Issue - meetings

      (Copy herewith)

2.1       Cabinet supported the Hardingstone 9 Bike Park project including the acceptance of the Places To Ride application, subject to the conditions set out in 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 in the report.

2.2       Cabinet delegated authority to the Acting Director of Economy and Assets, in consultation with the Borough Secretary, Chief Finance Officer and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise to appoint and enter into a Contract with the successful contractor for the construction works to convert a disused nine hole golf course into a mountain bike centre and general outdoor facility following completion of the tender process. West Northamptonshire Cabinet will receive further reports to their Executive should these be required.

2.3       Cabinet noted the land annexed to this report is currently leased to Delapre Golf Club and that negotiations to release the area of the land are ongoing and subject to contract and approval by West Northamptonshire Council.  The appointment of the Contractor will not complete before the land is brought back into Council control.

2.4       Cabinet approved a legal budget of up to a maximum of £25,000 if deemed necessary by the Acting Director of Economy and Assets in consultation with and the approval of the Borough Secretary to procure external legal expertise in construction in connection with the works proposed herein to the Bike Park.

2.5       Cabinet noted that West Northamptonshire Council will progress with the work set out within this report from 1st April 2021, having been consulted on the report’s contents.

Councillor Hadland as the relevant Cabinet Member presented the report.  This was an exciting opportunity to transform a disused area of the Delapre golf course into a bike park.  A dedicated area for bikes would be a positive step as there had been problems with cycling conflicting with other uses.  The Northampton Badger Society had expressed concerns about wildlife on the site, but the planned use would retain some wild areas.  Councillor Nunn had also received queries about wildlife.  Councillor Beardsworth asked how motorcycles were to be excluded from the area.  Councillor Nunn advised that this had been carefully considered and appropriate barriers would be put in place.  Councillor Larratt noted that two public footpaths crossed the site; these were separate from the cycle tracks, so there would be no conflict.

It was agreed that the bike park would be an asset to the town and add to the great leisure offer in the area.

RESOLVED:

2.1       Cabinet supported the Hardingstone 9 Bike Park project including the acceptance of the Places To Ride application, subject to the conditions set out in 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 in the report.

2.2       Cabinet delegated authority to the Acting Director of Economy and Assets, in consultation with the Borough Secretary, Chief Finance Officer and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise to appoint and enter into a Contract with the successful contractor for the construction works to convert a disused nine hole golf course into a mountain bike centre and general outdoor facility following completion of the tender process. West Northamptonshire Cabinet will receive further reports to their Executive should these be required.

2.3       Cabinet noted the land annexed to this report is currently leased to Delapre Golf Club and that negotiations to release the area of the land are ongoing and subject to contract and approval by West Northamptonshire Council.  The appointment of the Contractor will not complete before the land is brought back into Council control.

2.4       Cabinet approved a legal budget of up to a maximum of £25,000 if deemed necessary by the Acting Director of Economy and Assets in consultation with and the approval of the Borough Secretary to procure external legal expertise in construction in connection with the works proposed herein to the Bike Park.

2.5       Cabinet noted that West Northamptonshire Council will progress with the work set out within this report from 1st April 2021, having been consulted on the report’s contents.