Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Wallfields, Hertford

Contact: Martin Ibrahim  Tel: (01279) 502173 Email:  martin.ibrahim@eastherts.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

216.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive any announcements.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed Members, guests and the public to the meeting and reminded everyone that the meeting was being webcast.

 

He reminded Members that an extraordinary meeting would be held on 23 October 2018 to consider the adoption of the District Plan, for which agenda papers had already been published.

 

The Chairman was pleased to welcome a special local resident who had been recognised in this year’s Queen’s New Year Honours list.  He introduced Ian Payne, chairman of the UK’s largest operator of bars, Stonegate Pub Company, who had received an MBE for services to the hospitality and pub industry.  After working in the hospitality sector for 46 years, he founded Stonegate in 2010, which now owned and managed 693 pubs, bars and clubs including Slug and Lettuce, Yates, Walkabout and Popworld.

 

After developing his career at Whitbread, Guinness and Bass Taverns, Ian had been CEO of Laurel Pub Company from its inception in 2001 until 2004 and later became Chairman of Bay Restaurant Group and Town & City Pub Group.  

 

He continued to champion local pubs, their significant contribution to the economy and the millions of jobs that the bar and pub sector created.  Stonegate alone employed over 13,000 people at its pubs and bars, investing in their career development through training.  He was also a staunch supporter of apprenticeships and had highlighted the wealth of opportunities pubs offered ambitious trainees.

 

The Chairman invited Ian Payne to come forward and receive a certificate in recognition of his achievements. 

 

The Chairman referred to the recent untimely death of Mandy Perkins, the Leader of Welwyn & Hatfield Council, who had been a great friend to East Herts.

 

The Chairman gave a brief overview of the events he had attended recently.  He highlighted the Green Flag awards for the Southern Country Park, two East Herts Get Park Active events and the Hare Krishna Hindu Festival.  He also referred to the Harlow Mayors Golf Day and a royal visit from Princess Anne to a Riding for the Disabled stables at Furneaux Pelham, attended by the Chairman of the County Council, the High Sheriff and pupils from the local junior school.

 

The Chairman was pleased to report that £1300 had been raised at his quiz night in aid of Isabel Hospice.  He looked forward to a rock and roll night in Sawbridgeworth on 3 November 2018 and a Community Diversity event on 18 November 2018, at Fletcher’s Lea in Ware.  This had been organised mainly by the Vice-Chairman with support from diverse members of the interfaith forum and aimed to bring people with different cultures closer together.  At the Chairman’s invitation, the Vice-Chairman gave details of some of the attendees.

217.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any Members’ apologies for absence.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence had been submitted on behalf of Councillors P Boylan, R Brunton, Mrs D Hollebon and D Oldridge.

218.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 91 KB

To approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Council meetings held on 25 July and 11 September 2018.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman moved, and Councillor L Haysey seconded, a motion that the Minutes of the meetings held on 25 July and 11 September 2018, be approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

 

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

 

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the meetings held on 25 July and 11 September 2018, be approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

219.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any Members' declarations of interest.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In respect of Minute 222 – Bishop’s Stortford Community Governance Review, various Members declared non-pecuniary interests as follows:

 

·        Councillors M Casey and G McAndrew as residents of St. Michael’s Mead;

·        Councillor G Cutting as Chairman of the Bishop’s Stortford Civic Federation;

·        Councillor C Woodward as a member of the Parsonage Lane Residents Association, a Hertfordshire County Councillor and a Ward Member for an area affected by the proposed changes;

·        Councillor T Page as a resident of Bishop’s Stortford, a Ward Member for an area affected by the proposed changes and a Bishop’s Stortford Town Council Member; and

·        Councillor N Symonds as a resident of Bishop’s Stortford and a Ward Member for an area affected by the proposed changes.

 

In respect of Minute 223 – Buntingford Community Governance Review, Councillor S Bull declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Buntingford Town Council Member.

220.

Members' questions pdf icon PDF 25 KB

To receive any Members' questions.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Question 1

 

Councillor P Ruffles commented that the water fountain at Old Cross, Hertford, in his ward, had not served its historic purpose since East Herts Council became responsible for its maintenance as an historic structure in 1973.  Now that there had been a much trumpeted and much lauded bringing back to life of a 140 year old water fountain at St Pancras Station in London, he asked the Executive Member for Finance and Support Services if he would look into the possibilities of giving our own fountain, created as the central purpose for the structure made from stone of the former church at the Old Cross site, its full purpose again.

 

In reply, the Executive Member for Finance and Support Services stated that, although he could not guarantee the same outcome achieved by the custodians of the St Pancras Fountain, he did at least share the same ambition.  The Council had engaged conservation specialists to advise on what might be possible and were awaiting their findings.  Thus, he apologised for not providing anything more concrete at this stage, but undertook to update to all Members as soon as more information had been received, which hopefully would confirm restoration of the fountain’s restorative function in due course.

