Agenda item

"That this Council, as a matter of urgency, instructs Council officers to investigate the feasibility of the former Summerhill Academy site in Stronsay Drive to become the preferred site for the construction of the ASN School."

The Council had before it the following notice of motion by Councillor Cameron:-

“That this Council, as a matter of urgency, instructs Council officers to investigate the feasibility of the former Summerhill Academy site in Stronsay Drive to become the preferred site for the construction of the ASN School.”

There was circulated a briefing note by the Director of Education and Children’s Services regarding progress with the Centre of Excellence (the new ASN school).

Councillor Cameron moved, seconded by Councillor Noble:-

That the Council approve the terms of the motion.

Councillor Laing moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Boulton:-

That the Council -

(1)       confirm its support for the construction of the new ASN school at the former Bucksburn Farm site as previously agreed;

(2)       note the extensive work already carried out by officers to ensure that the new ASN school becomes a reality;

(3)       note that the capital expenditure on the project at the Bucksburn Farm site to date totalled some £560,000;

(4)       note that the Council’s capital budget for 2014/15 to 2017/18 included an allocation of £18.5million for this project; and

(5)       instruct officers to bring proposals to the next meeting of Council for the Summerhill Academy site, such proposals to include options for (a) remarketing the site; (b) making the site available for affordable housing as part of the Strategic Infrastructure Plan; (c) building Council housing on the site; and (d) a combination of (b) and (c).

Councillor Delaney moved as a further amendment, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

That the Council -

(1)       confirm its support for the construction of the new ASN school at the former Bucksburn Farm site as previously agreed;

(2)       note the extensive work already carried out by officers to ensure that the new ASN school becomes a reality;

(3)       note that the capital expenditure on the project at the Bucksburn Farm site to date totalled some £560,000;

(4)       note that the Council’s capital budget for 2014/15 to 2017/18 included an allocation of £18.5million for this project; and

(5)       consult widely with the general public in Summerhill, Mastrick and Sheddocksley seeking their views on the redevelopment of the former Summerhill centre, with a view to bringing an options appraisal to the appropriate committee.

There being a motion and two amendments, the Council first divided between the amendment by Councillor Laing and the amendment by Councillor Delaney.

On a division, there voted:-

For the amendment by Councillor Laing  (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Carle, Cooney, Crockett, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Finlayson, Forsyth, Graham, Grant, Ironside, Laing, Lawrence, Malik, Milne, Jean Morrison, Nathan Morrison, Taylor, Thomson and Young.

For the amendment by Councillor Delaney  (5)  -  Councillors Delaney, Greig, Malone, Jennifer Stewart and Yuill.

Declined to vote  (13)  -  Councillors Blackman, Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Dickson, Jaffrey, Kiddie, McCaig, May, Noble, Samarai, Sandy Stuart and Townson.

The Council then divided between the motion and the amendment by Councillor Laing.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (13)  -  Councillors Blackman, Cameron, Corall, Cormie, Dickson, Jaffrey, Kiddie, McCaig, May, Noble, Samarai, Sandy Stuart and Townson.

For the amendment by Councillor Laing  (28)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Allan, Boulton, Carle, Cooney, Crockett, Delaney, Donnelly, Lesley Dunbar, Finlayson, Forsyth, Graham, Grant, Greig, Ironside, Laing, Lawrence, Malik, Malone, Milne, Jean Morrison, Nathan Morrison, Jennifer Stewart, Taylor, Thomson, Young and Yuill.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment by Councillor Laing.