Issue - meetings

Members discussed in length the proposal received from Anthony Estates contained within the circulated reports pack.

The Town Clerk spoke of questions raised with Anthony Estates regarding their proposed Heads of Terms for a working agreement with Saltash Town Council.

The responses included clarification on associated costs, confirmation of payment amounts and the timing of those payments.

Members discussed several areas of concern, including the need to secure legal representation for the Town Council prior to entering into a working agreement, ensuring accountability for how public funds are spent, what outcomes they deliver and financial considerations such as the source and timing of funding.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullock, seconded by Councillor Brady and RESOLVED;

1.  To approve, in principle, the draft Heads of Terms to form a Working Agreement with Anthony Estates for a three-year period, subject to the Town Council’s legal advice;

2.  To appoint Coode’s Solicitors to review and advise on the draft Heads of Terms and Working Agreement, allocating associated cost to budget code 6224 PF Professional Costs, reporting back to Full Council;

3.  To approve for the Services Committee to budget of £14,000 per year for an initial three-year period, creating a new budget code named ‘Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve’;

4.  To make half-yearly payments in arrears from the Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve budget code for the first year, subject to confirmation from Anthony Estates that the first payment will not be due until April 2026;

5.  To delegate to the Town Clerk to manage the process reporting directly to Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve Working Group.

6.  To note Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve aligns with the Town Council’s Strategic Priorities, including Boosting Jobs and Economic Prosperity, Health and Wellbeing, addressing the Climate Emergency and enhancing Recreation and Leisure.

Councillors B and P Samuels declared an interest in the next agenda item and left the meeting.