Agenda and minutes

None.

Apologies were received from Cllr Belsey.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 and 29 November 2021 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

None.

Rafal Hejne, Interim Head of Organisational Development introduced the report, highlighting that a public consultation has been conducted by an independent consultant with their report included at appendix 1. He confirmed that Clair Hall is listed as an Asset of Community Value and is being currently used to support the vaccination programme.  The report recommends developing investment options which could include refurbishment or redevelopment to support the provision of community facilities on the site, using an evidence-based approach to procure this work with the involvement of specialists to determine the options. It also recommends the extension of the current licence for the NHS to continue using the hall as a vaccination centre.

With regards to the consultation and engagement programme, the Cabinet Member for Community sought clarification on the number of responses stated in the appendix.  For those who did respond he thanked them for their constructive comments but felt that the engagement with younger residents could have been more expansive. He acknowledged that further data was required to inform the final decision, using an evidence-based approach to develop sustainable options to provide multifunctional community facility on the site.  He expressed concern that the residents of Lindfield were not included in a leaflet drop but acknowledged that the consultation had been widely publicised in the newspaper and banners around the town. He also acknowledged the importance of keeping all stakeholders updated as the work progresses.

The Deputy Leader sought clarity on what efforts were made to engage with the under 24 age group, particularly asking if it was usual for this age group to be under-represented in consultations. The Interim Head of Organisational Development confirmed the number of responders was estimated at around 800 to 1000 and that the younger age group does tend to be underrepresented in such consultations.  Best efforts had been made to engage with young people through schools and multiple drop-in sessions and he confirmed that more data would be collected as the work progresses.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth welcomed the extent of the consultation and noted that the majority of households in Haywards Heath have received consultation information delivered and had the ability to respond. 

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services noted that many responders preferred either redevelopment or refurbishment. She acknowledged that the facility must cater for future residents of the town and the change in peoples’ way of working since the pandemic. 

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning acknowledged that the consultation provides a good snapshot of current information. .  It is a good basis to collect further information involving experts.  This will be very useful to support  future trends and habits as we already know that we expect a significant increase in homes, potentially for young families, over coming years. 

The Leader thanked the residents that responded, and Haywards Heath Town Council who conducted their own comprehensive consultation. He also acknowledged the overall appetite for change seen in the responses provided.

Commenting on the main report, the Deputy Leader  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Leader moved a motion that the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt business on the agenda.  This was agreed unanimously. 

RESOLVED

That the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item in accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act.

The meeting moved into the exempt session at 4:37 pm.

The meeting returned to the open session at 4:38 pm.

The Leader confirmed the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2021 were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Leader.