Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dawson, and Goodman-Bradbury.

Resolved that the apologies be noted.

The Chair advised that contractor information relating to minute number 59 would be considered in Part II of the meeting.

To declare any disclosable interests relating to the forthcoming items of business (if any).

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive and consider requests for dispensation (if any).

There were no dispensations.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee held on 14 November 2023.

Members considered the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee held on 14 November 2023.

Resolved that the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee held on 14 November 2023 be approved and signed as a correct and accurate record.

To receive the report of the Council’s surveyor together with his tender analysis, and recommend to Town Council to appoint a specific contractor to carry out external maintenance and redecoration works to the Manor House.

Members considered the tender analysis report provided by the Council’s surveyor in relation to the external redecoration and repairs project.

During discussion, it was noted that further information was required in respect of each individual supplier.  The Chair proposed that the meeting move into Part II to discuss this in detail.

Manor HManor Resolved that in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the duration of the following items on the basis that the information to be disclosed would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

Members considered the six tender responses and took account of:

·         How long they had been operating for

·         What their specialisms were

·         Examples of work on Grade listed properties

Discussion was also had to the canopy of the Manor House and the extant planning application still to be determined regarding its indefinite removal, and whether such permissions may interrupt the schedule of works involved.

Following discussion, it was

Resolved that

(a)    Contractor 2 be recommended to Town Council for approval and appointment based on a tender sum of £66,633.04, plus the difference of contingency of £2,100, plus a 15% uplift of £10,309.96 with a total budget of £79, 043,

(b)   That funds be allocated from the Property Capital EMR of £38,026.20, with remaining funds being vired from the Conservatory EMR of £41,016.80,

(c)    That any underspend in the project be put back into the appropriate EMR, and

(d)   That the Town Clerk writes to the Planning Authority seeking expediency in the determination of the Manor House canopy listed building consent application.