Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:

The Children and Young People’s Participation Service (ChYpPS) wish to consider the use of an existing commercial mooring on Jubilee Gardens as an operational base.  This would require the change of usage from commercial to educational.

Decision of Exec Cllr for Arts, Sport and Public Places:

             I.      Approved the permitted change of use of the existing mooring to allow the Play Boat to be based in Jubilee Gardens.

          II.      Agreed the levy of an annual fee, equivalent to the annual charge for a residential river mooring licence.

Reason for the Decision:

The Play Boat is a Community Development project that increases opportunities for children and young people to access the river and surrounding open spaces, it also provides open access play sessions and residential opportunities.

Since the arrival of the boat in January 2011, the boat has been moored outside the City.  The travel to collect the boat combined with the time taken to navigate the river to the collect point results in a considerable ‘downtime’ period as well as additional travel costs. A permanent mooring in the City will increase the efficiency of the boats operation and availability.

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

Officers have considered the loss of potential external commercial income and the inequality of residential moorers paying but not the Play Boat.  Officers believe that benefits to the local community outweigh any potential loss of income.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report from the Green Spaces Manager regarding the Play Boat Mooring. Members agreed that the boat should be in the City and the suggested mooring place would add to its visibility. Councillor Cantrill stated that the boat was a welcome addition to the resources available for children and young people in the City.

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report unanimously (8 votes to 0).

The Executive Councillor for Arts, Sport and Public Places approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

N/A