Decisions

To agree the Council's response to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's 'Making Surrey Safer plan for 2010-2023' consultation.

The Executive received a report which sought approval to the Council’s response to Surrey County Council’s public consultation on Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service.  Councillor Mrs Hunwicks, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, explained that the County Council was consulting on its Community Safety Plan and drew attention to the Council’s proposed response at paragraph 3.2 of the report.  The Executive agreed to add to the end of the fourth bullet point in paragraph 3.2 the words ‘and advise the Borough Council of its response to the representations received’.

Councillor Kemp reported that the proposed strategy had been recommended by experienced fire officers and concerned making the best use of resources in order to be more efficient and effective.  It was noted that there had been a significant decrease in the number of fires attended which was in part due to the prevention and protection work delivered by Fire and Rescue Services.

Members discussed tall buildings and the Executive was advised that the fire brigade was consulted on such buildings and that tall buildings were designed to distinguish fire.  It was noted that following the Grenfell fire, significant changes had been made to the Victoria Square development to improve fire safety.

The Executive encouraged Members and residents to respond to the consultation before the 26 May 2019 deadline.

RESOLVED

That the Council’s response to Surrey County Council’s public consultation on Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service be in the terms set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report, as amended by the Executive.

Reason:   To determine the Council’s response to Surrey County Council’s public consultation on Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service.

To write off debts over £10,000.

The Executive received a report which sought authority for the debts over £10,000 listed in the report to be written off.  Councillor Azad, Portfolio Holder for Revenue Collection, explained that every effort was made to manage positions however some cases were not easy to be solved and involved legal complexities.  It was highlighted that the Finance Task Group received a quarterly update on debts written off below £10,000 by Officers under delegated powers.

RESOLVED

That the debts listed in Appendix 1 to the report be written off.

Reason:   To write off debts over £10,000.

To receive an update on the Sheerwater Regeneration Project and resolve accordingly.

The Executive received a report which sought authority to resolve a technical matter in connection with planning applications PLAN/2018/0374 and PLAN/2018/0337 due to be considered by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 9 April 2019.  It was explained that, as the Council was the landowner in the application, it could not enter into a Section 106 Agreement with itself as the local planning authority.  Attention was drawn to a supplementary report in respect of the item.  The supplementary report, tabled at the meeting, set out minor changes made to the undertakings detailed in Appendix 5 to the report since the original Executive report was circulated.

Following a question concerning affordable homes, the Leader advised that the affordable homes which the Council was developing in Sheerwater were intended to be towards the home for life standard which provided a better volume and space standard.  For example, such as those built at Kingsmoor Park.  It was noted that the Council would require to maintain control over what was delivered in Sheerwater.

The Executive agreed that the Council should give effect to the obligations set out in the document attached to the supplementary report if the Planning Committee was minded to grant planning permission for the development of land partially owned by the Council at Sheerwater, Woking.

RESOLVEd

That  (i)    the Council shall give effect to the obligations in respect of planning applications PLAN/2018/0374 and PLAN/2018/0337 set out in Appendix 5 (amended 28 March 2019) to the supplementary report, if (a) the local planning authority grants the planning permissions sought and (b) those planning permissions are implemented by, or on behalf of, the Council;

          (ii)   the Council shall procure that any third-party to whom it grants an interest in the Council-owned land is bound by the obligations in respect of planning applications PLAN/2018/0374 and PLAN/2018/0337 set out in Appendix 5 (amended 28 March 2019) to the supplementary report; and

          (iii)  resolves (i) and (ii) above are “urgent” and will take immediate effect (so are not subject to “call-in”). This is because any delay likely to be caused by the call-in process would be seriously prejudicial to the Council’s interests (as it is necessary that the local planning authority is aware, when it considers planning applications PLAN/2018/0374 and PLAN/2018/0337 on 9 April 2019, whether the Council (as landowner) is prepared to give the obligations referred to).

Reason:   To enable the local planning authority to be certain that its requirements will be met if it is minded to grant the planning permission sought.

To approve the project which includes the creation of a new landscaped pedestrianised plaza, improvements to the appearance of the main Dukes Court reception and the provision of new restaurant space.

The Executive received a report which sought approval of the Executive to undertake the proposed improvements to Dukes Court external areas together with surrounding highway improvements which would complement the work currently being undertaken through the Town Centre Integrated Transport Scheme.  It was noted that the proposal included the creation of a new landscaped plaza as well as the construction of a new restaurant within the plaza.

Following a question regarding the need for the proposed works, it was reported that the Executive had been authorised to determine proposed improvements to Dukes Court and its surrounding areas by Council on 28 September 2017.  The Executive was advised that improvements to the external environment would encourage the retention of existing tenants and attract new tenants to the building.

The Executive was informed that the maintenance costs for the proposed green wall would be incorporated into the service charge which tenants were responsible for paying.

The Executive welcomed the proposed improvements to Dukes Court which would provide an enhanced public realm and create a new restaurant serving the building and surrounding area.

RESOLVEd

That  (i)    the proposed improvements to Dukes Court external areas be authorised for implementation, together with the surrounding highway works; and

          (ii)   the budget for the capital works to undertake the project be authorised in the sum of £4.53M.

Reason:   To enable external improvements to Dukes Court and Woking Town Centre.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 7 February 2019 be approved and signed as a true and correct record.

To consider the Performance and Financial Monitoring Information contained in the Green Book.

The Executive considered the Performance and Financial Monitoring Information (Green Book), January 2019 and February 2019.  Following a question regarding temporary accommodation, the Executive was advised that the Council did use a B&B in Slough to place people on occasion due to personal circumstances.

Regarding Pool in the Park loss of profit on page 18 of the February Green Book, it was explained that the Council had paid compensation to Freedom Leisure in respect of loss of profit arising from the technical issues suffered and the waterslides being out of action.  The Leader commented that the contract with Freedom Leisure had been very successful overall and usage had increased since the contract had been awarded.

It was reported that the loan to Tante Marie had been restructured as part of the investment in the Council property.

RESOLVED

That the Performance and Financial Monitoring Information, January 2019 and February 2019, be received.

Reason:   To manage the performance of the Council.

To consider a proposal to support the provision of new school places.

(The press and public will be excluded from the meeting during consideration of this item in view of the nature of the proceedings that, if members of the press and public were present during this item, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A, to the Local Government Act 1972.)

To receive details of RIPA authorisations during 2018 calendar year.

RESOLVED

That the Council’s non-use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 during the 2018 calendar year be noted.

Reason:   To comply with the Council’s RIPA policy and Home Office Codes of Practice.