Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors: Mrs E M Andrews, Mrs A R Berry, R M Deed, D J Knowles, Mrs J Roach, T W Snow and Mrs N Woollatt.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of Council held on 26 October 2016.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on 1 December 2016.

The Council is reminded that only those Members present at the previous meetings should vote and, in doing so, should be influenced only by seeking to ensure that the minutes are an accurate record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 October 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 1 December 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any announcements which the Chairman of the Council may wish to make.

The Chairman had the following announcements to make:

1.    He and the Leader had visited the Royal Mail sorting office in Crediton the previous morning and had passed on the thanks of the Council for the work that they do for the community.

2.    He reminded Members that there was a Christmas reception for staff the following day and he all encouraged all Members to attend to meet and thank the staff.

To receive any questions relating to items on the agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

Honorary Alderman Lucas, referring to item 6 on the agenda, Motion number 528, noted that the notes of the last Environment Policy Development Group meeting on 8 November 2016, page 126, in respect of Motion 529 states that waste currently landfilled at Broadpath will from April 2017 be sent to the Exeter Energy from Waste Plant.  Can we be informed as to how the extra mileage and journey time will affect collections within the district as usage of vehicles on this longer route will by its nature increase down time of both vehicles and men? These journeys will add extra cost to the waste and recycling budget so how will this be budgeted and does MDDC receive any monetary rewards from either Exeter Energy from Waste or Devon County to recover costs? I do know that talks were ongoing in 2015 and would like to have an update.  Also, Motion 530, I would like to think that Council will support this Motion and in so doing will look again at current planning policy regarding the involvement and weight given to Parish Councils comments on either applications advisory stage or prior to approval or planning committee stage. I make that plea based on the negative approach taken by the planning department in respect of Sampford Peverell Parish Council who still await official papers or acknowledgement relating to the revised local plan when the first indication of an extra 60 houses was only imparted to them by the developer at a presentation by them to the Parish Council. I would like to think that someone would look at that policy, and I reiterate what I said last week, Parish Councils are vital to you as a full council because they are the ears and eyes of this community and they mean a lot to me and I hope they mean a lot to you.

Cllr Ray Radford answered the question, by confirming that the costs had been worked out, we had to give up the site in Tiverton and these premises were ideal for waste. The cost has been calculated and the rewards that we will get when it goes to Exeter Incinerator will pay for the costs of transfer.  He offered to provide further clarification.

Honorary Alderman Lucas asked about the down time on the vehicles and men if they were travelling to Exeter on a daily basis.

The Chairman explained that the amount of downtime would be less, there were two places to tip, it was an efficient operation and it would be a combination of efforts between ourselves and Devon County Council and it would be ‘tip top’.

Cllr Radford also confirmed that there would be income for the building and the Chairman referred to it as joined up thinking. Recycling was going well and was at 56% which is up from 48%.

Mr Frank Walsh referred to a planning application on Church Street, Tiverton, which had requested permission for a food outlet.  Mr Walsh said that the residents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

There were no petitions from members of the public.

(1)          Motion 528 (Councillor P J Heal – 10 August)

The following motion had been referred to the Environment Policy Development Group for consideration and report:

That the Council investigates the provision of an elasticated net system for use on recycling boxes to prevent light materials such as plastics and cardboard being blown out and causing litter.

The Policy Development Group at its meeting on 8 November had considered the proposal and recommended that it not be supported.

(2)          Motion 529 (Councillor Mrs C A Collis – 17 August 2016)

The following motion had been referred to the Environment Policy Development Group for consideration and report:

That the Council investigates joint working with other Councils to recycle soft plastics such as polythene and film and to avoid putting these non-degradable items into landfill. This will benefit the environment for future generations and expand on the recycling that Mid Devon is already doing so well.

The Policy Development Group at its meeting on 8 November had considered the proposal and recommended that it not be supported.

(3)          Motion 530 (Councillor R L Stanley and R J Chesterton – 19 September 2016)

The following motion had been referred to the Cabinet for consideration and report:

In order to allow a new, productive future for certain agricultural buildings, permitted development rights have been extended allowing for their use to change without planning permission in certain instances. Procedures allow for local consultation but do not currently recognise a need to consult with Parish Councils. Local communities as represented through Parish Councils, are well placed to identify the likely impacts of proposals and could be identified as a required consultee. Impacts may be cumulative where there is a concentration of proposals within a small area and it is considered that the permitted development rights could be worded to recognise cumulative effects. It is requested that Council write to the Minister to bring these issues to his attention and request that he amend the General Permitted Development Order accordingly.

The Cabinet at its meeting on 1 December had considered the proposal and recommended that it be supported.

(4)          Motion 531 (Councillor T W Snow – 17 November 2016)

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.1:

That as MDDC owns the land at Station Yard that we investigate and develop this land for our own local Council housing needs. This would help the extreme housing needs of our local residents as the cost of any houses built would be reduced by having no land purchase cost involved.

That our MP be kept informed in order to support this motion.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council has decided that this Motion (if moved and seconded) will be referred without discussion to the Homes Policy Development Group.

(5)          Motion 532 (Councillor D R Coren – 5 December 2016)

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.1:

That this council lobby the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 100.

