton Hill site;

·         the Council’s commitment to the retention of open space and of the two leisure facilities - the Golf Driving Range and the Ski Slope - at Clifton Hill; and

·         the Council was opposed to student accommodation on the site.

The Leader responded as follows to Members’ queries:-

·         in order to ensure a balanced budget for the Council a mixed residential provision, rather than 100% social housing, had been identified as the preferred option for the Clifton Hill site;

·         ECL, as a Council owned development company, would ensure the housing mix brought forward for the Clifton Hill site accords with Council requirements;

·         vacant building credit would offset the shortfall in affordable housing provision;

·         the sale of the proposed 44 units would be via the open market and therefore available to local people; and

·         there would be full consultation with the local community on all aspects of the proposals as they are brought forward, including use of the protected green space, landscaping and developing and supporting biodiversity.

During discussion the following points were raised:-

·         Members welcomed the plans for the Clifton Hill site;

·         the Council had always been committed to the protection and development of green open spaces, parks and valley parks across the city with several examples referred to;

·         strategies for trees and woodlands, play and parks and open spaces were currently being developed reflecting the Council’s commitment to its green agenda; and

·         future proposals for open space areas would be considered on merit.

The Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendation and it was carried.

In respect of Minute No. 16 (Clifton Hill Site), the Leader responded as follows to Members’ queries:-

·         should the Secretary of State not consent to the disposal of land, an Extraordinary meeting of the Council would be called to discuss the way forward; and

·         details of the vacant building credit mechanism were available from the Section 151 Officer and the ECL Managing Director.

The Leader moved and the Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations and they were carried.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Executive held on 14 January 2020 be received, and where appropriate, adopted.