Hungate Scrutiny Begins (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Hungate Scrutiny Begins

November 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Members of the Hungate Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Keith Aspden and Cllr Tom Holvey will be attending its first meeting tomorrow.

At this first, formal meeting, Members will decide how to proceed with the scrutiny review of the Hungate Development. They will consider a Scoping Report and a great amount of information given to them, to identify which issues need further clarification and to set out a timescale for further meetings at which they will consider these issues.

In July the Council decided to withdraw its planning application for the proposed development of its new office at Hungate following comments from English Heritage that although the proposed building was very impressive, fit for purpose and sustainable, it would not fit properly into the proposed location.

The Hungate Ad Hoc Scrutiny Committee has been set up in order to fully understand the decision made and the costs involved to date. It will aim to clarify whether the correct strategy was set and adhered to, to help ensure that any future Council projects are delivered on time and on budget.

Cllr Keith Aspden said, "At tomorrow's meeting we will go back to the basics of the project, looking at why the Hungate site and specific location was chosen, the initial budget estimates, how the design team and final design were selected, whether the consultation was appropriate, and why the final design was submitted. At this first meeting we will be looking at the overall picture and deciding what information we need to consider in detail, and when."

Cllr Holvey said, "The aim of the review is to understand the decisions made, including the withdrawal of the application. Hungate is an extensive issue, and there is a lot of information for us to consider, but it is important that all members of the Scrutiny Committee remain objective when assessing the information presented to them."