Decision details

Whether to pursue establishing a new punt station on the River Cam.

Matter for Decision

Members were asked to consider if they wished Officers to seek consent to establish a new punt station for independent operators. Granta Mill Pond was considered to be the most suitable location for a new punt station but some of the unlicensed Garret Hostel Lane operators had suggested a smaller scale operation at Garret Hostel Lane. Any new punt station would require planning, Conservator and Environment Agency approvals.

 

Decision of the Leader

     i.        The Council reviewed the topic of providing an extra punt station via the detail included in the report and had considered factors such as the views of elected members and local residents, as well as congestion and likely environmental and planning issues.

    ii.        The Council’s conclusion was that there was no currently available identified site available on public land adjacent to the river that is suitable for additional development.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

 

The Committee received a report from the Head of Property Services.

 

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

     i.        Commented that the ideas on the report would not work and that it would not assist with the issues of touting.

    ii.        The report appeared to indicate that individuals had been offered a pitch at La Mimosa, questioned whether there was capacity at La Mimosa and whether individuals had not taken up the pitches because of the terms and conditions attached to the pitches.

   iii.        Commented that as a Ward Councillor for Newnham he strongly objected to a new punt station at Mill Pond and Laundress Green, this was a special area in the City, was very close to a rural setting which provided a uniqueness of character to the city centre.

 

The Head of Property Services said the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The provision of a new punt station could be seen as a pragmatic solution.

 

The Leader made the following comments:

    i.          The generation of the report was not in response specifically to issues at Garret Hostel Lane, it was an overall review of sites which were public land that might be available.

  ii.          The consideration of the four sites included discussions of Garrett Hostel Lane as it was a site that did not have permission and operated 20 boats. The issue was the scale of the site. There were discussions that needed to be had with the Conservators see p36 of the agenda pack.

 iii.          There was clear evidence on p36 and p37 of the agenda pack that Garret Hostel Lane was not equipped for the type of operation that was now there.

iv.          Laundress Green was not a commercial site and was an important leisure area within the area.

  v.          Jesus Green by the Lock had been part of some discussions but there were still challenges there.

vi.          A balanced judgement was required, there was a significant operation at Granta Mill Pond and looking at the capacity of the site it would not be suitable for a second punt station.

vii.          Referred to amended recommendations.

 

Councillor Sarris proposed amended recommendations to substitute the recommendations contained within the report as follows (new text underlined, deleted text struck through):

 

2.1    Members consider if they wish to pursue establishing a new punt station for independent punt operators as set out in this report; and if so

 

2.2    The preferred location for a new punt station is agreed; and

 

2.3    Authority is delegated to the Head of Property Services to approve expenditure connected with the new punt station, agree and implement the appropriate application process for licensees and complete the licences.

 

2.1 The Council has reviewed the topic of providing an extra punt station via the detail included in the report and has considered factors such as the views of elected members and local residents, as well as congestion and likely environmental and planning issues.

 

2.2 The Council's conclusion is that there is no currently identified site available on public land adjacent to the river that is suitable for additional development.

 

On a show of hands this was agreed by 5 votes to 0.

 

The amended recommendation was therefore put to the vote:

 

2.1 The Council has reviewed the topic of providing an extra punt station via the detail included in the report and has considered factors such as the views of elected members and local residents, as well as congestion and likely environmental and planning issues.

 

2.2 The Council's conclusion is that there is no currently identified site available on public land adjacent to the river that is suitable for additional development.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered the amended recommendation and endorsed them by 5 votes to 0.

 

The Leader approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.