Agenda, decisions and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

No apologies for absence were received.

In accordance with the local Code of Conduct, a councillor is required to disclose at the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI) that they may have in respect of any matter for consideration on this agenda.  Any councillor with a DPI must notparticipate in any discussion or vote regarding that matter and they must also withdraw from the meeting immediately before consideration of the matter.

If that DPI has not been registered, the councillor must notify the Monitoring Officer of the details of the DPI within 28 days of the date of the meeting.

Councillors are further invited to disclose any non-pecuniary interest which may be relevant to any matter on this agenda, in the interests of transparency, and to confirm that it will not affect their objectivity in relation to that matter.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 25 August 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 August 2020 were approved.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 August 2020 were approved.

Councillor Reeves reminded councillors of the arrangements agreed between the two main political groups in terms of the transfer of leadership this Autumn. It has been agreed that this process should take place at the 6 October full Council meeting, and so Councillor Reeves stated her intention to formally resign as Leader of the Council at midnight following the meeting of this Executive.

Councillor Reeves explained, for the benefit of residents, that the original agreement was that this should happen a year after the Borough Council elections in May. But given the circumstance of the early stages of the pandemic she felt very strongly that such an action would have been detrimental to the Borough during such a life changing situation.  Councillor Reeves explained that we were still in the midst of the pandemic and she suspected that we could still face a surge in cases, with new guidance changes to try and manage this. Councillor Reeves assured Cllr Bigmore, the Deputy Leader, that the officers at Guildford Borough Council would offer exemplary support. She emphasised that there was a solid team in place to deal with this, the most challenging of circumstances.

Councillor Reeves reflected that the large number of newly elected councillors after the borough elections had to address shielding, self-isolation and lockdown that had not been the best introduction to the vagaries of local government. She observed that the differences between being part of the system and working in the private sector were many and it could be hard to understand at the best of times. More experienced members who have been part of the council for longer were perhaps better placed to appreciate the strength of leadership that our management team had shown throughout the evolution of the strange world in which we had found ourselves. Councillor Reeves appreciated the invaluable support that she had received as Leader and hoped that this teamwork would continue.

Councillor Reeves described the handover as unusual in local government but she had always said that it was clear from the votes cast in May 2019 that the residents of Guildford were looking for a new kind of politics, and the Liberal Democrats were committed to delivering that. She wished Cllr Bigmore all the best as he prepared to take over the leadership and she looked forward to continuing to work with him and R4GV as part of the shared Lib Dem - R4GV Executive.

 Finally, Councillor Reeves thanked close friends who had helped her to maintain a semblance of normality and she looked forward to having a better work/life balance in the months ahead.

She said It has been an honour to lead this council and our borough.

The Leader reminded councillors of the arrangements agreed between the two main political groups in terms of the transfer of leadership this Autumn. It had been agreed that this process should take place at the 6 October full Council meeting, and so Councillor Reeves stated her intention to formally resign as Leader of the Council at midnight following the meeting of this Executive.

Councillor Reeves explained, for the benefit of residents, that the original agreement was that this should happen a year after the Borough Council elections in May. But given the circumstance of the early stages of the pandemic she felt very strongly that such an action would have been detrimental to the Borough during such a life changing situation.  The Leader explained that we were still in the midst of the pandemic and she suspected that we could still face a surge in cases, with new guidance changes to try and manage this. Councillor Reeves assured Cllr Bigmore, the Deputy Leader, that officers would offer exemplary support in dealing with the significant challenges facing the Council.

Councillor Reeves thanked those who had supported her during her time as Leader and wished her successor well.

RESOLVED:

(1)    That the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be adopted.

(2)    That the Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (2011) be revoked.

(3)    That the Policy Lead – Planning Policy, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Climate Change, be authorised to make such minor alterations to improve the clarity of the Supplementary Planning Document as they may deem necessary prior to adoption.

Reasons for Recommendation:

(1)  Adopting the new SPD would provide detailed guidance for adopted Local Plan policy that addresses climate change and sustainability. This would help to deliver sustainable development.

(2)  The new SPD replaced the 2011 SPD, which was no longer required. Keeping it in place would complicate the planning process unnecessarily.

(3)  To allow for minor modifications to the SPD should they be necessary prior to publication.  

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

To reject the SPD or instruct officers to make amendments before returning the document to the Executive for subsequent approval.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

The Executive considered a report recommending the adoption of the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the revocation of the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD (2011).

