To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 15 March 2011.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2011 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations and the nature in relation to:-

(a)    personal interests in any agenda item

(b)    personal and prejudicial interests in any agenda item

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

The Chairman reminded Members that the yellow papers at the back of the agenda contained confidential information.  At that point in the meeting Members would need to consider a resolution  to exclude the press and public from the meeting.  Members of the Council could remain in the meeting during the discussion of those items but must respect the confidentiality of the information contained in the reports and the discussion that took place.

The Chairman advised Members that due to public interest he would change the order of business to take agenda item 10 ‘The Future of Special Schooling in the South of Central Bedfordshire’ after agenda item 8 ‘Dunstable Town Centre Regeneration’.

To consider petitions received in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution:

1.      to request that the Council review its decision to change the DB3 bus route and scheduling;

2.      to request the Council to resume the bus service number 34 to the French’s Avenue/Suncote Avenue, Salters Way Estate, Dunstable; and

3.      to request the Council for a Parking Review of the Resident Parking Strategy and urge an involvement by residents in the Prince Regent Area in Dunstable as part of the consultation.

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Constitution, the Executive received the following petitions:-

1.      To request the Council to review its decision to change the DB3 bus route and scheduling

In the absence of the Lead Petitioner, consideration of this petition was deferred until later in the meeting (minute 9 below refers).

2.      To request the Council to resume the bus service, number 34, to the French’s Avenue/Suncote Avenue, Salters Way Estate, Dunstable

         Councillor Murray presented a petition on behalf of the lead petitioner requesting resumption of the bus service, number 34, to the French’s Avenue/Suncote Avenue, Salters Way Estate, Dunstable. 

         The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services thanked Councillor Murray for presenting the petition and advised that a review of this bus route would be undertaken in the coming weeks.

3.      To request a Review of the Resident Parking Strategy and urge involvement by residents in the Prince Regent Area in Dunstable as part of the consultation

         Councillor Mrs Hegley presented a petition on behalf of residents in the Prince Regent Area in Dunstable, requesting a review of the Resident Parking Strategy.  She expressed her disappointment that the residents in this area appeared not to have been notified of the increase to the cost of the parking permits.

         The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services thanked Councillor Mrs Hegley for presenting the petition and advised Members that consultation with local residents would take place during the review of the Resident Parking Strategy.

To respond to general questions and statements from members of the public in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Appendix A of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The following statement was received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme:

1.      Mr B Collier

         Mr Collier indicated that he could not establish from the information available to him in the agenda the generality of the reason why Central Bedfordshire Council was to carry out work on the A1 roundabout at Biggleswade.

         The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development explained that the information relating to this matter was exempt from disclosure to the public as critical negotiations were underway to deliver an important highway infrastructure project.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 June 2011 – 31 May 2012.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2012 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2012 be noted.

To provide an update on and seeks approval of key delivery issues, including progressing the acquisition of properties to enable the refurbishment/ redevelopment and extension of the Quadrant Shopping Centre. 

1.         To agree to progress by private treaty negotiation of the acquisition of Nos. 1-4 and Nos. 25-28 Dorchester Close and No. 45 Kingscroft Avenue, Dunstable.

2.         That funding to support the residents of the above properties to assist with costs of their own independent advisor/valuer/negotiator be approved.

3.         To confirm in principle that the Council would be prepared to make a Compulsory Purchase Order under the powers conferred by Section 226 (i) (a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to acquire the freehold interests of land within Dunstable Town Centre as defined on the South Bedfordshire Local Plan 2004 and as defined as an extension to the town centre in the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan (Figure 1.2: Potential town centre boundary extension), in the event that the Council is unable to reach agreement to acquire the necessary interests by private treaty.

4.         That funding for the acquisition be met as set out in the exempt appendix 3 of the submitted report*.

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, which provided an update on the key delivery issues, including progressing the acquisition of properties to enable the refurbishment, redevelopment and extension of the Quadrant Shopping Centre.  Members noted that the financial details for funding the acquisition were set out in the exempt Appendix 3 to the report.

In accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Public Participation Procedure, the Chairman invited the members of the public who had registered to speak on this item to address the Executive:

• Mrs Stear expressed her concerns about the quality of life for the residents of Kingscroft Avenue, the proposed extension to Asda and the parking proposals contained in the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan.  She also enquired if there would be compensation available for the residents in Kingscroft Avenue.

• Mr Carrington, representative of the Dorchester Close Group, addressed the four recommendations contained within the report.  He appealed to the Council to move towards a negotiated settlement and not seek a Compulsory Purchase Order,  to meet all outgoing expenses for the residents due to the impact of the Masterplan and that the consultants be instructed to negotiate without any preconditions.

The Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development thanked Mrs Stear and Mr Carrington and responded to their concerns. 

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development provided further clarification on the area covered by the proposed Compulsory Purchase Order.

Reason for decision:  To agree the Council’s approach towards the implementation of the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan.

RESOLVED

1.         to agree to progress by private treaty negotiation of the acquisition of Nos. 1-4 and Nos. 25-28 Dorchester Close and No. 45 Kingscroft Avenue, Dunstable;

2.         that funding to support the residents of the above properties to assist with costs of their own independent advisor/valuer/ negotiator be approved;

3.         to confirm in principle that the Council would be prepared to make a Compulsory Purchase Order under the powers conferred by Section 226 (i) (a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to acquire the freehold interests of land within Dunstable Town Centre as defined on the South Bedfordshire Local Plan 2004 and as defined as an extension to the town centre in the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan (Figure 1.2: Potential town centre boundary extension), in the event that the Council is unable to reach agreement to acquire the necessary interests by private treaty; and

4.         that funding for the acquisition be met as set out in the exempt appendix 3 of the submitted report*.

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

To consider the informal consultation response on the future of Special Schooling in the South of Central Bedfordshire.

1. To agree to the publication of the Statutory Proposals to merge Hillcrest, Weatherfield and Glenwood special schools to become a single area special school and that the sites are developed in the future, according to need.
2. That, in the event of the Secretary of State approving that any of the three schools become an Academy, the remaining maintained schools should be actively encouraged to work together to fulfil the aims of this proposal and that Officers should work with the schools to develop a proposal that would not require a further full period on consultation.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that summarised the responses to the consultation on the future of special schooling.  The report proposed to publish statutory notices for the merger of Hillcrest, Weatherfield and Glenwood special schools.  Members noted the recommendation from the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee from their meeting held on 24 May 2011.

The Executive Member moved the following revised recommendations, which were duly seconded:

“1.     that the Executive agree to the publication of Statutory Proposals to merge Hillcrest, Weatherfield and Glenwood special schools to become a single area special school and that the sites are developed in the future, according to need; and

2.      that, in the event of the Secretary of State approving that any of the three schools become an Academy, the remaining maintained schools should be actively encouraged to work together to fulfil the aims of this proposal and that Officers should work with the schools to develop a proposal that would not require a further full period of consultation.”

In accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Public Participation Procedure, the Chairman invited the members of the public who had registered to speak on this item to address the Executive:

• Mr Selmes, Head Teacher of Weatherfield Special School, spoke against the merger of the three special schools and advised Members that Weatherfield Special School was seeking to become an academy school. 

• Mrs Gresham, Vice-Chairman of Hillcrest School Governors, spoke in favour of the merger.  She explained that the advantages of the proposed merger outweighed the status quo.

• Ms C Clarke spoke on behalf of the parents at Weatherfield against the merger.

• Mrs A Fitzgerald, parent, advised Members that her children had attended both Weatherfield and Glenwood special schools.  She explained the poor service that her child had received at Weatherfield and the encouragement her child had received at Glenwood.  Mrs Fitzgerald was in favour of having one area special school.

• Mr Groves, Chairman of Glenwood School Governors, explained the advantages of having a single and specialist provision and how the proposed provision would create a centre of excellence across all Special Education Needs.

