1.  That it be agreed to formally withdraw the previous resolution of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee to the Charity Commission and replace that resolution with the resolution set out below.

2.  That the following be approved:

(i)  For Officers to approach the Charity Commission using either the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity’s statutory powers under Section 75A of the Charities Act 1993 as amended by the Charities Act 2006, or other appropriate powers seeking the release of £1,065,000.00 of the permanent endowment in the following terms:

  That the Committee acting as the trustee to the registered charity known as Cobtree Manor Estate (no. 283617) resolves to release from its permanent endowment funds to implement, in three phases, the enhancements to Cobtree Manor Park outlined in the report dated June 2010, as updated in March 2012, prepared by Adam S. Bailey Garden Design (“the Master Plan”);such implementation being in full compliance with the objects of the charity and seen in its best interests in order to encourage greater use of Cobtree Manor Estate by the general public.

(ii)  Should the Charity Commission give its approval for the releasing of part of the permanent endowment as outlined in (i) above to expend those moneys (i.e. £1,065,000.00) on completing phases 1, 2 and 3 of the Master Plan.

3.  That the Master Plan attached at Appendix D to the joint report of the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services and the Cobtree Officer; this plan being an update of the original plan prepared by Adam S. Bailey as approved by the Committee at its meeting on July 7^th 2010 be approved.

4.  That the repayment programme recommended by the Senior Accountant attached at Appendix A to the joint report of the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services and the Cobtree Officer be approved and that officers are authorised to approach the Charity Commission seeking its approval for the implementation of that repayment programme.

5.  That the project plan attached at Appendix B to the joint report of the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services and the Cobtree Officer and the implementation of the design details set out within the Master Plan by three separate phases be approved;

  Phase 1 – Installation of the first phase of the play area.

Phase 2 – Other Works such as: The picnic area, the hard path network and nature trail paths, way finding posts and maps, viewing platform and pond clearance, car park resurfacing and edging, woodland management and park tree works, boundary planting, new arboretum trees, car park replanting, improved boundary fencing around the estate bridle path, trim trail, outdoor seating and bins, sculptures, bridal path rerouting and resurfacing, Llama house renovation, and the final phase of the play area.

  Phase 3 – The building of the visitor centre and café.

6.  That the location, as set out at Appendix E of the joint report of the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services and the Cobtree Officer, and the design of the play area, be approved and that the Head of Legal Services be authorised to enter into a contract for the construction of the first phase of the play area (phase 1) once release of the permanent endowment funding has been agreed by the Charity Commission.

7.  That the Officers’ decision, to bring to a later meeting of the Committee, reports seeking approval for the following be endorsed:

1.  The detailed design of the phase 2 works including the second phase of the play area and entering into a contract or contracts for these phase 2 works.

2.  The final design of the visitor centre and café.