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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Phoenix Chambers, Phoenix House, Tiverton

Contact: Sally Gabriel  Member Services Manager

Link: audio recording

Items
No. Item

46.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies were received from: Councillors: Mrs E M Andrews, W J Daw, Miss J Norton, Mrs M E Squires and R L Stanley.

47.

Public Question Time (00-05-16

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

 

Minutes:

There were no questions from the member of the public present.

48.

Declarations of Interest under the Code of Conduct (00-05-21)

Councillors are reminded of the requirement to declare any interest, including the type of interest, and the reason for that interest, either at this stage of the meeting or as soon as they become aware of that interest.

 

 

Minutes:

Members were reminded of the need to declare any interests when appropriate.

 

 

49.

Minutes (00-05-50) pdf icon PDF 119 KB

Members to consider whether to approve the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 24 July 2019.

 

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

 

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 July 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

50.

Chairman's Announcements (00-07-10)

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

 

Minutes:

The Chairman informed the meeting of the following events he had attended since the last meeting;

 

·         The unveiling of the mail coach at Clayhidon

·         The Mid Devon Show

·         The opening of the new studio at Exe Valley Leisure Centre

·         The Burma Star event to mark the anniversary of VJ Day

 

He also informed the meeting that his Civic Service would take place on Sunday 15th March 2020 at Cruwys Morchard.

 

51.

Petitions (00-09-15)

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

 

Minutes:

There were no petitions presented.

 

52.

Notices of Motions (00-09-22)

(1)          Motion 555 (Councillor F W Letch – 8 April  2019)

 

The following Motion had been referred to the Economy Policy Development Group for consideration and report:

Mel Stride MP recently said: “Central Devon has market towns with a wonderful variety of high street shops selling high-quality local produce and offering a range of services. Many are doing very well, but others face stiff competition from out of town and online retailers.  I know that the margin between success and failure can be very small and even a small increase in the number of people who make it a priority to shop locally more often can make a big difference.”

 

High Street Saturday was on 16th of March. I propose that:- In order to encourage the high street shops in Mid Devon's 3 main towns, this council will not charge for Saturday parking in the long stay car-parks of Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton.

 

The Economy Policy Development Group at its meeting on 1 August considered the Motion and recommended that it NOT be supported.

 

(2)           Motion 558 (Councillor J M Downes – 29 July 2019)

 

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

 

That this council should lobby government to bring forward a revised council tax scheme that seeks to encourage a system linked to emissions. The scheme should be able to vary council tax to overtly incentivise the construction of properties that can demonstrate high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency, while acting as a penalty for those that don't. Methods to encourage investment in retrofitting to existing properties should also be explored, given the largest proportion of housing emissions will come from existing housing stock rather than new build.

 

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 Cabinet.

 

Minutes:

(1)          Motion 555 (Councillor F W Letch – 8 April  2019)

 

The following Motion had been referred to the Economy Policy Development Group for consideration and report:

Mel Stride MP recently said: “Central Devon has market towns with a wonderful variety of high street shops selling high-quality local produce and offering a range of services. Many are doing very well, but others face stiff competition from out of town and online retailers.  I know that the margin between success and failure can be very small and even a small increase in the number of people who make it a priority to shop locally more often can make a big difference.”

 

High Street Saturday was on 16th of March. I propose that:- In order to encourage the high street shops in Mid Devon's 3 main towns, this council will not charge for Saturday parking in the long stay car-parks of Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton.

 

The Economy Policy Development Group at its meeting on 1 August considered the Motion and recommended that it NOT be supported.

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 16.6 Councillor F W Letch requested that the MOTION be WITHDRAWN.

 

 

(2)           Motion 558 (Councillor J M Downes – 29 July 2019)

 

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

 

That this council should lobby government to bring forward a revised council tax scheme that seeks to encourage a system linked to emissions. The scheme should be able to vary council tax to overtly incentivise the construction of properties that can demonstrate high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency, while acting as a penalty for those that don't. Methods to encourage investment in retrofitting to existing properties should also be explored, given the largest proportion of housing emissions will come from existing housing stock rather than new build.

 

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor J M Downes and seconded by Councillor Miss E Wainwright.

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council ruled that the MOTION STAND REFERRED to the Cabinet for consideration and report.

