Issue - meetings

The Head of Business Growth presented the report to the Committee.

The report highlighted work that had taken place over the last 2 months, though it was noted for 3 weeks work had halted for the Winter Holiday and New Year break.

Following a procurement exercise by the Loss Adjuster’s appointed contractor, Monaghans had recommended Dragonfly Development Limited (DDL) be appointed as the preferred supplier.  DDL had submitted the most cost-effective quote of the three submitted and were identified as the most compliant tender with the lowest risk.

The Executive had approved the appointment of DDL at a December 2024 meeting.

The Executive had also approved the appointment of P&D Environmental to complete flood remedial works at Pleasley Vale Business Park.  This appointment was based upon the scope of works presented at a previous Committee meeting.

Works could commence early 2025 on both the remediation work following Storm Babet and mitigation efforts against future flood events.

The Council had approved funds for investment into Pleasley Vale for the schemes identified in the report, as well as additional repairs and works to the mill buildings.

The Council had further approved a recommendation for Members to delegate authority to the Chief Executive to establish the post and budget of a Building Surveyor / Contractors Administrator to manage and oversee building works and repairs.  This would be advertised in the week after the Committee.

The Chair informed the Committee that at a recent internal meeting at The Arc, several Officers in attendance had to leave early due to flood alerts of the site.  It was stated Members were aware of the problems, and it was good Officers were ready to act fast.  A Member agreed, adding flood remediation works should now proceed.

The Head of Business Growth informed a full scope of works should be completed in 4-6 months.

It was also noted a Mansfield District Councillor had been coordinating work between the Council and Pleasley Vale and the village.

The main concern remained the sluice gates in Pleasley village, but once the added risk of the wet, winter months had subsided, work should progress quickly.

A Member and the Head of Business Growth both informed the Committee that the same Mansfield District Councillor had also worked with the Environment Agency to carry out repairs to the sluice gates.

Moved by Councillor Tom Kirkham and seconded by Councillor Will Fletcher

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Approved by Councillor John Ritchie, Portfolio Holder for Growth

The Head of Business Growth presented the report to the Committee.

Work on the flood mitigation of the site was proceeding.  A significant area was within a functional floodplain (where water naturally collected).  This became particularly evident following Storm Babet in October 2023.  As the landlord, the Council was working with Beaumont Rivers, a private contractor, to mitigate future events.

Details of the work being undertaken was available in the report.

It was noted that the Head of Business Growth had convened a meeting of Members and Officers of the Council, along with Beaumont Rivers and Councillor Sharron Hartshorn of Mansfield District Council, representative of Pleasley Ward, to further understand the work which had been ongoing in Pleasley Village in the wake of Storm Babet.

This meeting had been arranged to ensure that work to the watercourse upstream of the Park was being co-ordinated alongside the works in the Vale, and that all interested parties were engaged in discussions.  A further meeting was to be arranged in the coming weeks.

To a question on the third-party contractor appointment by the insurance loss adjuster, the Head of Business Growth explained this contractor, Monaghan’s, would be working collaboratively with the Council’s appointed third-party contractor, Beaumont Rivers, on the flood remediation works.

The Head of Business Growth noted that work on flood mitigation was the priority, and that once this matter was further addressed, then applications for external funding to develop the site could follow.

Due to the requirement for the Environment Agency to authorise some aspects of the work, the work on flood mitigation could not be accelerated.

On a question regarding the timescale of renovation work of the listed Coach House and Gardener’s Cottage, the Head of Business Growth explained this was being developed alongside the Council’s Conservation Officer, and that information would be passed along to Members.  It was believed a decision on these could be reached in 3-6 months.

Moved by Councillor Will fletcher and seconded by Councillor Jeanne Raspin

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Approved by Councillor John Ritchie, Portfolio Holder for Growth