Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor George Cooper, Chief Whip and Ex-officio Member of the Cabinet.

Cllr Philip Corthorne declared a personal interest on Item 5 (minute 547) due to a member of his family who participated in the Hillingdon Music Service. He remained in the room during the discussion and vote on the item.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 24 April 2012 were confirmed as a correct record.

This was confirmed.

Councillor Judy Kelly, Champion for the Arts and Chairman of the Member Working Group on Music Tuition, presented the report to Cabinet for approval.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Thanks all those involved in the review for their efforts and welcomes the fact that one year on, the Hillingdon Music Service is operating with a robust business model and is effective in using the resources available to widen the musical experiences for all children in Hillingdon;

2. Supports the report's conclusions and approves all 14 recommendations in the Final Report from the Member Working Group and;

3. Endorses Hillingdon’s new Music Education Hub status and accepts the award from the Arts Council England of £928,198 over the next three years to deliver high quality music education to the children in the Borough, against the 7 Core priorities of the National Music Plan.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received the final report of the Member Working Group chaired by Councillor Judy Kelly, set up to review the delivery of music tuition in Hillingdon. Cabinet approved all recommendations in the report, which set out a sustainable way forward for the continuity of high quality music tuition.

Cabinet noted the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders in the review and endorsed recent national changes in music provision, which had resulted in Hillingdon becoming one of the new Music Education Hubs with an Arts Council award of £928,198 over the next three years.

In particular, Cabinet welcomed the fact that one year on, the Hillingdon Music Service was operating with a robust business model, providing value for money and in a far more effective position than ever before to widen the musical experiences for all children in Hillingdon.

Alternatives considered and rejected

Cabinet could have commissioned a further review on developing an alternative model of music provision, but this would have put at risk the ability to deliver an effective Music Education Hub and be in receipt of the award from the Arts Council.

Officers to action

Tricia Collis / Chris Norman – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet notes the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework and its policies as summarised in this report, and also its implications for Hillingdon.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the recently published National Planning Policy Framework, which had consolidated previous sets of national planning policy statements, guidance notes and circulars into a single document. Cabinet noted the implications on the preparation and implementation of Hillingdon’s planning policies, including the existing Unitary Development Plan Saved Policies and those in the emerging Local Development Framework.

Alternatives considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)                 Notes the progress on the 'Total Approach' to town centre regeneration, endorsed by Cabinet June 2011

2)                 Welcomes the announcement of a grant award of £2.7m from the Greater London Authority (GLA) for the implementation of specific regeneration proposals for Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills town centres.

3)                 Grants delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services to agree, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety, to approve the grant agreement with the Greater London Authority in order to deliver the programme of improvements for Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills town centres.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on town centre regeneration within Hillingdon and in particular, progress on improvements within the three town centres which were the focus for regeneration, namely Hayes, Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills. 

Cabinet gave its authority to the grant agreement with the Greater London Authority in order to deliver the programme of improvements for Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills town centres, following a successful £2.7m grant award to Hillingdon.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

JalesTippell – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet accepts the offer of a gift of £12,000 from Inland Homes in accordance with the provisions of Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003 and authorise officers to provide the discretionary services to Inland Homes.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to receive a small amount of monies to assist with the further development of the former National Air Traffic Services site in West Drayton. Cabinet felt it justifiable for the developer to contribute to the public cost of carrying out its planning functions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have refused the gift, which would have not been in the best interests of the local communities, tax-payers or the Council.

Officer to action:

James Rodger –

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet accepts the offer of a gift of £60,000 from VSM Estates and authorises officers to provide the discretionary services in accordance with the provisions of Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to receive a small amount of monies to assist with the development of the RAF Uxbridge site. Cabinet felt it justifiable for the developer to contribute to the public cost of carrying out its planning functions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have refused the gift, which would have not been in the best interests of the local communities, tax-payers or the Council.

Officer to action:

James Rodger –

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Notes Stage C progress made on the permanent expansion phase of the Phase 2 primary schools capital programme of works.

