Agenda item

This report sets out options for the future use of Preston Park Annexe for members to consider.

RESOLVED:-

    (i)        Cabinet agreed Option 2: to purchase the adjacent land to deliver 19 new homes and D1 community use space.

  (ii)        Cabinet allowed a 3 month period for the Council to negotiate with the adjacent landowner(s).

 (iii)        Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Resources in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Finance Officer in respect of awarding any professional services contracts for developing Preston Park Annexe scheme proposals.

 (iv)        Cabinet agreed that officers, within a three month period, would bring back the results of negotiations, and a draft community library strategy.

  (v)        Cabinet indicated its support for the redevelopment process.

 (vi)        Cabinet agreed that this further report would set out detailed plans, outcomes of consultation and investment requirements and the support to be given to PPCL during the period of development. The report would also outline how D1 use will be secured in the development.

(vii)        Cabinet indicated its clear commitment to weight procurement processes to social value rather than financial value.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, welcomed those who had come to the meeting for this item.

Referring to previous Council policies on libraries, Cllr Butt indicated that the Council was keen to work alongside communities libraries in a non-adversarial way. He referred Members to the recent decision by the Barham Park Trust. He indicated the Council’s wish to establish a way forward for the Borough’s community libraries (Preston Community Library, Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal).

He welcomed the work carried out by these community groups. He indicated the Council’s desire to establish a strategy outlining how the Council intends to work with such groups going forward.

On behalf of the Cabinet, Councillor Butt asked the Strategic Director of Resources, in conjunction with other colleagues, to draft a strategy on how the Council would work with such community groups going forward which would enable these groups to continue the vital community work that they carry out.

He indicated the Council’s desire, if possible, to ensure Preston Community Library is able to continue the work it currently does. Such a strategy would enable such groups to have access to spaces owned by the Council, if appropriate.

He asked that Preston Community Library be awarded a three month license to be able to review the situation regarding school places with the Council’s Children and Young People’s department. In January 2017, a 6 month licence could be considered and then potentially a 12 month license. This would avoid the uncertainty felt by Preston Community Library currently.

Finally, Councillor Butt indicated the Council’s clear support for the work of such groups as well as indicating that Preston Community Library would not be expected to meet the income target of £51k.

Councillor Harrison (Preston Ward) and Councillor Hossain (Preston Ward) welcomed the intervention by the Leader of the Council. Councillor Harrison requested that the report be withdrawn. Councillor Hossain particularly welcomed the work carried out and the services being provided by Preston Community Library.

Councillor Warren (Brondesbury Park Ward) asked for clarification about the Leader’s opening remarks. He asked for clarity about the rent that Preston Community Library might be asked to pay. He asked for the proposals to be totally reconsidered. He stated that he was keen to ensure that all community libraries were treated equally and particularly reference Kensal Rise Community Library.

Michael Rushe, Chair of the South Kenton & Preston Park Residents' Association welcomed the work by Preston Community Library. He questioned the feasibility of providing school places on the site.

Philip Bromberg asked for additional detail to support the Leader’s opening remarks. He urged the Cabinet to keep their manifesto pledge made before May 2014 i.e. “to offer the building at a peppercorn rent to any local community group who can provide a sustainable community library”. He stated that a fantastic facility had been established by Preston Community Library. He spoke of the Council’s decision regarding allotments in Brent which had been allocated on peppercorn rents. He asked for a clear steer that

Councillor Michael Pavey, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, with responsible for Libraries, corrected the report stating that Preston Community Library is in no way a ‘pop up’ community library. He welcomed the redevelopment of the site, ideally including the adjacent site. He stated this should not prevent the establishment of a community library. Councillor Pavey welcomed the Leader of the Council’s opening remarks. He supported the drafting of a Community Libraries Strategy. Councillor also proposed three amendments to the report recommendations: (1) during any construction period, a clear commitment should be given to Preston Community Library (2) he suggested a clear commitment be given to weight procurement processes to social value rather than financial value, (3) that the £51k rent not be cash based but could be linked to social value.

Councillor Ellie Southwood, Cabinet Member for Environment, welcomed the facilities provided by Preston Community Library. She echoed Cllr Pavey’s remarks about the procurement process – suggesting that the social value of community libraries be recognised.

Councillor Roxanne Mashari, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills welcomed the development of a strategy which would provide an appropriate framework. She seconded Councillor Pavey’s three amendments.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of the Council with responsibility for the voluntary sector, outlined the number of community run schemes in Brent.

Carolyn Downs, Chief Executive, clarified the amendments made to the report:

-       A commitment to support through any development the Preston Community Library.

-       Seek to explore social value as opposed to financial value in the procurement process.

Councillor Michael Pavey, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, asked that his three amendments to the report be reflected in today’s decision. He repeated the three amendments. It was clarified that these amendments would be fully considered in the report due back to Cabinet within three months.

Councillor Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, requested clarification about school places.

Gail Tolley, Strategic Director Children and Young People, provided clarity about school places and the situation of in-year arrivals.

Councillor Butt, Leader of the Council, stated that Preston Community Library would be granted a three month license extension and said that the situation would be reviewed in January.

He thanked the various speakers including Councillors Harrison, Hossain and Warren.

RESOLVED:

      I.        Option 2: to purchase the adjacent land to deliver 19 new homes and D1 community use space.

    II.        To allow a 3 month period for the Council to negotiate with the adjacent landowner(s).

   III.        To delegate authority to the Strategic Director for Resources in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Finance Officer in respect of awarding any professional services contracts for developing Preston Park Annexe scheme proposals.

  IV.        That officers, within three months, bring back the results of negotiations, and a draft community library strategy.

   V.        That a further report would be presented setting out when available: detailed plans, outcomes of consultation and investment requirements.

  VI.        To support the redevelopment process.

 VII.        Their commitment to social value as opposed to financial value.