Agenda item

7/22/23           TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE TOWN COUNCIL'S IDENTIFIED DEVOLUTION ASSETS AND LAND PROGRAMME AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENDITURE:

b.  Cornwall Council Standard Heads of Terms for the Maurice Huggins Tea Room and Victoria Gardens; 

The Town Clerk expressed concerns regarding items contained within Cornwall Council’s Heads of Terms, such as, the use of the Maurice Huggins Room and the responsibility to repair Victoria Gardens in its current state (Grade II Listed monument, the walls, footpaths, railings, any gates and large trees).

The Town Clerk informed Members that the condition and health and safety aspect of the pine tree (photos provided) had been reported to Cornwall Council’s Environment Team as this property falls under their management.

The Town Clerk brought Members attention to the Building Survey report conducted in 2018, five years on.

The report included concerns around the condition of the surrounding walls, railings, pathways and large trees situated in Victoria Gardens.

Members discussed in length their reasons for requesting to devolve as a Freehold Victoria Gardens and the Maurice Huggins Room (MHR) to the Town Council.

The Town Clerk advised Members that the Town Council has a responsibility to ensure due diligence has been met and advised Members to get an up to date Building Surveyors report together with full costing prior to committing the Town Council to a Lease or Freehold with Cornwall Council.

The Town Clerk further confirmed she understood Members frustration and that should they wish to undertake low maintenance works (bedding plants, grass cutting, shrub work) ready for the Spring/Summer months to request from Cornwall Council a Licence to work in Victoria Gardens for that period.

It was RESOLVED to note that Cormac are currently addressing uneven footpaths and trip hazards caused by tree roots in Victoria Gardens and that works will raise the paths with a special method that doesn’t harm the trees and allow for future growth.

It was RESOLVED to note that Cornwall Council have given permission for Saltash Town Council to occupy the Maurice Huggins Room under an implied tenancy at will until such time as devolution is agreed.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Peggs and resolved to RECOMMEND to Full Council;

1.  To request a Licence or Service Level Agreement (SLA) from Cornwall Council to allow the Town Council to tidy the lower lying areas such as, the shrubs, grass cutting and bedding plants, during the months of Spring/Summer 2023;

2.  The Climate Change and Environment Working Group to consider a short term vision to tidy Victoria Gardens working with the Town Council and relevant volunteer groups, reporting back at the next Devolution Sub Committee Meeting;

3.  To appoint the Town Council’s Building Surveyor to provide an updated Building Surveyors Report and associated cost for Victoria Gardens only to be received at future Devolution Sub Committee meeting;

4.  To request the latest Cornwall Council’s tree condition survey and maintenance works for Victoria Gardens;

5.  The Town Clerk to continue to liaise with Cornwall Council to undertake relevant work to the pine and monkey puzzle trees;

6.  The Devolution Sub Committee to look at the long term vision of devolving Victoria Gardens and the Maurice Huggins Room to the Town Council;

7.  Subject to better negotiations with Cornwall Council, to approve to devolve Victoria Gardens and the Maurice Huggins Room to Saltash Town Council as a Freehold site.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Peggs and resolved to RECOMMEND to Policy and Finance to allocate to budget code 6224 Professional Costs the Building Surveyors fees to undertake a Building Surveyors Report for Victoria Gardens only.

It was proposed by Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Gillies and RESOLVED to approve the above Policy and Finance recommendation.