To receive a report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment. (Key Decision: 4241)
This report should also be read in conjunction with the report on the part 1 agenda.
(This item will contain exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person – including the authority holding that information) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).
Minutes:
Councillor Alan Sitkin (Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Business Development) introduced the report of the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.81).
NOTED
1. That Report No.80 also referred as detailed in Minute No.6 above.
2. That a super part two report was circulated at the meeting (No.81A) and collected in again following consideration by the Cabinet.
3. Members noted the detailed content within the super part two report, and Councillor Taylor invited comments and questions from those Members present at the meeting. A discussion followed on various aspects of the process which had taken place to date and the proposed way forward. It was noted that the recommendations within the super part two report were as detailed in the part one report, outlined in Minute No.6 above.
4. The legal requirements with regard to the proposed way forward and negotiations with the reserve bidder were outlined and discussed, as set out in the report.
5. The key issues for the Council were highlighted.
6. The detail of the discussion which had taken place at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
7. The detail and timescales of the negotiations which had taken place with the preferred bidder.
8. Councillor Laban (Leader of the Conservative Group) was invited to address the Cabinet and raised a number of concerns and points of clarification which were considered at the meeting. Members’ attention was drawn to a number of specific paragraphs within the super part two report including 3.17, 6.1.3 and 6.3.2. The issues raised were discussed and addressed at the meeting. Councillor Laban also acknowledged the need to ensure the successful delivery of much needed new homes within the Borough.
9. Councillor Taylor responded to the points raised and outlined the proposed way forward; the timescales involved and the on-going issues to be addressed. The Council had a legal commitment to go to the reserve bidder. There were a number of challenges that would need to be met in order to agree an acceptable way forward.
10. Officers outlined the current position with regard to the designation of strategic industrial land, the progress of the Mayor’s London Plan and ongoing work with Network Rail.
11. That all Cabinet meetings now received an update on Meridian Water and any required decisions would be brought back to a future Cabinet meeting. Paragraphs 3.23 and 3.24 of the super part two report were highlighted.
12. The legal requirements which needed to be met with regard to the reserve bidder and the timescales, as outlined in detail in the report. Members reiterated the importance of ensuring that the Council achieved the best deal possible for Enfield residents; the Council would continue to act in the best interests of the Borough.
13. Members would reflect on the negotiations which had taken place with the preferred bidder and learn from that experience in moving forward. The legal advisers present at the meeting outlined in detail the changed position of the preferred bidder and gave assurances on the Council’s position with regard to moving forward with Meridian Water.
14. The anticipated timing that could be achieved in the provision of new homes at Meridian Water.
15. The terms of the procurement requirements to be met with regard to the reserve bidder and the timings for this to take place.
16. Paragraph 6.2.1 of the report and the implications of this. A discussion on the legal issues followed and a number of points raised by Members were clarified by the external legal representatives present at the meeting.
17. In conclusion Councillor Taylor outlined the proposed way forward. Further reports would be presented to future Cabinet meetings as and when appropriate.
Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in the super part two report (No.81A), section 4 of the report referred.
DECISION: The Cabinet agreed recommendations 2.1 to 2.5 set out in the super part two report (No.81A) and reflected in the part one report (Minute No.6 above refers).
Reason: As detailed in the super part two report (No.81A), section 5 of the report referred.
(Key decision – reference number 4241)
Supporting documents: