Agenda item

To receive members’ questions under procedure rule no.11.  The procedure rule provides that any member may ask the Chairman of a board or group any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Commercial Services.

Two questions had been received.

The Chairman invited Councillor D Everitt to ask his question addressed to Councillor R Blunt.

“The on street retail industry is under threat from internet traders especially during the lockdown. Everything must be done to restore and maintain the pleasure of human contact and real informed choice which is the joy of street shopping. To achieve this it is important that the needs of shoppers especially young mother and senior citizens are addressed and provided.

Can you assure me that an adequate toilet facility with attendant and a baby changing will be incorporated at the Marlborough square development when it is opened?”

The Chairman invited Councillor R Blunt to respond.

“Cllr Everitt’s observations about the importance of the high street retail sector are well placed. A strong retail offer in Coalville can contribute to the capturing of greater wealth and prosperity within the local economy.  The aspiration to make Coalville a desirable shopping destination once more, lies at the root of a number of recent commitments of time and money by this council into projects such as Newmarket, Marlborough Square Public Realm and the numerous schemes we hope to deliver as part of the Future High Streets Fund Bid. The provision of public toilets in Coalville town centre has been a sustained commitment of this council at a time when other councils have been closing their facilities. Coalville’s public toilet facilities are currently located at the market hall and will continue to be provided from that building until such time as a decision otherwise is made by the council. As part of the delivery of the Newmarket project fronting on to Marlborough Square, additional toilets are being provided which will be “accessible” and include a baby changing facility. It is hoped these will be popular with town centre users. Further opportunities to enhance public facilities in the town will also be explored as part of the planned regeneration projects”.

The Chairman invited Councillor D Everitt to ask a supplementary question. There was none.

The Chairman invited Councillor J Geary to ask his question addressed to Councillor R Bayliss.

“At Scrutiny earlier this year I expressed my concerns with regards the current conditions at the Appleby Magna Caravan Site. I was pleased to read in last week’s Members Bulletin you have held a virtual meeting with residents regarding site improvements. Could you now please update members on the outcome of that meeting, what improvements have been decided upon, time scale for implementation and estimated costs”.

The Chairman invited Councillor R D Bayliss to respond.

“Following Scrutiny and Cabinet approval in May this year I am pleased to say that we are progressing well will addressing the caravan site redevelopment.

·           All necessary surveys have now been completed;

·           Request for quotation has been sent to three selected suppliers for specialist project management support to support the progress of the plans through Planning determination, assist with the procurement of a building contractor and ensure the needs of the residents are being met;

·           The meeting in August went through proposed designs for the scheme which include siting all pitches outside of the flood risk area, a new amenity block and upgraded site security and general facilities. Plans are now being updated following residents views            with a view to applying for planning permission by end of October.

·           With the future of the 1st Appleby with Measham Scouts at the site now being secured, plans have progressed to ensure that they have a long-term lease, which will allow them to seek grant funding for which the Council has offered its support.  Proposed Heads of Terms have been shared with the Scouting Association for a 25-year lease.

·           Costs are still in line with our initial estimations c£500k which area already set out in the Councils Capital programme.

The Chairman invited Councillor J Geary to ask a supplementary question. There was none.