Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallfields, Hertford. View directions

Contact: Lorraine Blackburn  Tel: (01279) 502173 Email:  martin.ibrahim@eastherts.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

405.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive any announcements.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed Members, the public and Mr Richard Cassidy, the preferred candidate for Chief Executive, to the meeting and reminded everyone that the meeting was being webcast.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Tony Charles to the meeting who had been awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s honours list. He referred to Mr Charles’ long and distinguished contribution to the work of the community in Datchworth.  Mr Charles thanked the Chairman for his kind comments and thanked Members for the recognition and opportunity to attend.

 

The Chairman thanked Members and the Executive for their contribution to the work of the Council over the last four years.  He wished those standing in the May 2019 elections good luck and thanked those who were not standing for their contribution and wished them well for the future.

 

The Chairman explained that since the last meeting he had attended 19 civic events.  He invited all Members to the Civic Dinner at The Rhodes.

 

The Chairman referred to Mandeville School (representing all of Sawbridgeworth schools) and its success in being awarded National Primary School of the year.  He extended congratulations on behalf of Members, for their great achievement.  Councillor E Buckmaster explained that he had attended the award ceremony at Portcullis House that morning (with other Members) and that Richard Hale School had also been nominated. He said that he was immensely proud of Mandeville School’s award adding that Richard Hale School were awarded runners up.  The Executive Member said that it was a great accolade to East Herts. 

 

The Chairman explained that there were two supplementary agendas, supplementary 1 was dated 28 February and supplementary 2 was dated 1 March. 

 

With Members’ consent, the Chairman asked that Members support a proposal to bring forward agenda item 20 (Appointment of a New Chief Executive) and move agenda item 12 (Old River Lane) to the latter part of the meeting given that there were a number of exempt reference papers.  This was supported.

 

406.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any Members’ apologies for absence.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence had been submitted on behalf of Councillors G Cutting, R Henson, Mrs D Hollebon,
R Standley and J Taylor.  An apology was also received later, from Councillor S Reed.

 

407.

Minutes - 19 December 2018 pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 19 December 2018

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman, Councillor K Warnell and Councillor L Haysey seconded a motion that the Minutes of the meetings held on 19 December 2018, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meetings held on 19 December 2018, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

408.

Petitions pdf icon PDF 43 KB

To receive the attached petition.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed Mr Andrew Marchant to the meeting who presented the petition on behalf of Mr Jewitt in relation to Anstey Parish Council.  Mr Marchant addressed Members for 3 minutes and presented the petition which had 22 signatories so far.

 

Mr Marchant explained that the attempt to classify Anstey as a linear village did not reflect the geography and history of the village which did not have a village centre but was a spread of hillside hamlets.  He explained that the draft did not reflect the views of the community on how their village should be conserved.  Anstey Parish Council had drawn up suggestions for a conservation area plan.  In summary, Mr Marchant stated that when the final draft was proposed for consideration by Members, they should disregard the protection given within the District Plan but support the Historic England’s Guidelines and grant the historic ancient village the added protection by making it conservation area and ask that Officers include the suggested plan for the future Conservation Area Plan. 

 

Councillor S Rutland-Barsby acknowledged the concerns put forward by Anstey Parish Council and noted that she had withdrawn the item for consideration from the Executive agenda on 26 February 2019 so that the concerns expressed by the community could be explored further.

 

Councillor J Jones and Councillor P Boylan supported the need to revisit the proposal for the village and to have more dialogue.

 

The Chairman, on behalf of Members, thanked Mr Marchant for presenting his petition.

 

409.

Appointment of Chief Executive pdf icon PDF 39 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader stated that it was pleasure to be able to present the report concerning Mr Richard Cassidy who was the preferred candidate for new Chief Executive.  She explained that Mr Cassidy had impressed the Council with his experience and during the panel interviews and looked forward to working with him.

 

Councillor L Haysey moved, and Councillor P Boylan seconded, a motion that the recommendation be approved as now detailed.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED – that the preferred candidate, Mr Richard Cassidy, be appointed Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service) at a spot salary of £120,000 (which includes the Head of Paid Service payment of £5,000).

 

410.

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 26 KB

To receive any public questions.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Question 1

Mrs M Goldspink asked what proportion of household waste was re-cycled in 2018 in East Herts District?  How does this compare with the figure for the whole of Hertfordshire and how does it compare with the national figure?

 

In reply the Executive for Environment and the Public Realm thanked Mrs Goldspink for her question and explained that on 15 November 2018 the Council had recycled 53.3% of its household waste and that East Herts was a higher performing Council in the County (currently 5th) and that this was due partly to an increased amount of co-mingled recycling collected which was as a result of a comprehensive campaign last year.  

