04 10 2006

Borough of Gosport

A MEETING of the COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF GOSPORT was held in the Council Chamber at the TOWN HALL, GOSPORT on WEDNESDAY, the FOURTH day of OCTOBER 2006 at 6.00PM.

The Mayor (Councillor Mrs Cully) (P) (in the Chair);

The Deputy Mayor (Councillor Gill) (P);

Councillors Allen (P), Ms Ballard (P), Burgess, Carr (P), Carter (P), Mrs Champion (P), Champion (P), Chegwyn (P), Clinton (P), Cully (P), Davis (P), Dickson, Edgar (P), Farr (P), Foster (P), Foster-Reed (P), Hicks (P), Hook (P), Jacobs (P), Kimber (P), Langdon (P), Mrs Mudie, Philpott (P), Redrup (P), Rigg (P), Mrs Salter (P), Smith (P), Taylor (P), Train (P), Ward (P), Mrs Wright (P) and Wright (P).

Also in attendance: Honorary Aldermen Mrs Bailey and O’Neill.

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APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were submitted on behalf of Councillors Burgess, Dickson and Mrs Mudie and Honorary Aldermen Foster and Searle.

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MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Ordinary and Extraordinary meetings of the Council held on 12 July and 11 September 2006 be confirmed and signed.

MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS

(A) FAIRTRADE

The Mayor welcomed the Gosport Fairtrade Action representatives to the Town Hall. The representatives had been distributing leaflets in the Foyer to the Council Chamber prior to the meeting. The Mayor advised that a Gosport Fairtrade Action Public Meeting would be held in the Council Chamber on 9 November 2006 from 7.15pm to 9.30pm.

(B) PORTSMOUTH HOSPITALS NHS TRUST – FOUNDATION TRUST CONSULTATION MEETINGS

The Mayor advised that Councillor Edgar wished to update Council on the recent Foundation Trust Consultation meetings and the support for Haslar Hospital.

Councillor Edgar thanked the Mayor and Councillor Mrs Wright for bringing to his attention the Hospital Trust’s intention to bid for Foundation Trust status. The three key hospitals mentioned at the front of the Hospital Trust’s Consultation booklet on Foundation Trust status were Queen Alexandra Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and Royal Hospital Haslar. He referred to the consultation meeting tonight at Bridgemary School Hall at 7.30pm. Councillor Edgar made the case at these consultation meetings for the retention of Haslar in the light of potential escalating demand for secondary health services caused by the coming South East Plan and a more elderly population.

Councillor Edgar had also attended the last Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust Annual General Meeting. He reported that the Primary Care Trust had undertaken some useful work in the building of the Rowner Health Centre. The retiring Chairman had also indicated that the future of Haslar had still to be determined. Councillor Edgar concluded that the Haslar Hospital site was ideal for defence care with specialist and recuperative services.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Edgar on behalf of the Council for applying continuous pressure in support of Haslar Hospital.

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QUESTION PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 3.4

(A) Question No 1 standing in the name of Councillor Mrs Wright on the derelict state of the childrens’ play area at Nobes Field was answered by the Chairman of the Community and Environment Board.

A MEETING OF THE POLICY AND ORGANISATION BOARD

WAS HELD ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2006

The Mayor (Councillor Mrs Cully) (ex-officio); Chairman of the Policy and Organisation Board (Councillor Hook) (P); Councillors Burgess, Carter (P), Chegwyn (P), Cully (P), Gill (P), Langdon (P), Smith (P), Taylor (P) and Wright (P) .

It was reported that, in accordance with Standing Orders, Councillor Jacobs had been nominated to replace Councillor Burgess for this meeting.

13.		APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were submitted on behalf of the Mayor and Councillor Burgess.

14.		DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jacobs declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 11 on the agenda, Gosport and Fareham Rugby Club.

Councillors Hook and Gill each declared a personal interest in item 13 on the agenda, Bay House School - Car Parking.

15.		MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Board meeting held on 28 June 2006 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

16.	DEPUTATIONS

In accordance with Standing Orders, deputations to the Board relating to agenda item 13 (Bay House School, Car Parking) were made by Mr and Mrs Theobald and Mrs Lines.

