The above decision was called-in by Councillors Cowell, Parrott, James, Morey and Ellery on 23 July 2012.

The reasons for the call-in are:

1. The members are concerned about the apparent lack of community consultation prior to the mayor’s decision regarding the future of the ‘Banjo’ site.

2. What evaluation was made of the potential benefits between a private sector development of the ‘Banjo’ site and a council funded solution?

3. What was the content of the presentation to the Conservative Group, prior to full Council’s consideration of the issue, that was not shared with the other member groups?

4. Why was there no reference in the report to Council (Report for Agenda Item 8, Council meeting held 12 July 2012) to ongoing discussions with promoters of the Ocean Circle development?

5. What is the mayor’s view of the absence of a view from Environment Agency? And, similarly what is the mayor’s view of English Heritage’s refusal to endorse the scheme?

Supporting Documents

Record of Decision

Report presented to the Meeting of the Council on 12 July 2012

The Board considered the details of a call-in by five Members of the Council of the decision by the Mayor to instruct the Executive Head (Resident and Visitor Services) let the contract to demolish the upper deck and widen the lower deck of the banjo on Princess Promenade at Torquay.

The Call-in Promoter (Councillor Cowell) set out the reasons for calling-in the decision and each of the Call-in Supporters also addressed the Board about their concerns regarding the decision.

The Board heard a representation from a potential private sector developer for the site.

The Mayor responded to the points raised by both the Call-in Promoter and Supporters and the Members of the Board.

Resolved:  that no further action be taken.

To consider a report on the above.

The Council made the following recommendation to the Mayor:

It was proposed by Councillor Tyerman and seconded by Councillor Scouler:

that the Mayor be recommended to instruct the Executive Head of Resident and Visitor Services to invite tenders and let a contract to demolish the upper deck and widen the lower deck of the banjo together with providing cathodic protection to the structural elements of the banjo and eastern promenade.  The contract to commence in October 2012 to allow the banjo to be open for summer 2013.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Darling and seconded by Councillor Pentney:

that consideration of this item be deferred to an adjourned Council meeting to enable members to be briefed on what opportunities exist for the private sector to assist in the regeneration of the banjo and eastern promenade, in line with the decision of the Council taken on 31 October 2011.

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4 and at the request of 10 or more councillors, a recorded vote was taken on the amendment. The voting was taken by roll call as follows: For: Baldrey, Cowell, Darling, Davies, Doggett, Ellery, Faulkner (A), Faulkner (J), Morey, Pentney, Pountney and Stockman (12); Against: The Mayor, Councillors Addis, Amil, Barnby, Bent, Brooksbank, Butt, Excell, Hernandez, Hill, Hytche, Kingscote, Lewis, McPhail, Mills, Pritchard, Richards, Scouler and Tyerman (19); Abstain: Councillor James, Parrott and Stringer (3); and Absent: Councillors Stocks, Thomas (D) and Thomas (J) (3). Therefore, the amendment was declared lost.

The original motion was then before members for consideration and being put to the vote, the motion was declared carried.

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Council as set out above at the meeting and the record of his decision, together with further information, is attached to these Minutes.