Issue - meetings

B Report of the Director of Environment and Culture

2.1 Cabinet agreed to accept the transfer of the following areas of open space as per the Section 106 Agreement for St Crispin, Northampton, to the Council:

·        Church Gardens (site 1)

·        Wood east of Phase 1 including Play area NW (site 2)

·        Village Green (site 4)

·        Green west of school (Site 5a,b,c,&d)

·        Berry Wood (site 10)

Maintenance of open space to the west edge (site 3)

2.2 That consideration be given to the Greek Orthodox Church taking on the maintenance of the former St Crispin’s Chapel graveyard.

Councillor Hadland commented that the use commuted sums was a common practice but in previous years sometimes this money had been diverted to other uses.  This was often possible because the multipliers and interest rates that applied at that time were high.  He sought an assurance that this would not happen now and that a clear idea of the revenue cost being taken on had actually been calculated.  He noted the appendix which separated capital and revenue expenditure.

Councillor Crake as the relevant Portfolio Holder submitted a report and noted that the figures shown in paragraphs 3.7 and 4.4 should be amended to read £446,842.50.  It was noted that the parcels of land detailed were now in a condition that the Council could accept taking over the maintenance of and that the remaining areas were still under negotiation.

In response to Councillor Hadland’s comment the Director of Finance and Support commented that the commuted sum would not be otherwise diverted.  Councillor P D Varnsverry noted an interest by the Greek Orthodox Church to take over the maintenance of the former St Crispin’s chapel graveyard.

RESOLVED:            (1)            That the transfer of the areas of open space detailed below and as shown on the attached plan to the report be accepted as areas of open space as per the Section 106 Agreement for St Crispin, Northampton to the Council:-

·  Church Gardens (Site 1)

·  Wood east of Phase 1 including play area north west (Site 2)

·  Village green (Site 4)

·  Green west of school (Site 5A, B, C and D)

·  Berrywood (Site 10)

·  Maintenance of open space to the west edge (Site 3)

(2)         That further consideration be given to the interest of the Greek Orthodox Church in taking over the maintenance of the former St Crispin chapel graveyard.