• Mrs S Crosbie, Head Teacher at Glenwood School, spoke in favour of having an area special school to provide one vision and the value of outstanding educational outcomes within a specialist, dedicated and multi-professional provision. 

The Executive Member for Children’s Services thanked the members of the public who spoke and responded to questions from non Executive Members.  He explained that maintaining the current arrangements would not provide a sustainable model for the future and the concern that if the proposed model was not implemented then one school could become non-viable.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to discharge its duty to secure special school provision in an efficient way and which would meet the complex needs of the children and young people.

RESOLVED

1.            to agree to the publication of the Statutory Proposals to merge Hillcrest, Weatherfield and Glenwood special schools to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Consideration of this petition had been deferred due to the absence of the lead petitioner at the beginning of the meeting.  In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Constitution, the Executive received the following petition:-

1.      To request that the Council review its decision to change the DB3 bus route and scheduling

Mr Thompson presented a petition on behalf of the residents of Langdale Road area requesting that the Council review its decision to change the DB3 bus route and scheduling.  He explained that there was sheltered housing in this area with the residents aged over 55 and he was concerned that there was no direct route from Langdale Road to Asda. 

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services thanked Mr Thompson for presenting the petition and explained that he would review this request and respond to him directly.

To conclude the review of Transforming Teaching and Learning in Dunstable and Houghton Regis.

To apply Option 1 to the development of the supply of school places in the Dunstable and Houghton Regis area.  This will mean a continuation of the current pattern of provision but with schools actively encouraged to engage formally in hard federations, Academy chains and/or trusts with a 0-19 age focus to secure good transitions and improve educational outcomes.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that set out the outcome of the review of school organisation in Dunstable and Houghton Regis, as informed by the Council’s Education Vision.  The report described the options by which the aspirations of the Vision could be achieved and recommended a preferred option reflecting the latest education policy for school improvement, the increasing independence of schools and the Council’s responsibility as the commissioner of support for underperforming schools. 

The Executive Member addressed the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 24 May 2011.  He explained that option 1 would encourage the kinds of collaboration which would lead to successful progress and was an educationally sound approach to improving achievement. 

The Executive Member responded to questions from non-Executive Members and explained the reason for encouraging schools to engage formally in hard federations, Academy chains and/or trusts with a 0-19 age focus to secure good transitions and improve educational outcomes.

Members were advised that option 1 would be considered as the baseline position for the Leighton Buzzard and Linslade review.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council’s Education Vision is achieved, recognising the changes in national education policy and the need to ensure the deliverability of any chosen option.

RESOLVED

to apply Option 1 to the development of the supply of school places in the Dunstable and Houghton Regis area.  This will mean a continuation of the current pattern of provision but with schools actively encouraged to engage formally in hard federations, Academy chains and/or trusts with a 0-19 age focus to secure good transitions and improve educational outcomes.

To consider the responses to the statutory notice to discontinue the dyslexia provision at Priory Middle School from 1 September 2011.

That the dyslexia provision at Priory Middle School be discontinued from 1 September 2011.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that set out the responses to the statutory notice to discontinue the dyslexia provision at Priory Middle School from 1 September. 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to discontinue the dyslexia provision at Priory Middle School from 1 September as all schools would be responsible for meeting the needs of pupils with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

RESOLVED

that the dyslexia provision at Priory Middle School be discontinued from 1 September 2011.

To consider the commissioning process for the delivery of Youth and Youth Support Services and recommends in the exempt Part B report of this Executive agenda the awarding of contracts to the successful applicants.

That the award of contract(s) for Youth and Youth Support services as set out in the exempt Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved.*

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services outlining the commissioning process for the delivery of Youth Services and Youth Support Services.  Members noted that the exempt Appendix B to the report contained the financial details relating to the proposed awarding of contracts.

Reason for decision:  To enable the implementation of high quality and targeted Youth and Youth Support Services to be delivered in line with the Council’s decision to remodel Youth Services.

RESOLVED

that the award of contract(s) for Youth and Youth Support services as set out in the exempt Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved.*

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

To approve the Central Bedfordshire Economic Development Plan (EDP) Framework and the four priority themes.