 

He stated that last year, there was a slower growing season with the hot summer which had reduced the amount of garden waste collected but this put the Council in a strong position for 2019/20 and that it was important to remember that East Herts had the largest rural areas within the County of Hertfordshire which presented different challenges to the Council than to its neighbours.  He stated that the Council could be proud of its achievements.   In summary he stated that the Council’s figure of 53.3% compared favourably with the national figure of 43.2% and that East Herts should be proud of its record.

 

Question 2

Mr Wilson asked “What plans are there to test levels of air pollution at the Hockerill crossroads and to extend the testing area to roads adjoining the existing Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). In addition, are there any plans to enforce anti-idling legislation in Bishop's Stortford to limit the levels of pollution, particularly around schools near to the present AQMA?”.

 

In reply, the Executive Member for Environment and the Public Realm thanked Mr Wilson for his question.  He stated that the Council had been routinely testing air quality at this location for a number of years as the Council had declared the junction an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and that further information was available on the Council’s website.  He explained that monitoring showed that air pollution was steadily declining year on year on each of the four roads leading up to the traffic lights i.e. Hockerill Street, Dunmow Road, Stansted Road and London Road and that levels of nitrogen dioxide in Stanstead Road was now below the 40 micrograms per cubic metre air quality objective for England.  Levels in Hockerill Street were now only just above this level but unfortunately in both London Road and Dunmow Road, although falling, remained above the national threshold level. 

 

The Executive Member stated that the Council was committed to working with key partners including the County Council, as the highways authority and local residents to promote measures to improve air quality at Hockerill junction and throughout East Herts.  He explained that the Council had launched an App which enabled people to monitor air pollution in real-time which, he hoped, would reinforce behaviours that mitigate pollution e.g. walking or cycling instead of driving.  

 

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 410.

411.

Members' questions pdf icon PDF 24 KB

To receive any Members' questions.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor P Ruffles asked that “As portfolio holder for Housing in the East Herts District, does Councillor Jan Goodeve have proposals to seek to maximise the use of properties in our town centres for residential purposes, and to support policies to protect the green belt and countryside areas beyond the green belt? Specifically, in my Ward of Bengeo, is she taking measures to secure the reuse of residential accommodation above two retail premises, perhaps by compulsorily purchasing them? I refer to 22 -24 St Andrew Street and 7 Cowbridge.  Both premises are in the Hertford Conservation Area, are historic, and in secondary shopping streets in the town centre. Both have been allowed to remain unused and disfigurements of the street scene for many years. Both are ideally suited to provide residential accommodation on their 1st and 2nd floors?”

 

In reply the Executive Member for Housing thanked Councillor Ruffles for his question and stated that using existing properties and brown field sites were excellent ways to both revitalise towns and reduce the need to extend development into the countryside and that East Herts no longer employed Officers dedicated to bringing back empty homes into use but that the Council used a number of ways to promote better use of properties, including:

 

·             Certifying owners’ work to empty home to reduce their VAT liability from 20% to 5%;

 

·             Accessing sub-regional monies where possible to support the cost of compulsorily purchasing empty residential properties;

 

·             Seeking compulsory purchase orders, CPOs – two had been granted in recent years (one had let to the owner finally selling the property, and the owner of the other one had been given time to bring it back into use before the Council acted on a CPO);

 

·             Applying an additional 50% council tax charge on properties which had remained empty for two or more years, excluding those legitimately empty eg. when subject to probate.

As a result, the Council had been able to keep the number of properties empty to around 130 despite a national upswing in the number of empty homes in 2018.

 

The Executive Member explained that the two properties in Hertford referred by Councillor Ruffles were classed as commercial premises and both have been visited numerous times in connection with business rates assessments. Building Control Officers had also been engaged in connection with the condition of one of the property’s structure.  Given their commercial classification, the properties had not to date, appeared on any listings of empty homes.

The property 22-24 St Andrew Street was previously been granted planning permission for conversion to a retail unit and three flats, however, development had not started and the permission had now lapsed.

The Executive Member explained that she had asked Officers to explore what options were available to incentivise the return of these properties to use, adding that compulsory purchase remained an option of last resort but this course of action would be complex, would need to overcome significant planning considerations and would be costly. 

Councillor P Ruffles sought  ...  view the full minutes text for item 411.

412.

