Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Members to determine the quorum of the meeting in accordance with Rule 7 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

An apology for absence was received from Councillors L A Bentley, R F Eaton, D A Gamble and Mrs S Z Haq.

In Councillor D A Gamble’s absence, by affirmation of the meeting it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor G A Boulter be appointed as acting Vice-Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 26 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Substitution Procedure Rules.

None.

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct. In particular, Members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non-pecuniary'.

None.

To read, confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 March 2021 be taken as read, confirmed and signed.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule(s) 11 and 12 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Petitions Procedure Rules respectively.

The submitted paper petition on the Council’s website is available at: bit.ly/3iW2oI7.

The online version of the petition on change.org is available at: bit.ly/3cWD8xS.

A hard-copy of the full petition will be made available for inspection at the meeting.

The Committee gave consideration to the two submitted petitions concerning the Council’s Car Park Strategy (2021-26), which were published in advance of the meeting on the Council’s website and change.org. respectively.

Mr J Salmen, on behalf of the petitioners, was invited by the Chair to address the Committee. A written copy of the submission is attached to the meeting minutes at Appendix 1. Members of the Committee were then invited to question Mr Salmen, after which a general debate was held on the matter.

At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor J W Boyce thanked the petitioners for raising their concerns about the proposals and proposed a motion that:

(i)           the consultation responses be noted and considered by Officers;

(ii)          the Car Park Strategy (2021-26) be amended where appropriate to take account of the responses; and

(iii)         a draft order including detailed charges be published for further consultation.

 The motion was seconded by G A Boulter and carried by affirmation of the Committee.

Report of the Head of Finance / Acting Section 151 Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 7-13 of the agenda which asked it to note the overall Council position for the financial year 2020/21 at the end of the fourth quarter for both Revenue and Capital Expenditure.

A correction to paragraph 1.1 of the report was requested, to clarify that government grant funding had offset some, but not all costs associated with Covid-19.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendix be noted.

Report of the Head of Law & Democracy / Monitoring Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 14-23 of the agenda, which asked it to note the figures for local determination of complaints and the ethical indicators for the fourth quarter of 2020/21.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendix be noted.

Report of the Planning Policy Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report as set out on pages 24-41 of the agenda, which asked it to note the timetable for the Council’s new Local Plan process.

It was moved by J W Boyce, seconded by Mrs L M Broadley and

RESOLVED THAT:

(i)                          The content of the report be noted; and

(ii)                         The Local Development Scheme 2021 be approved.

Votes For:                 10

Votes Against:         0

Abstentions:            1