Issue - meetings

The Leisure Manager presented his report providing an update on activities at the Cobtree Manor Estate during the period November 2019 to January 2020.  The report included details of:

·  Maintenance works, staffing issues, including the appointment of Nigel Holman as the new Cobtree Officer with effect from 1 February 2020, visitor numbers and the progress on the preparation of a new management plan and Green Flag submission for the Manor Park.

·  The progress being made by MyTime Active with regard to the Golf Course development works.

·  The success of Kent Life in winning the silver award in the best large attraction category at the Visit Kent awards and in winning the silver award in Tourism South East’s Awards for Excellence for the best Tourism Festival/Experience.

·  The position with regard to the completion of the lease and management agreement to the Cobtree Young Farmers’ Club to enable it to secure funding through a Heritage Lottery funded project and commence conservation grazing on part of Forstal Field.

·  The progress of the discussions with Planning Solutions, the operators of Kent Life, regarding the proposed Cobtree Railway project.

During the discussion on this item:

The Leisure Manager undertook to circulate the new management plan for the Manor Park and an update on the Golf Course works to Members of the Committee for information.

Concern was expressed about the time being taken to finalise the lease and management agreement to the Cobtree Young Farmers’ Club.  Members were mindful of the need for the documentation to be completed before 1 March 2020 to enable the Club to secure funding.  It was suggested and agreed that the Corporate Property Manager be given delegated authority to put in place an arrangement to enable the Club to occupy land at Forstal Field until such time that the lease and management agreement are finalised, and that an update be provided for Members of the Committee by the end of the month.

It was also suggested and agreed that Members of the Committee should meet with representatives of the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited and the operators of Kent Life to discuss the proposed Cobtree Railway project and, in particular, the funding and operational arrangements.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the update on activities at the Cobtree Manor Estate during the period November 2019 to January 2020 be noted.

2.  That the Corporate Property Manager be given delegated authority to put in place an arrangement to enable the Cobtree Young Farmers’ Club to occupy land at Forstal Field until such time that the lease and management agreement are finalised, and that an update be provided for Members of the Committee by the end of the month.

3.  That Members of the Committee should meet with representatives of the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited and the operators of Kent Life to discuss the proposed Cobtree Railway project and, in particular, the funding and operational arrangements.