Calendar of meetings

The Leader announced with deep regret the death of Councillor Jean Matthews the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing.

The Cabinet stood for a minute's silence as a mark of respect.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor True.

Members are asked to declare any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

Councillor Samuel declared a Personal Interest in Agenda Item 17 by virtue of his wife being a Governor of a secondary school.

Councillors Arbour, Avins, Marlow and Smith declared Personal Interests in Agenda Item 17 by virtue of being Governors of schools within the Borough.

Councillors Avins and Ross declared Personal Interests in Agenda Item 11 by virtue of having met with and had discussions with the Chairman of Barnes Sports Club and the Chairman of Barnes Eagles Football Club.

To consider the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2004 (previously circulated).

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2004 be received and approved and the Chairman be authorised to sign them.

The Cabinet heard representations from the following Members of the public:

Messrs Ron Chappell, John Reekie, David Williams and John Bell on Agenda Item 9

Mr Trevor Clarke on Agenda Item 12

Councillor Carr and Lydia Hansbury on Agenda Item 15

Messrs Jack Stephen and Trevor Clarke on Agenda Item 17.

No matters were raised by Executive Members.

No matters were raised by Non-Executive Members.

No matters were referred to the Executive for reconsideration.

There were no reports from Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

This report sets out the results of the public consultation following the deposit of proposed modifications, as the final stage before formal adoption of the Plan. 

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning circulated separately.

Also required for a Special Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 15 September 2004 and Council, 28 September 2004.

(1)        The Council be RECOMMENDED to agree the responses to the consultation as detailed in Appendix A to the report.

(2)            Authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning to consider recommendations of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to recommend responses to Council.

(3)        The Council be RECOMMENDED to formally adopt the Unitary Development Plan First Review, incorporating the modifications detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the report, and all the proposed modifications previously agreed, in accordance with Development Plan Regulations 1999.

[The Cabinet noted the following legal advice before coming to a decision on the item: Paragraph 3.7 of the report recommended that the Council be asked to formally adopt the relevant modifications to the Council's Unitary Development Plan without calling a further local inquiry to consider the objections received during the period 25 June to 6 August 2004. The Council had a discretion whether or not to hold such a local inquiry, but in the exercising of that discretion the following points must be taken into account:

(a)   Whether or not the issues raised have been previously subject to independent scrutiny by an Inspector so as to provide independent evaluation of the opposing contentions;

(b)   The current advice contained in paragraph 22 of Annex B to PPG12 that it will be less likely that there will be new issues raised by objections to modifications that were not covered at the first public inquiry, thereby reducing the likelihood of a need for a modifications inquiry ;

(c)   The practical implications of a second inquiry and, in particular, whether it would potentially be of material benefit to the decision making process;

(d)   Delay and the desirability of securing an up to date adopted development plan;

(e)   Fairness to objectors and other parties, balancing the interests of those parties.

The Cabinet agreed that it was appropriate to agree the recommendation in the light of these factors.

The Cabinet heard representations from Messrs Ron Chappell, John Reekie, David Williams and John Bell who commented on particular aspects of the Plan relating to Twickenham Riverside and in particular supporting references to public conveniences' and public open space as the predominant' use within the proposal. Councillor Marlow, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning in response referred to the community toilet scheme which operated and referred to the Council's efforts to improve Twickenham Riverside and make it a more pleasant place to visit. The Leader commented that any development in this area would have to be for the benefit of the residents of Twickenham.

The reasons for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]  

This report introduces the Health and Safety Service Plan for 2004/05. The Council is required to produce a service plan by the Health and Safety Commission.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning previously circulated.

The Health and Safety Enforcement Service Plan be approved.

[The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report describes the feasibility work undertaken into moving Barnes Sports Club into the Barn Elms site, sets out the best consideration issues were this route to be followed and recommends the drawing up of a Development Brief for the Barn Elms site for the approval of a future Cabinet meeting.

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Combating Crime attached.                          

