Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Kim Botting; Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP attended as substitute.

Councillor Michael declared a non-pecuniary interest as she was a librarian by profession but did not currently work in that capacity.  She also declared that this would not have any impact on her consideration of the item.

Questions at special meetings are restricted to the specific report on the agenda and must be received by the Democratic Services Team within two working days of the normal publication date of the agenda - by 5pm on Monday 16^th December 2019.

A total of 14 oral questions were received from members of the public. A copy of those questions, together with the Portfolio Holder’s responses are set out in Annex A to these Minutes.

A further 26 questions would receive a written reply; a copy of those questions together with the Portfolio Holder’s responses can be viewed at Annex B.

Clock House, Copers Cope

Report CSD19181

At its meeting on 27 November 2019, the Executive considered a report on the Beckenham Library and Cultural Venue –Authority to Proceed to procurement.  The report had previously been scrutinised by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing PDS Committee at its meeting on 5 November 2019 and by the Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee on 20 November 2019.  The Executive decided to approve the proposals as recommended in the report however, the decision had been called in by Councillors Josh King, Angela Wilkins, Vanessa Allen, Ian Dunn, Marina Ahmad and Kevin Brooks with support from other members of the Labour Group.  This Committee was requested to consider what action should be taken in response to the call-in of this decision.

The Chairman outlined the reason for the call-in as follows:-

“The recommendations as approved do not reflect the discussion at the meeting. Recommendation 2 commits the Council to the use of the current library site for housing irrespective of the outcome of the viability study referenced in Recommendation 1.” 

Visiting Ward Member for Clock House, Councillor Ian Dunn considered the recommendations approved by the November Executive did not reflect the discussion at the meeting and the decision was flawed in a number of ways.  He focused on the following specific points:-

1  The complete lack of any evidence or analysis in the paper to support the decision in principle to demolish the library and replace it with housing.

2  The impact on the Elm Road Conservation Area.

In conclusion, Councillor Dunn requested the Committee to refer the report back to the Executive for reconsideration.

A full copy of Councillor Dunn’s representations can be viewed at Annex C to these Minutes.

Visiting Ward Member for Clock House, Councillor Vanessa Allen addressed the Committee on the housing element of the proposals.  The planning application for the Library site, quite apart from the Conservation Area issues, would be objected to on the grounds of mass and height, and would result in a clear lack of any outdoor amenity space for residents, let alone the loss of public open space which was currently enjoyed.

In conclusion, Councillor Allen contended that the proposed development of this site did not conform with Bromley’s Local Plan, and contradicted planning guidelines.

A full copy of Councillor Allen’s representations can be viewed at Annex D to these Minutes.

Visiting Member Councillor Angela Wilkins made the following points in regard to process:-

•  Only comments from Copers Cope members were reported – it was worth noting that whilst this ward was the beneficiary of the proposal, Clock House Ward would lose a library.

•  The report to the Executive made no reference to the library being in a conservation area.

•  Cllr Morgan’s comments, made at the Executive meeting were not included in the report pack currently before Members.  They were extremely important because:

  a)  his comments made clear that this decision/recommendations were conditional; and

  b)  he spoke specifically about the provision of “social housing” on the site.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.