Purpose

The Council are undertaking a capital project to decarbonise the buildings that make up Hitchin Town Hall and District Museum. These works require planning permission. These buildings share a footprint with the Hitchin Town Hall Gymnasium and Workman's Hall Trust. This Cabinet Sub-Committee acts as the trustee for the Gymnasium and Workman's Hall Trust properties. The Council has written to the Trustees to notify them of the planning application. This report provides the Trustees with the opportunity to comment on the planning proposal, and determine whether to make any representations on that planning proposal.

Decision

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee:

(1)       Commented on the planning proposal for the decarbonisation works at Hitchin Town Hall and Museum (as they shared a footprint with the Trust property of the Gymnasium and Workman’s Hall Trust) and determined whether to make any representations on that planning proposal.

(2)       Considered whether to make any representation to the Council on the proposed works being undertaken and the impact on the Hitchin Town Hall Gymnasium and Workman’s Hall Trust property.

(3)       Noted that an agreement (between the Council and the Trust) may be required for the decarbonisation works to take place. This would be entered in to in accordance with the delegated powers set out in the table in paragraph 5.11.4 of the Constitution.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: The planning proposal covers the Trust property of the Gymnasium and Workman’s Hall Trust. The Council has therefore provided a notice to the Trust that they have made a planning application. It is therefore appropriate that the Trustees, via the Cabinet Sub-Committee, can comment on the planning application.