Agenda item

B Report of Interim Director – Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning (Copy herewith).

1.      Cabinet approved the principle of this Council entering into agreements with one or more of the following organisations

                                i.            Northampton Rugby Football Club Limited

                              ii.            Northampton Town Football Club Limited

                            iii.            a properly incorporated charitable foundation to support the promotion of football in the local community (in memory of Richard Butcher) –to grant leases, for terms in excess of 21 years, of land located off Eagle Drive, Delapre situated within the areas shown edged upon the attached plan at Appendix 1 of the report.  Such agreements to limit the use of the land to that of sports pitches and ancillary facilities only and otherwise to be on terms to be approved by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration Enterprise and Planning.

2.  Cabinet authorised, in pursuance of 2.1, the advertisement as necessary of the proposed disposal of public open space in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, in respect of the land edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report.

3.            Cabinet supported the principle of the grant of a lease at below full market value to a properly constituted charitable organisation arising from the Richard Butcher memorial campaign, on the basis that the primary use of any land concerned would be connected with the ongoing provision of non-profit making, sporting opportunities for young people in Northampton. The specific terms and conditions of such a lease to be approved by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration Enterprise and Planning.

4.         That Cabinet recognises the well established nature of the equestrian related uses of some land and buildings  at Eagle Drive and request that officers continue to work with the Licensees of the land edged red upon the attached plan at Appendix1, ti identify potential options that could support continuing equestrian activity if one or more leases of the land were to be granted.

Councillor Wire commented that he supported the provision of additional local sports facilities and read out a letter from Far Cotton residents Association supporting that view. He considered that sports clubs can help to improve an area. He also felt that it would enhance Delapre Abbey and the work that has already been achieved on that. He would expect a proper archaeological evaluation to be carried out, but felt that the current proposals would allow for a low impact development.

Councillor Beardsworth stated that she had been approached by a lot of residents who had expressed concern over the future of the equestrian centre. She said that people felt that there should have been more consultation and that this could have been avoided. She shared the concerns of the Battlefield Trust and wondered why the Council should be helping to provide private sports clubs with facilities that they have the money to pay for elsewhere. She added that she hoped that this did not end up making the sports clubs unpopular.

Councillor Davis said that the Far Cotton community have been working very hard to provide the memorial to Richard Butcher. Many people had been involved in the fund raising and a lot of hard work has gone into looking for a suitable site. She said that she had spoken to many people in the local community and that the whole issue was not just about providing a football pitch but encouraging others to participate in the sport. She wanted to congratulate the Butcher family for doing such a positive thing.

Councillor Mackintosh congratulated Councillor Davis and her party on the way that they had conducted themselves over a difficult issue. He stated that he wished to place on record that Councillor Michael Ford had raised concerns on behalf of members of the community and he had met with Councillor Ford on this matter. He also said that the Council would continue to support the Saints and the Cobblers sports clubs.

Councillor Eldred applauded Mrs Butcher and her family for supporting and promoting the development of sports facilities in the area.

Councillor Hadland, as the relevant Cabinet Member, submitted a report on the principle of the Council entering into contractual arrangements which could lead to the disposal of land designated as public open space, by way of one or more long leases, of land located at Eagle Drive, Delapre for use as sports facilities.

Councillor Hadland commented that the leaflet that had been circulated by Mr Varnsverry, implying that there was a planning application under consideration was mis informative and unhelpful. The proposal was intended to be of benefit to the whole town through the support of sporting facilities. He was certain that everyone would wish to support the memorial for Richard Butcher and felt that the concerns of the equestrian centre had been considered by the inclusion of recommendation 4.

RESOLVED:

1.      That Cabinet approve the principle of this Council entering into agreements with one or more of the following organisations

                                i.            Northampton Rugby Football Club Limited

                              ii.            Northampton Town Football Club Limited

                            iii.            a properly incorporated charitable foundation to support the promotion of football in the local community (in memory of Richard Butcher) –to grant leases, for terms in excess of 21 years, of land located off Eagle Drive, Delapre situated within the areas shown edged upon the attached plan at Appendix 1 of the report.  Such agreements to limit the use of the land to that of sports pitches and ancillary facilities only and otherwise to be on terms to be approved by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration Enterprise and Planning.

2.  Cabinet authorised, in pursuance of 2.1, the advertisement as necessary of the proposed disposal of public open space in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, in respect of the land edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report.

3.            Cabinet supported the principle of the grant of a lease at below full market value to a properly constituted charitable organisation arising from the Richard Butcher memorial campaign, on the basis that the primary use of any land concerned would be connected with the ongoing provision of non-profit making, sporting opportunities for young people in Northampton. The specific terms and conditions of such a lease to be approved by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration Enterprise and Planning.

4.         That Cabinet recognises the well established nature of the equestrian related uses of some land and buildings at Eagle Drive and request that officers continue to work with the Licensees of the land edged red upon the attached plan at Appendix1, to identify potential options that could support continuing equestrian activity if one or more leases of the land were to be granted.