URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4442

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report by the Head of Environmental Enhancement (circulated previously) regarding the Parks Team depot.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Head of Environmental Enhancement advised the following:   ·       Informal discussions had taken place with Barnstaple Town Council regarding relocating some of its works equipment to the site.   Councillors Clayton, Hunt and P. Leaver declared an interest for transparency reasons as Members of Barnstaple Town Council.   Councillor Milton left the meeting.   In response to further questions from the Committee, the Head of Environmental Enhancement advised the following:   ·       As detailed in paragraph 5.5 of the report, the total spend for the areas of work required within the next 12 months was estimated to be between £103,000 and £168,000. ·       The Parks Team did not require all of the space, therefore there was potential to generate income for the remaining areas. ·       The location of the depot near to the town centre provided benefits of working with the Waste and Recycling team, the ability to respond quickly and to also work with partners. ·       There was potential to bring the flat back into use in the future.  The proposed works were to stop the flat deteriorating further.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised the following:   ·       The options for the Parks Team to have a permanent base at Gaydon Street Dairy or to lease an alternative site which would cost approximately £30,000 per annum.  The costs for renting an alternative site for just over five years would pay for the up-front costs for the works to be undertaken at the Dairy.  There would still be an opportunity to consider developing the site in the future.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Head of Place, Property and Regeneration advised the following:   ·       That she had been involved with the project and was mindful of opportunities that working in partnership would bring. There was potential storage opportunities and this would be identified once the project bid had been finalised. ·       It was not an easy site to develop, however it was located within the development boundary.  ·       The site provided commercial opportunities.   RESOLVED that the Gaydon Street Dairy becomes the permanent base for the Parks Team and that it be noted that a separate capital funding (PAG) bid would follow to fund associated works once costs had been finalised.

Date of Decision: December 1, 2025