Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notices of appointment of substitute Members (if any).

Apologies were received from Cllr A Glover.

To receive any questions from members of the public and replies thereto.

Note:   A maximum of 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

The following questions were received from members of the public:-

Andrew Moore (which the Chair read out) – Regarding Agenda Item 8

My thanks to the PDG for responding to the questions raised at the last meeting.  I am reassured that the Council continues the pragmatic investment strategy adopted by the S151 Officer and previous administration.

The Climate Change Committee is cited.  However, it is widely recognised as untrustworthy, except by those with blind adherence to climate alarmism.  It is populated by advocates of the 'green agenda' with vested interests in green businesses.  It determines government policy without democratic control.  It's lost touch with reality - actual floating offshore wind prices are 7 times the CCC's naïve figures.  The Met Office is also cited, yet it too has been discredited.  It's used unscientific methods to create a false narrative of temperature change.  80% of its measurement sites are Cat 4 and 5 with potential errors of up to 5 degrees.  It's fabricated temperature records where none exist.

You say, 'The scale and the pace of the problem can be overwhelming.'  That is categorically untrue, and the public are increasingly 'not buying it'.  There is increasing evidence that many of the cited calamity events are within normal tolerances.  Recent studies show that CO2 levels lag temperature - other forces are also at play.  Modelling often sensationalises with extreme scenarios, even assuming mankind really understands something as complex, large and non-linear as the climate.  The heart of my question was whether there is any real point in pursuing a 'Net Zero' strategy, let alone even increasing core budget as proposed.  It is a weak response to state that Plans and Strategy documents are in place, and that's that.  Serious questions are now being raised about the veracity of the CO2-driven climate change narrative.  For a PDG not to consider these is complacent.   I note that from the Update Report after 7 years of effort, the total reduction for MDDC is 361 tCO2, just 2%.  It's even gone up in the past 12 months and is now above the average for that same period.

Question 1

Can you please advise how much the Council has spent on its Climate Emergency initiative over 7 years (in direct and external funding including routine work and projects)?

Question 2

Given the questions around the climate change narrative, MDDC's negligible contribution, that expenditure is having little effect, and with a big forecast financial shortfall, wouldn't public money be better spent on community work / grants with an immediate and tangible benefit?

Question 3

Will this PDG amend planning guidance to prioritise food security, the natural environment, and the beauty of Mid-Devon over conflicting solar and wind development proposals?

Question 4

Will this PDG commission a study into the evidence counter to the standard climate change narrative better to inform its strategy for the future?

Sarah Coffin - Regarding Agenda Item 9

As stated in the officer’s report Farm-fed Anaerobic Digesters (those under Mid Devon control) can have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To record any interests on agenda matters.

No interests were declared under this item.

To consider whether to approve the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 29 July 2025.

The minutes of the last meeting held on 29 July 2025 were approved as a correct record of the meeting and SIGNED by the Chair.

To receive any announcements that the Chair may wish to make.

The Chair had no announcements to make.

To receive performance information from the Corporate Performance & Improvement Manager for Quarter 1 (2025/2026).

The Group were presented with, and NOTED the Performance Dashboard for Quarter 1 2025/26. 

The overall performance was presented in a pie chart which combined the RAG ratings (Red/Amber/Green).  The indicators were presented with the current performance and the annual target to indicate whether or not the Council were on track to meet its target.

The following was highlighted within the report:-

·         The performance dashboard for Q1 aimed to give an understanding of how services were performing that related to this Policy Development Group (PDG).

·         In terms of performance, finance and risk, any measures that were also part of the Corporate Plan were listed in yellow text.

·         Electric car charging points installed across Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) were showing as Red at this point in the year.

·         There were no electric car charging points installed in quarter 1 however in 2024/2025 6 new charging points were installed which was ahead of the annual target for that year (effectively +2 in hand).

·         Discussions were taking place with a provider to upgrade the infrastructure that was based at the Council’s Leisure Centres in terms of charging points there.

·         The projected capital outturn was also showing as Red.  This was spending in terms of the Cullompton Relief Road which had slipped from the initial forecast however the project was well underway and construction was due to start in 2026/2027.

·         There were also small contributions into the land drainage project which the Environment Agency would lead on and those had slipped.

·         The capital slippage of overall projects was also showing as Red as all 3 projects had slipped.

·         Building control income which was projected as Amber was slightly below forecast which was due to the current economic conditions which had been the case in this service in the last 18 months.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Whether there were any electric charging points for social housing?  It was explained that this indicator was from the General Fund infrastructure whereas electric charging points for social housing would fall within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).  However this data could also be reported.