 

Question 2

 

Councillor P Ruffles commented that the St Andrew’s Street Car Park in Hertford was often full and served as the main parking place for Hertford Theatregoers and for west end of town shoppers.  The five parking places nearest to the Theatre had been screened off against parkers for many months.  He asked the Executive Member for Finance and Support Services what hope he could give, to Hertford Members in particular, that the spaces would be available again for Christmas shoppers.

 

In reply, the Executive Member for Finance and Support Services reminded Members of the storm damage caused last year to some trees, the retaining brick wall and the railings along the car park boundary at this point to collapse into the river.  This had undermined the car park sub structure, thus rendering the five car parking spaces unsafe.

 

He advised that planning for the bank repair works necessary to bring these parking places back into use had begun and a full topographical survey had already been completed, enabling structural consultants to produce a detailed design.

 

However, there had been a significant lead time before works could commence, due to the requirement for Environment Agency Consent and to arrange for the specialist equipment needed to carry out the works.  Also, there was a lead time on procuring the heritage railings which were to be replaced.

 

Therefore he anticipated that the works would be actioned on completion of the HUDS project in the town centre, scheduled for February 2019.  He regretted that the car park spaces would not be reinstated by Christmas.  However, he concluded by stating that the thorough and long-term approach taken would ensure the repairs would be sound and suitable to withstand future forces and provide protection for the next  ...  view the full minutes text for item 220.

221.

Executive Report - 11 September 2018 pdf icon PDF 51 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 11 September 2018 be received.

 

(see also Minutes 222 – 226)

222.

Bishop's Stortford Community Governance Review pdf icon PDF 188 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report on the second consultation stage of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Governance Review.  He thanked everyone for their responses in both consultation stages and detailed the Executive’s recommendations now before Council.

 

He moved, and Councillor L Haysey seconded, a motion that the recommendations, as now detailed in the report submitted, be approved.

 

Councillor C Woodward commended John Williams, Electoral Services Officer, for his advice and guidance throughout the process.  He commented that although he was not entirely happy with the outcome, he supported the proposals for their pragmatism.

 

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 responses received to the second stage consultation on the Community Governance Review of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council as set out in section 5 of the report submitted, together with the recommendations of the Executive in relation to the review at section 6 of the report submitted, be received;

 

(B)       the final recommendations of the Community Governance Review be agreed, as follows:

 

(1)                 that no new parishes be constituted in the area under review;

 

(2)                 that no change be made to the name of either Bishop’s Stortford or Thorley Parish and that each of the parishes continue to have a council;

 

(3)                 that the areas of Bishop’s Stortford and Thorley parishes be altered as follows:

 

(a)                 that the part of St Michael’s Mead that is currently in Thorley Parish (marked as Area A on the map at sheet number 2 of Essential Reference Paper (B) of the report submitted, be transferred to Bishop’s Stortford Parish, with the parish boundary being amended to follow Moor Hall Lane from St James’ Way to the existing boundary so that Southern Country Park and other undeveloped adjacent land will remain in Thorley Parish;

 

(b)                 that those properties in Rectory Close that are currently in Bishop’s Stortford Parish (marked as Area B on the map at sheet number 2 of Essential Reference Paper (B) be transferred to Thorley Parish;

 

(c)                  that the area of land occupied by numbers 6 to 9 Park View Cottages (marked as Area C on the map at sheet number 2 of Essential Reference Paper (B) be transferred from Bishop’s Stortford Parish to Thorley Parish;

 

(d)                 that no other changes be made at this time to the parish boundary between Bishop’s Stortford and Thorley parishes;

 

(4)                 that the Council keep under review any future development in Bishop’s Stortford South or elsewhere with a view to considering whether this may in due course give rise to the need for a further community governance review of any part or parts of the District;

 

(5)                 that in relation to the electoral arrangements for Bishop’s Stortford Town Council:

 

(a)                 the total number of councillors to be elected to the Town Council be reduced from 18 to 17;

 

(b)                 that Bishop’s Stortford continue to be divided into five wards for the purpose  ...  view the full minutes text for item 222.

223.

Buntingford Town Council Community Governance Review pdf icon PDF 130 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report on the second consultation stage of the Buntingford Community Governance Review.  He thanked everyone for their responses in both consultation stages and detailed the Executive’s recommendations now before Council.

 

He moved, and Councillor L Haysey seconded, a motion that the recommendations, as now detailed in the report submitted, be approved.

 

Councillor J Jones expressed his support for the proposals now detailed.

