Agenda item

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by email or via The Guildhall no later than three working days before the meeting.

Members of the public are advised to review the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings document prior to attending the meeting.

The Chairman confirmed two public questions had been received.

At the invitation of the Chairman the resident in attendance read their question to Members.

The Chairman confirmed that each question would be addressed individually and invited members of the Sale of Burraton Field Working Group to respond to the first question.

1.  The Working Group reported that, following the submission of correspondence to Cornwall Council challenging the sale of Burraton Field, no response had been received despite several attempts by the Town Clerk, on behalf of the Town Council, to engage with Cornwall Council. The Working Group advised that it would explore options for escalating the Council’s correspondence should the Town Council wish it to do so.

2.  Cornwall Councillor Johnson, the ward member for the area, advised that he had already requested that Cornwall Council maintain the land to a usable standard. Councillor Johnson agreed to meet with representatives of Save Saltash Green Spaces (SSGS) to discuss options for continuing to lobby on these matters. The Town Clerk was requested to assist with arranging a meeting between the parties at the Guildhall.

3.  In response to the third question, the Chairman advised that, should Save Saltash Green Spaces successfully secure Asset of Community Value status for Burraton Field, the Town Council would be willing to better understand the requirements for establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the purpose of purchasing and managing the land for community use. The Chairman noted that such a proposal would require careful consideration and debate should the opportunity arise;

4.  Councillor B Samuels, Chairman of the Planning and Licensing Committee, advised that although Saltash Town Council was not required to submit a Neighbourhood Priorities Statement (NPS) to Cornwall Council, the Council had committed a substantial budget towards appointing a consultant to assist with its preparation. She further advised that a programme of public engagement and consultation would take place over the coming months to ensure that local priorities, including Burraton Field, were considered and reflected within the NPS.

Following a unanimous vote, it was proposed by Councillor Johns, seconded by Councillor Miller and RESOLVED that the response provided above answered the public question received.

The Chairman thanked members of the SSGS in attendance for their question submitted.

The Chairman advised Members a second question had been received.

In the absence of the resident who submitted the question, and in accordance with the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence Policy the Chairman read the question.

The Chairman thanked the resident for their question, their offer to provide research and their time.

The Town Council recently reviewed and updated its Civic Handbook. The information presented to Members within the report received under Agenda Item 26 is consistent with the provisions of the handbook and reflects the wishes of the Town Council.

Therefore, the Chairman advised that the question was received for noting only.

All Members agreed.

It was RESOLVED to note.