Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Joss Bigmore. Councillor Bigmore was replaced at the meeting by Councillor James Steel.

In accordance with the Councillors’ 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 disclosures of interest.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 26 May 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held 26 May 2022 were approved as correct. The Chairman signed the minutes.

The minutes of the meeting held 26 May 2022 were approved as correct. The Chairman signed the minutes.

Decision:

(1)          That consent be given to holding events that include the sale and consumption of alcohol at Allen House Grounds, Guildford.

(2)          That indemnity insurance be taken against potential claims relating to the restrictive covenants prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol at Allen House Grounds.

Reason:

To permit events involving the sale and consumption of alcohol at Allen House Grounds, which will generate income for the trust and help fund the upkeep of the park.

Other options considered and rejected by the Committee:

To not permit events including alcohol at Allen House Grounds.

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

None.

Allen House Grounds were bequeathed to the Council over 100 years ago by the then owner for use as a public recreation ground. The land was subject to restrictive covenants prohibiting the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol and the land could only be used for the purpose of public walks and pleasure grounds which benefit the inhabitants of the borough. Due to the charitable status of the land, any income generated by Allen House Grounds must be used in the best interests of the charity and the land’s purpose.

Allen House Grounds was a good location for community events that were enjoyed by and of benefit to residents. Such events would generate income to help maintain the park to high standards for visitors. It was proposed that it would be in the best interests of the trust to permit events serving alcohol, subject to all necessary licencing requirements being met. The Council had been unable to trace descendants of the original owner to negotiate the release of the restrictive covenants, and it was proposed that an indemnity insurance be taken out against any potential claims relating to alcohol being served at the site.

The Committee noted that the cost of the indemnity insurance would cost the Council around £200 per annum. The Committee,

RESOLVED:

(1)          That consent be given to holding events that include the sale and consumption of alcohol at Allen House Grounds, Guildford.

(2)          That indemnity insurance be taken against potential claims relating to the restrictive covenants prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol at Allen House Grounds.

Reason:

To permit events involving the sale and consumption of alcohol at Allen House Grounds, which will generate income for the trust and help fund the upkeep of the park.