Agenda item

Report of Councillor Gibbons

Councillor Gibbons presented the report.  She summarised the key issues within the report and the recommendations as set out and thanked officers for a comprehensive report.

In discussing the report reference was made to the significant opposition to the proposed site given its location on a flood plain and its community value as an area of public open space and amenity.   Members fully recognised the need for additional places for children with learning and physical disabilities, but some members suggested the proposed site was unsuitable.  It was proposed that given the budget impact of this development, a report should be brought back to Council once the decision of the Secretary of State was issued rather than authority being delegated to the Executive Member. With reference to other options considered, members noted a large number of alternative sites had previously been considered and dismissed, and reference was made to the importance of avoiding any unnecessary delay in building the school given the growing demand for local places for children with profound disabilities.

Councillor Willis stated she had close friends who would be affected by the proposal and would therefore be abstaining from the vote.

Following the debate and the different views expressed, the Chairman proposed that the vote on this item be taken by roll call.

On the Motion of Councillor Gibbons, seconded by Councillor Westwood it was subsequently

Resolved: that, subject to notification by the Secretary of State of application 20/P/0605/R3 and, if successful, a planning decision notice being issued, the Council:

(1) approves a budget of £14.63 million;

(2)  approves the award of the contract to Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd for the construction of the new Baytree Special School in Clevedon for the value of £14,119,582.00, based on Willmott Dixon’s final RIBA Stage 4 cost submission, which assumes a start on site of March 2021, as part of the total project delivery budget of £14,630,000.00; and

(3) delegates authority to the Executive Member for Finance and Performance to make any changes to the above budget and contract value, arising from conditions relating to the planning approval and a later start on site date of September 2021.