2. Endorses the use of the SmartEast Framework as the procurement vehicle for Harefield Junior School.

3. Approves the appointment of Mace Group as the multi-disciplinary consultant to deliver the Phase 2 Permanent programme (stages E-H) at a cost as outlined in the report.

4. Delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, to place a building contract for 1FE (2 classroom) temporary accommodation at Rabbsfarm, Ryefield, Wood End Park and Hillingdon Primary Schools.

5. Approve the change to the original agreed design for Rabbsfarm Primary School from a major refurbishment to a complete new build, at a cost as outlined in the report .

6. Note progress on consideration of the suitability of C of E schools for any permanent expansion as part of the Primary Schools Capital Programme of works.

7. Delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services to appoint design consultants and obtain the necessary surveys and reports  for preparation of the planning applications for Phase 3 schools.

8. Approve the additional capital release of £197k for fees for Phase 3 Permanent Schools

9. Note progress on Statutory Consultation, which will be addressed in a separate report to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on the primary school capital programme and made a number of decisions to progress the provision of sufficient school places, including the necessary contracts, approving the change at Rabbsfarm to a new build option and noting the statutory consultation process.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to delay or not progress aspects of the building programme, which would have impacted upon the Council’s ability to provide sufficient school places.

Officers to action:

Boe Williams-Obasi and Norman Benn - Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the close out of works and risk mitigation strategy for the rectification of the leak into the pool plenum along with the close out strategy for the provision of documentation from the design team and sub-contractors in relation to design warranties.

2. Agree the settlement agreement and appointment of Atkins (Faithful & Gould) as Project Manager under the NEC form of Building Contract, for part of the project duration, in line with the headline provisions identified in the report; at a cost as outlined in the report.

3. Agree the final account settlement incorporating liquidated and ascertained damages with the Contractor GB Building Solutions, as identified in the report; at a cost as outlined in the report.

4. Note key supplier contract variations as identified in the report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the close out strategy for the Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre and made a number of decisions to progress the final stages and settle this major construction project, which as a premier Leisure Centre is well used and enjoyed by Borough residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Not to accept the measures to settle the project.

Officer to action:

Norman Benn 

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, to agree the appointment of contractor to undertake the joinery and ‘fit out’ works at both South Ruislip and Hayes End Libraries.

Reason for decision

Cabinet delegated authority to progress the roll out of the Council’s Phase IV Libraries Refurbishment, Enhancement and New Build programme in relation to the joinery and ‘fit outs’ works of the new build libraries at Hayes End and South Ruislip.

Alternative Options Considered

Not to progress the library ‘fit-out’ works and joinery.

Officer to action:

Mohamed Bhimani –

Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agrees to vary the contract placed with Colas Ltd, to redevelop the Civic Amenity site at New Years Green Lane.  The value of the existing contract amount is £2,250,326.43. The variation that is being sought is for a further £602,785.  

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to vary the building contract for the redevelopment of the Civic Amenity site at New Years Green Lane, Harefield to enable the final phase of works to improve the facility for residents and users.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to vary the contract and leave the re-development partially complete.

Officer to action:

Boe Williams Obasi,

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet award a contract to Bagnall (UK) Ltd and approves the expenditure of £148,085.00 + VAT on the terms outlined in this report, in order to facilitate the demolition of the redundant Hayes Pool building.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to enter into a contract with Bagnall (UK) Limited, to demolish the Hayes Pool on Botwell Lane, based upon the most economically advantageous tender.

Alternative options considered and rejected.

Cabinet could have kept the site derelict, but noted that it had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour. Other uses explored such as by film companies and other entertainment enterprises were unable to offer satisfactory terms.

Officer to action:

Boe Williams Obasi

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

Special Urgency Provisions

This report had been circulated less than 5 working days before the Cabinet meeting and was agreed by the Chairman to be considered as urgent.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7.30pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

Meeting after Cabinet, the Executive Scrutiny fully endorsed all of Cabinet’s decisions. These decisions will therefore come into effect from 5pm, Friday 1 June 2012.