Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th December 2010 (excluding exempt items) be confirmed.

To hear questions to the Portfolio Holder received in writing by the Director of Resources by 5pm on Monday 18^th April 2011.  

No questions had been received.

Plaistow and Sundridge and Darwin Wards

The attached report was considered by the Environment PDS Committee on 5^th April 2011, which supported the recommendations.

Report ES11034 (Decision RES11008)

The Portfolio Holder considered a report proposing that the former Brook Lane allotment site and land south of Cranworth Cottages, between Nos. 17 – 43 Leaves Green Road, be used as community horticulture nursery facilities with supporting growing areas until such time as the land was ever sold for development. This would enable the “Park Time” and “Grow Time” health projects, which were delivered under the “Friends of Parks” umbrella but funded by Bromley PCT, to become sustainable without relying on the Council’s financial resources.

The report had also been considered by the Environment PDS Committee on 5^th April 2011. The Committee had supported the proposals, although Members also stated that they did not wish to see either of the plots developed. The Environment Portfolio Holder had subsequently agreed the use of the land, and the establishment of the nursery and growing area, subject to external funding being secured. He had also added that the Leaves Green site should continue to be protected as Green Belt land, and that no hard standings, sheds or other buildings should be installed there as part of the scheme. 

The Portfolio Holder noted that the proposals possibly involved delaying any potential capital receipts for the sites, and he sought reassurance from officers that the scheme was viable. Officers confirmed that the “Grow Time“ scheme had already developed a good reputation, and was able to operate largely on the basis of goodwill from volunteers and donations in kind supplementing Primary Care Trust (PCT) funding and expertise in the Parks and Greenspace division in obtaining grants.  It was confirmed that the Leaves Green site would remain very much in keeping with its rural surroundings. 

RESOLVED that the former allotment site at Brook Lane, Downham and land South of Cranworth Cottages, between Nos. 17 – 43 Leaves Green Road, Leaves Green, be used to establish community horticulture nursery facilities.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following items of business listed below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED that the Press and public be excluded during the consideration of the items of business referred to below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

The following summaries

refer to matters

involving exempt information

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 8^th December 2010 were approved.

Report ES11047 (Decision RES11009)

The Portfolio Holder approved the letting of a contract for lease cars through the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) framework commencing on 1^st September 2011 for one year.

Bromley Common & Keston Ward

Report DRR11/038 (Report DES11010)

The Portfolio Holder accepted an offer for the sale of this property.