Council Tax 2019-20 Formal Resolution pdf icon PDF 42 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Support Services

 

Note – In respect of this matter, the provisions of The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 require that a recorded vote is taken on the matter

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report proposing Council Tax levels in 2019/20.  Council noted the precepts set by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), Hertfordshire Police Authority (HPA) and the Parish and Town Councils, which had been detailed in the updated report, now submitted.

 

The Executive Member moved, and Councillor I Devonshire seconded, the recommendations, as now detailed.

 

In accordance with the provisions of The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was taken on the Council Tax resolution, the result being:

 

FOR

Councillors D Abbott, A Alder, M Allen,
D Andrews, P Ballam, P Boylan, R Brunton,
E Buckmaster, S Bull, M Casey,
R Cheswright, S Cousins, K Crofton,
B Deering, I Devonshire, H Drake,
J Goodeve, L Haysey, G Jones, J Jones,
J Kaye, G McAndrew, M McMullen, P Moore,
D Oldridge, T Page, M Pope, L Radford,
P Ruffles, S Rutland-Barsby, M Stevenson,
T Stowe, N Symonds, K Warnell,
G Williamson, C Woodward, J Wyllie.

 

AGAINST

None

 

ABSTENTIONS

Councillor S Bell

 

For: 37

Against: 0

Abstentions: 1

 

Council approved the recommendations as now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the Council Tax resolution, as now submitted, be approved;

 

(B)   the local precepts as set out at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ be noted; and

 

(C)   the Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Police Authority precepts be noted.

 

413.

Executive Reports - 12 February 2019 pdf icon PDF 53 KB

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and to consider recommendations on the matters below:

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader expressed her congratulations to Mr Tony Charles on his honour’s award and thanked him for the many challenges he placed before the Council during the development of the District Plan.

 

The Leader also, on behalf of Members, thanked the retiring Chief Executive (CE), Liz Watts.  She explained that Liz had opened the Council’s eyes in terms of what a District Council could achieve in terms of ambition and vision to improve the quality of residents’ lives.  The Leader said that the CE had taken the Council on a journey to show Members what it could do to help improve communities. 

 

The Leader commented that she and Liz had spent many hours together in village halls and communities helping residents understand the District Plan which had given her the courage to get out and talk to communities.  She said that Liz had helped the Council stand firm in the face of the ministerial decision to call in the District Plan only hours before it was to be considered by Council  and that she had co-ordinated a rigorous approach to take this issue forward to get the holding direction lifted within five weeks.  The Leader commented that Members should be very proud at what the Council had achieved. 

 

In summary, the Leader expressed her thanks for all Liz had done and stated that Liz would be missed but she was sure that the new Chief Executive, Richard Cassidy, would continue on with Liz’s work putting his own personal stamp on things.  The Leader wished Liz good luck for the future. 

 

The Leader also extended her thanks to those Members who were not standing again in the District elections for their time and expertise, adding that she would miss them.

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 12 February 2019 be received.

 

(see also Minutes xxx – xxx)

 

414.

Hertfordshire County Council: Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Funding Prospectus 2018 - 23

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered a report on the recommendations of the Executive on Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Funding Prospectus 2018-2031 and sought agreement that this be used when discussing infrastructure needs with the development industry.

 

Councillor L Haysey moved and Councillor S Rutland-Barsby seconded, a motion that the recommendations now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposal now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the publication of the Hertfordshire  Infrastructure and Funding Prospectus 2018-2031 be noted; and

 

(B)   the Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Funding Prospectus 2018-2031 be used when discussing infrastructure needs with the development industry.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

415.

Land West of Hertford (North of Welwyn Road) Master Planning Framework

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support considered a report on the Masterplanning framework for Land West of Hertford (North of Welwyn Road) (HERT 3) as detailed at Essential Reference Paper “A” to the report and that this be agreed as a material consideration for development management purposes. 

 

The Leader moved and Councillor T Page seconded, a motion that the recommendations, as now detailed in the report submitted, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that the Materplanning Framework for Land West of Hertford (North of Welwyn Road)(HERT 3) as detailed at Essential reference Paper “B” to this report, be agreed as a material consideration for Development Management purposes.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

416.

Local Development Scheme (LDS) March 2019

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council submitted a report setting out an updated version of the Council’s Local Development Scheme (LDS); schedules and work programme that set out the timeline for preparation of any emerging Local Development documents which replaced the previous LDS dated September 2017. 

 

The Leader explained that an additional recommendation needed to be included  seeking support from Members to update the time line in relation to the Affordable Housing SDP in order to provide Officers with more time to consider representations received.  This was supported.

