Agenda item

This item gives the Panel an opportunity to ask questions to the Cabinet Member(s) and for them to update the Panel on any current issues.

Councillor Cherry Beath, Cabinet Member for Economic Development addressed the Panel. She informed them that a report on London Road Regeneration would be received by the Cabinet at their June meeting.

She announced that at the May Cabinet meeting a decision was taken to redevelop an area of the Guildhall to become a Co-Working Hub.

She stated that talks were on-going with Taylor Wimpey regarding the Somerdale site and that a number of consultation workshops had taken place. She added that a planning application for the site was expected to be submitted to the Council in either October or November 2012.

Councillor Les Kew asked if she was able to give the Panel update on the Welton Bibby & Baron site that Councillor Barry Macrae had mentioned at the previous meeting.

Councillor Cherry Beath replied that she was unable to go into precise details, but wished to stress that Midsomer Norton and sites such as this were important to the Council.

The Chair commented that the local Councillors were also concerned about the site and whether it would be used for residential or industrial use.

Councillor Cherry Beath replied that the site was currently a sad loss to the area. She added that she understood that at least one supermarket had shown interest in the site and acknowledged that the site could suit further residential buildings upon it.

Councillor Les Kew requested a substantial update on this site and others within the locality at the next meeting of the Panel.

The Chair agreed with this proposal.

The Associate Director for Housing gave an update to the Panel on behalf of Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Homes & Planning. He informed them that Somer Community Housing had formally announced their proposed new structure, governance procedures and change of name to Curo Group.

He added that officers were assessing any possible implications to the Council and would report back to the Panel on this matter in due course.

Councillor Will Sandry commented that the next meeting of the Panel may be too late a date to share those concerns, if any were found.

Councillor Steve Hedges asked if the Council’s membership on the Somer Community Housing Trust Board was in jeopardy.

The Associate Director for Housing replied that the new structure proposed the removal of the single B&NES member from the Board.

The Chair of the Panel, Councillor Eleanor Jackson commented that she believed this to be a key matter and suggested it be passed to all Political Group Leaders.

Councillor Les Kew commented that he was surprised that there had been no consultation on this matter.

The Associate Director for Housing replied that Somer had indeed presented some of their proposals at a previous meeting.  However, he shared some of the concerns raised and that is why he had asked for the proposals to be put in writing. He added that he had only recently received them.

Councillor Les Kew called for a legal view on the matter to be given as soon as possible.

Councillor Will Sandry suggested that the Corporate Audit Committee be made aware of these proposals so that they can assess if there is any corporate risk to the Council.

The Chair of the Panel proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by Councillor Les Kew and adopted unanimously.

The Housing & Major Projects Panel asks the Corporate Audit Committee to investigate as a matter of urgency the relationship between Somer Community Housing (Curo) and the Council, considering the proposed changes in operation by Somer Community Housing (Curo), especially the proposal to remove the position of a B&NES member from their Board.

The Chair asked if a report on the Government’s revival of the ‘Right to Buy’ could be prepared for the next Panel meeting.

The Associate Director for Housing replied that he could and would do this.