At the meeting of Council held on 6 July, 2015 (minute 31 (iii) refers) the Civic Mayor had referred a Notice of Motion ‘Proposal for a Fire Station on Green Belt land in Saughall Massie’ to the Policy and Performance Regeneration and Environment Committee. The motion was duly considered at the meeting of the Committee on 15 September, 2015 (minute 11 refers) and on 2 December, 2015 (minute 24 refers).

In accordance with Standing Order 7 (5) the Council was invited to consider the recommendation of the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee which had agreed a motion (For 8: Against 5).

Proposed by Councillor Mike Sullivan

Seconded by Councillor Mathew Patrick

That

“The Council acknowledges that the devastating cuts to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority put the Authority in an incredibly difficult situation.

Whilst the Council expresses strong disapproval of the Conservative Government’s decision to cut 38% from the Fire Authority’s grant, it acknowledges that there is a lack of time to force the Fire Service to find alternatives.

Council impresses upon the Cabinet to:

Support Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority in its obligations to balance the budget and ensure that a decision is not unnecessarily delayed.

The Council also recognises that the Planning Committee will be responsible for the planning aspect.  It further recognises that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will also have to agree with the development’s appropriateness.”

An amendment which had been circulated in advance of the meeting was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor Bruce Berry

Council acknowledges the challenges faced by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, like all taxpayer-funded organisations. 

Council notes that Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has provided operational cover to West Wirral residents in the last 18 months from the Upton Fire Station within the 10 minute response guidelines and congratulates all those involved in maintaining this level of service.

Council notes that Wirral's Planning Committee will be responsible for deciding on any planning application and notes that the Authority, in its published, written response to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, stated: "in the light of your fall-back scenario of being able to redevelop the fire station at Upton within the urban area and with no impact on the Green Belt, very special circumstances will not exist. In which case, planning permission is not likely to be granted."

Cabinet is therefore asked to support Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority in identifying a suitable site that is not within Wirral's precious greenbelt, while maintaining the safety and security of Wirral residents and calls for further discussions on how best the additional £2.8 million granted by the Government can be used for this purpose.

Councillor Mike Sullivan formally moved the motion. Councillor Chris Blakeley spoke to his amendment and the amendment was put and lost (21:34) (One abstention).

At the request of the Councillor Jeff Green, the Conservative Group member’s votes were recorded.

Resolved (34:21)(Councillors T Anderson, B Berry, C Blakeley, E Boult, D Burgess-Joyce, W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, L Fraser, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, C Povall, G Watt and S Williams voting against) (One abstention, Councillor Rennie)- That

The Council acknowledges that the devastating cuts to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority put the Authority in an incredibly difficult situation.

Whilst the Council expresses strong disapproval of the Conservative Government’s decision to cut 38% from the Fire Authority’s grant, it acknowledges that there is a lack of time to force the Fire Service to find alternatives.

Council impresses upon the Cabinet to:

Support Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority in its obligations to balance the budget and ensure that a decision is not unnecessarily delayed.

The Council also recognises that the Planning Committee will be responsible for the planning aspect.  It further recognises that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will also have to agree with the development’s appropriateness.”

Councillors Jean Stapleton, Denise Roberts, Steve Niblock and Leslie Rennie having earlier declared a non-pecuniary interest in the agenda item by virtue of their membership of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority did not take part in any debate, or vote upon the matter.