Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

              Web casting

67.1       The Chairman explained that afternoon’s meeting of the Planning Committee was being web cast. Members were reminded to speak directly into the microphones and to switch them off when they had finished speaking in order to ensure that they could be heard clearly.

              Royal Alexandra Hospital Site

67.2       The Planning Enforcement Manager, Mr Lowe advised Members that officers had visited the site with the landowners who during the visit had served an Eviction Notice on squatters who were currently occupying two of the buildings on the site. If the squatters did not vacate the site in accordance with the terms of the notice, the landowners estimated that it would take 4-8 weeks to seek court approval to instruct bailiffs to remove them.

67.3       A plan was displayed showing those areas of the site where the landowners had agreed to improve existing security arrangements. This would include door and window guarding, and increased security to the perimeter fence. The Planning Enforcement Manager explained that officers were investigating the option of exercising powers under the Listed Building and Conservation Areas Act carry out security works to the site if the landowners failed to carry out their commitment.

67.4       Councillor Smart asked whether, if the Council carried out works to make the site secure, reimbursement could be sought from the landowner. The Planning Enforcement Manager stated that the powers provided under the above Act were rarely used; if they were to be invoked clarification would be sought regarding the mechanisms by which the Council could seek redress.

67.5       Councillor Wells enquired whether measures would be put into place in order to expedite action in the event that the squatters did not vacate the site in accordance with the terms of the Eviction Notice. It was confirmed they would.

67.6       Mr Small CAG stated that it appeared that the squatters had gained entry onto the site at several points; he hoped that all of these would be properly secured once they had left in order to prevent the possibility of further incursions taking place in the future.

67.7       RESOLVED - That the position be noted.