Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - South Cambs Hall. View directions

Contact: Richard May  01954 713016

Items
No. Item

1.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 113 KB

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meetings held on 28 September and 26 October 2006 as correct records.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

That the Minutes of the meetings held on 28 September and 26 October 2006 be agreed as correct records and signed by the Chairman. 

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

Councillors JD Batchelor, SGM Kindersley, DC McCraith, AG Orgee and RJ Turner declared personal interests as elected Cambridgeshire County Councillors.

 

Councillor SM Edwards declared a personal interest in Agenda item 10 – Recording of meetings, on the basis that his company was involved in providing equipment of the sort which could be used to record meetings. Notwithstanding this interest he remained in the meeting and took part in the discussions and voting.

 

Councillor RB Martlew declared a personal interest in Agenda item 7a – Medium Term Financial Strategy 2007/08 to 2010/11 on the grounds of his involvement with the Citizens Advice Bureau. Notwithstanding this interest he remained in the meeting and took part in the discussions and voting.

3.

CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Minutes:

The Chairman congratulated all services within the Council who had contributed to the successful undertaking of work to clear Pine View, Smithy Fen, Cottenham, and Officers and Members who more recently had worked to obtain an Injunction in respect of unauthorised encampment at Willingham.

 

Members were reminded that the meeting would be followed immediately by a presentation by Officers from the County Council in respect of the long-term transport strategy.

 

The Chairman reported that staff were organising Christmas lunches in aid of the Chairman’s charity on 20 and 21 December 2006. 

 

Council was advised that the staff dressing down day had raised £161 towards the Children in Need appeal, and that Officers had completed a 10km run, raising over £2,000 for Breast Cancer Research.

 

The Chairman advised that planning was underway for the Spring 2007 edition of South Cambs Magazine and asked Members to contact the Communications Manager if they had ideas for articles they wished to be included.  

4.

QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS AND THE PUBLIC

4a

From Councillor NCF Bolitho to the Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder

“Has the Rent Service quango redefined the meaning of locality for such areas as Cottenham, Oakington and Bar Hill and restored them to the Cambridge locality rather than mid-Cambridgeshire with the result that fair rents paid to landlords have been put back on their former higher levels? If so, how much did the Council spend in terms of hardship payments to tenants in South Cambridgeshire District Council and will the Council be able to recoup these payments from the Rent Service or other Government agencies?”

Minutes:

Councillor NCF Bolitho asked the Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder the following question:

 

“Has the Rent Service quango redefined the meaning of locality for such areas as Cottenham, Oakington and Bar Hill and restored them to the Cambridge locality rather than mid-Cambridgeshire with the result that fair rents paid to landlords have been put back on their former higher levels? If so, how much did the Council spend in terms of hardship payments to tenants in the district and will the Council be able to recoup these payments from the Rent Service or other Government agencies?”

 

Councillor SM Edwards, Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder advised that the Rent Service had only reversed its decision with regard to reducing local reference rents in Cottenham. The circumstances relating to Cottenham had been unique in that rents there had always been assessed at the higher 'Outer Cambridge' level prior to the Rent Service revising its 'map of localities'.

 

There had not been any change to the assessment of rent levels in Oakington, which continued to be set at the 'Mid Cambridgeshire' level as had always been the case in the past.

 

Bar Hill had always fallen into the 'Mid Cambridgeshire' locality but concern had been expressed by officers that this did not reflect the true situation for Bar Hill. Bar Hill's proximity to Cambridge and the relative ease of commute meant that properties there commanded higher rents commensurate with the 'Outer Cambridge' area. The Rent Service was thought to be giving consideration to revising the locality for Bar Hill to 'Outer Cambridge', as a result of lobbying from the Council's Benefit Service.

 

Cllr Edwards advised that there had been no cost to the Council in making 'hardship' payments to cover shortfalls in rent. The payments, known as 'Discretionary Housing Payments' (DHP) were funded from a ring-fenced Government grant. The total grant for these payments was currently £25,000 per year, and any unspent grant was required to be returned to the Government at the end of the year. There was only a cost to the Council if the grant was exceeded.

 

Now that the decision regarding Cottenham had been reversed the Council would be able to award ordinary Housing Benefit. This meant that any discretionary payments made so far in respect of Cottenham residents would no longer be necessary and the funds freed up to assist other residents.

 

Discretionary payments continued to be made to Bar Hill residents, but only where their circumstances warranted such a payment. At present it was not anticipated that there would be any cost to the Council in respect of these payments.