(1)        The findings of the Torkildsen Barclay report into feasibility of the Barnes Sports Club moving to Barn Elms as summarised in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.5 of the report and the views of the valuation consultants as set out in paragraphs 3.8 to 3.11 of the report be noted.

(2)        The best consideration issues for the Barn Elms site and the Barnes Sports Club proposals as summarised in paragraph 3.17 of the report be noted.

(3)            Approval be given to the preparation of a Development Brief for the Barn Elms site by the Assistant Director for Property and Procurement in liaison with the Parks Manager, Head of Sport and Recreation and Head of Legal Services, adopting the principles described in paragraph 3.19 of the report.

[Councillors Avins and Ross declared Personal Interests in this item by virtue of having met with and had discussions with the Chairman of Barnes Sports Club and the Chairman of Barnes Eagles Football Club.

The Leader requested that consultation should take place with the London Borough of Wandsworth during the development of the brief.

The reasons for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report considers the implications for the Council of the Children's Bill currently before Parliament and makes recommendations as to approach and timing.

Report of the Chief Executive circulated separately.

Also required for Council, 28 September 2004.

(1)        The Council be RECOMMENDED to agree the following:

(i)         The post of Director of Education and Leisure being the Director of Children's Services (Designate) with effect from a date to be determined by the Chief Executive following formal consultation; and that Article 12 and Part 3 of the Constitution be amended accordingly.

(ii)        The Children's Directorate being established in May 2006, after the Borough Elections and the Director taking on the full range of responsibilities at that time.

(iii)       The Cabinet Member for Children's role being established after the Borough Elections and consideration be given to the posts required to support this role at that time.

(2)        Further reports be submitted to Cabinet on implementation issues.

[The Cabinet heard representations from Mr Trevor Clarke who questioned particular aspects of the Council's proposals. Councillor Samuel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools reported that the Council's proposals were a response to legislation. The proposals would be reviewed and the needs of the staff would be of prime consideration.

The reasons for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report is to ask Cabinet to agree to the signing of a new contract with Age Concern Richmond upon Thames to provide welfare benefits advice to Social Services clients for the next 4 years.

Report of the Director of Social Services and Housing previously circulated.

The waiving of Contract Standing Order 6.1, to award a new contract to Age Concern Richmond upon Thames to provide a welfare benefits advice service for a 5 year period to users of the Council's domiciliary, day care and supporting people services be approved.

[The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

To approve terms for a lease to Age Concern Richmond Upon Thames.

Report of the Head of Corporate Property Services previously circulated.

Approval be given to the terms for a lease of Barnes Green Day Centre to Age Concern Richmond upon Thames for a fixed term from 1 September 2004 to 31 March 2008 as outlined in paragraph 3.6 of the report.

[The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This paper outlines the proposal to re-develop the Avenue Centre Service for People with Learning Disability, it describes the opportunity available to include a local G.P. surgery and describes the advantages for people with learning disability and the local community.

Report of the Director of Social Services and Housing previously circulated.      

The report be noted and the necessary planning permission be sought to redevelop services for people with learning disability on the Avenue site.

[The Cabinet was informed that at the Social Care and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 9 September 2004 the following comments were agreed for submission to the Cabinet:

Cabinet be requested to consider disposing of part of the site at discounted value to enable the provision of affordable housing.

The Committee believes that the proposed modernisation of day services should not be wholly funded from within existing Social Services' budgets and additional funding should be identified if required.

There should be further consultation with Avenue Centre Users Groups.

Further information should be provided on the service requirements of people with learning disability.

The Cabinet heard representations from Councillor Carr and Lydia Hansbury who asked that the proposal should take consideration of the needs of the service and that any decision on the modernisation of the service should come back to the Cabinet. The Director of Social Services and Housing reported that the proposal was an exciting opportunity for service users, and that consultation had taken place and would continue to take place. Reference was made to the Best Value Review of the Learning Disability service which was taking place and that a full report would be submitted to the Cabinet in the New Year. The Leader commented that there would be a continuation of consultation with user groups and the service requirements of the clients would be of paramount importance. In relation to affordable housing, the Council always looked to maximise affordable housing provision throughout the Borough.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

To approve terms for a surrender of the existing management contract and the grant of a new contract for a longer term to allow the Management Company to carry out and finance improvements.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance attached.