The SPD provided guidance for existing policy in the Local Plan in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation, low and zero carbon energy and sustainable development. The SPD would be a material consideration in planning decisions and would help to improve compliance with Local Plan policy. The SPD would provide guidance on the information that should be included in planning applications and how it should be presented so that decision makers were able to judge the extent to which proposals complied with Local Plan policy. It would also provide guidance on sustainable design and construction practice.

The Executive noted that a number of issues had been raised and suggestions made by the Place-Making and Innovation Executive Advisory Board at its meeting on 1 June 2020, which had resulted in changes to the draft SPD, details of which were set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Having considered the report and the draft SPD, the Executive

RESOLVED:

(1)    That the Climate Change, Sustainable Design, Construction and Energy Supplementary Planning Document, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be adopted.

(2)    That the Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (2011) be revoked.

(3)    That the Policy Lead – Planning Policy, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Climate Change, be authorised to make such minor alterations to improve the clarity of the Supplementary Planning Document as they may deem necessary prior to adoption.

Reasons:

(1)  Adopting the new SPD would provide detailed guidance for adopted Local Plan policy that addresses climate change and sustainability. This would help to deliver sustainable development.

(2)  The new SPD replaced the 2011 SPD, which was no longer required. Keeping it in place would complicate the planning process unnecessarily.

(3)  To allow for minor modifications to the SPD should they be necessary prior to publication.  

RESOLVED:

To recommend to Council (6 October 2020):

(1)       That the treasury management annual report for 2019-20 be noted.

(2)       That the actual prudential indicators reported for 2019-20, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reasons for Recommendation:

To comply with the Council’s treasury management policy statement, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on treasury management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

The Executive considered the annual Capital and Investment outturn report, which included capital expenditure, non-treasury investments and treasury management performance for 2019-20.

The report had been considered by the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee at its meeting on 30 July 2020. The Committee had commended the report to the Executive.

The Executive

RESOLVED:

To recommend to Council (6 October 2020):

(1)       That the treasury management annual report for 2019-20 be noted.

(2)       That the actual prudential indicators reported for 2019-20, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

Reason:

To comply with the Council’s treasury management policy statement, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on treasury management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

The Executive NOTED the Council’s final outturn position for 2019-20 and ENDORSED the decisions taken under delegated authority to transfer the amounts set out in Section 5 of the report to the relevant reserves. 

Reasons for Recommendation:

1.    To note the final outturn position and delegated decisions taken by the Chief Finance Officer which will be included within the statutory accounts the Chief Finance Officer signed at the end of August.

2.    To facilitate the ongoing financial management of the Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

The Executive considered a report setting out the revenue outturn in respect of the General Fund for 2019-20. It was noted that the Executive Summary of the report should have read the outturn on the General Fund was £1.7 million less than had been originally budgeted.

The Executive

RESOLVED: That the Council’s final outturn position for 2019-20 be noted and that the decisions taken under delegated authority to transfer the amounts set out in Section 5 of the report to the relevant reserves, be endorsed. 

Reasons:

·         To note the final outturn position and delegated decisions taken by the Chief Finance Officer which will be included within the statutory accounts the Chief Finance Officer signed at the end of August.

·         To facilitate the ongoing financial management of the Council.

The Executive NOTED the final outturn position on the Housing Revenue Account for 2019-20 and ENDORSED the decision taken under delegated authority to transfer £2.5 million to the reserve for future capital, and £7.8 million to the new build reserve from the revenue surplus of £10.3 million in 2019-20.

Reasons for Recommendation:

To allow the Statutory Statement of Accounts to be finalised and subject to external audit prior to approval by the Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) recorded all the income and expenditure associated with the provision and management of Council owned residential dwellings in the Borough.  The requirement to maintain a Housing Revenue Account was set out in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the requirement to publish final accounts was set out in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003. 

The Executive considered a report setting out the actual level of revenue spending on day-to-day services provided to tenants recorded in the HRA in 2019-20.

The Executive

RESOLVED: That the final outturn position on the Housing Revenue Account for 2019-20 be noted and that the decision taken under delegated authority to transfer £2.5 million to the reserve for future capital, and £7.8 million to the new build reserve from the revenue surplus of £10.3 million in 2019-20, be endorsed.

Reason:

To allow the Statutory Statement of Accounts to be finalised and subject to external audit prior to approval by the Council.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the draft revised Social Media Guidance for Councillors, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be adopted.