 

The Leader moved and Councillor M Pope seconded a motion that the recommendation, as amended be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the amended proposals as now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the Local Development Scheme (LDS) March 2019 attached at Essential Reference Paper “B” as amended, be agreed to take from March 2019; and

 

(B)   Council note the updated time line in relation to the Affordable Housing SDP.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

417.

The East Herts Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review and Strategy 2019 - 24

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Housing submitted a report on a draft version of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review Strategy 2019-2024. 

 

Councillor N Symonds welcomed the report adding that the homelessness and housing Officers were a great team and that she could not speak highly enough of them. 

 

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

The Leader moved and Councillor D Abbott seconded a motion that the recommendation, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED – that the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review and Strategy 2019-2024 as detailed in Essential Reference Paper “C” be approved. 

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

418.

Executive Reports - 26 February 2019 pdf icon PDF 58 KB

To receive a report from the Leader of the Council and to consider recommendations on the matters below:

 

A Supplementary Council agenda will follow

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 26 February 2019 be received.

 

(see also Minutes xxx – xxx)

 

419.

Retail Frontages Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council submitted a report seeking agreement the Draft Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) should go out to public consultation and also sought agreement that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Emerging Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is not required.

 

Councillor C Woodward sought and was provided with clarification on how and where the information would be disseminated.  He stated that the Council needed to ensure that it was adequately resourced.

 

Councillor D Andrews welcomed the document and echoed the comment regarding adequate resources.

 

Councillor B Deering explained that the work had originated from the Hertford Urban Design Group.  He thanked the former Head of Planning and Development Control for attending every meeting and his work in moving the initiative forward.

 

Councillor J Jones welcomed the report and referred to the need for better enforcement by Hertfordshire County Council of “A”-Boards.  The report was also welcomed by Councillor P Ballam and N Symonds, the latter referred to the menace caused by “A”-Boards especially to those whose vision was impaired.

 

Councillor C Woodard urged Members to write to HCC’s enforcement team regarding problems with “A”-Boards.  Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

The Leader moved and Councillor B Deering seconded a motion, that the recommendation be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the draft Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) as set out in Essential reference Paper “A” be approved and published for a six week period of consultation; and

 

(B)   In accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, it has been determined that a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the emerging Retail Frontages, Design and Signage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is not required as it is unlikely to have significant environmental effects.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

420.

Land West of Hertford (South of Welwyn Road/West of Thieves Lane) Masterplanning Framework

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader submitted a report on the Master Planning Framework for South of Welwyn Road / West of Thieves Lane). 

 

The Leader moved and Councillor P Ruffles seconded, a motion that the recommendations, as now detailed in the report submitted, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that the Masterplanning Framework for Land West of Hertford (South of Welwyn Road / West of Thieves Lane) (HERT 3) as detailed at Essential Reference Paper “B” to this report, be agreed as a material consideration for Development Management purposes. 

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

421.

Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Transport Strategy

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader submitted a report recommending that the draft Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Transport Strategy be published for a six week period of public consultation following the May elections.

 

The Leader moved and Councillor D Andrews seconded, a motion that the recommendations, as detailed in the report submitted, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that the draft Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Transport strategy, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper “C” to this report, be published for a six week period of public consultation following the May elections; and

(B)   that following consultation and any subsequent revisions to the document, it is intended that the final Transport Strategy be agreed as a material planning consideration for the preparation of masterplans, the preparation of the Gilson Area Charter, pre-application advice, assessing planning applications and any other development management purposes.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

422.

Disposal of Long Leasehold Interest in Land and Buildings

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that this was a decision which had been taken by the Executive and did not require Council approval.

 

423.

Old River Lane, Bishop's Stortford - Approval of a Preferred Developer

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that there was a separate report elsewhere on the agenda requiring Council approval.

 

424.

Financial Sustainability Strategy 2019/25

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report proposing that a Financial Sustainability Strategy be adopted for the use of both staff and Members in the Delivery of the East Herts Medium Term Financial Plan for 2020 onwards.

 

The Chairman explained that only recommendations (B) and (D) as detailed needed Council approval. 

 

Councillor G Williamson moved and Councillor M Allen seconded, a motion that the recommendations (B) and (D), as detailed in the report submitted, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that (A) the Financial Sustainability group be embedded as a Financial Sustainability Board and holds delegated powers to invest in projects that meet the Financial Sustainability Strategy criteria; and

 

(B)   a capital sum be made available to the Financial Sustainability Board of £3M to invest in commercial income generating activity that achieves the Financial Sustainability Strategy key requirements.

 

(see Minute xxx above)

 

425.

