Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial).

The Committee was advised that the report presented to the Cabinet meeting on 5 July 2021 had been subject to some late revisions that had created the perceived uncertainty around the use of the S106 resources for grounds maintenance in Aylesham.

It was emphasised that the additional S106 resources were required as the Council had taken on additional grounds maintenance responsibilities in Aylesham and that it was not intended that they be used for elsewhere in the district. This was in accordance with the S106 agreement.

Councillor L A Keen, with the permission of the Committee, spoke to express her concerns over the report and any implication that S106 monies reserved for use in Aylesham would be spent elsewhere in the district. In addition, she felt that the lack of consultation with Aylesham Parish Council on this matter within the last four years needed to be addressed.  

Members raised concerns over the perceived uncertainty as to the allocation of the Aylesham S106 monies and sought reassurance from officers that it would be used in accordance with the agreement.

Councillor O C de R Richardson informed the Committee that he had noted the points made by Members and that he would report these back to the members of the Cabinet.

It was moved by Councillor K Mills, duly seconded by Councillor R S Walkden, and

RESOLVED:       That it be recommended to Cabinet that the decision of Cabinet taken on 5 July 2021 under decision reference CAB 15 should not be implemented until Cabinet has received a further report which clearly identifies both the geographic areas within the district in which the new resources are to be deployed and appropriate means of financing the new resources having regard to the principal that section 106 monies received for the maintenance of the public realm in Aylesham cannot be used to defray expenditure incurred on grounds maintenance elsewhere in the district.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) (to follow).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community, Environment and Corporate Property

It was agreed:

(a)   That the use of Section 106 receipts in respect of the Aylesham redevelopment for the addition of grounds maintenance resources to undertake all maintenance and landscaping requirements for open spaces and play areas within the District be approved. 

(b)   That the Strategic Director (Operations and Commercial) be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property, to take all necessary steps to set up the service.