Issue - meetings

The minutes of the Special Executive Committee held on 19 June 2025 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Bialyk and taken as read.

In respect of Minute No. 45 Pendragon Road Councillor Moore asked for clarification regarding access points to the site, and the expected greenspace that would be connected to this development. Councillor Banyard asked the Leader to provide information on the guarantees the Council could offer to ensure the enforcement on the ransom strip around the site. Clarification was also sought from Councillor Harding regarding how the land between Savoy Hill Valley Park and Mincinglake Valley park could be joined as soon as possible.

In response the Leader stated that the report had covered the disposal of land and had not been a planning application, that the number of access points was still being discussed by planners with the developers. Discussions surrounding the land at the edges of the site were subject to ongoing work between legal and planning teams. Regarding the land between Savoy Hill Valley Park and Mincinglake Valley Park it would be good to see this provide better and useable amenity space for residents and visitors.

RESOLVED that the minutes of Special Executive Committee held on 19 June 2025 be received.

The minutes of the Special Executive Committee held on 24 June 2025 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Bialyk and taken as read.

In respect of Minute No. 48 Closure of Northbrook Swimming Pool, Councillor Palmer raised concerns about information suggesting that Northbrook Swimming Pool would be demolished by the Council and whether if asked by the Northbrook Trust for the swimming pool to be returned to them in its original condition, the closure would be reconsidered. Councillor Miller-Boam asked the Leader to provide clarification on what work had already been done regarding community ownership of the pool, as recommended by the Customer Focus Scrutiny Committee.

In response the Leader stated that there had been no proposal for the Council to demolish Northbrook Pool as the asset was not ours, and that there was an upcoming meeting with the Legal team regarding the lease, but there would be no reconsideration beyond that.

Councillor Bennett submitted the following question under Standing Order No. 8:

“At the Executive on the 24^th June, over 4 weeks ago, the Leader said with regard to Northbrook Swimming Pool. If agreed tonight, the closure process could take up to 12-weeks. This will give officers time set up focus groups, talk with teachers and engage leisure members to work out ways to help people transition to St Sidwell’s and Riverside pools. We are fortunate in having committed and knowledgeable staff at our leisure centres, who can facilitate this process.”

Please can a full update on these focus groups, transition arrangements and provision made for schools be explained to Council?.” 

The Leader provided the following response in response to Councillor Bennett’s question:

“Following the Executive meeting on 24 June, I am pleased to provide a full update on the progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61