The Principal Democratic Services Officer introduced the report and stated that the Committee was being asked to consider the call-in request received against the Cabinet decision made which were shown respectively at Appendices 1 and 2 to the report. The options available to the Committee were outlined.

RESOLVED: That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information for the reason specified, having applied the Public Interest Test:

Head of Schedule 12A and Brief Description

The Chairman outlined the reasoning for calling-in the decision.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services gave assurance that the financial information as contained within the exempt appendix to the report was robust, and the Leader of the Council stated that the decision made was to develop plans for the site’s use, as opposed to a final decision. The plans would contain the details relating to the proposal.

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts referenced the building’s monthly maintenance costs, which could be mitigated by using the building. All three Cabinet Members emphasised the importance of the building as a historic site.

During the discussion, questions were asked on the financial information generally, the costs relating to the commercial kitchen and whether any alternative options had been considered. In response, the Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement explained the financial information in detail and stated that the project was viable for the Council to undertake. The Interim Strategic Property Consultant outlined the proposed kitchen’s cost, alternatives considered, proposed location within the site and confirmed that it was required to support the site’s use as a wedding and events venue.

The Committee returned to open session at 9.24 p.m.

Having been provided with additional information on the matter, the Committee felt that no further action was required, and that the original decision should be implemented. The Committee wished to continue having oversight on the matter and would conduct pre-decision scrutiny on the selection of a site operator ahead of the Cabinet’s decision in November 2023.

RESOLVED: That Option 1 of the report, to agree that no further action is required, be approved.

Note: Councillor Munford left the meeting at 8.38 p.m. ahead of the private discussion, with Councillor Cox sitting as Substitute.