Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Members and the public to the meeting and reminded them that the meeting was being webcast.  He also welcomed Kevin Williams, Acting Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to his first Council meeting.

The Chairman advised that he had agreed to accept an urgent item of business onto the agenda relating to a request for a Community Governance Review from Buntingford Town Council, on the grounds of the need to avoid delays in considering the request. 

He asked Members to note that, following a resignation, a notice had been published advising that a casual vacancy had arisen on the District Council in the Puckeridge ward. 

The Chairman referred to the recent sad news that former Councillor Teddy Bedford had passed away.  He had represented Ware Christchurch ward from 2011- 2015.  The Chairman spoke of his care for his constituents and asked all present to stand and observe a minute’s silence.

The Chairman referred to the many events he had attended since the last meeting and spoke of his admiration for the professionalism shown by many people in the voluntary sector he had met.  He also thanked the Vice-Chairman for his support during this time.

In respect of local events throughout the District, the Chairman reiterated his offer to lend his support.  He also reminded Members that all would be welcome at his forthcoming garden party.

Finally, the Chairman introduced Tess Michaels, the East Herts representative on the Hertfordshire Youth Parliament.  Tess had just completed her ‘A’ levels at Presdales School, Ware, studying politics, history and music. 

Tess Michaels spoke of her time as a Youth Parliament member since being elected in January 2016.  She detailed the priorities which had been chosen by young people themselves and would be launched in the Parliament’s manifesto in October 2016.  It was hoped that this would lead to a summit involving local MPs, the Executive Member for Children’s Services at Hertfordshire County Council and other decision-makers.  Finally, she spoke of the national youth council and the need to involve young people in decision-making.

The Chairman thanked Tess for attending and wished her well for the future.

To approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18 May 2016.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18 May 2016, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

In respect of Minute 180 – Council Tax Discounts, Councillors M Casey, L Haysey, G McAndrew, M Pope and G Williamson each declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and left the chamber whilst the matter was considered.

Question 1

Councillor R Henson asked the Leader of the Council if she could confirm that the forthcoming District Plan would contain measures to increase space for parking, both commuter and residential, in areas where it appeared to be lacking, such as North Road and Turpins Close in Hertford, and if she could not give that assurance, whether she would consider reviewing the Council's parking policies for those and similarly affected areas, as soon as possible.

In reply, the Leader referred to the ongoing development of the District Plan and the emerging policies contained therein.  The emerging car parking standards had been agreed in March 2015 and contained standards that were better or at least as equal to those in the current policy.  The final District Plan would be considered by Council in September 2016.

The Leader also referred to the high levels of car ownership in the District as one of the highest in the country.  This necessitated that sustainable transport policies be pursued and, to this end, she welcomed the forthcoming review of parking policies by a scrutiny task and finish group.

Question 2

Councillor T Page asked the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support if she could provide clarification over the extent that s106 contributions were ring-fenced to ensure that funding was applied within specific wards that bore the brunt of new developments, or to otherwise mitigate their local infrastructure needs.

In response, the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support outlined the statutory and policy framework within which section 106 funds were utilised in East Herts.  She explained that in some cases, it was not possible for infrastructure provision to be specified for a particular location.  Schools, health, roads, housing provision were provided following extensive collaboration with partners across the District in order to meet obligations and to mitigate impacts.

The Executive Member also referred to discussions with Officers and the Chairman of Development Management Committee that sought to encourage greater involvement with local Members and specific proposals would come forward.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 7 June 2016 be received.

(see also Minutes 178 – 193)

Minute 52 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the Buntingford Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be adopted;

(B)      authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support, to make any further minor and consequential changes to the  document which may be necessary; and

(C)      the responses to the public consultation be noted and the Officer responses and proposed changes to the Buntingford Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be supported.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 53 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the Ware Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be adopted;

(B)      authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support, to make any further minor and consequential changes to the  document which may be necessary; and

(C)      the responses to the public consultation be noted and the Officer responses and proposed changes to the Ware Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be supported.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 54 refers

In response to a comment from Councillor J Wyllie, the Executive Member for Economic Development stated that the recommendation, if approved, would reduce the level of discount available on empty properties and so encourage their occupation.

RESOLVED – that (A) the recommendations of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee be received;

(B)      the addition of a 50% Council Tax premium on properties which have been empty for 2 or more years, be approved;

(C)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and uninhabitable from 50% for up to 12 months to a period not exceeding 6 months at 50%, be approved; and

(D)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and substantially unfurnished from a period of up to 6 months at 50% to a period not exceeding 2 months at 50%, be approved.

