Issue - meetings

Councillor B. Summers declared an interest in the following item.

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to report of the Team Leader Waste Compliance and Development.

The Team Manager Neighbourhood Services presented the report which provided an update on the development of an Outline Business Case for a Regional Wood Recycling Facility.  The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

In response to a question raised by a Member, the Officer said it was intended for the facility to be ‘green’ with a low carbon footprint, and that the majority of the machines would be electric powered.

A Member asked whether there was the potential to generate income from the facility, and would it assist the Council in hitting its recycling target.

The Officer said improved recycling targets was one of the benefits of the facility for participating LA’s, it would also provide clarity for panel board manufacturers in terms of consistency around specification and options for income.

A brief discussion ensued when the Officer clarified points raised by Members.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report which contained information relating to the business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted, and the Outline Business Case to support the development of the Regional Wood Waste Recycling Facility to the next stage be supported (Option 1).