Issue - meetings

1.    That the Decision made on 23 November 2021 pursuant to report CAB3324 be withdrawn.

2.    That the relevant advertisements be approved pursuant to s.123(2A) Local Government Act 1972 placed in the Mid Hampshire Observer from 5 January 2022 for two consecutive weeks and the Hampshire Chronicle from 6 January 2022 for two consecutive weeks.

3.    That it be noted that the deadline for objections to be received by the Council is 4pm on Friday 4 February 2022 and that any objections will be considered by Cabinet alongside the proposed disposal at a future date, to be confirmed.

Councillor Learney introduced the report and emphasised that the deadline for objections to the proposed disposal of the open space land was 4pm on Friday 4 February 2022 and that any objections would be considered by a future Cabinet meeting.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Expressed concern that the previous Cabinet decision was incorrect.  Highlighted that there had been an attempted call-in by opposition Members of the previous decision which had been refused by the Monitoring Officer.  Believed that there may have been a deliberate attempt to avoid consultation with local residents on future proposals for the site and it was unclear if there were alternative options available.  Requested that an open and transparent approach be adopted which enabled input from all councillors and residents.

Councillor Learney responded to the comments made, including emphasising the history of the proposal with previous Cabinet report CAB3190 (considered on 23 October 2019) setting out the challenges and limited options available for development of the site.  This followed on from proposals agreed at Cabinet on 31 October 2018 (report CAB3093 referred).

Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.               That the Decision made on 23 November 2021 pursuant to report CAB3324 be withdrawn.

2.               That the relevant advertisements be approved pursuant to s.123(2A) Local Government Act 1972 placed in the Mid Hampshire Observer from 5 January 2022 for two consecutive weeks and the Hampshire Chronicle from 6 January 2022 for two consecutive weeks.

3.               That it be noted that the deadline for objections to be received by the Council is 4pm on Friday 4 February 2022 and that any objections will be considered by Cabinet alongside the proposed disposal at a future date, to be confirmed.