Agenda item - MERIDIAN WATER: DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Agenda item

MERIDIAN WATER: DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment will be circulated as soon as possible. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.237, agenda part one refers. Note: Super part 2 information will be tabled at the meeting under restricted circulation. (Key decision – reference number 3827)

(Report No.240)

(9.35 – 9.40pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance and Property) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.240).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.237 also referred as detailed in Minute No.14 above;

 

2.               That a super part two report was circulated at the meeting and collected in again following consideration (No.240A);

 

3.               A full and detailed discussion took place on the content of the report and the proposals being presented to Members for consideration and agreement on the way forward.

 

4.               The three individual sites of land and the professional advice which had been provided to the Council in its considerations.

 

5.               In detail, the potential risks of the proposals and how these would be mitigated. The insurance measures that were being pursued were noted.

 

6.               The detailed financial implications as set out in the super part 2 report.

 

7.               The discussions which had been taking place with the Environment Agency.

 

8.               The proposed Heads of Terms attached to the super part 2 report.

 

9.               The process that was being followed in order to continue to progress and conclude the discussions and proposals to the satisfaction and agreement of all parties concerned.  Further work was required and would be subject to the necessary agreements. Appropriate delegated authority was being sought as outlined in the decisions set out below.

 

10.           Members’ raised a number of questions which were responded to by officers present and clarification provided where required on the proposals set out in the reports. Issues raised included the proposed use of the sites, the overage that could apply and the required infrastructure.

 

11.           The need to address the public health implications. These would be addressed in the forthcoming delegated action decisions and reports.

 

12.           Members were advised of the powers and restrictions of applying for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

 

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in section 6 of the report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.              Authorise the purchase of the three National Grid sites described in the report, in accordance with the substantially agreed Heads of Terms (super part two report - containing exempt information) and subject to appropriate due diligence and the actions detailed in decisions 2, 3 and 4 below.

 

2.              Delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration, and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property (or their appropriate successors following the Council election in May 2014) acting with the Director of Regeneration and Environment and the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services to develop and finalise the Heads of Terms, subject to a further portfolio report which would confirm that the Heads of Terms were satisfactory to the Council.

 

3.              Delegate to the Director of Regeneration and Environment, acting with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services authority to obtain any necessary environmental liability insurance to address the potential risks that were associated with the purchase of these sites and a satisfactory level of assurance from the Environment Agency in relation to the proposed draft outline remediation strategy.

 

4.              Delegate to the Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration, and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property (or their appropriate successors following the Council election in May 2014)  acting with the Director of Regeneration and Environment and the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services authority to exchange and complete the purchase agreements when appropriate.

 

5.              Request an update report following an exchange of contracts.

 

Reason: As detailed in section 7 of the report.

(Key decision – reference number 3827)