1)    Motion 528 (Councillor P J Heal – 10 August)

The following MOTION had been referred to the Environment Policy Development Group for consideration and report:

That the Council investigates the provision of an elasticated net system for use on recycling boxes to prevent light materials such as plastics and cardboard being blown out and casing litter.

The Policy Development Group at its meeting on 8 November had considered the proposal and recommended that it not be supported.

Following debate and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have FAILED.

2)    Motion 529 (Councillor Mrs C A Collis – 17 August 2016)

The following MOTION had been referred to the Environment Policy Development Group for consideration and report:

That the Council investigates joint working with other Councils to recycle soft plastics such as polythene and film and to avoid putting these non- degradable items into landfill. Tis will benefit the environment for future generations and expand on the recycling that Mid Devon is already doing so well.

The Policy Development Group at its meeting on 8 November had considered the proposal and recommend that it not be supported.

Following discussion at the Policy Development Group, Councillor Mrs C Collis chose to withdraw the MOTION, this was AGREED.

3)    Motion 530 (Councillor R L Stanley and R J Chesterton – 19 September 2016)

The following MOTION had been referred to the Cabinet for consideration and report:

In order to allow a new, productive future for certain agricultural buildings permitted development rights have been extended allowing for their use to change without planning permission in certain instances. Procedures allow for local consultation but do not currently recognise a need to consult with Parish Councils. Local communities as represented through Parish Councils, are well placed to identify the likely impacts of proposals and could be identified as a required consultee. Impacts may be cumulative where there is a concentration of proposals within a small area and it is considered that the permitted development rights could be worded to recognise cumulative effects. It is requested that Council write to the Minister to bring these issues to his attention and request that he amend the General Permitted Development Order accordingly.

The Cabinet at its meeting on 1 December had considered the proposal and recommended that it be supported.

Following discussion and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

4)    Motion 531 (Councillor T W Snow – 17 November 2016)

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:

That as MDDC owns the land at Station Yard that we investigate and develop this land for our own local Council housing needs. This would help the extreme housing needs of our local residents as the cost of any houses built be reduced by having no land purchase cost involved.

That our MP be kept informed in order to support this motion.

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor F J Rosamond  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the recent meetings as follows:

(1)       Cabinet

-       27 October 2016

-        1 December 2016

2)    Scrutiny Committee

-            12 December 2016 (to follow)

-           

(3)  Audit Committee

-      22 November 2016

(4)  Environment Policy Development Group

 -    8 November 2016

(5)  Homes Policy Development Group

 - 15 November 2016

(6) Economy Policy Development Group

 - 17 November 2016

(7)  Community Well Being Policy Development Group

-            29 November 2016

(8)  Planning Committee

-             2 November 2016

-            30 November 2016

(9)  Regulatory Committee

-            11 November 2016

Cabinet Report – 27 October 2016

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 27 October 2016.

1.    Public Health Strategy Action Plan for 2016-19 (Minute 83)

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor C R Slade:

THAT the recommendationof the Cabinet as set out in Minute 83 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 1 December 2016.

1.    Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Minute 104)

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor B A Moore :

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 104 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

2.    Tax Base Calculation (Minute 105)

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs M E Squires :

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 105 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 12 December 2016.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Environment Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 8 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Homes Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 15 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Economy Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 17 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Community Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 29 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 2 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 30 November 2016.

The Chairman of the Regulatory Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 11 November 2016.

To receive a recommendation from the Director of Corporate Services and Business Transformation and Monitoring Officer with regard to the appointment of an Independent Person/s.

The Council had before it a recommendation from the Director of Corporate Affairs and Business Transformation and Monitoring Officer to appoint Mr John Smith and Mr David Williamson as the Independent Persons for Mid Devon District Council. A further recommendation was made that each Independent Person receive a remuneration of £500 per annum.

The Chairman MOVED that the recommendations be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Council had before it questions * submitted by Councillor Mrs J Roach in accordance with Procedure Rule 13.2 together with responses from the Director of Corporate Affairs and Business Transformation (Monitoring Officer).

Note: * Questions and responses previously circulated; copy attached to the minutes.

To deal with any questions raised pursuant to Procedure Rule 13.2 not already dealt with during the relevant Committee report.

There were no other questions submitted under Procedure Rule 13.2.

Cabinet Members will answer questions from Members on their portfolios.

There were no questions to Cabinet Members.

To receive any statements made and notice of future questions by Members.

Note: the time allowed for this item is limited to 15 minutes.

1.    Councillor D R Coren stated that the Devon Federation of Young Farmers had recently moved into a building in Cheriton Bishop and were settling in well and very happy with their new location.

2.    Councillor R J Dolley referred to the recent accident on the Link Road where a car transporter had tipped over. Whilst the road had been cleared very quickly it did underline the traffic problems in Willand and Halberton when there was a need for a diversion away from the Link Road. He wondered whether there could be some sort of early warning system for staff travelling to Phoenix House should such a diversion happen first thing in the morning.

3.    Councillor F J Rosamond stated that Tap Fund money had been used in the parishes of Hemyock, Culmstock and Clayhidon to purchase some defibrillators and 60 local people had attended a training session in the use of this equipment. He stated that this represented good use of a Tap Fund allocation.

4.    The Chairman wished all those present a very Happy Christmas.