Agenda item

This report seeks approval for an addition of £4,400,000 to the Capital Programme, to fund improvements at Rochester Airport.

Discussion:

This report set out proposals for the approval for an addition of £4,400,000 to the Capital Programme, to fund improvements at Rochester Airport. The report also sought delegated authority for officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to enter into contracts in respect of the works at the Airport and to declare land surplus, so that it could be disposed of for development.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Deputy Leader, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Rodney Chambers, proposed the recommendations in the report.

Councillor Murray, supported by Councillor Griffiths, proposed an amendment to the recommendations:

Delete 9.1.1 and replace with the following:

Defer the decision to spend funds on improvements to Rochester Airport until after the public consultation on the Airport Masterplan has been completed and analysed.

In accordance with rule 11.4 of the Council Rules at the request of six Members, a recorded vote on the amendment was requested.

For – Councillors Bowler, Colman, Cooper, Craven, Gilry, Christine Godwin, Paul Godwin, Griffiths, Hubbard, Igwe, Juby, Kearney, Maple, Murray, Osborne, Price, Shaw, Smith and Stamp (19)

Against – Councillors Avey, Baker, Brake, Bright, Carr, Mrs Diane Chambers, Rodney Chambers, Chishti, Chitty, Clarke, Doe, The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Etheridge, Griffin, Adrian Gulvin, Pat Gulvin, Hewett, Hicks, The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Iles, Irvine, Jarrett, Mackinlay, Maisey, Mason, O’Brien, Rodberg, Royle, Tolhurst, Turpin, Watson, Wicks and Wildey (31)

Abstain – (0)

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Following a question from a Member as to whether voting on the substantive motion amounted to pre-determination on the future consideration of the Rochester Airport Masterplan, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that Members could vote on the substantive motion.

In accordance with rule 11.4 of the Council Rules at the request of six Members, a recorded vote on the substantive motion was requested.

For - Councillors Avey, Baker, Brake, Bright, Carr, Mrs Diane Chambers, Rodney Chambers, Chishti, Chitty, Clarke, Doe, The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Etheridge, Griffin, Adrian Gulvin, Pat Gulvin, Hewett, Hicks, The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Iles, Irvine, Jarrett, Mackinlay, Maisey, Mason, O’Brien, Royle, Tolhurst, Turpin, Watson, Wicks and Wildey (30)  

Against - Councillors Bowler, Colman, Cooper, Craven, Gilry, Christine Godwin, Paul Godwin, Griffiths, Hubbard, Igwe, Kearney, Maple, Murray, Osborne, Price, Shaw, Smith and Stamp (18)

Abstain – Councillor Juby (1).

Decision:

a)     The Council agreed to add £4,400,000 to the capital programme to fund improvements at Rochester Airport. This is made up from £4,000,000 as a contribution towards the works, which the airport operator will carry out and the balance of £400,000 is to fund professional fees and works on the council’s retained land.

b)     The Council agreed to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Legal and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to declare land surplus at the Airport so that it can be disposed of for development on the best terms reasonably obtainable.

c)      The Council agreed to delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Legal and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to enter into contracts in respect of the improvements works at the airport and any necessary agreements in respect of any disposal land.