Mr and Mrs Theobald informed the Board that:

They were aware of the parking issues in the lay-by beside Bay House School and outside Cornerways and The Last House where double parking was causing problems;

They would like to see double yellow lines installed by the bushes which would enable easier access for Mr and Mrs Lines at The Last House and delivery and emergency access vehicles;

In the main it was sixth formers at the school who were not parking properly resulting in several near accidents and danger to cyclists and pedestrians;

Minimising the number of cars parking in the lay-by would make the area safer;

They would like to see sensible parking allowed in the area and the restrictions applied that were in place in the past;

Mrs Lines suggested that double yellow lines could be painted on one or other side of the lay-by. At present it was very difficult to drive out of her property in the morning. In addition, the cyclepath was not being used properly.

Members undertook to look into the provision of an experimental Traffic Regulation Order but this would be dependent on the decision made by the Board later on in the meeting when considering the report of the Environmental Services Manager (Bay House School – Car Parking).

PART II

17.		BAY HOUSE SCHOOL – CAR PARKING

Note: Councillors Hook and Gill declared personal interests in this item but remained in the meeting room throughout its discussion.

Note: Councillor Edgar (Ward Councillor for Alverstoke) had requested and was granted leave to address the Board on this item.

Consideration was given to a report of the Environmental Services Manager which recommended the issue of free parking permits, up to a limit of 60, to Bay House School students and staff for use in the car park adjacent to Bay House School, known as No. 2 Battery East Car Park. The permits would be valid during Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) and during term time only.

Councillor Edgar informed the Board that Bay House Sixth Form College had expanded and it was anticipated that an increasing number of students would be driving to college as the year progressed. The lay-by would be full and students would be parking on the grass verges, which would make safe dropping off and picking up very difficult.

Residents of Gomer Lane had been complaining about this situation and had commented that the adjacent No. 2 Battery East Car Park was little used. The problem, which was also spreading out to the adjacent ward, could be solved by making the car park available for use by Bay House School.

Members took the view that the issue of a limited number of permits would be unfair to those who were unable to obtain them.

It was proposed and seconded that No. 2 Battery East Car Park be divided and part of it let to Bay House School for student/staff parking.

The Chief Executive advised Members that this was an ongoing issue and that he had met recently with the Head of the school to discuss the problems. There were Health and Safety issues and concern had been expressed for the safety and well-being of residents.

Various solutions had been discussed with the school, one of which was to let the No. 2 Battery East Car Park to the school. The school had expressed interest in this solution but had concerns about the cost.

The Chief Executive advised that, should this solution be progressed, the Council was likely to be responsible for the provision of appropriate fencing and signage although the school would be prepared to do all it could to ensure students used the car park once this was provided.

Members decided that it was possible for a peppercorn rent only to be charged to the school and the course of action to take would be to negotiate with Bay House School to divide the car park and lease part of it to the school and to proceed with an experimental Traffic Regulation Order in the lay-by to restrict parking to help deal with the problems being experienced within the lay-by next to the school.

RESOLVED: That:

a)		officers negotiate terms with Bay House School to divide the No. 2 Battery East Car Park and let part of it to the school for student/staff car parking; and

b)		depending on the result of the negotiations with Bay House School, officers proceed with an experimental Traffic Regulation Order in the Gomer Lane lay-by.

18.		TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REVIEW 2005/06 AND PRUDENTIAL INDICATORS

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Treasurer and Deputy Chief Executive which covered the treasury activity for 2005/06 together with a review of 2006/07 to date. The report also covered the actual Prudential Indicators for 2005/06 in accordance with the requirements of the Prudential Code.

RESOLVED: That:

a)		the Treasury Management report for 2005/06 be noted; and

b)		the 2005/06 Prudential Indicators be approved.

19.		COMMUNITY BANKING PARTNERSHIP FOR SOUTH HAMPSHIRE

Consideration was given to a report of the Housing Services Manager which advised Members of the emerging plans for a Community Banking Partnership for South Hampshire and sought the support of the Board for taking forward the development of the partnership for the benefit of Gosport residents.

