Purpose

To request that public and stakeholder
engagement can be undertaken to support the development of Ambition
Arnold’s RIBA Stage 02 plans for a new arts centre (including
a theatre) leisure centre and library for Arnold North.

Reasons for the decision

To seek approval to undertake public and
stakeholder consultation to inform the development of Ambition
Arnold’s RIBA Stage 02 plans for Arnold North.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing
The Council has the option of not undertaking consultation to
inform the development of Ambition Arnold’s RIBA Stage 02
plans for Arnold North. However, this option has been rejected on
the basis that the Council has a statutory obligation to undertake
a consultation. Under section 3 of the Local Government Act 1999
(‘the 1999 Act’) there is a requirement for the Council
to secure continuous improvement in the way its functions are
exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency
and effectiveness (known as the ‘best value duty’). In
order to decide how best to fulfil the best value duty, the Council
has an obligation under section 3(2) of the 1999 Act to consult
representatives of persons who use or are likely to use the
services provided.
Furthermore, given that the Council undertook a consultation
exercise in relation to the visionary masterplan it could be
suggested that this established an expectation, and therefore an
implied duty, to consult further, once more detail was added to
this masterplan.