 

The total award for 2006/07 to Bar Hill residents was estimated to be £3,294.37 and no awards had been made to residents of Oakington.  Total DHP expenditure for the year was currently estimated to be £13,000.  This was considerably less than the grant funding of £25,000 that the Council received, and over the remaining months the Council would be encouraging and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

4b

From Councillor NCF Bolitho to the Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder

“In respect of Unit J, Broad Lane, Cottenham:

 

“Now that the environmental protection team leader has recommended that statutory legal proceedings be initiated against the owners of the above property for non-compliance with an abatement notice, when will the legal department issue those proceedings? For almost 18 months the unit has been operating a number of air-conditioning and fume control extractor fans without obtaining planning permission. Consequently the residents living nearby have had to put up with a 24/7 loud hum, punctuated with clangs when the units stop and start. The first complaint about this noise was made to the environmental protection team in October 2005. It's time for action and without delay.”

Minutes:

Councillor NCF Bolitho asked the Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder the following question:

 

“In respect of Unit J, Broad Lane, Cottenham, now that the environmental protection team leader has recommended that statutory legal proceedings be initiated against the owners of the above property for non-compliance with an abatement notice, when will the legal department issue those proceedings? For almost 18 months the unit has been operating a number of air-conditioning and fume control extractor fans without obtaining planning permission. Consequently the residents living nearby have had to put up with a 24/7 loud hum, punctuated with clangs when the units stop and start. The first complaint about this noise was made to the environmental protection team in October 2005. It's time for action and without delay.”

 

Councillor SM Edwards, Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, advised that evidence had been finalised over the last week and proceedings issued on 23 November 2006. The Council had requested a Hearing on 25 January 2007. He advised that a complaint regarding a noise nuisance at the site had been received in October 2005. Officers had attempted to resolve the issue informally. This was not successful, leading to the issue of a Statutory Notice to be complied with by 29 June 2006. As this date approached it appeared that the owners were near to complying and had made good progress towards compliance. Therefore, an informal extension was granted to allow them to complete the necessary works. Unfortunately progress had since stalled, therefore proceedings were now being issued.

 

Cllr Edwards advised that a Planning Enforcement Notice had also been issued at the site, which stipulated a four-month period for the owners to comply. This process ran separately from the noise nuisance complaint.

 

Cllr NCF Bolitho thanked the Portfolio Holder for his reply as well as the staff involved in pursuing the case. He hoped that the issue would soon be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned.

4c

From Councillor MJ Mason to the Leader of the Council

“In view of statements made by the Leader of Council at Cabinet, in the Press and in an email to Members; concerning the possible re-organisation of the Planning Delivery Process for Major Developments at Northstowe, other areas within the District and the City of Cambridge will he now:

 

(a)               “make the necessary arrangements, in the public interest, fully and completely to inform Members, electors and taxpayers, of the circumstances leading up to those statements by publishing full details of:

 

(i)                 “All communications between the Minister, Yvette Cooper and Cambridgeshire Horizons, together with minutes of any subsequent meetings or discussions with her department.

(ii)                “Any direct communications between her Department, Go East and this Council.

(iii)              “Cambridgshire Horizon’s final written response to the Minister.

 

“Further, will he give a categoric assurance that Members will have the opportunity to debate fully at Council, these issues and take the final democratic decision on any proposals or options that may emerge in the coming months?

 

“Further, pending further legal clarification of the relationship between Gallaghers, English Partnerships and HM Government as a potential joint planning applicant, (as promised in an email to Members), will he now request the Executive Director to cease all unproductive work on the existing planning application which may be withdrawn?”

Minutes:

Councillor MJ Mason asked the Leader of the Council the following question:

 

“In view of statements made by the Leader of Council at Cabinet, in the Press and in an email to Members concerning the possible re-organisation of the Planning Delivery Process for Major Developments at Northstowe, other areas within the District and the City of Cambridge will he now:

 

“- make the necessary arrangements, in the public interest, fully and completely to inform Members, electors and taxpayers, of the circumstances leading up to those statements by publishing full details of:

 

(i)                  All communications between the Minister, Yvette Cooper and Cambridgeshire Horizons, together with minutes of any subsequent meetings or discussions with her department.

(ii)                Any direct communications between her Department, Go East and this Council.

(iii)               Cambridgshire Horizon’s final written response to the Minister.

 

“Further, will he give a categoric assurance that Members will have the opportunity to debate fully at Council, these issues and take the final democratic decision on any proposals or options that may emerge in the coming months?

 

“Further, pending further legal clarification of the relationship between Gallaghers, English Partnerships and HM Government as a potential joint planning applicant, (as promised in an email to Members), will he now request the Executive Director to cease all unproductive work on the existing planning application which may be withdrawn?”

 

Councillor Dr DR Bard, Leader of the Council, drew Members’ attention to the report and appendices in respect of Joint Planning Arrangements which would be considered later in the meeting. He advised that there were no minutes of meetings available, nor was he aware of any direct communication other than that referred to in the appendices. Dr Bard advised that Cambridgeshire Horizons had yet to respond formally to the Minister. Negotiations on the matter were ongoing, but he assured Council that it would have the opportunity for a full debate on the issues.