·         When would the additional electric charging points be installed and where would they be placed as it was important to ensure they were spread out across the District.    It was explained that due to an additional 2 charging points which were installed last year this meant that 2 more were left to be installed.  Tiverton Pannier Market would be installed next followed by West Exe South and Crediton High Street Saviours Way. 

There was another scheme in hand which would be initiated soon through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI).   There would be slower chargers in residential areas which would balance out the rapid chargers in core car parks and additional rural installations.  Public charging points at the Council’s Leisure Centres were also being upgraded.

·         Whether the Grand Western Canal would have electric chargers installed.  It was confirmed that this was not the Council’s asset.  However questions would be asked to see if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) presenting to Member’s the updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) which covers the period 2026/27 to 2028/29 and to discuss initial options for cost pressures/savings or income related to the services covered by this Policy Development Group (PDG).

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) presenting the updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) which covered the period 2025/26 to 2028/29 for the General Fund (GF) and considered initial savings options.

The Head of Finance, Property and Climate Resilience presented the report and the following was highlighted:

·       The MFTP was different this year to that in previous years due to a raft of changes that were expected in terms of funding from 2026/2027.

·       It also reflected the longer term restrictions placed upon the Council by the Local Government Reorganisaton (LGR). 

·       A projected shortfall could not be provided as there was no knowledge of where funding might be next year.

·       However, there were a range of shortfalls based on the information that the Council did have from the government which were between £1m and £3m for next year.

·       The Chancellors statement which was normally expected at the end of October 2025 would now be delayed until November 2026.

·       The Government’s Cabinet reshuffle and the loss of the Cabinet Minister for the Council’s sector could also have a potential impact.

·       This could mean significant changes for the level of funding and the priorities that the Government may have.

·       The Council had an obligation to balance the budget in the normal way as was required by statute, this meant not relying on reserves, optimising income where necessary and diverting money to ensure that services were protected and ensured that capital spending delivered the best value for money.

·       Given the timescale of the shortfall and the restricted timeframe in which to tackle it, it was likely that the Council would need to draw on reserves in order to help balance the 2026/2027 budget.

·       Appendix 2 in the report identified the pressures and Appendix 3 the savings for the Group to consider.

·       The Green and Amber options were officer recommendations.  Options shown as Red were doable but came with implications.

Discussion took place regarding:-

·       The pressures of additional agency costs.

·       The baseline budget for climate change.

·       Whether fees were set nationally.  It was explained that the Government set the level of statutory fees nationally.  The Council set the discretionary fees.

·       The reduction of Section 106 monitoring fees and whether this would mean receiving less money or proportionately less per house which would affect the quality of the facilities being provided. It was explained that the Council would seek as much money as possible however contributions were subject to a viability assessment. There may be a lower contribution across the whole development globally which would also then break down to individual units. This would mean a potential reduction in terms of contributions.

·       The concerns regarding Section 106 finance and the Group being uncomfortable with the underlying assumptions.

·       Whether Section 106 Monitoring could be considered further due to a reduction of income putting pressure on the quality of facilities being provided to residents.  The Director of Place and Economy explained that that Council would have to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To receive an update from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change and the Climate Sustainability Officer.

The Group had before it, and NOTED a report* from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.

As the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change was unable to attend the meeting, the Chair updated the Group on her behalf as he was also the Chair of the Net Zero Advisory Group.

The following was highlighted within the report:-

·         The Council would now be collecting pots and pans across the whole district.

·         There had been a mixed picture with regard to the carbon footprint particularly in respect to housing renovations and upgrades.

·         There had been a fantastic response from the first informal online Forum with supporting workshops, where over 30 stakeholders attended including farmers and educators where ideas and support was exchanged.

·         The Climate and Sustainability Specialist would be attending the Big Green Fair on Saturday in Crediton where home energy and retrofit advice would be available.

·         Work with Dart Valley Farmers was ongoing for an event in November 2025.

·         Partnership work with the Blackdown Hills National Landscape would engage stakeholders around natural flood management and climate adaption.

·         The 2024/2025 carbon footprint result was 2% higher than the previous year which was mainly due to the climate change impacts linked to spending for example the rise in construction spending.

·         Emissions had been successfully cut by investing to decarbonise the Tiverton and Crediton Leisure Centres.

·         Social housing had a significant lower carbon footprint.

·         Net emission for elements in the Councils direct control which comprised of the Council offices, facilities, transports and offsets contributed just under 9% of the 2024/25 overall total.

·         The 1,589 carbon dioxide figure for 2024 was circa 35% which was lower than the 2,427 figure for 2028/2029 baseline (almost 840 carbon tonnes less).

·         Reductions since 2018/2019 came from Council offices and facilities from 1098 to 705 carbon tonnes.

·         Since 2018/2019 fleet impacts had changed although the Council now served circa 2500 more households.