     (2)  That the Council’s formal response to the CSPL Best Practice Recommendation 14 should be as follows:

“Regular reports are currently submitted to the Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee which provide updates on finance, operational matters and changes to companies set up and/or owned by the Council.  The Council additionally audits the accounts of such companies and reports the outcome of these audits to the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee as part of the approval annually of the Council’s audited accounts.  It is considered that the agendas and minutes of the company board meetings contain commercially sensitive information and should not be subject to routine publication.”

(3)  That consideration of any resources necessary to support North Downs Housing Limited’s operations be given as part of the implementation plan for Phase B of the Future Guildford Transformation Programme.

Reasons for Recommendation:

1.    To address one of the corporate governance and ethical standards related concerns raised by councillors.

2.    To address Recommendation 14 of the 15 Best Practice Recommendations of the Committee on Standards in public Life in their report Local Government Ethical Standards (January 2019)

3.    To respond to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendation in respect of support for North Downs Housing Limited.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

(1)  To retain the existing Social Media Guidance for Councillors (Appendix 1)

(2)  To not adopt or amend the recommended response to the Best Practice Recommendation 14 of the Committee on Standards in Public Life

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

 None

At its meeting in November 2019, the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee had established a cross-party task group, with a wide remit to consider, review and make recommendations in respect of improving ethical standards, communications, and transparency.

The task group had already reviewed the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and the 15 Best Practice Recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) contained within its Report on Local Government Ethical Standards and had reported its findings and recommendations to the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee on 30 July 2020.

The Executive considered a report setting out the task group’s recommendations with regard to the review of the Social Media Guidance for Councillors, and one of the 15 best practice recommendations relating to the governance of separate bodies set up by local authorities, particularly local authority companies.

The Executive also noted that at its meeting held on 7 July 2020, Overview and Scrutiny Committee had received a presentation outlining the purpose of North Downs Housing Limited (NDH), its relationship with the Council, the objectives of NDH and progress to date, together with its plans for 2020-21.  One of the reasons put forward to explain why NDH had not achieved its business plan objective of letting 125 properties by 2020 was a lack of staff support for NDH.  Overview and Scrutiny Committee had asked the Executive to explore the provision of increased resources, particularly personnel, to enable NDH to deliver its ambitions more quickly.

In relation to the revised social media guidance, the Executive noted the importance of safeguarding the reputation and integrity of councillors and of the organisation as a whole. With regard to the CSPL Recommendation 14, in response to a request from the Chairman of North Downs Housing Board it was noted that the company already fulfilled required levels of transparency and it would neither be in the interest of the company nor the Council to publish commercially sensitive material.

The Executive also noted that provision of additional officer support to North Downs Housing would be considered through the Future Guildford Phase B process that was currently underway.

The Executive

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the draft revised Social Media Guidance for Councillors, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be adopted.

     (2)  That the Council’s formal response to the CSPL Best Practice Recommendation 14 should be as follows:

“Regular reports are currently submitted to the Executive Shareholder and Trustee Committee which provide updates on finance, operational matters and changes to companies set up and/or owned by the Council.  The Council additionally audits the accounts of such companies and reports the outcome of these audits to the Corporate Governance and Standards Committee as part of the approval annually of the Council’s audited accounts.  It is considered that the agendas and minutes of the company board meetings contain commercially sensitive information and should not be subject to routine publication.”

(3)  That consideration of any resources necessary to support North Downs Housing Limited’s operations be given as part of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item EX39

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the concept of retaining two EABs, each meeting on alternate months with the flexibility to have a balanced inter-changeable remit as appropriate to the agenda items, without the risk of losing topic continuity and expertise, and possibly ahead of Executive meetings to offer a pre-decision opportunity to make recommendations, be agreed.

(2)            That the remit of EABs be realigned to reflect the Executive portfolios and Directorates of the Council and that, accordingly, the Place-Making and Innovation EAB be renamed as the Strategy and Resources EAB and the Community EAB be renamed the Service Delivery EAB.

(3)            That the existing Joint EAB arrangement be continued and implemented when significant and wide-ranging agenda items, such as budgetary matters, are under consideration.

(4)            That closer two-way working between the Executive and EABs, including an expectation that relevant Lead Councillors (or other Executive members in the absence of the relevant Lead Councillor) proactively attend EAB meetings and EAB Chairmen and / or Vice-Chairmen attend Executive meetings to elaborate on advice given and to receive feedback, be established and adopted.