 

With regard to the planning application, Dr Bard advised that the Council was obliged to continue to process it, therefore Officers would not be instructed to cease work.

 

Councillor MJ Mason advised that he had attempted to seek clarification on land ownership issues relevant to the Northstowe development. Whilst the Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Horizons had responded to a previous letter, there had been no response from English Partnerships. Councillor Mason expressed the view that the failure of the government to resolve the land ownership issue was the key factor delaying the development agenda rather than delays caused by the Local Planning Authority.

 

Councillor Mrs DSK Spink MBE, Planning Portfolio Holder, advised that she would raise these and other issues at a meeting with English Partnerships on 24 November 2006.

5.

PETITIONS

To note the following petitions received since the last Council meeting.

 

(1)               A petition was received from the residents of Frog End, Shepreth, dated 31 October 2006.  The petitioners express opposition to any proposals to build in excess of two residential units at 74 and 76 Frog End. This petition has been passed to Officers, who are in discussions with local residents regarding the issue. It is intended to submit the petition as an Appendix to the Cabinet report on the matter, due for consideration in December 2006.

(2)               A petition was received from the residents of Chaplins Close, Fulbourn, dated 14 November 2006. The petitioners wished to register their strong disapproval at the possibility of their Housing Officer being required to vacate the premises she currently occupied on site. It has been forwarded to the Chief Executive, Leader of the Council and Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to determine at which forum it should be considered.

Minutes:

Council noted the receipt of the following petitions received since the last meeting:

 

(1)         From the residents of Frog End, Shepreth, dated 31 October 2006.  The petitioners express opposition to any proposals to build in excess of two residential units at 74 and 76 Frog End. The petition had been passed to Officers, who were in discussions with local residents regarding the issue. It was intended to submit the petition as an Appendix to the Cabinet report on the matter, due for consideration in December 2006.

(2)         From the residents of Chaplins Close, Fulbourn

(3)         From the residents of St Vigors Close, Fulbourn

(4)         From the residents of St Vincents Close, Girton

(5)         From the residents of Kay Hitch Way Histon

(6)         From the residents of St Audrey’s Close, Histon

(7)         From the residents of John Impey Way and Palmers Way, Melbourn

 

Petitions (2) to (7) above raised concern at the possible loss of on-site wardens. Council was advised that the Executive Director and Housing Portfolio Holder had arranged a meeting with the petitioners in order to consider the issues further.

 

Councillor Mrs DP Roberts, Housing Portfolio Holder, advised that this meeting would also be open to Local Ward members. Mrs Roberts drew Council’s attention to the report in respect of the Sheltered Housing Review, considered by Cabinet in November 2006, and to a series of frequently asked questions on the subject, copies of which had been circulated to all Members. In addition, a briefing session for all Members would take place on 5 December 2006. Councillor Mrs Roberts thanked the previous Housing Portfolio Holder and the Members of the Advisory Group for developing the proposals which had been implemented during the last 18 months. The situation would be reviewed further in January 2007.

 

Councillor NJ Scarr raised specific concerns regarding the Sheltered Housing scheme at Fulbourn. The Portfolio Holder advised that negotiations on specific local concerns were ongoing.

6.

TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:

6a

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2007/08 to 2010/11 (Cabinet, 9 November 2006) pdf icon PDF 269 KB

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(a)               approval of a Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) based on Appendix 3B, the full savings in Appendix 2 and the following issues:

(i)                 the financial context for the strategy and the future issues facing the Council, in particular the growth agenda;

(ii)                how the Council compares with other councils in terms of spending, performance and value for money;

(iii)              how well the Council manages its finances;

(iv)              clear objectives for the strategy;

(v)               how the Council will deliver a balanced MTFS;

(vi)              how it will improve future planning and link planning with its priorities

(vii)            the future policy for the level of the Council Tax;

(viii)           the future policy for the use of capital receipts;

(ix)              how the Council will continue to seek efficiency savings and value for money;

(x)               how the Transformation Project will contribute to the delivery of the MTFS;

(xi)              how the workforce plan will be linked to the MTFS; and

(xii)            how the Council will monitor the MTFS and take action where financial targets are at risk;

(b)               approval of the spending plans in Appendix 1 for 2007/08 (based on the justifications in Appendix 5) for inclusion in the budget and to approve the spending plans for 2008/09 onwards as the basis for future planning;

(c)               approval of the capital programme in Appendix 5;

(d)               that officers be requested to investigate and report back on the “Other initiatives to be pursued / possible avenues for additional sources of finance” in Appendix 2 by June 2007, for consideration in the budget for 2008/09;

(e)               approval of the arrangements for consultation in paragraph 28; and

(f)                 that the MTFS be reviewed formally twice a year (in the autumn and in February / March, in the light of the final budget), but that reports be made as part of the quarterly monitoring process at other times of the year when issues affective the deliverability of the MTFS occur.