1.         That the EDP Framework and the four priority themes be approved.

2.         To endorse the development of a Central Bedfordshire approach to Skills for Growth to identify and agree the priorities and actions required to ensure that the skills challenges facing Central Bedfordshire can be addressed.

3.         To endorse the proposed consultation approach to ensure effective internal and external engagement and consider the draft Economic Development Plan including the Skills for Growth plan at a future meeting prior to full Council approval.

4.         That the views of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee are invited to inform the Executive’s final decision on these matters.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development outlining the proposed approach to engaging with partners and stakeholders in the development of the Central Bedfordshire Economic Development Plan Framework around four priority themes.  Members noted that this would include directing a new skills development approach (Skills for Growth) to drive economic growth across the area.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that this corporate priority was led by the Executive on behalf of the Council and the wider area, in response to the need to achieve job growth (27,000 jobs by 2026) in Central Bedfordshire to realise the area’s full economic potential.

RESOLVED

1.         that the EDP Framework and the four priority themes as set out in the submitted report be approved;

2.         to endorse the development of a Central Bedfordshire approach to Skills for Growth to identify and agree the priorities and actions required to ensure that the skills challenges facing Central Bedfordshire can be addressed;

3.         to endorse the proposed consultation approach to ensure effective internal and external engagement, and to consider the draft Economic Development Plan including the Skills for Growth Plan at a future meeting prior to submission to Council for approval; and

4.         to invite the views of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee to inform the Executive’s decision on these matters.

To seek approval to consult the wider community on the draft Approach to Road and Footway Maintenance.

That the proposal to consult the wider community on the draft Approach to Road and Footway Maintenance as attached to the report, including seeking the views of Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.

The Executive considered a report that sought approval to consult the wider community, including the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, on the draft Approach to Road and Footway Maintenance.  Members noted that the final Approach to Road and Footway Maintenance would be submitted to the Executive in the autumn. 

Reason for decision:  To involve the community in developing a draft approach for the maintenance of roads and footways.

RESOLVED

that the proposal to consult the wider community on the draft Approach to Road and Footway Maintenance as attached to the report, including seeking the views of Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, be approved.

To seek endorsement for the preparation and replacement of its Outdoor Access Improvement Plan.

1.      That the process set out in the report to replace the existing Outdoor Access Improvement Plan with an updated policy document for Central Bedfordshire to run for 5 years as from the 2012 to 2017, be approved.

2.      That the views of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee be sought, prior to a further report to the Executive for decision later in the year.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that sought Members endorsement for the preparation and replacement of its Outdoor Access Improvement Plan.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to develop and replace the existing Outdoor Access Improvement Plan.

RESOLVED

1.      that the process set out in the report to replace the existing Outdoor Access Improvement Plan with an updated policy document for Central Bedfordshire to run for 5 years as from the 2012 to 2017, be approved; and

2.      that the views of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee be sought, prior to a further report to the Executive for decision later in the year.

To consider exempt Appendix 3.

That the funding for the acquisition be met as detailed in the exempt Appendix 3 of the submitted report.*

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that set out the financial details for funding acquisitions.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to implement the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan.

RESOLVED

that the funding for the acquisitions be met as detailed in the exempt Appendix 3 of the submitted report.*

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

To receive the exempt Appendix B.

See minute 12 above for further details.

To consider the report.

That the Director of Sustainable Communities be authorised to enter into legal Agreements (as set out in the exempt report*) which include provision for the Council to assume powers under the Highways Act 1980 to deliver an important highway infrastructure project. 

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development seeking authority for the Director of Sustainable Communities to enter into a legal agreement which included the provision for the Council to assume powers under the Highways Act 1980.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to deliver an improved A1 South Roundabout.

RESOLVED

that the Director of Sustainable Communities be authorised to enter into legal Agreements (as set out in the exempt report*) which include provision for the Council to assume powers under the Highways Act 1980, to deliver an important highway infrastructure project. 

*(not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)