The  report before Members considered  the response to the expressions of interest received from organisations interested in taking a medium term lease on the Hutton Community Centre.  The four proposals received were outlined within the report, however, the proposal from Purple Puddles was  withdrawn before the meeting took place.

There were two confidential appendices before Members which provided further details on each proposal, including some financial information,  and a summary of each. 

Before the Committee considered the expressions of interest,  each organisation made a presentation to the Committee and Members were given the opportunity to ask questions of each presenter.

Presentations were received from:

·         Build a Better Hutton 

·         Hope Community Church

·         Essex Boys and Girls Clubs

At the end of the presentations and questions from Members, the Committee agreed a short comfort break and the meeting was adjourned for ten minutes.

Upon recommencement of the meeting, in accordance with Rule 28.1 of the Council’s Procedure rules, the Committee RESOLVED to continue with the business of the meeting, it not having been concluded within two hours.

Cllr Aspinell MOVED  and Cllr Le-Surf SECONDED the following:

That delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Asset Manager after consultation with the Chair of Asset and Enterprise Committee to negotiate and enter into a lease of the Hutton Community Centre to Essex Boys and Girls Clubs. 

Cllr Hirst MOVED and Cllr Mrs McKinlay SECONDED an AMENDMENT as follows:

That delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Asset Manager after consultation with the Chair of Asset and Enterprise Committee to negotiate  with both the Essex Boys and Girls Club and  Build a Better Hutton Group regarding the lease of the Hutton Community Centre and bring it back to the next Committee for a final decision.

Following a full discussion a recorded vote was requested in accordance with Rule 9.5 of the  Council’s Procedure Rules. Members voted as follows:

FOR: Cllrs  Mrs Coe, Hirst, Kerslake, Mrs McKinlay and Sleep (5)

AGAINST:  Cllrs Aspinell, Kendall, Le-Surf, Morrissey and Sapwell (5)

The Chair exercised his casting vote and the AMENDMENT was LOST.

Returning  to the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION, following  further  discussion, Cllr Mrs McKinlay MOVED and Cllr Hirst SECONDED that the decision be DEFERRED.

A vote was taken on a show of hands and the MOTION to DEFER  was LOST, the Chair having exercised his casting vote.

A recorded vote was requested on the SUBSTANTIVE MOTION in accordance with Rule 9.5 of the  Council’s Procedure Rules. Members voted as follows:

FOR:   Cllrs Aspinell, Kendall, Le-Surf, Morrissey and Sapwell (5)

AGAINST:  Cllrs Mrs Coe, Hirst, Kerslake, Mrs McKinlay and Sleep(5)

The Chair exercised his casting vote and the MOTION was CARRIED.  It was RESOLVED:

That delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Asset Manager after consultation with the Chair of Asset and Enterprise Committee to negotiate and enter into a lease of the Hutton Community Centre to Essex Boys and Girls Clubs.