 

(Note – Appendices identified in the above recommendation refer to the report submitted to Cabinet on 9 November 2006).

 

Cabinet agreed to authorise the Chief Executive and Resources, Staffing, Information & Customer Services Portfolio Holder to prepare the final strategy for submission to Council

 

In accordance with this recommendation Council is recommended to RESOLVE that the Medium Term Financial Strategy (report and appendices attached) be approved.

 

This item will be considered by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee at its meeting on 16 November 2006. Any alternative or additional recommendations to Council following this meeting will be reported.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council RESOLVED that the Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved.

Minutes:

Councillor SM Edwards, Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2007/08 to 2010/11 to Council. Members asked questions and made comment on the strategy, and specific savings identified within it. Members congratulated Officers for working up proposals for savings which would not entail cutting services, and considered that the Strategy set out the Council’s future financial commitments and in a balanced and realistic way.

 

Council RESOLVED that the Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 16.5, six Members requested a recorded vote. Due to a technical error, the names were not recorded on the system.The numbers reported in the minutes are those which were displayed in the Council Chamber at the time of the meeting.  Members have been asked to state how they voted on the resolution and the responses received are set out below.

 

FOR (48):

Dr DR Bard

RE Barrett

JD Batchelor

AN Berent

RF Bryant

Mrs PS Corney

NS Davies

SM Edwards

Mrs SM Ellington

Mrs A Elsby

Mrs VG Ford

Mrs JM Guest

Mrs SA Hatton

Mrs EM Heazell

Mrs CA Hunt

PT Johnson

Mrs HF Kember

SGM Kindersley

Mrs JE Lockwood

RMA Manning

RM Matthews

DC McCraith

AG Orgee

EJ Pateman

A Riley

Mrs DP Roberts

NJ Scarr

Mrs HM Smith

Mrs DSK Spink MBE

JH Stewart

RT Summerfield

Dr SEK van de Ven

Mrs Waters

JF Williams

(34 responses)

 

 

AGAINST (0)

 

ABSTAINED (3):

JP Chatfield

Mrs SJO Doggett

MJ Mason

 

NOT VOTED (1):

Mrs CAED Murfitt

 

 

6b

Licensing (Gambling) Policy (Cabinet, 9 November 2006)

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the Gambling Act 2005 Policy be adopted as Council Policy. 

Decision:

Council RESOLVED that the Gambling Act 2005 Policy be adopted as Council policy.

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendation of Cabinet in respect of the Gambling Act 2005 Policy.

 

Council RESOLVED that the Gambling Act 2005 Policy be adopted as Council policy. 

6c

FULBOURN: Windmill Estate Redevelopment Proposals (Cabinet, 9 November 2006)

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that:

(a)               formal approval be given for a redevelopment scheme for the Windmill Estate, subject to necessary planning consents and Secretary of State approval;

(b)               the existing Council-owned properties and land be transferred to Nene Housing Association at nil cost;

(c)               the scope of any redevelopment scheme should, as far as possible, include all the existing area of the estate subject to existing tenants and owner-occupiers being willing and / or able to participate.  Where necessary, plans should be amended over time to cater for changing needs and to provide flexibility to accommodate as far as possible the wishes of all the existing residents;

(d)               the preferred tenure mix and house types be as outlined in Option A which will provide 65% as affordable housing (comprising 124 rented and 52 shared ownership units) together with 35% as open market sales within an overall target of 270 homes;

(e)               the following conditions be attached to the approval of a redevelopment scheme:

(i)                 that Nene Housing Association meet all legal costs and home loss / disturbance payments incurred by the Council in respect of the Windmill Estate since 2004/05 to date as well as any future payments and liabilities;

(ii)                that any amendments to the scheme mix in terms of tenure and / or house types / sizes be agreed in consultation with the Council;

(iii)              that the Council be entitled to receive nomination rights of 100% of initial lets and 75% of subsequent lettings of all social rented units provided through refurbished and new build affordable housing on the sites and that the Council receive 100% nomination rights in perpetuity to any shared ownership and / or other intermediate tenures;

(iv)              that the Council not seek to use compulsory purchase powers to facilitate the redevelopment and that as far as possible the wishes of all residents (tenants, owner-occupiers and leaseholders) should be accommodated without compromising the wishes of others on the Windmill Estate;

(v)               that Nene confirm and make provision to meet contributions previously agreed in principle to the Special Projects Officer role for 2006/07 and 2007/08 and consider future contributions if this post were to be considered essential by both Nene and the Council to delivery of the project beyond 31 March 2008; and

(vi)              that an acceptable “construction code of practice” be agreed with the contractor that takes regard of non-participating residents; and

(f)                 the Council exercise its discretion to waive any discount repayment liability in respect of any Right to Buy sales caught within such provisions if this would enable affected owners to participate in the redevelopment scheme.