(5)           That a clear formalised procedure of reporting EAB advice and views to the     Executive and EABs receiving Executive feedback be adopted.

(6)            That,in addition to exploring relevant Forward Plan items and Corporate Plan priorities, the EABs have free range to select their own review topics on which to advise the Executive, including the establishment of task groups where considered necessary (and subject to available resources).

(7)            That the EABs receive items sufficiently in advance of determination by the Executive in order to have the opportunity to advise on, and influence, its decisions from a broader knowledge base.

(8)       That the Democratic Services and Elections Manager be authorised to make appropriate amendments to the Constitution to give effect to the above recommendations.

Reason for Recommendation:

To introduce a more efficient and effective EAB configuration and contribution.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

To leave the current EAB configuration unchanged, or pursue an alternative option.

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

The Executive considered a report setting out recommendations arising from the most recent review of the functions and effectiveness of the Executive Advisory Boards (EABs). The Deputy Leader of the Council introduced the report, endorsed the recommendations before Executive and called for a further review in 12 months’ time. The Chairman of the meeting of the Joint EAB also spoke in support of the recommendations.

The Executive

RESOLVED:

To recommend to Council (6 October 2020):

(1)       That the concept of retaining two EABs, each meeting on alternate months with the flexibility to have a balanced inter-changeable remit as appropriate to the agenda items, without the risk of losing topic continuity and expertise, and possibly ahead of Executive meetings to offer a pre-decision opportunity to make recommendations, be agreed.

(2)            That the remit of EABs be realigned to reflect the Executive portfolios and Directorates of the Council and that, accordingly, the Place-Making and Innovation EAB be renamed as the Strategy and Resources EAB and the Community EAB be renamed the Service Delivery EAB.

(3)            That the existing Joint EAB arrangement be continued and implemented when significant and wide-ranging agenda items, such as budgetary matters, are under consideration.

(4)            That closer two-way working between the Executive and EABs, including an expectation that relevant Lead Councillors (or other Executive members in the absence of the relevant Lead Councillor) proactively attend EAB meetings and EAB Chairmen and / or Vice-Chairmen attend Executive meetings to elaborate on advice given and to receive feedback, be established and adopted.

(5)           That a clear formalised procedure of reporting EAB advice and views to the     Executive and EABs receiving Executive feedback be adopted.

(6)            That,in addition to exploring relevant Forward Plan items and Corporate Plan priorities, the EABs have free range to select their own review topics on which to advise the Executive, including the establishment of task groups where considered necessary (and subject to available resources).

(7)            That the EABs receive items sufficiently in advance of determination by the Executive in order to have the opportunity to advise on, and influence, its decisions from a broader knowledge base.

(8)       That the Democratic Services and Elections Manager be authorised to make appropriate amendments to the Constitution to give effect to the above recommendations.

Reason:

To introduce a more efficient and effective EAB configuration and contribution.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Property Investment Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report including the “Not for Publication” Annex 3 to the Strategy (set out as Appendix 3 to this report), be approved.

(2)  That the sum of £20,000,000 be transferred from the provisional budget to the approved budget.

(3)  That the Head of Asset Management, in consultation with the Director of Strategic Services, the Chief Finance Officer, and the Lead Councillor for Resources, be authorised to acquire property within the set parameters of the Strategy.

Reasons for Recommendation:

To provide a framework and governance that allows acquisition decisions to be delegated to officers within the set parameters of the strategy enabling the timely and decisive decision making that is essential in this type of market to respond to opportunities as they arise.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

None

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

At its budget meeting on 5 February 2020, the Council had approved £40million for a new Property Acquisition Fund. The objective of creating the Fund was to help bridge the funding shortfall with the financial aim of investing in property in order to increase the rental income stream for the Council and to stimulate and encourage business growth and sustainable development by investing in key strategic sites.

A property investment strategy would provide a robust and viable framework for the acquisition of commercial properties.

The Executive, having considered a draft strategy setting out the Council’s objectives, investment criteria and the process which would be followed when acquiring, disposing and managing property assets for investment purposes 

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Property Investment Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report including the “Not for Publication” Annex 3 to the Strategy (set out as Appendix 3 to the report), be approved.

(2)  That the sum of £20,000,000 be transferred from the provisional budget to the approved budget.

(3)  That the Head of Asset Management, in consultation with the Director of Strategic Services, the Chief Finance Officer, and the Lead Councillor for Resources, be authorised to acquire property within the set parameters of the Strategy.

