Issue - meetings

Following Decision E 3201 on July 22nd to run an open procurement exercise to seek a new operator for the Approach Golf Course site this report sets out the process followed and makes a recommendation to appoint a preferred bidder.

The decision also resolved to delegate to the Director of Environment authority to appoint a contractor in accordance with the Council’s prescribed governance and procurement process in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Communities

Once a preferred bidder is appointed they will engage with the local community on their proposals before final contracts are signed to consider refinements to their tender.  The tender will however have to remain substantially similar to that submitted and evaluated.

Councillor Lucy Hodge addressed the Cabinet by saying that the Cabinet would be making a significant decision on Approach Golf Course.  Councillor Hodge said that the Cabinet made a decision in July 2020 on Approach Golf Course indicating that the site would continue to operate as 18-hole golf course.  However, the residents were very concerned that the decision on the new operator of the site was not consulted with the residents, and the residents had little warning on what was happening.  Councillor Hodge invited the Cabinet not to ignore the petition of 4,000 signatures, asked the Cabinet to listen what the residents have to say at this meeting and put a pause on the decision for the time being.  Councillor Hodge urged the Cabinet not to take the decision today.

Councillor Mark Elliottin a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 6 and on the Council's website] invited the Cabinet to listen to the residents and turn down the bid on the Approach Golf Course.

Lynne Fernquest in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 7 and on the Council's website] said that Bath Rugby Foundation has been using this site for many years and their disabled students have received the greatest benefit from this affordable space, and it would be a huge blow to lose it.

Patricia Ludlam in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 8 and on the Council's website] urged the Cabinet not to award the contract yet but engage with local residents who have so much interest and help to offer.

Ben Reed in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 9 and on the Council's website] also urged the Cabinet to note the residents’ concerns for the Approach Course that has been seen over recent weeks (with the petition of 4,000 plus signatures) and honour their commitment to retain golf on the site.

Peter Langley addressed the Cabinet by saying that his family has been in Bath for a long time, and that High Common has been one of the favourite sites for them.  Peter Langley said that Council’s planners and conservationists should be involved in the planning around this site, in particular on its use.  Peter Langley also pointed out that the application has been made to Heritage England to have the High Commons listed.  Peter Langley also urged the Cabinet not to make the decision today.

Sally Parkes in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 10 and on the Council's website] urged the Cabinet to listen to our local Ward Councillors, to listen the Bath residents’ wishes, and keep status quo of the Approach Golf Site.

Justin Draeger in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 11 and on the Council's website] urged  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92