Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lucy Atkinson, Stuart Bateson, Rob Devey, Joan Jackson, Andrew Kay, Geoff Knight, Karen Leytham, Ron Sands, Elizabeth Scott, Andrew Warriner and John Wild.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

Councillors Blamire, Biddulph, Charles, Cozler and Leyshon, as members of the Board of the Dukes, reported that they would declare a prejudicial interest, should there be any debate about the Dukes during the meeting.

Councillors Wilkinson and Parkinson both declared an interest as student landlords although their properties were outside of the development boundaries.

The Mayor informed Members that he had accepted an item of urgent business, to appoint a Labour Group Member to the Police and Crime Panel, which would be taken after the announcements.

The Mayor asked Members to stand in a minute’s silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent tragic shootings in Orlando.

Members stood in a minute’s silence.

The Mayor reminded Members that this was the Chief Executive’s last Council meeting after sixteen years at Lancaster City Council.  Group Leaders thanked the Chief Executive for his service and support and the Chief Executive thanked Councillors for their kind words.

The Chief Executive submitted a report which requested Council to appoint a Labour Group Member to the Police and Crime Panel as confirmation had now been received from Blackburn of the political balance.  The reason for the urgency was that the Panel was scheduled to meet before the next Council meeting.

Councillor Armstrong proposed, seconded by Councillor Blamire:

“That Councillor Hughes be appointed to the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel.”

There was no debate and the proposition was clearly carried when put to the vote.

Resolved:

(1)          That Councillor Hughes be appointed to the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel.

The meeting adjourned at 6.15pm in order for Councillors to receive a presentation with regard to agenda item 6.  The meeting reconvened at 8.12pm.

Council is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item:- 

“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 grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for Council itself to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

The Mayor reminded Council that it had been recommended to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information.

Councillor Pattison moved, seconded by Councillor Sherlock:

“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 grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

A vote was taken and the motion was carried.

Resolved:

“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 grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

(Members of the public left the Council Chamber at this point.)

To consider the report of the Chief Officers (Resources and Regeneration and Planning)

Report to follow.

Council considered a report of Chief Officers (Resources and Regeneration and Planning) to update Council on the latest position on the Canal Corridor North Development and agree a position on key issues.  The report was exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Members asked questions and the Chief Officers responded.

Notice of a motion to be proposed by Councillor Hamilton-Cox and seconded by Councillor Caroline Jackson had been circulated prior to the meeting.  At this point Councillor Hamilton-Cox advised the meeting that he would not be formally proposing the motion.

Councillor Hanson confirmed that the Canal Corridor Cabinet Liaison Group would be reconvened.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Peter Williamson:

“(1)       That the current position on the Canal Corridor North scheme, including the mix of development now proposed, be noted.

(2)     That Council supports in principle the new scheme proposals and:

              i.        acknowledges the potential changes to the boundaries of the development as shown at exempt Appendix 2.

             ii.        acknowledges the expected need for the Council to provide some form of financial viability support from the outline options set out in section 2.32 of this report, in context of any such need being minimised through seeking additional involvement from partners or other funders.

            iii.        supports the use of the Restructuring (Budget Support) Reserve for commissioning appropriate external specialist advice with a provisional estimate of £50K, whilst recognising that this may need to be increased depending on how the project develops.

(3)       That subject to (2) above and due professional advice, Council authorises Officers to continue to engage with British Land and Lancaster University with the aim of preparing a new draft Development Agreement between the parties, for presentation at a future Council meeting, but ahead of that the outcome of any scheme-related options appraisals be brought back to Council for consideration.

(4)       That Council be advised as soon as possible in the event of any fundamental difficulties arising that potentially jeopardise the new proposed scheme.

(5)       That Council supports the disposal of the leased part of the Grand’s car park as outlined in the report, irrespective of progress regarding the new Canal Corridor North scheme proposals.”

By way of a friendly amendment, which was accepted as such by the proposer and seconder of the motion, Councillor Barry proposed the following addendum:

“That Council makes explicit to the Developer and British Land that any costs which they have incurred, or will incur in developing the scheme further, are at their own risk and that in the event of the scheme failing to proceed the Developer and British Land understand that they cannot seek to reclaim their costs from the Council.”

Council then voted on the proposition, as amended.

Resolved:

(1)       That the current position on the Canal Corridor North scheme, including the mix of development now proposed, be noted.

(2)         That Council supports in principle the new scheme proposals and:

i.               acknowledges the potential changes to the boundaries of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.