Decision:

Council RESOLVED that:

 

(a)               formal approval be given for a redevelopment scheme for the Windmill Estate, subject to necessary planning consents and Secretary of State approval;

(b)               the existing Council-owned properties and land be transferred to Nene Housing Association at nil cost;

(c)               the scope of any redevelopment scheme should, as far as possible, include all the existing area of the estate subject to existing tenants and owner-occupiers being willing and / or able to participate.  Where necessary, plans should be amended over time to cater for changing needs and to provide flexibility to accommodate as far as possible the wishes of all the existing residents;

(d)               the preferred tenure mix and house types be as outlined in Option A which will provide 65% as affordable housing (comprising 124 rented and 52 shared ownership units) together with 35% as open market sales within an overall target of 270 homes;

(e)               the following conditions be attached to the approval of a redevelopment scheme:

(i)                 that Nene Housing Association meet all legal costs and home loss / disturbance payments incurred by the Council in respect of the Windmill Estate since 2004/05 to date as well as any future payments and liabilities;

(ii)                that any amendments to the scheme mix in terms of tenure and / or house types / sizes be agreed in consultation with the Council;

(iii)               that the Council be entitled to receive nomination rights of 100% of initial lets and 75% of subsequent lettings of all social rented units provided through refurbished and new build affordable housing on the sites and that the Council receive 100% nomination rights in perpetuity to any shared ownership and / or other intermediate tenures;

(iv)               that the Council not seek to use compulsory purchase powers to facilitate the redevelopment and that as far as possible the wishes of all residents (tenants, owner-occupiers and leaseholders) should be accommodated without compromising the wishes of others on the Windmill Estate;

(v)               that Nene confirm and make provision to meet contributions previously agreed in principle to the Special Projects Officer role for 2006/07 and 2007/08 and consider future contributions if this post were to be considered essential by both Nene and the Council to delivery of the project beyond 31 March 2008; and

(vi)              that an acceptable “construction code of practice” be agreed with the contractor that takes regard of non-participating residents; and

(f)                 the Council exercise its discretion to waive any discount repayment liability in respect of any Right to Buy sales caught within such provisions if this would enable affected owners to participate in the redevelopment scheme.

Minutes:

Councillor SM Edwards declared a personal interest in this item on the grounds that he was personally acquainted with Mr. Broadway, Director of Development at the Nene Housing Society. Notwithstanding this interest he remained in the meeting and took part in the discussions and voting.

 

Council considered the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to the Windmill Estate Redevelopment Scheme. Councillor Mrs DP Roberts, Housing Portfolio Holder, thanked Officers and Members for their efforts in developing a flagship scheme which would greatly enhance the estate.

 

Council RESOLVED that:

 

(a)               formal approval be given for a redevelopment scheme for the Windmill Estate, subject to necessary planning consents and Secretary of State approval;

(b)               the existing Council-owned properties and land be transferred to Nene Housing Association at nil cost;

(c)               the scope of any redevelopment scheme should, as far as possible, include all the existing area of the estate subject to existing tenants and owner-occupiers being willing and / or able to participate.  Where necessary, plans should be amended over time to cater for changing needs and to provide flexibility to accommodate, as far as possible, the wishes of all the existing residents;

(d)               the preferred tenure mix and house types be as outlined in Option A which will provide 65% as affordable housing (comprising 124 rented and 52 shared ownership units) together with 35% as open market sales within an overall target of 270 homes;

(e)               the following conditions be attached to the approval of a redevelopment scheme:

(i)                 that Nene Housing Association meet all legal costs and home loss / disturbance payments incurred by the Council in respect of the Windmill Estate since 2004/05 to date as well as any future payments and liabilities;

(ii)                that any amendments to the scheme mix in terms of tenure and / or house types / sizes be agreed in consultation with the Council;

(iii)               that the Council be entitled to receive nomination rights of 100% of initial lets and 75% of subsequent lettings of all social rented units provided through refurbished and new build affordable housing on the sites and that the Council receive 100% nomination rights in perpetuity to any shared ownership and / or other intermediate tenures;

(iv)               that the Council not seek to use compulsory purchase powers to facilitate the redevelopment and that as far as possible the wishes of all residents (tenants, owner-occupiers and leaseholders) should be accommodated without compromising the wishes of others on the Windmill Estate;

(v)               that Nene confirm and make provision to meet contributions previously agreed in principle to the Special Projects Officer role for 2006/07 and 2007/08 and consider future contributions if this post were to be considered essential by both Nene and the Council to delivery of the project beyond 31 March 2008; and

(vi)              that an acceptable “construction code of practice” be agreed with the contractor that takes regard of non-participating residents; and

(f)                 the Council exercise its discretion to waive any discount repayment liability in respect of any Right to Buy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6c

6d

Disabled Facilities Grant Policy and Funding (Cabinet, 9 November 2006)

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL to support further approval for up to £100,000 to be released if required to cover priority cases and cases where statutory duty may not be met, the release of the additional £100,000 to be delegated to the Environmental Health and Resources, Staffing, Information & Customer Services Portfolio Holders.

