Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 4 September and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, seeking in principal approval for Exeter Mencap to create a new inclusive play area at King George V Playing Field (KGV) in Countess Wear and to agree to a temporary disposal at less than best consideration to facilitate the scheme.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 4 September 2007 and the support and comments of members were noted. 

The Director Community and Environment reported that whilst the play area would be designed particularly for the benefit of autistic children, all children would be able to use the facility. She reported that the Council would support Mencap as much as possible with the proposal though the exact terms would be dependent on the management and maintenance arrangements required by the Big Lottery Fund.

Members welcomed the proposed play area and requested that, in due course, consideration be given to introducing similar facilities in other areas of the city.

Noting the options available and for the reasons stated in the report, Executive resolved that:-

(1)        the principle be approved of leasing approximately the area shown on the plan attached to the report to Exeter Mencap for a period of 10 years at a peppercorn rental (representing an undervalue of £1,500 per annum), and the Council offers to maintain the play area during that period;

(2)        if Exeter Mencap’s lottery application is successful, the Council seeks the necessary consents for the disposal to go ahead and, if necessary, funds the cost of maintaining the play area; and

(3)        any representations arising from the public consultation on disposal be considered and if necessary addressed by the Heads of Leisure and Museums and Estates in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Environment & Leisure and for Economy & Tourism.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, seeking in principal approval for Exeter Mencap to create a new inclusive play area at King George V Playing Field (KGV) in Countess Wear and to agree to a temporary disposal at less than best consideration to facilitate the scheme.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 4 September 2007 and the support and comments of members were noted. 

The Director Community and Environment reported that whilst the play area would be designed particularly for the benefit of autistic children, all children would be able to use the facility. She reported that the Council would support Mencap as much as possible with the proposal though the exact terms would be dependent on the management and maintenance arrangements required by the Big Lottery Fund.

Members welcomed the proposed play area and requested that, in due course, consideration be given to introducing similar facilities in other areas of the city.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        the principle be approved of leasing approximately the area shown on the plan attached to the report to Exeter Mencap for a period of 10 years at a peppercorn rental (representing an undervalue of £1,500 per annum), and the Council offers to maintain the play area during that period;

(2)        if Exeter Mencap’s lottery application is successful, the Council seeks the necessary consents for the disposal to go ahead and, if necessary, funds the cost of maintaining the play area; and

(3)        any representations arising from the public consultation on disposal be considered and if necessary addressed by the Heads of Leisure and Museums and Estates in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Environment & Leisure and for Economy & Tourism.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums – report circulated. 

The Head of Leisure and Museums presented the report seeking approval in principle for Exeter Mencap to create a new inclusive play area at King George V Playing Field in Countess Wear and to agree to a temporary disposal at less than best consideration to facilitate the scheme.

In response to a Member, he advised that the site had been chosen because of good access, ease of reach to likely client groups, parking and suitable land conditions.

He advised that the cost implications to the Council would be an under valuation of £1,500 per annum of the annual rental through the setting of a peppercorn rent and annual maintenance of £1,500. It was hoped that the latter could be absorbed within the general grounds maintenance budget as a Member was anxious that the cost of the scheme should not fall on Exeter Mencap. It was understood that the Countess Wear Community Association were supportive of the proposal.

Scrutiny Committee - Community requested Executive to:-

(1)            approve in principle leasing the area as shown on the circulated plan to Exeter Mencap for a period of 10 years at a peppercorn rental, representing an undervalue of £1,500 per annum and offering to maintain the play area during that period;

(2)        in the event of Exeter Mencap’s lottery application being successful, agree to the necessary consents being sought for the disposal to go ahead and, if necessary, to fund the cost of maintaining the play area; and

(3)             authorise the Heads of Leisure and Museums and Estates Services, following prior consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Environment and Leisure and for Economy and Tourism, to consider and address any representations received following public consultation on the disposal.

(Report circulated)