Agenda and minutes

Agreed.

Received a report proposing the conversion of two small amenity greens in Digby Gardens into parking bays to alleviate a parking problem in this area.

Agreed this proposal in view of the benefit to local residents and the effects this will have on easing traffic congestion in that vicinity.

Received a report proposing the conversion of two small amenity greens in Walfrey Gardens into parking bays to alleviate a parking problem in this area.

Agreed this proposal in view of the benefit to local residents and the effects this will have on easing traffic congestion in that vicinity.

We have asked the Director of Leisure and Environmental Services to produce a scoping report for the Scrutiny Management Board to look into the general issues affecting amenity greens across the Borough.

Received a report proposing organisational changes in the Housing and Health Department in order to implement and successfully deliver a number of important initiatives, including the arrangements for delivering the Option Appraisal in respect of meeting the Decent Homes Standard, the new Homelessness Strategy and new sustainable communities in the Thames Gateway.

Agreed, in order to ensure that effective arrangements are in place for meeting and successfully delivering on the Council’s statutory responsibilities, to:

1. The organisational changes proposed in this report;

2. The financial proposals for meeting the cost of these changes; and

3. Waiver the tender process, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 4.1(e) of the Contract Rules, in order to continue the employment of Newbury King Consultants for a period of approximately 6 months and at a maximum cost of £28,600.

4. A Panel of Members to comprise of Councillors B Osborn, Alexander, McKenzie and Kallar to consider the appointments of the Head of Strategy Development and the Head of Health and Consumer Services.

The Draft School Organisation Plan has been circulated previously, is available in the Members Rooms and is available on the Intranet / Internet.

Received the draft School Organisation Plan 2003, which sets out the Council's proposals to provide school places within the Borough.

Agreed the Plan in accordance with statutory requirements.

Received a report presenting the draft Planning Brief for the Axe Street Car Park.  The report also sought approval for the draft consultation strategy and the disposal of the Axe Street car park. 

Agreed, in order to pave the way for the development of new affordable homes allied to the Town Square Phase 1, the following:

1. The Draft Town Square Phases 1 and 2 Planning Brief as set out in Annex 1 of the report;

2. The Consultation Strategy as set out in annex 2 of the report; and

3. The disposal of the Axe Street car park site with the terms of the disposal being confirmed by the Director of Leisure and Environmental Services.

Agreed to exclude the public and press for the remainder of the meeting, as the business was confidential.