Members were advised that the Community Banking Partnership aimed to improve the quality of life and prosperity of people within the communities of South Hampshire. It sought to tackle all forms of financial exclusion where they existed, by providing access to high quality advice services, affordable credit, flexible savings and wide-ranging banking services. The Partnership would deliver through joint working between a variety of organisations which shared a common vision of achieving financial inclusion for individuals and their families in the South Hampshire region.

At this stage in the project Gosport Borough Council had not been approached to provide any financial contribution towards the Community Banking Partnership.

Members were advised that, following a successful bid for funding, Portsmouth Housing Association would be appointing a project manager. A minimum of four advisers would be working at Citizens’ Advice Bureaux in South Hampshire.

RESOLVED: That the development of a Community Banking Partnership for South Hampshire be supported.

20.		FERRY PONTOON – PREPARATION FOR REPLACEMENT FACILITY

Consideration was given to a report of the Leisure and Cultural Services Manager which advised Members of the condition of the existing ferry pontoon, reviewed the current and future needs for a ferry service and considered a programme for a replacement pontoon facility.

Members held the view that the provision of a new pontoon would benefit the Gosport Ferry Company and it should therefore be requested to make a contribution towards the costs the Council would be incurring by providing a replacement pontoon. Members also felt that the provision of a ferry service between Gosport and Portsmouth was a considerable factor in reducing traffic congestion on the A32 road and a financial contribution should be sought from Hampshire County Council, as the highway authority, towards the costs of providing a new pontoon.

Members were advised that an approach for a financial contribution had been made to Hampshire County Council but this had met with little success. It was requested that this avenue continue to be pursued.

Members were advised that formal approval to adopt the final design for the new pontoon would be sought at a future meeting of the Board.

RESOLVED: That:

a)	preparations for the design of a replacement pontoon proceed and contributions be sought from Hampshire County Council and the Gosport Ferry Company for part of the cost; and

b)	the requirements of Standing Order 8 be waived and W S Atkins Consultant Engineers Ltd be appointed as consulting engineers for this project.

21.		FAIRTRADE

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive which advised Members of the Fairtrade Town Initiative and the Board was requested to consider whether Gosport should become a Fairtrade Town.

Members were advised that Fairtrade was recognised internationally and helped farmers in the developing world by providing a stable price for them to support their families and invest in their future.

Fairtrade had recently launched the “Fairtrade Towns Initiative”, a project designed to develop support for the Fairtrade mark across the world.

Members took the view that the Gosport “Coastline” and the “At Your Service” Editorial Panels should be asked to consider the promotion of Fairtrade on a regular basis.

RESOLVED: That:

a)			the Fairtrade Initiative be supported and the use of Fairtrade products amongst local businesses and other organisations be encouraged;

b)			Fairtrade coffee and tea be served at the Council’s meetings and be made available for staff to purchase at no additional cost to the Council;

c)			Gosport “Coastline” and “At Your Service” Editorial Panels be requested to consider the promotion of Fairtrade on a regular basis; and

d)			signs indicating Gosport as a Fairtrade Town be displayed in the Town Hall main reception.

22.			TRANSFER OF LAND AT CHERQUE FARM

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Solicitor which sought authorisation for the acquisition from Persimmon Homes of a number of Local Areas for Play (LAPS), Local Equipped Areas for Play (LEAPS), an urban park and incidental areas forming part of the Cherque Farm development at Lee-on-the-Solent.

RESOLVED: That approval be given to the acquisition from Persimmon Homes of the Local Areas for Play, Local Equipped Areas for Play, an Urban Park and incidental areas forming part of the Cherque Farm Estate, as indicated on the plan displayed at the meeting of the Board subject to the receipt of the following commuted sums:

a)			£429,823.29 for Local Areas for Play 1-8,10-18,20 and 21; and

b)			£98,258 for the remainder of the areas.


23.			GOSPORT AND FAREHAM RUGBY CLUB

Note: Councillor Jacobs declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, left the meeting room and did not take part in the discussion or voting thereon.

Consideration was given to a report of the Development Services Manager which sought approval to enter into a three year lease with Gosport and Fareham Rugby Club for the pavilion at Gosport Park.

RESOLVED: That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to enter into such legal documentation as is necessary to enter into a three year lease with Gosport and Fareham Rugby Club for the pavilion at Gosport Park on the terms agreed and set out in the Development Services Manager’s report.