(1)            Approval be given to the grant of a new management contract to Rocks Lane Tennis and Football Centre (TFC) on the basis of the terms broadly described in paragraph 3.14 of the report, and otherwise in a form that the Head of Legal Services considers appropriate in liaison with the Assistant Director of Environment (Property and Procurement).

(2)       The waiving of Contract Standing Orders 4 and 6, the requirement for tendering of contracts, on the basis of the summary of value for money issues described in paragraph 3.21 of the report be agreed.

[The reasons for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]   

This report follows up the report to Cabinet on 20 July 2004, which summarised the investment needs of each secondary and special school, as identified by Governors during the consultation process conducted earlier this year.   The July Cabinet report prioritised the governors' proposals for 2005-2006 programme according to criteria agreed during the consultation process. This paper outlines the proposed priority of the remaining schemes set within the context of the Government's Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners published after the July Cabinet meeting.

Report of the Chief Executive previously circulated.

(1)        The proposed ranking of the remaining projects (that were not identified in Phase 1 at the July Cabinet) in terms of likely impact on standards, deliverability and affordability be noted.

(2)            Approval be given to the authorisation of expenditure on feasibility studies for Teddington School and Whitton School and Sports College when the Government has clarified the LEA's responsibility for school buildings.

[Councillor Samuel declared a Personal Interest in this item by virtue of his wife being a Governor of a secondary school. Councillors Arbour, Avins, Marlow and Smith declared Personal Interests in this item by virtue of being Governors of schools within the Borough.

The Cabinet heard representations from Messrs Jack Stephen and Trevor Clarke. Mr Stephen gave his support for the recommendation for investment in Teddington School. Mr Clarke expressed concern at the possible loss of school land with the proposals. Councillor Samuel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools reported that the Council would not seek to dispose of land on school sites, however the Council would respond to any initiative from a governing body to utilise sites for the greater benefit of pupils.

The reasons for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.] 

This report provides details of changes made to the Capital Programme and budget projections for the 2004/05 financial year.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance previously circulated.

(1)        The projections for the current year as detailed in Appendix A to the report be noted.

(2)        The revised capital programme for 2004/2005 as detailed in Appendices B to E be agreed.

[The reasons for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report shows the latest budgetary projections for the financial year 2003-2004. It is the first corporate budget monitoring report for the year and is based upon the latest information available at the end of the first quarter.          

Report of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services previously circulated.

The Corporate Revenue Budget Monitoring Report for 2004-2005 be noted.

[The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

To advise Members of the offers received for Richmond Cemetery Lodge at Lower Grove Road, Richmond and to recommend acceptance of an offer.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance previously circulated.

Approval be given to the completion of the sale of Richmond Cemetery Lodge to Miss Helen Sykes on the basis of the price stated in paragraph 2.1.2 of confidential Report 22, and otherwise on the basis of the detailed terms considered appropriate by the Head of Legal Services in liaison with the Assistant Director Property and Procurement.

[The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

To decide, having regard to the particular nature of the business to be transacted, whether or not to exclude the Press and Public during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they are likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of Category 9 as defined in Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4.

Having regard to the particular nature of the business to be transacted, the Press and Public be excluded during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they were likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of Category 9 as defined in Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4.

To advise Members of the offers received for Richmond Cemetery Lodge at Lower Grove Road, Richmond and to recommend acceptance of an offer.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance previously circulated.

The confidential report be noted.

Confidential report to Agenda Item 11 attached.

The confidential report be noted.

This report was not distributed with the Agenda but in accordance with Section 100B (4b) of the Local Government Act 1972, was considered urgent because of the need to provide the Cabinet with the financial details of the best consideration issues of the public Report 11.