 

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 responses received to the second stage consultation on the Community Governance Review of Buntingford Town Council as set out in section 5 of the report submitted, together with the recommendations of the Executive in relation to the review at section 6 of the report submitted, be received;

 

(B)       the final recommendations of the Community Governance Review be agreed, as follows:

 

(1)                 that no new parishes be constituted in the area under review;

 

(2)                 that no change be made to the name of Buntingford, Cottered or Aspenden parishes and that all three parishes each continue to have a council;

 

(3)                 that the areas of Buntingford and Cottered parishes be altered as follows:

 

·                        that the area of land north of Park Farm Industrial Estate occupied by the new Redrow housing development (marked as Area A on the map at sheet number 2 of Essential Reference Paper (B)), but not including Parkside and its neighbouring properties, be transferred from Cottered Parish to Buntingford Parish;

 

(4)                 that no other changes be made at this time to the parish boundary between Buntingford and Cottered parishes;

 

(5)                 that no changes be made at this time to the parish boundary between Buntingford and Aspenden parishes; 

 

(6)                 that no change be made to the number of councillors to be elected to Buntingford Town Council (12), Aspenden Parish Council (6) or Cottered Parish Council (6);

 

(7)                 that Buntingford Town Council, Aspenden Parish Council and Cottered Parish Council each continue to not be divided into wards for the purpose of electing town/parish councillors.

 

(8)                 that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England be requested to make changes to the boundaries of the relevant District Council wards as necessary to ensure coterminosity between those boundaries and the revised Parish boundaries made in this Community Governance Review; and

 

(C)       the Council make the East Hertfordshire (Reorganisation of Community Governance) (Buntingford and Cottered) Order 2018 as attached at Essential Reference Paper (B) of the report submitted.

 

(see also Minute 221)

224.

Eastwick and Gilston Community Governance Review pdf icon PDF 85 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report on the second consultation stage of the Eastwick and Gilston Community Governance Review.  He thanked everyone for their responses in both consultation stages and detailed the Executive’s recommendations now before Council.  He also expressed his gratitude to John Williams and Electoral Services for their support throughout the process.

 

He moved, and Councillor E Buckmaster 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 (A) the responses received to the consultation on the Community Governance Review of Eastwick and Gilston Parish  Council, together with the recommendations of the Executive in relation to the review, be received;

 

(B)       the final recommendations of the Community Governance Review be agreed as follows:

 

(1)                 that no new parishes be constituted in the area under review;

 

(2)                 that Eastwick Parish should not be abolished and that its area should not be altered;

 

(3)                 that Gilston Parish should not be abolished and that its area should not be altered;

 

(4)                 that no change be made to the name of either Eastwick or Gilston Parish and that the parishes continue to be grouped under a single common parish council (Eastwick and Gilston Parish Council); 

 

(5)                 that the number of councillors to be elected to represent Eastwick Parish on Eastwick and Gilston Parish Council remain unchanged at 3;

 

(6)                 that the number of councillors to be elected to represent Gilston Parish on Eastwick and Gilston Parish Council be increased from 3 to 4;

 

(7)                 that Eastwick and Gilston parishes each continue to not be divided into wards for the purpose of electing parish councillors; and

 

(C)       the Council make the East Hertfordshire (Reorganisation of Community Governance) (Eastwick and Gilston) Order 2018 as attached at Essential Reference Paper (B) of the report submitted.

 

(see also Minute 221)

225.

Council Tax Support Scheme

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendations of the Executive in respect of the Council Tax Support Scheme 1919/20. 

 

Councillor G Williamson moved, and Councillor G McAndrew 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 there be no changes to the scheme design for East Herts local Council Tax Support scheme for April 2019. 

 

(see also Minute 221)

226.

Land East of Stevenage Masterplanning Framework

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendations of the Executive in respect of the Land East of Stevenage Masterplanning Framework. 

 

Councillor L Haysey 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 Masterplan for the strategic allocation known as ‘Land to the East of Stevenage, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a material consideration for Development Management purposes.

 

(see also Minute 221)

227.

Review of the Allocation of Seats on Committees pdf icon PDF 38 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report asking Council to review the allocation of seats on committees following the Watton-at-Stone by-election.  It had been suggested that the vacant seat be allocated to the Conservative Group and that Councillor M McMullen be appointed to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

Councillor L Haysey moved, and Councillor G Jones seconded, a motion that the vacant seat be allocated to the Conservative Group.

 

Councillor S Bell opposed this motion on the basis that the residents of Watton-at-Stone had elected a Liberal Democrat and an opposition voice would improve the scrutiny function.

 

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 vacant seat be allocated to the Conservative Group; and

 

(B)       the wishes of the political group in respect of the appointment of Councillor M McMullen to the vacant seat on Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

228.

Licensing Committee: Minutes - 14 March 2018 pdf icon PDF 44 KB

Chairman: Councillor D Andrews

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

229.

Development Management Committee: Minutes - 20 June and 18 July 2018 pdf icon PDF 102 KB

Chairman: Councillor T Page

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meetings held on 20 June and 18 July 2018, be received.

230.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Minutes - 10 July 2018 pdf icon PDF 62 KB

Chairman: Councillor M Allen

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 10 July 2018, be received.

231.

Performance, Audit and Governance Scrutiny Committee: Minutes - 24 July 2018 pdf icon PDF 80 KB

Chairman: Councillor M Pope

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Performance, Audit and Governance Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 24 July 2018, be received.

232.

Human Resources Committee: Minutes - 25 July 2018 pdf icon PDF 41 KB

Chairman: Councillor P Boylan

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 25 July 2018, be received.