RESOLVED that the comments of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel, as set out in paragraph 2.2 of the Cabinet report, be noted.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Regeneration and Housing introduced the report and noted the letter which Cabinet Members had received from CBRE GI setting out comments on the recommendations set out in the Cabinet report at Item 8.  He advised that the proposed regeneration, which had been planned for some time, would be transformational and would bring much needed new housing, retail and jobs to the area.  It was noted that the comments of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel had been incorporated into the Cabinet report.

The Chair of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel presented the reference report, highlighting that the recommendations had received unanimous support and outlining the discussion, stressing that the Panel were keen for the Council to retain a degree of control over the project.

At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor John Sargeant addressed the Cabinet meeting, giving some background to the reference report.  He welcomed the regeneration, however expressed some concern over the potential impact that the cuts to TfL funding and the recent collapse of private sector developer Carillion could have on the regeneration.  He felt that the Council should maintain as much control as possible over the project.

The Chair thanked the speakers and proposed that both the reference report and the decision report at item 8 be taken together, making no reference to the exempt information contained at item 17, therefore remaining in public session.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Regeneration and Housing thanked the Scrutiny Panel and welcomed its contributions, highlighting the important role that the Panel would continue to play in developing the project going forward.  He also thanked the Morden Councillors for their work in this first part of a complex project which would improve the public realm in Morden.  The Director of Environment and Regeneration welcomed the letter from CBRE GI and advised Members that the proposals in the report at Item 8 did not preclude their involvement in the future; and welcomed a continued good working relationship with them in the future.

RESOLVED that the comments of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel, as set out in paragraph 2.2 of the Cabinet report, be noted.