Decision:

Council RESOLVED that the release of up to £100K, if required, be supported to cover priority cases and cases where statutory duty may not be met and that the release of the additional £100k to be delegated to the Environmental Health and Resources, Staffing, Information & Customer Services Portfolio Holders.

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendation of the Cabinet in respect of Disabled Facilities Grants policy and funding.

 

Council RESOLVED that the release of up to £100K, if required, be supported to cover priority cases and cases where statutory duty may not be met and that the release of the additional £100k to be delegated to the Environmental Health and Resources, Staffing, Information & Customer Services Portfolio Holders.

6e

Second Tier Reorganisation (Transformation Committee, 21 November 2006) pdf icon PDF 119 KB

The Transformation Committee, at its meeting on 21 November 2006, will be considering a report on the Second Tier Reorganisation. The report of the Senior Management Team recommends the adoption of a revised second tier structure from 1 January 2007.

 

Should this recommendation be agreed, Council is RECOMMENDED to note the revised structure agreed by the Transformation Committee and approve the associated budget variances for the 2006/07 and subsequent financial years, estimated at £60,000 General Fund (best case scenario) and £5,000 Housing Revenue Account for 2006/07 and, from 2007/08, ongoing revenue expenditure of £80,000 per annum and £45,000 per annum respectively.

 

The recommendation of the Transformation Committee will be reported to Council. 

 

Update, 22 November 2006

 

The recommendations of the Transformation Committee are attached.

Decision:

Council RESOLVED:

 

(a)               That the revised second tier structure set out at Appendix A to the report to the Transformation Committee be noted and that the associated budget variances for the 2006/07 and subsequent financial years, estimated at £60,000 General Fund [best case scenario] and £5,000 Housing Revenue Account for 2006/07, and from 2007/08 ongoing revenue expenditure of £80,000 per annum and £45,000 per annum respectively, be approved.

 

(b)               That, with effect from 31 December 2006, the combined post of Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer be made redundant as part of the Second Tier restructuring proposals and that the role of Monitoring Officer be reallocated to the Executive Director with effect from 1 January 2007.

Minutes:

Council considered the recommendations of the Transformation Committee in respect of the second tier reorganisation. The recommendations had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting.

 

Council RESOLVED:

 

(a)               That the revised second tier structure, as set out at Appendix A to the report to the Transformation Committee, be noted and that the associated budget variances for the 2006/07 and subsequent financial years, estimated at £60,000 General Fund [best case scenario] and £5,000 Housing Revenue Account for 2006/07, and from 2007/08 ongoing revenue expenditure of £80,000 per annum and £45,000 per annum respectively, be approved.

 

(b)               That, with effect from 31 December 2006, the combined post of Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer be made redundant as part of the Second Tier restructuring proposals and that the role of Monitoring Officer be reallocated to the Executive Director with effect from 1 January 2007.

7.

DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME 2006-2009 pdf icon PDF 97 KB

A Disability Equality Scheme has been developed by the Head of Policy and Communication. Cabinet, at its last meeting, received a report outlining progress with the scheme, suggested amendments to the provisional action plan, identified the Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder as Lead Member for the scheme and noted the preparations being made for the final submission of the scheme to Council.

 

Council is RECOMMENDED to adopt the Disability Equality Scheme 2006-2009, circulated with the Agenda as a separate document.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council RESOLVED that the Disability Equality Scheme 2006-2009 be adopted. 

Minutes:

Council considered a draft Disability Equality Scheme. Members welcomed the document and thanked the Head of Policy and Communications for his work in bringing forward the draft.

 

Council RESOLVED that the Disability Equality Scheme 2006-2009 be adopted. 

8.

JOINT PLANNING SERVICES pdf icon PDF 87 KB

To consider the report of the Executive Director.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council RESOLVED:

 

(a)               That the contents of correspondence from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), set out at appendices A and B to the report, be noted and that it be noted that discussions with Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, and Cambridgeshire Horizons are ongoing and that any formal proposals arising from those discussions in relation to joint planning arrangements will be referred to the Council for decision.

