Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Corporate Manager Property.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 16 March 2016 and its comments will be reported.

The report of the Corporate Manager Property was submitted to update Members on the potential for earning advertising income within car parks and some public open space. Members were advised that this proposal had been developed from an initiative from the Income Generation Task and Finish Group and their remit to explore new income streams. 

Councillor Hannan, having given notice under Standing Order no.44, spoke on this item. She stated that she was representing the residents of Priory Ward whom together with herself, had concerns regarding the impact that advertising hoardings would have on King George V Playing Fields as it fronted onto Bridge Road and Ludwell Valley Park and Northbrook Golf Course as they fronted onto Topsham Road. Any hoardings would detract from this attractive gateway to the city and these areas should be protected.

Councillor Robson, having given notice under Standing Order no.44, spoke on this item. She had concerns that advertising hoardings would attract graffiti and could cause safety issues in car parks with people hiding behind them. She also agreed that the attractive entrance to the city along Topsham Road should be protected.

Councillor Wardle, having given notice under Standing Order no.44, spoke on this item. He stated that he supported Councillors Hannan’s and Robson’s comments and also questioned the strength of the Northbrook Golf Course bank to support a large advertising hoarding as it had given way some years ago.

Members discussed the principle of advertising and, whilst acknowledging that many of the sites would require advertising consent, they had concerns regarding taking this proposal forward and the negative impact it could have upon the public realm in the City. Whilst recognising the work officers had put into this report, the Leader proposed that the report be withdrawn and this was supported by Members.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 16 March 2016 and its comments were reported.

RESOLVED that the report be withdrawn.

To consider the report of the Corporate Manager Property.

The Corporate Manager Property presented a report which proposed the transfer by lease of Exwick and Flowerpot Playing Fields, including the changing rooms, to Exeter College but with continued use by the community. A copy of the plan was circulated with the report.  It was noted that this would help to deliver an innovative Exwick Sports Hub, with minimal resource implications for the Council. He responded to a Member’s query on the establishment of a local board and concern about the level of future use by the incumbent sports clubs, and ability to continue to host community and charitable events. Local clubs would be invited to become a member of the board. It was unlikely that there would be any conflict between the use by Exeter College, who would predominantly use the pitches from Monday to Friday, leaving the pitches available for the clubs to use at weekends and evenings. He updated Members and confirmed that there were no TUPE arrangements to resolve and the commitment to continuing community use would be included in the lease documentation.

The Member considered this to be an excellent model to take forward.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources supported approval by Executive for the transfer by lease of the Exwick and Flowerpot Playing Fields along the lines set out in the circulated report, but with the detailed terms to be agreed by the Corporate Manager Property in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder Enabling Services.