8 October 2009

Present

Councillors Newcombe (Chairman), Bowden, Cann, Gribble, Hannon, Haywood, Knight and Lee

Additional Members for Educational Issues

Mrs Wilson (Primary Parent Governor)

Attending in accordance with Standing Order 25 (2) (a)

Councillors B Hughes and Wragg

Attending in accordance with Standing Order 25 (1)

Councillor Clatworthy

Apologies

Councillors Boyle, Hawkins Marsh, Robinson, Sanders, Spence and Yabsley

17 Call-In of Cabinet Decision: Possible Acquisition of Part of Rolle College, Exmouth (Cabinet Minute *43 of 22 September 2009)

(Hugo Swire MP spoke with the consent of the Chairman (by audio link) and Alderman Ken Turner, Councillor Jill Elson, Ray Davison (Deputy Chairman of Governors, Exmouth Community College), Roy Pryke (Exmouth Community Association), John Wokersien (Town Clerk), Councillor Nicholas, Alderman David Scott, Jenny Budden and Diane Hill attended and spoke with the consent of the Committee)

(Councillors B Hughes and Wragg attended in accordance with Standing Order 25 (2) (a)) and spoke to this item)

(Councillor Clatworthy attended in accordance with Standing Order 25 (I) and spoke to this item at the invitation of the Committee)

In accordance with Article 17.0 of the Constitution, the Chairman had called in the following decision by the Cabinet (Minute 43 refers):

that the Council indicate to the University of Plymouth that it is no longer interested in acquiring this site.

The Committee considered the Joint report of the Executive Director of Children Young People s Services and County Solicitor (CS/09/7 - text only | pdf | supplementary information CS/09/7) as submitted to the Cabinet on 22 September 2009 and the minute relating thereto.

The Committee also considered representations from the Exmouth Community Association dated 21 September and 26 September and a copy of a presentation by the Governors of Exmouth Community College, supporting the principle of purchase of Rolle College by the Council and asking for further consultations on detailed proposals for the use of this site (including 14 -19 Education) before any final decision not to progress was made.

The Committee noted that the Cabinet s decision was recorded as being taken in the light of the reservations and lack of progress identified in the report and the consequent difficulty in maintaining a compelling case for the acquisition of the Rolle College site.

The Committee considered the suggestion that the Cabinet be asked to reconsider their decision detailed in Minute 43 and re-open discussions with the University of Plymouth for the acquisition of the former Rolle College site or part thereof, for Post 16, including 14 -19 Education and other community uses; and that proposals for developing such uses be further explored with the Exmouth Community College, Exmouth Town and East Devon District Councils and other interested parties

Members however also expressed the concern that it had not been possible for the Leader and the Cabinet Member (Schools Skills) to attend this meeting and the need for more information about budgetary and financial implications.

It was MOVED by Councillor Cann, SECONDED by Councillor Knight and

RESOLVED that the matter be deferred and a further meeting of this Scrutiny Committee be held to hear the views of the Leader and Cabinet portfolio holder (Schools and Skills) prior to any recommendation to the Cabinet.

*DENOTES DELEGATED MATTERS WITH POWER TO ACT

The meeting started at 10: 00 am and finished at 12:20 pm

The Minutes of the Committee are published on the County Council s Website at: :