Agenda item

Essential Reference Paper “B”  - to follow.  This will contain the results of the consultation review which closes on Friday 6 April 2018.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer submitted a report on the responses received during the initial consultation for a Community Governance Review of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, including the town boundary.   The Electoral Services Officer provided a summary of the report. 

Councillor I Devonshire read out a summary of parishioners’ concerns to the proposal in the Rural Ward of Thorley Parish.  The summary challenged the legality of the proposal, the need for cohesive community governance, the proposed development in Bishop’s Stortford South and the impact this would have on Thorley Parish Council. 

Councillor Devonshire said that 114 respondents opposed the boundary change and 8 were in favour.  A petition signed by 960 people calling for “no change” to the current boundary between Thorley Village and Bishop’s Stortford had also been submitted.  He challenged the need for change.

The Electoral Services Officer referred to the viability of Thorley Parish Council if change was made and outlined the statutory provisions, including the need to make a determination within 12 months of the review starting.  He referred Members to the options as detailed in the report, adding that the Council could decide to take no action at this stage, adding that in that case, any changes would not be made in time for the May 2019 elections. 

In response to a query by Councillor M Stevenson about the dissemination of information to residents, the Electoral Services Officer referred Members to the extensive leafletting of affected homes and community groups.  Councillor M Casey commented that most of the objections referred to the development at Bishop’s Stortford South rather than a change from a Category 3 village to a town.   He made the point that regardless of residence, people would use the facilities of Bishop’s Stortford.

The consultation process and those consulted were debated. 

Councillor Mrs Hollebon commented that as an elected Member, she represented all residents.  She said that it appeared that a large number of responses submitted may have been instigated by a small number of residents and that many responses were not about the proposal, but other things they feared.  Councillor Mrs Hollebon stated that while she appreciated what Thorley villagers were saying, she felt that they had missed the point that they used Bishop’s Stortford facilities and Southern Country Park and it made sense to tidy up actual borders.  Councillor M Stevenson referred to the strong feeling objectors had to keeping their own identity. 

Councillor H Drake commented that from the responses received, very few lived in the area and that a large number were opposed to a boundary change.  She suggested that there should be a budget for the publication of leaflets for the right residents on the right issues.

Councillor M Casey stated that as a resident, he was consulted on the issue and also received other information opposing a change and relating to planning issues.  He stated that people should not be ignored.

On the issue of re-consultation, the Electoral Services Officer said that there would be a second round of consultation after Council had considered the proposal.  Councillor B Deering had concerns about this approach, and said it might suggest that an initial decision had been taken. 

The Committee Chairman queried the precepts of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council (£67.69) and Thorley Parish Council (£8.97) and how this might affect the Bishop’s Stortford precept.  He reminded Members that Bishop’s Stortford Town Council had made this request because it felt that it was bringing benefit to the people.  He acknowledged the fact that changes to Thorley Parish could mean the demise of the Parish Council.

Councillor G Cutting said that he struggled with the concept and had not yet reached a conclusion.  He referred to decisions which the Planning Inspectorate might make in relation to Bishop’s Stortford South on Green Belt countryside and residents’ perceptions about the development of Whittington Way.  Councillor Cutting said that there appeared to be confusion between the Parish boundary and its link with Whittington Way.

The Committee Chairman drew Members’ attention to the options, as detailed.  He stated that from the comments submitted it appeared that Members felt that the Parish needed to retain its own identity, whichever option was pursued.

The Committee supported the submission of Members’ comments to the Executive as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that the Executive be advised that (A) the responses received to the initial consultation on the Community Governance Review of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council be received; and

(B)   Members’ comments as now detailed, be forwarded to the Executive for its consideration as part of the Community Governance Review.