 

 

53.

Reports - Cabinet - Report of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 (00-11-00) pdf icon PDF 75 KB

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

 

(1)         Cabinet

 

-              25 July 2019

-              22 August 2019

 

2)        Scrutiny Committee

 

-                 5 August 2019

-                  2 September 2019  - (to follow)

           

(3)       Audit Committee

 

-         27 August 2019

           

(4)       Environment Policy Development Group

 

-                6 August 2019

 

(5)       Homes Policy Development Group

 

-                13 August 2019

 

(6)       Economy Policy Development Group

 

-                 8 August 2019

 

(7)       Community Policy Development Group

 

-          20 August 2019

 

(8)       Planning Committee

 

-                31 July 2019

-                28 August 2019

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 25 July 2019

 

1.    Crediton GP/NHS Hub – Loan Decision (Minute 33)

 

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor R J Dolley

 

THAT the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 33 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

 

 

54.

Cabinet - Report of the meeting held on 22 August 2010 (00-15-18)

Minutes:

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 22 August 2019.

 

55.

Scrutiny Committee - Report of the meeting held on 5 August 2019 (00-18-31)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 August 2019.

 

 

56.

Scrutiny Committee - Report of the meeting held on 2 September 2019 (00-19-00)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 2 September 2019.

 

 

57.

Audit Committee - Report of the meeting held on 27 August 2019 (00-20-43)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Audit Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 27 August 2019.

 

58.

Environment Policy Development Group - Report of the meeting held on 6 August 2019 (00-21-18)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Environment Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 6 August 2019.

 

 

59.

Homes Policy Development Group - Report of the meeting held on 13 August 2019 (00-21-57)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Homes Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 13 August 2019.

 

 

60.

Economy Policy Development Group - Report of the meeting held on 8 August 2019 (00-22-38)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Economy Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 8 August 2019.

 

 

61.

Community Policy Development Group - Report of the meeting held on 20 August 2019 (00-23-16)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Community Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 20 August 2019.

 

 

62.

Planning Committee - Report of the meeting held on 31 July 2019 (00-23-51)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 31 July 2019.

 

1.    Scheme of Delegation and the consideration of Enforcement Cases (Minute 33)

 

The Chairman of the Planning Committee MOVED seconded by Councillor D J Knowles:

 

THAT the recommendations of the committee as set out in Minute 33 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

 

 

 

63.

Planning Committee - Report of the meeting held on 28 August 2019 (00-25-13)

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 August 2019.

64.

Questions in accordance with Procedure Rule 13 (00-25-43)

To deal with any questions raised pursuant to Procedure Rule 13 not already dealt with during the relevant Committee reports.

Minutes:

There were no additional questions submitted under Procedure Rule 13.2.

 

65.

Special Urgency Decisions (00-25-52)

Decisions taken under Rule 16 (of the Constitution) Special Urgency – April - July 2019.

 

There have been no such decisions in this period.

 

 

 

Minutes:

With regard to any decisions taken under Rule 16 (of the Constitution) Special Urgency – April - July 2019.

 

The Chairman informed the meeting that no such decisions had been taken in this period.

 

66.

GESP Member Reference Forum (00-26-36)

To consider the appointment of 5 additional Members (which cannot be Cabinet Members) to the GESP Member Reference Forum.

 

We will be seeking:

 

2 additional Conservative Members

1 additional Liberal Democrat Member

1 additional Independent Member

1 Green Party Member

Minutes:

There was a need to seek nominations to appoint 5 additional Members to the GESP Member Reference Forum.

 

The Chairman requested that the Group Leaders nominate:

 

2 additional Conservative Members

1 additional Liberal Democrat Member

1 additional Independent Member

1 Green Party Member

 

Councillor R B Evans nominated Councillors Mrs M E Squires and R L Stanley as the additional representatives from the Conservative Group.

 

Councillor L D Taylor nominated Councillor L J Cruwys as the additional representative from the Liberal Democrats Group.

 

Councillor R M Deed nominated Cllr D F Pugsley as the additional representative from the Independent Group (however further clarification was sought following the meeting as Councillor D F Pugsley was already a representative on the forum – this will be reported to the next meeting of Council and a further representative will be sought).

