Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Evelyn Archer)

 

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) submitted a report that considered the details for the land transactions associated with proposals by Morecambe Football Club (MFC) to redevelop land at Westgate, Morecambe for a new stadium and ancillary facilities.  It was noted that Appendix A to the report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). 

 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows: 

 

Option 1 – To approve the completion of a Development Agreement.  This will enable the disposal of land to take place at Westgate to facilitate the construction of a new stadium for MFC, whilst also providing updated facilities for Westgate Wanderers Football Club (WWFC).  The proposals would still be subject to various planning permissions being obtained and whilst this is a risk, it is reflected in the Development Agreement so that if permission is not obtained the Westgate land would remain with the City Council.  In addition there remains the need to receive written confirmation of the proposals from the National Playing Field Association. This option does however potentially secure the futures of both Morecambe FC and Westgate Wanderers, and would result in a capital receipt to the Council.

 

Option 2 – do nothing.  This would result in MFC remaining in their current facilities at Christie Park and the reduction of benefits to the local community. As in option 1, this would leave the Council with the potential for a future capital receipt, but in the meantime, Westgate Wanderers would be unaffected and the Council’s rental income would remain.

 

The preferred officer option was option 1 as this would give the opportunity to improve the futures of both Morecambe FC and Westgate Wanderers whilst also providing the Council with a capital receipt. 

 

It was moved by Councillor Roger Mace and seconded by Councillor David Kerr: -

 

“(1)   Cabinet recognises that decisions about the financing of the Club, its location, and all other aspects of the future of the Club are the responsibility of the Club and are in some respects the responsibility of the Club in conjunction with the Christie trustees. 

 

(2)     Cabinet does not seek to influence the decisions of the Club or Christie trustees but confirms its decision at Cabinet on 24^th July, 2007, including the requirement that an area of public open space be incorporated into the scheme at Westgate. 

 

(3)     Cabinet notes the intention of the Christie trustees to apply to the High Court and (a) subject to the approval of the High Court to the transactions that are proposed to be entered into by the Christie trustees, and (b) subject also to the confirmation by the National Playing Fields Association of the proposals for the relocation of Westgate Wanderers, Cabinet agrees to recommendations (4), (5) and (6) below. 

 

(4)     As Officer recommendation (1) on the supplementary agenda, as follows: 

 

 

That approval is given to the Heads of Terms for the land transactions involved in a Development Agreement for the disposal of land at Westgate, Morecambe, to Morecambe Football Club. 

 

(5)     That approval is given to the proposed relocation of Westgate Wanderers to King Georges Playing Field, Heysham. 

 

(6)     As Officer recommendation (3) on the supplementary agenda, as follows:

 

That Officers be authorised to continue discussions with Lancashire County Council/Heysham High School to bring land at Lordsome Road into playing field use to provide further football pitches for use in the community, subject to there being no additional costs to the City Council over and above those identified in the report.” 

 

It was moved by Councillor Jon Barry and seconded by Councillor Tony Johnson: -

 

“That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the information contained on Appendix A to the report on the ground that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

 

Members then voted as follows.

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)        That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the ground that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

 

Members then considered the Heads of Terms set out in Appendix A to the report. 

 

It was moved by Councillor Jon Barry and seconded by Councillor Evelyn Archer: -

 

“That the meeting stand adjourned.” 

 

Upon being put to the vote Members voted unanimously in favour, whereupon the Chairman declared the proposition to be carried. 

 

(The meeting adjourned at 12.55 p.m. and re-convened at 1.10 p.m.)

 

Note:  At this point members of the public and press were re-admitted to the meeting. 

 

Councillor Roger Mace, with the agreement of his seconder and the meeting, moved the following: -

 

“That recommendations (1) and (2) of the original proposition be approved, with the wording after “2007” being deleted from (2) and recommendations (3) to (6) of the original proposition be withdrawn and that the following wording be added to (2):

 

and requests detailed information about access to public open space and community facilities as soon as possible.” 

 

Members then voted as follows.

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)     Cabinet recognises that decisions about the financing of the Club, its location, and all other aspects of the future of the Club are the responsibility of the Club and are in some respects the responsibility of the Club in conjunction with the Christie trustees. 

 

(2)     Cabinet does not seek to influence the decisions of the Club or Christie trustees but confirms its decision at Cabinet on 24^th July, 2007 and requests detailed information about access to public open space and community facilities as soon as possible. 

 

Note:  Councillor John Gilbert was not present when the vote was taken. 

 

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

 

Corporate Director (Regeneration). 

Head of Property Services.  

 

Reason for making the decision:

 

The decision notes the responsibilities of the Club in conjunction with the Christie trustees.  Cabinet also confirms its previous decision of 24^th July, 2007 and enables Cabinet to consider more detailed information about access to public open space and community facilities as soon as possible. 

 

 

MINUTES PUBLISHED ON: THURSDAY, 24^th APRIL, 2008. 

 

EFFECTIVE DATE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE DECISIONS CONTAINED IN THESE MINUTES: FRIDAY, 2^nd MAY, 2008.