Human Resources Committee: Minutes - 3 October 2018 pdf icon PDF 46 KB

Chairman: Councillor P Boylan

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 3 October 2018, be received.

 

426.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Minutes - 6 November and 18 December 2018 pdf icon PDF 47 KB

Chairman: Councillor M Allen

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor M Allen thanked all Members for their invaluable help in many areas of scrutiny and on a number of worth-while exercises.

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 6 November and 18 December 2018, be received.

 

427.

Performance, Audit and Governance Scrutiny Committee: Minutes - 20 November 2018 pdf icon PDF 28 KB

Chairman: Councillor M Pope

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor M Pope thanked all Members of Performance Audit and Governance for their contribution to the work of the Committee.

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Performance Audit and Governance Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 20 November 2018, be received.

 

428.

Development Management Committee: Minutes - 5 December 2018 and 16 January 2019 pdf icon PDF 69 KB

Chairman: Councillor T Page

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meetings held on 5 December 2018 and 16 January 2019, be received.

 

429.

Human Resources Report - 9 January 2019 pdf icon PDF 46 KB

To receive a report of the Human Resources Committee Chairman and to consider recommendations on the matters below:

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 9 January 2019, be received.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

430.

Revision to the Local Joint Panel's Constitution

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendations of Human Resources Committee regarding proposed changes to the Local Joint Panel’s Constitution.   Councillor C Woodward commended and thanked Councillor P Boylan for the excellent job he was doing as Local Joint Panel Chairman, for his role as safety officer and for organising defibrillator training. 

 

Councillor P Boylan moved and Councillor M Allen seconded, a motion that the recommendations now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that the revised Local Joint Panel’s Constitution presented to Council be approved, subject to the deletion of 7.15e in essential Reference Paper “A”

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

431.

Licensing Committee: Minutes - 14 November 2018 pdf icon PDF 45 KB

Chairman: Councillor D Andrews

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor D Andrews stated that he fully supported the new policy which had been endorsed by Licensing Committee.

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 14 November 2018, be received.

 

432.

Licensing Committee Report - 6 February 2019 pdf icon PDF 40 KB

To receive a report of the Licensing Committee Chairman and to consider a recommendation on the matter below.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 6 February 2019, be received.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

433.

Taxi Vehicle: Age and Emissions Policy

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendation of Licensing Committee at its meeting on 6 February 2019 and the proposed Taxi Vehicle Age and Emissions Policy.

 

Councillor D Andrews moved and Councillor C Woodward seconded, a motion that the recommendation now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Council approved the proposal now detailed.

 

RESOLVED – that the revised Taxi Vehicle Age and Emissions Policy, be approved.

 

(see also Minute xxx)

 

434.

Old River Lane - Allocation of capital to fund the arts centre in the Council's Capital and Revenue Programme in the Medium Term Financial Plan from 2022 onwards pdf icon PDF 68 KB

To follow

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman reminded Members that there were a number of exempt Essential Reference Papers and that if Members wished to discuss the content contained in these, Members would need to move a motion to exclude the press and public.

 

Executive Member for Finance and Support Services introduced the report adding that the Council had entered the final stage of the Old River Lane project.  He noted that a preferred developer had been agreed by the Executive on 26 February 2019 and the final decision for Council was regarding the capital and revenue allocation required for the new arts and entertainment centre.

 

Councillor E Buckmaster drew Members’ attention to a ministerial report regarding the future of town centres and the need to strike the right balance between retail and a range of other activities, such as art, culture and leisure.  He added that this was a good opportunity to make a great leap forward and make sure that residents also had access to arts and culture in the district.

 

Councillor C Woodward welcomed the ambitious proposal and the comments made by Councillor E Buckmaster and the need to have a healthy retail development sector.  He was sure that Councillor J Goodeve would make certain that there was a high element of affordable housing.  

 

Councillor G Williamson moved and Councillor M Casey seconded a motion that the recommendation, be approved.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED – that with reference to the Proposed Capital Funding Package set out at Exempt ERP F and the Financial Business Case for the new arts centre, set out at exempt ERP G, Council approves:

 

(i)         a capital allocation of £30M to fund the arts centre is made in the Council’s capital programme;

(ii)       a revenue allocation of £250,000 to fund the East Herts’ share of the arts centre running costs be made in the Medium Term Financial Plan from 2022 onwards;

(iii)     a provisional revenue allocation of £468,000 be made to cover the required borrowing costs once all other funding bids/strategies have been exhausted.

 

The Leader commented that she was sure Members would be very proud of their decision and thanked Members for their support.