Decisions Made

Following updated complaints handling guidance from the Ombudsman, we are required to be compliant with regards to response times for Stage 1 and 2 complaints. The timescales they propose are in conflict with our policy and therefore we need to update our response times to ensure compliance.

The Head of Governance, People & Performance has made the following minor changes to the Corporate Complaints Procedure, to ensure we are compliant with Ombudsman guidance on complaints response times. This is to reduce Stage 1 complaint responses to 10 working days from 15 working days and increase Stage 2 responses from 15 working days to 20 working days.

On 3 February 2021 the Cabinet of Crawley Borough Council approved the making of 10 Directions under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended). Detail of this decision is provided in Report PES/366. https://democracy.crawley.gov.uk/documents/s16985/Proposed%20Article%204%20Proposed%20Article%204%20Directions.pdf

Following a 12 month notification period and having considered all representations made during consultation, it has been determined that the Article 4 Directions will come into force on 15 June 2022 in ten residential zones falling within the following areas:
- Weald Drive, Furnace Green
- Victoria Mews, West Green
- Caburn Heights, Southgate
- Aintree Road & Epsom Road, Furnace Green
- Ardingly Close, Ifield
- Farmleigh Close, Pound Hill
- Beverley Mews, Three Bridges
- Ringwood Close, Furnace Green
- Rillside & Winterfold, Furnace Green
- Arden Road, Furnace Green

Maps showing the extent of each zone can be viewed here. https://democracy.crawley.gov.uk/documents/s16986/Proposed%20Article%204%20Directions%20-%20Appendix%20A.pdf

The Directions relate to the permitted development right for the change of use of buildings from dwelling houses (Class C3) to houses of multiple occupation with up to 6 residents (Class C4) without the need for planning permission.

With the Article 4 Directions now in force within the ten zones identified above, the permitted development rights referred to above are removed. This means that within these areas planning permission will be required where a change of use is proposed from dwelling houses (Class C3) to houses of multiple occupation with up to 6 residents (Class C4). Changes of use which pre-date the coming into effect of the Direction are not affected.

Confirm the 10 Article 4 Directions in respect of the change of use of dwellinghouses to houses in multiple occupation within the zones identified.

In response to Covid-19, the Government required all theatres to close between 17 March 2020 and 14 August and again between 5 November and 1 December 2020. A further lockdown was introduced 26 December 2020 until mid-April 2021. The Hawth reopened late August under strict social distancing requirements resulting in significantly reduced audience capacities with many shows having to be cancelled or rescheduled into 2022.

PPN02/20 and PPN04/20 set out Government guidance for contracting authorities working with suppliers over the course of the pandemic. The guidance encouraged contracting authorities to provide support for suppliers to ensure their continued existence and to enable services to be re-established once distancing measures were lifted. The contract was suspended and replaced by a Deed of Variation (DOV).

During this time period the existing contract ended (February 2022). Negotiations then commenced between the Council and Parkwood Leisure (PL) resulting in a four year contract extension being awarded commencing 1 February 2022 and finishing on 31 January 2026. The contract extension was based on the terms of the original contract.

During the extension period a legal mechanism was put in place allowing either party to return back to contract, and moving away from Covid Relief support.

To approve Parkwood Leisure to return to contract. CBC support this decision as it will allow a return to the service specification. Legal opinion has been obtained and approvals received.

Parkwood Leisure will retain all cost risk over the remaining period of the contract extension, irrespective of any re-introduction of a full lockdown or the continuance of any restrictions on distancing or capacity reductions.

The Cabinet Member for Wellbeing was consulted on the matter.