Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor and Councillors Gardiner, Goodrich, Hughes, Mills, Sherlock and Thomas.

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. 

Members advised of the following interests:

Councillor Metcalfe declared a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) in the Canal Corridor North (CCN) report in view of her partner’s employment at Lancaster University.

Councillor Thynne declared a personal interest in view of his employment with Lancaster University Students’ Union and previous employment with Lancaster University from June-September 2017.

Councillor Barry declared a personal interest as an honorary lecturer at Lancaster University (unpaid).

Councillor Knight declared a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) in the Canal Corridor North (CCN) report in view of his wife’s employment at Lancaster University.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox made it known that his wife was employed at Lancaster University, however he would be staying in the meeting to participate and vote.

Councillor Brookes declared a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) in the Canal Corridor North (CCN) report in view of his wife’s employment at Lancaster University.

Councillor Sykes declared a personal interest in view of several non-pecuniary roles at Lancaster University.

Councillor Leyshon declared a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) in the Canal Corridor North (CCN) report in view of his employment at Lancaster University.

Councillor Whitehead declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest as an emeritus professor at Lancaster University.

Councillor Charles, Councillor Phillippa Williamson and Councillor Blamire all declared personal interests as members of the Court of Lancaster University.

Councillor Edwards declared a personal interest as a lay member of the Court of Lancaster University.

Councillors Knight, Brookes and Leyshon left the council chamber at this point.

The Deputy Mayor welcomed Councillor Frea to his first Council meeting since being elected to represent Halton-with-Aughton Ward in the by-election held on 28 September 2017.

The Deputy Mayor informed Councillors that he had visited the Mayor on Sunday afternoon and he was pleased to report that, after a five day stay in hospital, the Mayor was making a very good recovery.

Councillor Metcalfe left the council chamber at this point.

The Deputy 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 Ashworth moved, seconded by Councillor Clifford:

“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.” 

Councillor Barry spoke against the exclusion proposal.

A vote was taken and the exclusion 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.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive. (Report to follow.)

The Chief Executive introduced a report seeking Council’s support for recommendations regarding ‘in principle’ decisions to make progress with the Canal Corridor North project.  The report was exempt from publication under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, however a public version of the report, containing all the recommendations in full, had also been published.

There was a lengthy question session, with officers responding to Members’ queries.

Councillor Blamire, seconded by Councillor Clifford, proposed:

“(1)    That Council notes the current position regarding the Canal Corridor North scheme.

(2)     That, after considering the information contained within the report and appendices, Council:

·         continues to support the scheme’s overall concept as representing an appropriate development solution for the site, in the light of current policies and priorities for the future growth of the district as a whole;

·         agrees, in principle, to the financial ‘asks’ from key partners as set out in section 4 of the report; and alongside these

·         it is prepared, in principle, to invest (in equity and/or loan capital terms) in the overall scheme, to help achieve an affordable and financially sustainable outcome from the City Council’s perspective.

(3)   a)    That officers be authorised to negotiate further with British Land and the University of Lancaster, and other relevant key partners, to inform detailed development of the scheme’s concepts, layout and design and in particular:

·         to identify the optimum solution regarding the development boundary for the scheme, and the extent to which the Council’s assets are included;

·         to identify the most cost-effective car parking design solution to meet expected capacity needs and to improve financial viability from the Council’s perspective, in context of wider car parking and transport strategy;

·         to identify the most appropriate arts hub offer, design solution and operating model with the aim of the facility as a whole being financially viable (i.e. to negate the need for ongoing revenue support in the medium to longer term), in context of the wider cultural offer in the district;

·         to develop any further capital financing options (based on PWLB borrowing) to enable the Council to take a longer term stake in the car park and/or the arts hub, if appropriate in support of the above; and

·         to develop the most appropriate governance structures for delivering the project, whilst protecting the Council’s interests.

b)  Officers be authorised also to pursue other relevant external funding streams such as Arts Council England.

c)  The Canal Corridor Reserve be used for the commissioning of ongoing external professional support to advance negotiations.

d) Officers report back on the outcome of the above work with a view to presenting Heads of Terms for Council’s consideration as soon as practicable, allowing for appropriate due diligence to be completed.”

The Deputy Mayor informed Councillors that Councillor Peter Williamson had submitted an amendment in advance of the meeting, copies of which had been circulated.

Councillor Peter Williamson, seconded by Councillor Edwards, proposed the amendment, which was to insert the word ‘explore’ before ‘the financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.