Issue - meetings

That:

1)        the development of a new library on the site of the Old Polehampton Boys’ School in Twyford be supported in principle;

2)        the Director of Locality and Customer Services be authorised to determine accurate costs and timing for delivery of the library;

3)        the Director of Locality and Customer Services be authorised to keep the planning permission alive by resubmitting or whatever else may be necessary;

4)        the Director of Locality and Customer Services be authorised to enter into negotiations with the Polehampton Trust to achieve a long lease at a peppercorn rent for the building;

5)        it be noted that the Director of Locality and Customer Services will prepare a detailed proposal for the new library (community facility) for consideration at the Executive meeting in September 2019.

The Executive considered a report relating to a proposal to develop a new library (community facility) within Twyford on the site of the Old Polehampton Boys’ School.

The Leader of Council informed the meeting that he was very excited about bringing the proposal for a new library in Twyford as it was something he had been working on with local Members and members of the community for a number of years.  This proposal was part of the Council’s regeneration of towns and villages outside of Wokingham Town.  It was noted that the Executive was currently being asked for their in principle support for the proposal and that a more detailed proposal would come to the Executive in either September or October.

Councillor Halsall asked for an amendment to be made to recommendation 4 by adding the word “rent” after the word “peppercorn” and this was agreed.

Councillor Smith gave his support to the proposal and wanted to ensure that every effort would be made to get on with the project and that there would be no more delays.

RESOLVED that:

1)        the development of a new library on the site of the Old Polehampton Boys’ School in Twyford be supported in principle;

2)        the Director of Locality and Customer Services be authorised to determine accurate costs and timing for delivery of the library;

3)        the Director of Locality and Customer Services be authorised to keep the planning permission alive by resubmitting or whatever else may be necessary;

4)        the Director of Locality and Customer Services be authorised to enter into negotiations with the Polehampton Trust to achieve a long lease at a peppercorn rent for the building;

5)        it be noted that the Director of Locality and Customer Services will prepare a detailed proposal for the new library (community facility) for consideration at the Executive meeting in September 2019.