Agenda item

To consider any business that the Chairman rules may be dealt with under Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

[NOTE: In accordance with Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Leader of the Council ruled that the following item be dealt with as Urgent Business due to the need to address public concern.]

[NOTE: In accordance with the Member’s Code of Conduct, Councillor K M Davis declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item arising from being a minor shareholder of Marston’s PLC.  The interest was such that speaking and voting was permissible.]

[NOTE: In accordance with the Member’s Code of Conduct, Councillor I Eastwood declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item arising from his position on the Surrey County Playing Field Association.  The interest was such that speaking was permissible.]

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bittleston, introduced the tabled paper regarding the Children’s Play Area at West Byfleet Recreation Ground.  The meeting was paused in order for Members and those attending the meeting to read the report.  The Leader advised that all Members would be given the opportunity to speak on the Urgent Business item.  In introducing the item the Leader also drew attention to the Council’s leadership and Executive arrangements.  It was noted that the Leader and Executive Members had received emails from local residents expressing concern at the delay in implementing improvements to the Children’s Play Area.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Cultural Services, Councillor Kemp, apologised to residents for the breakdown in communication between the Council and residents.  Councillor Kemp explained that the Executive, at its meeting on 4 February 2016, had agreed to finance from the New Homes Bonus the replacement of adventure play equipment in West Byfleet Recreation Ground at a project cost of £35,000.  In addition, residents had secured £25,000 from Surrey County Council.  The project was added to the Council’s Investment Programme in February 2018 at a total cost of £60,000.  The Executive was advised that the tabled report set out an alternative approach which had been discussed by Officers.  It was explained that, in recognition of West Byfleet as the second largest centre in the Borough and with the planned residential developments at Broadoaks and in West Byfleet Centre, Officers were of the view that it might be more appropriate to build a larger play facility with an investment requirement of circa £300,000.

Attention was drawn to three questions which had been submitted by Councillor Bond and which had been tabled at the meeting.  Regarding the first question, the Portfolio Holder again apologised for the breakdown in communication and advised that a decision would be sought on the way forward.  Regarding the second question concerning ownership, the Leader confirmed that the Executive at its meeting on 2 February 2017 had agreed to the sale of land at West Byfleet Recreation Ground.  Regarding the third question concerning joint venture, the Leader advised that the Council did not have a Joint Venture with Marston’s as the Council was not funding the potential development.

The Leader reminded the Ward Councillors that they had all received the proposals and minutes of the 2 February 2017 and that Councillor Bond was in attendance at the meeting.  The Leader also pointed out that Councillor Bond misrepresented the advice he had received from Officers in May this year.

Following comments raised about the potential development of a family pub/restaurant in West Byfleet, the Executive noted that material planning considerations, such as loss of green space, would need to be robustly addressed by the developer in its planning application.  It was highlighted that the Executive was only considering the play area at the meeting, and that the potential development of a family pub would be a matter for the Planning Committee.

Regarding procedures, Members were reminded to discuss issues with relevant Portfolio Holders should a satisfactory response not be received from Officers.

The Executive considered the two proposals set out in the tabled report.  Following a question, it was noted that neither option was dependant upon any investment from Marston’s or similar.

The Portfolio Holder stated that residents should make a decision on the Children’s Play Area and proposed that Officers be asked to undertake a public consultation with residents over the summer and for a report to be brought back to the Executive on 13 September 2018.  The Portfolio Holder advised that he would be happy to talk to residents and Ward Councillors about the play area.  The Executive welcomed the proposed public engagement and agreed that a consultation with residents should be undertaken over the summer and that a commitment regarding timescale for delivery could be made at the meeting on 13 September 2018.

          RESOLVED

That (i)    Officers be asked to undertake a public consultation with residents regarding the Children’s Play Area in West Byfleet Recreation Ground over the summer; and

          (ii)   a report be brought back to the Executive at its meeting on 13 September 2018.

Reason:   To address public concern regarding the Children’s Play Area at West Byfleet Recreation Ground.