Agenda item

(a)  That the progress reported as set out in Appendix B to the report be noted.

(b)  That the options appraisal presented in Section 5.9 and Appendix C of the Report be noted and to confirm that other than providing the new Britwell Community Hub and a facility for the Guides & Scouts, no further community building will be provided as part of the Britwell Regeneration Scheme.

(c)  That the Northborough Road landfill site should not be acquired through direct purchase.  But the Interim Assistant Director, Environment & Regeneration be requested to seek a long-term lease from the owner of the Northborough Road site that will secure public access to the site, but with a Deed of Agreement that safeguards the Council against the potential financial risk associated with the landfill liabilities of the site.

(d)  That a further update report be made to the Cabinet meeting on 17^th October 2011.

The Interim Director of Environment and Regeneration provided the Cabinet with a progress report regarding the Britwell Regeneration Scheme.  The Cabinet was informed that an options appraisal had been carried out to asses the needs of the community, the result of which identified Wentworth Industrial Estate/Old Rent Office buildings as being the most appropriate location for the Britwell Community Hub.  It was noted that the Britwell Community Hub would result in a favourable increase in facilities within Britwell and would therefore be sufficient in terms of community buildings.

It was noted that it would not be financially sound to acquire the Northborough Road Landfill site through direct purchase, due to the potential on-going financial liabilities which would exceed the benefit of acquiring the site.  It was proposed that as an alternative, the Council would intend to lease the land ensuring it would be available for public use, whilst also obtaining a Deed of Agreement that would protect the Council against any financial risks arising from the site.

Resolved –

(a)  That the progress reported as set out in Appendix B to the report be noted.

(b)  That the options appraisal presented in Section 5.9 and Appendix C of the Report be noted and to confirm that other than providing the new Britwell Community Hub and a facility for the Guides & Scouts, no further community building will be provided as part of the Britwell Regeneration Scheme.

(c)  That the Northborough Road landfill site should not be acquired through direct purchase.  But the Interim Assistant Director, Environment & Regeneration be requested to seek a long-term lease from the owner of the Northborough Road site that will secure public access to the site, but with a Deed of Agreement that safeguards the Council against the potential financial risk associated with the landfill liabilities of the site.

(d)  That a further update report be made to the Cabinet meeting on 17^th October 2011.