Issue - meetings

Cllr Simkins outlined the process as detailed in the Council Constitution that would be followed to consider the call decision regarding the Westside Delivery Strategy Update report. The recommendations in the report were approved at a meeting of Cabinet on 20 February 2019.

The Board were advised that there is no requirement in the Constitution to give reasons for a call in and that the Leader or Deputy Leader of the main opposition group is one of three people who could be asked for a decision to be called in prior to implementation.

Cllr Simkins outlined the options available to members of the Board after they have considered the evidence to be presented.

Cllr Thompson was invited to address the Board and give reasons for the call in.

Cllr Thompson commented on previous large-scale projects led by the Council where it was felt that the associated risks had not been properly considered. Furthermore, given the length of the project it was important to have proper scrutiny of the plan and to get reassurance that all the implications have been properly considered. A reference was made to the existing cinema at Bentley Bridge and the plan to open a new cinema as part of the development so close to the city centre. A reference was also made about the proposals for developing a food and beverage outlets and the market research done to assess their future viability. A summary of the additional comments is given below:

·         A view that a change in the procurement process could leave the potential for a developer to bring forward a legal challenge against the Council.

·         The report refers to a possible funding gap in the project and more details were required about how this would be addressed.

·         The financial viability of the plans for car park provision and whether  consideration given to offering free car parking to visitors.

·         A concern about the financial risks to the Council of the proposed scheme.

Cllr Simkins proposed that in view of the financial issues highlighted in the areas of concern that the discussion should be exempt.