Reason:

To provide a framework and governance that allows acquisition decisions to be delegated to officers within the set parameters of the strategy enabling the timely and decisive decision making that is essential in this type of market to respond to opportunities as they arise.

In accordance with Regulation 5 (2) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the Council published on 25 August 2020 notice of intention to hold part of this meeting in private to discuss Item 13 below: North Street, Guildford Development Site.

The notice included a statement setting out the reasons for this matter to be discussed in private and inviting anyone wishing to make representations in relation to holding part of the meeting in private for this purpose to do so by 12 noon on 11 September  2020.  As at that date, no representations were received. 

The reason for considering this matter in private is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, which is information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

In order to consider this matter in private, the Executive is asked to consider passing the following resolution:

         "That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and Regulation 5 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting for consideration of item 13 below on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.”

Following approval of the resolution to exclude the public, the chairman will ask councillors present to leave the public part of the MS Teams meeting and join a private MS Teams meeting, a link for which will have been circulated to all councillors before the meeting. The webcast will be terminated at this point. 

RESOLVED:

That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and Regulation 5 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of information contained in the report submitted to the Executive at Item 13 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the 1972 Act.

The Executive

RESOLVED:

That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and Regulation 5 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of information contained in the report submitted to the Executive at Item 13 on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the 1972 Act.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the heads of terms as detailed in the report be agreed.

(2)   That, subject to receiving final valuation advice from the Council's external advisors confirming that the transaction amounts to the best consideration reasonably obtainable, the Managing Director, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Lead Councillor for Resources and Ward Councillors be authorised to negotiate and enter into all associated property/contractual documentation required in order to facilitate the sale of the North Street Development Site.

(3)   That the Managing Director be authorised, in consultation with the Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration and Lead Councillor for Resources, to agree any minor variations to the heads of terms as detailed in this report to address any specific points arising during the course of contractual negotiations with the Purchaser.

(4)   That the Council’s public sector equality duties under section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010 be noted, and that:

(a)  further work be undertaken to gain a better understanding of the equality implications on any specific groups or individuals sharing relevant protected characteristics who are likely to be affected by the proposed redevelopment of the North Street Development Site, including the proposed temporary relocation of the bus station; and

(b)   appropriate steps be taken to seek to mitigate adverse impacts on such groups or individuals.

Reasons for Recommendation:

1.    To enable the sale of the North Street Redevelopment Site 

2.    To support the Council’s Place-Making strategic priority set out in its Corporate Plan 2018-2023, and policies in the adopted Local Plan 2015-2034 and Guildford Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 2017 to “facilitate the delivery of a major new mixed-use development on North Street incorporating a significant number of new homes and public realm improvements”.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Executive:

To not approve the heads of terms: This would cause delay that could lead to the Purchaser withdrawing from the purchase.  The Council would need to seek another developer by an open market offer. 

Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillor and any dispensation granted:

None

The Executive considered a report concerning proposals for the future of its property holdings in North Street. The report recommended the necessary authorisation, delegation and virement to enable the process to move forward.

The Executive

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the heads of terms as detailed in the report be agreed.

(2)   That, subject to receiving final valuation advice from the Council's external advisors confirming that the transaction amounts to the best consideration reasonably obtainable, the Managing Director, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration, Lead Councillor for Resources and Ward Councillors be authorised to negotiate and enter into all associated property/contractual documentation required in order to facilitate the sale of the North Street Development Site.

(3)   That the Managing Director be authorised, in consultation with the Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration and Lead Councillor for Resources, to agree any minor variations to the heads of terms as detailed in the report submitted to the Executive to address any specific points arising during the course of contractual negotiations with the Purchaser.

(4)   That the Council’s public sector equality duties under section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010 be noted, and that:

(a)  further work be undertaken to gain a better understanding of the equality implications on any specific groups or individuals sharing relevant protected characteristics who are likely to be affected by the proposed redevelopment of the North Street Development Site, including the proposed temporary relocation of the bus station; and

(b)   appropriate steps be taken to seek to mitigate adverse impacts on such groups or individuals.

Reasons:

·         To enable the sale of the North Street Redevelopment Site 

·         To support the Council’s Place-Making strategic priority set out in its Corporate Plan 2018-2023, and policies in the adopted Local Plan 2015-2034 and Guildford Town Centre Regeneration Strategy 2017 to “facilitate the delivery of a major new mixed-use development on North Street incorporating a significant number of new homes and public realm improvements”.