 

(b)               That authority be delegated to the Leader, Planning Portfolio Holder, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Planning Committee, to continue discussions with the above partners, in consultation with the Leaders / Convenors / representative of opposition groups, all members of Cabinet and affected Local Ward members.

Minutes:

Council considered a report by the Senior Management Team informing Members of the progress of local discussions about joint planning arrangements following Cambridgeshire Horizons’ meeting with the Minister for Housing and Planning at the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on 11 October 2006.

 

The Leader of the Council presented the report, advising that the Minister’s concerns centred around the Council’s capacity to oversee major development at Northstowe and around the Cambridge fringe, rather than its competence to do so. Significant additional resources were likely to be made available by the government, but stronger and more focussed arrangements for overseeing the development would be expected in return. The Minister’s desire was for the district, city and county councils to be involved in regulating development, although it was too early in the process to give details regarding specific structures being considered. The Leader drew Council’s attention to the recommendations in the report, advising that firm proposals for joint working would be brought to Council in due course, and that any proposal would be subject to appropriate consultation.

 

The view was expressed that the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee should also be involved in the ongoing discussions, and that these discussions should be subject to consultation with affected Local Ward members and a representative from the Independent Group as well as those identified in the recommendation.

 

Councillor A Riley moved and Councillor SM Edwards seconded a Motion in the following terms:

 

“(1)      That the Cambridge Southern Fringe, Cambridge East and Cambridge North-west major developments be overseen by a Joint Planning Committee of this Council and the Cambridge City Council.

 

“(2)      That the Northstowe development be overseen exclusively by the Planning Committee of this Council,

 

“and that the Minister for Housing and Planning be advised accordingly.”

 

During the debate on this Motion which followed, some Members took the view that the creation of a joint committee to oversee the Northstowe development would remove local democratic accountability to an unacceptable extent, and there were fears that, under such an arrangement, much important detail would be delegated below elected Member level. It was considered that the Council had done all it could to deliver on the Northstowe development through the Local Development Framework process and that the most significant delays affecting recent major development had been caused by the government’s failure to clarify the land ownership issue. Other Members felt that rejecting any proposals put forward at this stage would constitute an abrogation of the Council’s responsibility to its residents as there was a significant danger that one result of the failure to engage with the government might be the transfer of power to determine major development to an Urban Development Corporation. Consequently it was preferable to adopt the recommendations in the report and allow Lead Officers and Members to continue to negotiate with a view to agreeing a framework which was acceptable to all parties.

 

The Motion, on being put, was declared lost.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 16.5, six Members requested a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

RECORDING OF MEETINGS pdf icon PDF 113 KB

To consider the report of the Chief Executive. 

Decision:

RESOLVED that the previous decision that the recording of meetings be pursued be rescinded for the following reasons:

 

(a)               The requirement under the Freedom of Information Act that recordings would be disclosable for the periods during which they are held.

 

(b)               There is no available budget to meet installation costs; Officer and financial resources could be better directed elsewhere.

Minutes:

Council considered a report recommending that Members reconsider a previous decision to pursue the recording of Council meetings.

 

Council RESOLVED that the previous decision that the recording of meetings be pursued be rescinded for the following reasons:

 

(a)               The requirement under the Freedom of Information Act that recordings would be disclosable for the periods during which they are held.

 

(b)               There is no available budget to meet installation costs; Officer and financial resources could be better directed elsewhere.

10.

REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INDEPENDENT PANEL ON MEMBERS' ALLOWANCES

At its meeting on 23 June 2005 Council resolved that appointments to the Independent Panel, established to review Members’ Allowances, be made on a rolling three-year basis. Mrs Ruth Rogers, who is eligible for retirement from the Panel, has kindly indicated that she is willing to serve for a further term, therefore it is RECOMMENDED that Mrs Ruth Rogers be appointed to the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances for a three-year period to 23 November 2009. 

Decision:

Council RESOLVED that Mrs Ruth Rogers be appointed to the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances for a three-year period to 23 November 2009. 

Minutes:

Council RESOLVED that Mrs Ruth Rogers be appointed to the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances for a three-year period to 23 November 2009. 

11.

REPORTS OF MEETINGS pdf icon PDF 137 KB

(* indicates that the Minutes have already been confirmed as a correct record) 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minutes of the following meetings were RECEIVED, subject to matters outlined in Minute 11(a) below:

 

Cabinet                                                                                    9 November 2006

Licensing Committee                                                                  16 October 2006

Licensing Committee (2003 Act)                                           16 October 2006

Planning Committee                                                                  4 October 2006 

Standards Committee                                                                  8 November 2006

Scrutiny and Overview Committee                                          19 October 2006

11a

Cabinet, 9 November 2006 pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Mrs SJO Doggett requested an alteration to Minute 4 – Fulbourn Estate Redevelopment Proposals, to reflect that she did not personally oppose the scheme but that some local residents were continuing to express concerns. 

