Issue - meetings

A report is attached on ‘Call-in of decision E3453 – Entry Hill Depot Site, Entry Hill, Bath BA2 5NA – Recommendation for Disposal’

The Chair invited Councillor Councillors Heijltjes (Call in Lead Councillor Councillor) and Councillor Roper (Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development) to address the Panel.

Councillor Heijltjes (Call in Lead Councillor – as substitute for Councillor Wright)

Councillor Heijltjes made a statement explaining the reasons for the call in (a copy is attached to these minutes)

Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:

Councillor Blackburn referred to the environmental impact assessment which is requested as part of the Call in. He asked how long this would take and what the cost would be. Councillor Jackson commented that this could take up to a year as species have to be observed, she further explained that a snapshot could be taken which meant that it would not take as long as a year. She was not sure on the costs.

Councillor Hodge asked what the constraints were on the site considering the ash. Councillor Heijltjes stated that she was not an expert but as the company plans include some building on the site, other building work would be possible.

Councillor Jackson stated that contamination is not a deterrent as long as the proper scientific tests are carried out. 

Councillor Halsall stated that the site is allocated for employment in the Local Plan and asked if Councillor Hughes was suggesting that the Council should wait for the Local Plan review. Councillor Hughes stated that he felt that the Council needed to decide on the best use of the site for the Council and community regardless of the timescales. He stated that housing should not be dismissed especially considering the lack of affordable housing in the area. He stated that he struggled to see why the ‘red book’ valuation was taken. He stated that the site is described as rare and desirable which implies it has a worth and we should get the best price.

Councill Blackburn asked how residential use versus industrial use compare regarding biodiversity net gain. Councillor Heijltjes stated that she understood that this was not impossible with residential use.

Councillor Roper – Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development

Councillor Roper made a statement regarding the decision made by former Councillor Richard Samuel (a copy is attached to these minutes).

Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:

Councillor Simon stated that the red book valuation for residential use was substantially higher than for industrial use. If asked if this took account of remedial costs. The Cabinet Member stated that the residential valuation excludes any remedial works.

Councillor Simon asked how long the overage liability be would retained. The Cabinet Member stated that draft heads of terms had been agreed and any overage would be in perpetuity.

Councillor Blackburn asked why the site had been empty for so long and not considered in the Local Plan for social housing. The Cabinet Member stated that a feasibility report was carried out in 2017 and ADL rejected the opportunity to bring the site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8