 

Councillor Miss E Wainwright put forward her name as the representative from the Green party.

 

The Chairman MOVED that the above Members be appointed as Council’s representatives to the GESP Member Reference Forum.

 

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

 

 

 

67.

Questions to Cabinet Members (00-28-13)

Cabinet Members will answer questions from Members on their Portfolios.

 

Minutes:

Councillor R B Evans addressing the Cabinet Member for Finance asked: given the evident importance of the portfolio role you now hold and the financial situation the Authority knowingly faces, can you please confirm the date/s and officer/s whom you have had meetings with in direct relation to this role over the past four months, to include the name of any member/s of the finance team or senior management teams, for clarity,  I am not looking for the detail of the meeting just the date and individual/s with whom you met nor am I looking at Cabinet or committee/ PDG meeting attendance as these are recorded and available on the web site.

 

The Cabinet Member responded stating that he noted the importance of the finance portfolio and that he was happy to provide the following details.  He had met with the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) and Group Manager for Finance on 30 May and the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) on the following dates, 19 June, 19 July, 7 August, 4 September and was due to meet with him again the following week.  He also communicated with the officer officially either by phone or email on a regular basis.  He thanked the officers for their assistance as they had been happy to answer any of his questions.  The S151 officer was present at every meeting he attended and therefore communication between them could take place at any time.

 

 

Councillor A Wilce addressing the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration stated that in January, the Cabinet approved the application for funding from Homes England via the Homes Infrastructure Fund, for the Cullompton Town Centre Relief Road and  the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension .In doing so, the Cabinet will have been aware that it was a condition of the HIF application that those monies should be recouped and recycled for future infrastructure projects in order to deliver more new homes within Mid Devon, in the future. 

 

Can the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration confirm that the Council has robust plans in place to ensure that the HIF money will not be lost and that it will be recouped so as to be spent on future housing projects in Mid Devon - and does he consider that, in the interests of openness and transparency, Homes England should be made aware of any possible failure to comply with the funding conditions, should that be the case? Can he also provide me with an update on the current position?

 

The Cabinet Member responded by informing the meeting of the detail of the Housing Infrastructure Fund and the bids that had been put forward from the authority, that of £10m for the Relief Road in Cullompton (an additional £5m would be funded by the Council through S106 contributions for the Cullompton Relief Road) and £8.2m for the A361 junction.  The Council was currently working with Homes England to finalise the contracts for both Housing Infrastructure Fund schemes and anticipated completion before the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

Members Business (00-36-16)

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

 

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

 

 

 

Minutes:

Councillor R B Evans informed the meeting that he was the representative for the Council on the Broadpath Landfill Liaison Committee (and Chairman of the committee); he was pleased to report that the last load of waste entered Broadpath on 30 August and that now the gates were officially closed.  Any waste that was not recyclable would be sent to the Waste for Energy Plant in Exeter.  He spoke of the shift in attitudes with regard to waste and the different ways in which waste was dealt with.  There would now be a 5 year restoration plan for Broadpath overseen by Devon County Council and the Environment Agency.

 

Councillor R J Dolley highlighted the Climate Change event that was taking place on 20 September in Tiverton.

 

The Leader informed the meeting that the new Policy and Research Officer was now in post and that she would be working closely with the Scrutiny Committee and Policy Development Groups and particularly with the Environment Policy Development Group on climate change issues. Meanwhile Devon County Council in concert with other Local Authorities within Devon, had engaged the University of Exeter to prepare a paper on Climate Change.  This paper was expected by the end of this year.

 

He added that next week he would be meeting with Local Police in Tiverton to discuss local matters and had invited the 3 Town Mayors to join him.  The previous day he had visited the House of Commons and had had meetings with regard to the rail network and in particular the new service from Okehampton through Crediton to Exeter and discussions continued with regard to the reopening of Wellington and Cullompton railway stations.

 

Councillor C J Eginton thanked officers for organising the Members Away Day which had taken place the previous week, he reported that it had been very well attended but was disappointed by the absence of the Deputy Leader and the Cabinet Member for Finance.

 

Councillor C R Slade informed the meeting that all Members were welcome to attend Mid Devon Business Forum under the corporate membership, the next meeting would take place on 25 September at the Tiverton Hotel.