11b

Standards Committee, 8 November 2006 pdf icon PDF 197 KB

Minutes:

Members were reminded to book their places on the forthcoming Standards Committee training sessions if they had yet to do so. Any places not taken by district councillors would be offered to representatives from other authorities. 

11c

Scrutiny and Overview Committee, 19 October 2006 pdf icon PDF 181 KB

Minutes:

Council expressed regret that there were insufficient officer resources to organise the Youth Debating event. Councillor Mrs VG Ford, Community Development Portfolio Holder, asked any Member who knew of a volunteer to administer the event to contact her as soon as possible.  

12.

QUESTIONS ON JOINT MEETINGS

Minutes:

No joint meetings had taken place since the last meeting. 

13.

UPDATES FROM MEMBERS APPOINTED TO OUTSIDE BODIES

Minutes:

Councillor R Hall advised that he had attended the last meeting of the Archives Advisory Group.

 

Councillor RE Barrett advised that he had attended the last meeting of the County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee at which Primary Care Trust finances had been the principal topic of discussion, especially in respect of Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

 

Councillor MJ Mason advised that he would be attending the Annual General Meeting of the Internal Drainage Board, at which the consultants’ report regarding the drainage implications of the Northstowe development would be discussed.

14.

NOTICES OF MOTION

14a

Standing in the Name of Cllr R Page: Sheltered Housing Wardens

In October 2005 this Council was assured by the appropriate portfolio holder that no sheltered housing warden, made redundant in the reorganisation, would be required to leave their council house.  This Council confirms that position – that all those wardens made redundant, will be offered the tenancies of their present accommodation.

 

Note: this motion will require a seconder before it may be debated. 

Minutes:

Prior to consideration of this Motion the Chairman of Council and Group Leaders paid tribute to Councillor Robin Page who had announced that he would shortly be resigning from the Council after 36 years’ service.

 

Councillor R Page moved and Councillor NJ Scarr seconded a Motion in the following terms:

 

“In October 2005 this Council was assured by the appropriate portfolio holder that no sheltered housing warden, made redundant in the reorganisation, would be required to leave their council house.  This Council confirms that position – that all those wardens made redundant, will be offered the tenancies of their present accommodation.”

 

The Motion on being put, was declared lost.

 

In accordance with Standing Order 14.13 (Personal Explanation) Councillor Mrs EM Heazell advised that, as Housing Portfolio Holder, she had not given the assurance referred to in the Motion.

 

At this point in the meeting Council resolved, in accordance with Standing Order 9, to continue the meeting beyond four hours to allow the remaining business on the Agenda to be considered.

14b

Standing in the Name of Cllr R Page: Solar Panels and Photovoltaic Cells for New Houses

In the interests of responsible planning, truly sustainable growth and environmental awareness all new houses built in South Cambridgeshire will be required to have solar panels and photovoltaic cells built into their roof designs.

 

Note: this motion will require a seconder before it may be debated.

Minutes:

Motion deemed withdrawn in accordance with Standing Order 12.3. 

14c

Standing in the Name of Cllr R Page: Renewable Energy Schemes in New Buildings

In view of the urgent need to address the issues involved with global warming, particularly as they apply to the new developments imposed on South Cambridgeshire, this Council will require developers to incorporate 50% renewable energy schemes into all new building work involving groups of five houses or more – or their workplace equivalents.

 

Note: this motion will require a seconder before it may be debated. 

Minutes:

Motion deemed withdrawn in accordance with Standing Order 12.3. 

14d

Standing in the Name of Cllr R Page: Reduction in Number of Council Meetings

In view of the reduction in the number of Council Meetings, this Council agrees to a proportionate reduction in the financial allowances paid to members to take account of this reduced work load.

 

Note: this motion will require a seconder before it may be debated.

Minutes:

Motion deemed withdrawn in accordance with Standing Order 12.3. 

15.

CHAIRMAN'S ENGAGEMENTS

To note the Chairman’s engagements since the last Council meeting:

 

Date

Venue / Event

10th November

Wreath laying: Madingley American Cemetery

10th November

With the Chief Executive: Attended funeral of Keith Hodkinson, former Chief Planning Officer

12th November

Remembrance Sunday: Wreath laying, Normandy Landings Monument, Milton Country Park

13th November

Swavesey Village College: Cambridge Music Festival Reception

16th November

Swavesey Parish Church: Orchestra in a Village

17th November

Mayor of Cambridge: Reception

 

Minutes:

Council noted the Chairman’s engagements since the last meeting. Members were advised that Mr. Hodkinson had held the position of Land and Property Director, not Chief Planning Officer as stated in the Agenda. 

PRESENTATION - KEEPING CAMBRIDGESHIRE MOVING