24.	NIMROD CENTRE, ROWNER

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive which advised Members of the proposed acquisition of the Nimrod Centre, Rowner and sought approval for the immediate granting of a new lease, following acquisition, to Gosport Voluntary Action.

RESOLVED: That:

a)	should Gosport Development Trust serve a pre-emption notice in respect of the Nimrod Centre, the Council accept the same and purchase the freehold of the Centre for £1; and

b)	immediately following such acquisition, a lease of the Centre , excluded from the renewal provisions of the Landl, ord and Tenant Act 1954, be g, ranted to Gosport Voluntary Action on ful, l terms to be agreed but subject to a break clause so that the lease can be terminated if the property is required for redevelopment.

The meeting commenced at 6.00 p.m. and concluded at 7.35 p.m.

RESOLVED: That Minute Nos 13 – 24 (inclusive) of the meeting of the Policy and Organisation Board held on 13 September 2006 be received.

A MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT BOARD

WAS HELD ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2006

The Mayor (Councillor Mrs Cully)(ex-officio); Chairman of the Policy and Organisation Board (Councillor Hook)(ex-officio)(P); Councillors Ms Ballard (P), Carr (P), Champion (P), Clinton (P), Dickson (P), Edgar, Kimber (P), Smith (P), Wright(P) and Mrs Wright (P)

In accordance with Standing Orders, it was reported that notice had been received that Councillor Jacobs would replace Councillor Edgar for this meeting.

12.	APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were submitted on behalf of The Mayor and Councillor Edgar.

13.	DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

With regard to Item 6 on the agenda [Environmental Health (Commercial) Service Plan 2006/2007, Councillor Wright declared a personal interest in respect of ‘Care Homes’ and Councillor Dickson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of ‘Licensing Issues (Hackney Carriage/Private Hire vehicles)’ should these matters be discussed at the meeting. In the event, these areas of the Service Plan did not form part of any debate or discussion.

14.	MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Board meeting held on 12 June 2006 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

PART II

15.	ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (COMMERCIAL) SERVICE PLAN REVIEW 2006/2007

Consideration was given to the report of the Environmental Services Manager in respect of the review of the Environmental Health (Commercial) Service Plan for 2006/2007.

The Environmental Services Manager informed the Board that each food authority was required by the Food Standards Agency to produce a service plan and to ensure that it was approved by Members and reviewed annually. The Health and Safety Commission guidance also required an Enforcing Authority to produce an annual service plan approved by Members.

For Gosport Borough Council, the same officers in the Environmental Health (Commercial) Team carried out both food safety enforcement and health and safety enforcement. The Commercial Team also provided the Licensing Service and the opportunity had been taken to integrate the Licensing Service Plan into the document being considered by the Board. Once approved, the service plan would be placed on the Council’s website.

Members questioned and commented on some aspects of the service plan and in that connection officers supplied clarification on the following:

The difference in target times for responding to complaints by the public (regarding food safety, health and safety at work and licensing matters) and food alerts that were issued nationally by the Food Safety Agency;

The trend in reported food poisoning cases in Gosport was not a serious issue;

‘Scores on the doors’ scheme would be implemented following agreement with partners in other neighbouring local authorities and Hampshire County Council;

‘vulnerable people’, referred to in respect of the Gambling Act 2003, had not yet been clearly defined. The Council was in the process of preparing its own statement of gambling policy;

The Environmental Services Manager confirmed that the new telephone number ‘101’, for the public to call in cases less urgent than dialling ‘999’, was having a significant impact on enquiries being directed to Environmental Services sections. The situation was being kept under review.

Having considered the service plan, Members thanked officers for clarification on the specific matters raised and extended congratulations to the author for a clear and comprehensive document.

RESOLVED: That the Environmental Health (Commercial) Service Plan 2006/2007 be approved.

The meeting commenced at 6.00pm and concluded at 6.10pm

RESOLVED: That Minute Nos 12 – 15 (inclusive) of the meeting of the Community and Environment Board held on 4 September 2006 be received.

FAREHAM COLLEGE CORPORATION

RESOLVED: That no Borough Council nomination be made to Fareham College Corporation.

The Council rose at 6.38pm