Decision details

Matter for Decision

The report considered the current use of the Barn as a sports and community facility in the context of other sports and community facilities of higher quality that were available in the locality and recommended that the Council give notice to the Trustees of the Old Schools of Cambridge that it does not intend to invest in the Barn in the future.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Wellbeing

 

The Executive Councillor resolved:

 

(i)   That the Council give notice to the Trustees of the Old Schools of Cambridge that the Council no longer wishes to invest in St.Luke’s Barn as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the officer’s report.

(ii)  If required to do so by the Trustees of the Old Schools of Cambridge, the Council arranges for the Barn to be demolished

(iii)                    Officers inform the community users of the Barn that they have given notice (as above) and that if the Trustees of the Old Schools of Cambridge decide to end community use, officers work with the school to support the users to help them find alternative venues for their activities.

 

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 Community Development.

 

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

 

(i)             The principal users (the University and Bottisham Badminton Clubs) had alternative facilities available to them in the area.

(ii)            The building was not extensively used by the local community and alternative, fully DDA compliant, meeting rooms were available in the area. 

(iii)          Continuing to invest in St. Luke’s Barn would not represent good value for tax payer’s money.

(iv)         Supported the officer’s recommendation.

 

In response to Members’ questions the Head of Community Development confirmed the following:

 

(i)             Cost comparisons for alternative facilities in the area had been undertaken.

(ii)            The University would be opening additional facilities soon.

(iii)          Officers would be working with the Islamic youth group that currently used St. Luke’s Barn to source an affordable alternative venue.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.