·         Rapid progress had been made to replace social housing with 48 net zero new build homes due to be in place by the end of the year.  The procurement of those construction projects would make a climate impact on the 2025/2026 carbon footprint.  The investment would reduce the Council’s annual carbon footprint by approximately 136 tonnes per year.

·         A broad range of support had been given to businesses to promote the Green Enterprise Grants alongside free advice for Mid Devon farmers.

The Chair thanked the Climate and Sustainability Specialist and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change for all their hard work.

Discussion took place with regard to:-

·         The decarbonised Leisure Centres and how the heat pumps worked.  It was explained that by decarbonising, centres had moved away from fossil fuel for heating, however more electricity was being used to drive heat pumps to replace that (capturing heat to warm the centres and extracting heat to cool the centres as required).  The Council purchased “green electricity” (with REGO certificates) in addition to power from its own solar panels, and energy was being used  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To receive a report to discusses options available to Members around the production of further (supplementary) planning policy or guidance in relation to the development and management of Anaerobic Digester plants within Mid Devon.

The Group had before it a report * from the Director of Place and Economy to discuss options available to Members around the production of further (supplementary) planning policy or guidance in relation to the development of Anaerobic Digester (AD) Plants within Mid Devon.

Prior to the presentation the Director of Place and Economy wished to comment on some of the questions raised earlier and stated the following:-

·         The questions raised highlighted and reinforced some particular points which were useful and helpful in terms of informing the choices that the Council made moving forwards in developing its understanding and knowledge of AD plants and what the Council could do in terms of supporting effective management and operation of them in terms of procuring additional guidance and advice.

·         References to case laws would also be taken on board and the Environment Agency restrictions. 

·         It was helpful to officers to have an understanding of what fell within the jurisdiction of the Environment Agency and how they managed it.

·         The Director of Place and Economy confirmed that he had been mindful of the questions posed and supporting documents presented at the Full Council meeting and that they were considered when drafting the report.  He also confirmed that these would carry forward into any further work that the Council commissioned.

·         A site visit for Members of the Group may be useful to understand how AD’s operated and could provide continuous learning, understanding and appreciation of how AD plants operated.

·         The Council was guided by procurement requirements when selecting and appointment consultants.

·         With regard to planning enforcement he could confirm that in the last 12 months a total of 18 Notices had been served.  The Council were taking a proactive stance in terms of planning enforcement and seeking to address high risk breaches when they occurred.

The following was highlighted within the report:-

·         The report was in response to a Motion that was brought before Full Council in July 2025 by Cllr G Westcott.

·         It set out various points to note and sought approval for Planning Officers to prepare a supplementary planning document outlining conditions under which any further applications for anaerobic digester plants or the extension of existing plants would be acceptable and contributed to the goals for climate change mitigation as well as planning conditions that may be required to ensure that contribution was realised.

·         An amendment was carried to refer the Motion back to this Policy Development Group (PDG) to review and discuss prior to it going back to Full Council for further review.

·         There were 4 options available to Members.  Officers had recommended Option 3 (a broad AD advice note) to the Group as this gave the Council an opportunity to provide some further understanding whilst not having the challenges of cost and time of seeking to provide a Supplementary Planning Document which would have limited weight.

·         If the Group were minded to approve the recommendations, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration would be asked to instruct officers to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To receive a Planning Summary Report from the Director of Place and Economy.

The Group had before it, and NOTED a report* from the Director of Place and Economy summarising activity undertaken in relation to planning matters. 

The following was highlighted within the report:-

·       The Council were continuing to have a good market share within Building Control

·       Development Management were performing well despite the challenging macroeconomic situation and building landscape.

·       Planning Enforcement was making headway in terms of taking a proactive stance in seeking to address planning enforcement breaches and matters generally within the district.

Discussion took place regarding:-

·       Clarity with regard to the new National Planning Policy Framework.  It was explained that information was imminent and that updates would be provided to Members when it became available.

Note: * Report previously circulated.

Members are asked to note that the following items are already identified in the work programme for the next meeting:

·         Performance Dashboard for Q2

·         Draft budget (round 2)

·         Climate and Sustainability Update

·         Planning Summary Report

Note: This item is limited to 10 minutes. There should be no discussion on the items raised.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, the items identified in the work programme for the next meeting.

The Chair confirmed the following would be considered at the next meeting of the PDG:-

·       S106 Governance Framework update

·       Performance Dashboard for Q2

·       Draft budget (Round 2)

·       Climate and Sustainability Update

·       Planning Summary Report

The Director of Place and Economy informed the Group that a report for the North Devon Railway Development Alliance would also be presented at the next meeting for Members to consider.

The Climate and Sustainability Specialist informed the Group that a report would be presented to the PDG reviewing the Terms of Reference for the Net Zero Advisory Group (NZAG).