(Note – Councillors M Casey, L Haysey, G McAndrew, M Pope and G Williamson left the chamber whilst this matter was considered – see Minute 175)

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 55 refers

RESOLVED - that (A) the recommendations of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee be received; and

(B)      the current Council Tax Support Scheme be supported for 2017/18.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 56 refers

RESOLVED - that the ‘in-year’ revision to charges for the Development Management pre-application advice service, as set out in the report submitted, be approved.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 57 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) East Herts Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment Update Summary, April 2016, be noted;

(B)      amendments to the Update Summary necessitated by the Housing and Planning Act for consideration by the Executive be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control in conjunction with the Panel Chairman; and

(C)      the final version of the East Herts Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment Update Summary, May 2016, as now submitted at Essential Reference Paper ‘A’ of the Minutes submitted, be approved as part of the evidence base to inform and support the East Herts District Plan and to inform Development Management decisions.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 58 refers

RESOLVED - that (A) the content of the Government’s prospectus on “Locally Led Garden Villages, Towns and Cities” be noted; and

(B)      preparation and submission of an expression of interest for Government support in relation to the Gilston Area as a Garden Town, be supported.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 59 refers

RESOLVED – that the Local Development Scheme (LDS) May 2016 as now detailed, be agreed with effect from May 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 60 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues  referred to in (A) above, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report, be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 15 (Retail and Town Centres), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 61 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 16 (Design) and Chapter 20 (Landscape) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report, be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 16 (Design) and Chapter 20 (Landscape) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to this report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 16 (Design and Landscape), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report, be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 62 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 17 (Transport) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report, be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 17 (Transport) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ’B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 17 (Transport) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 63 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 19 (Natural Environment) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 19 (Natural Environment) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(D)      the draft revised Chapter 19 (Natural Environment), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 64 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 21 (Heritage Assets) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 21 (Heritage Assets) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 20 (Heritage Assets) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 65 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 22  (Climate Change) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 22 (Climate Change) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 21 (Climate Change) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 66 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 23 (Water) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 23 (Water) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 22 (Water) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016; and

(E)      the issue of slurry storage be incorporated into the Chapter.

(see also Minute 177)

Minute 67 refers

Note – Members are asked to bring their copy of the Executive agenda to the meeting.

RESOLVED – that (A) the issues raised in respect of Chapter 24 (Environmental Quality) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as now detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered;

(B)      Officers’ responses to the issues referred to in (A) above, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be agreed;

(C)      the further amendments in respect of Chapter 24 (Environmental Quality) of the draft District Plan Preferred Options as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report be received and considered; and

(D)      the draft revised (and renumbered) Chapter 23 (Environmental Quality) as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report be agreed, as a basis for inclusion in the final draft District Plan, with the content being finalised when the consolidated plan is presented in September 2016.

(see also Minute 177)

To receive a report (to follow) from the Leader of the Council

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 19 July 2016 be received.

Chairman: Councillor K Crofton

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the joint meeting of Executive, Committees, etc, held on 18 May 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor T Page

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meeting held on 25 May 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor M Allen

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 31 May 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor A Alder

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 14 June 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor M Pope

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 15 June 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor J Wyllie

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 21 June 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor T Page

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meeting held on 22 June 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor P Moore

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Community Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 28 June 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor C Woodward

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 6 July 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor M Allen

(Report to follow)

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 12 July 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor R Brunton

To receive a report (to follow) and to consider recommendations on the following matters:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 14 July 2016, be received.

(see also Minutes 206 – 207)

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received; and;

(B)      the revised Statement of Licensing Policy, as now submitted, be approved to take effect from 1 August 2016.

(see also Minute 205)

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received; and;

(B)      the revised Driver Convictions Policy be approved, as now submitted, to take effect from 15 July 2016; and

(C)      authority to make decisions under the new policy be delegated to Officers.

(see also Minute 205)

Chairman: Councillor T Page

(Report to follow)

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meeting held on 20 July 2016, be received.

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Chairmen 2015-16.

Councillor J Wyllie, on behalf of the 2015/16 Scrutiny Chairmen, presented the Scrutiny Annual report 2015/16. 

Council approved the report for publication.

RESOLVED – that the Annual Report on the work of the East Herts Scrutiny Committees during 2015/16 be received and approved for publication.

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

The Acting Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report setting out a request for a Community Governance Review of its electoral arrangements by Buntingford Town Council.  The request had been made on the basis of current and future housing developments. Under provisions of the Local Government and Public Involvement Act 2007, Council had the power to review and make changes to community governance within its area. 

The Acting Head advised Members of correspondence received from Cottered Parish Council objecting to the review on the grounds that any review should not begin until after the developments had been completed and occupied.  He commented that agreeing to the request for a review would not prejudice the Council’s position and consultation, including with Cottered Parish Council, would need to be undertaken as part of the review.

Council agreed the request for a Community Governance Review as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that a Community Governance Review of the electoral arrangements of Buntingford Town Council (including its town boundary) be undertaken, with the detailed terms of reference for, and the timing of, the review to be determined by the Chief Executive.