Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor J Legrys.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

Councillor J Geary declared a registerable interest in all items as Director of the Springboard Centre and as the Council’s representative for Coalville Town Football Club.

Councillor M Wyatt declared a registerable interest in all items as the owner of two businesses in Coalville.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 August 2023

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor L Windram and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 August 2023 be confirmed as an accurate record of proceedings.

The report of the Leisure Services Team Manager

The Leisure Services Team Manager presented the report.

A Member discussed a letter sent to him by a constituent concerning Scotland’s Pavilion repairs and maintenance. He then asked if the money allocated for the repairs and maintenance would be coming out of the S106 money. The Leisure Services Team Manager advised that this would not be the case as S106 money must be spent on new infrastructure to meet the additional demand created by the development, not general maintenance.

The Member was concerned that if the money was not spent it could be reclaimed and there were other things which the money could be spent on. The Leisure Services Team Manager assured the Member that the money would not be committed until the feasibility study on improving the Pavilion had been completed.

The Head of Property and Economic Regeneration added that there had previously been a request to see a report on the Pavilion, and it would soon be going before the Working Party.

In response to a Member suggesting that the public expected the money to be spent, the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration advised that the £37,000 figure would not cover the whole cost but other sources of funding would be solicited. The finished Pavilion could be presented to the public as an aggregate of various historic S106 contributions.

The Ward Member was happy for the plan to replace the equipment at Claremont Drive to be cancelled, as long as the funding was reserved for other things at the Playground.

The Chairman commended the success of Coalville in Bloom and particularly that there had been no vandalism.

All Members wanted to see Coalville in Bloom be held again in 2024.

The Chairman expressed concern about the consultation process for works on Sharpley Avenue: he was disappointed with the scheme himself and felt that the public had also been inadequately informed.

The Ward Member concurred that he too would like the project to be cancelled.

The Leisure Services Team Manager advised that reducing the scope of the scheme may be a prudent compromise.

In response to a second Member expressing concern with the process of approving the scheme, the Leisure Services Team Manager advised that it had been a combined effort between Officers, the previous Ward Member, and the previous Portfolio Holder

The Chairman expressed concern with the role of shelters in stimulating anti-social behaviour amongst teenagers. He also called for greater Ward Member involvement moving forwards in the decision making process.

It was moved by Councillor L Windram, seconded by Councillor J Windram, and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The progress update on the 2023/24 Capital Projects be noted.
2. Cabinet be recommended to change their decision to replace the play equipment at Claremont Drive Play Area, and instead the equipment be removed and a more biodiverse area created, saving £7000 from earmarked reserves that can be transferred back into the Coalville Special Expenses balance.
3. Cabinet be recommended not to progress the Community Woodland Project at Sharpley Avenue Recreation Ground.
4. Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

The report of the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration

The Head of Property and Economic Regeneration presented the report.

A Member expressed concern that Gylo was constraining organisational planning. He was particularly concerned whether permission for the shopping centre and Needhams Walk to be used had been approved. The Head of Property and Economic Regeneration advised that the situation was such that last minute adjustments were possible and flexibility was required but permission had been granted.

The Chairman added that Gylo were late in coming forward and the fact of chasing them had hampered planning efforts.

A Member expressed concerned that Gylo could pull out at the last minute and in response the Head of Property and Economic Regeneration advised that Officers are working to formally secure the agreement.

The Chairman suggested that celebrating the 125 year anniversary of Coalville Park was a good opportunity to put on a particularly impressive event. He ventured a few ideas including proms in the park being held, that a time capsule be organised, and that a member of the Royal Family should be invited or another dignitary.

A couple of Members welcomed the Chairman’s enthusiasm and the larger scheme, but they were less effusive about the particular idea of inviting the Royal Family.

It was moved by Councillor M Burke, seconded by Councillor M Wyatt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. Progress made against the 2023/24 Events and Christmas Lights Programme be noted.
2. The 2024/25 draft Events Programme be noted.
3. Consideration be given to including a time capsule and that an invitation be sent to the Lord Lieutenants Office to invite an appropriate dignitary to attend the 125 year anniversary celebration of Coalville Park.