Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - South Cambs Hall. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services  03450 450 500 Email: democratic.services@scambs.gov.uk

Link: Link to a video recording of the meeting

Items
No. Item

1.

Former Councillor Alan Wyatt MBE

Minutes:

Members stood in silence in memory of former Councillor Alan Wyatt MBE who had passed away on 7 July 2019.  Former Councillor Wyatt had been the District Councillor for the Waterbeach ward from 1988 to 2004 and had been Chairman of the Council from 1998 – 2000.

2.

Recording of Meeting

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Council reported that, as a pilot, the Council meeting was being filmed and that those in attendance were deemed, by their continuing presence, to have consented to being filmed and to the use of those images and sound recordings for a webcast and training purposes.  However, the public gallery would not be filmed.

3.

APOLOGIES

To receive apologies for absence from Members.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ruth Betson, Nigel Cathcart, Jose Hales, Peter McDonald and Dawn Percival.

4.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

To receive any declarations of interest for items on this agenda.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

5.

Register of Interests

Members are requested to inform Democratic Services of any changes in their Register of Members’ Financial and Other Interests form.

Minutes:

Members were reminded that they needed to update their Register of Interests whenever their circumstances changed.

6.

MINUTES

6a

Annual Meeting - 16 May 2019 pdf icon PDF 246 KB

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Annual meeting held on 16 May 2019.

 

A confidential minute containing exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) has been circulated to Members only at item 14 on the agenda.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 16 May 2019 were confirmed as a correct record for signature by the Chairman, subject to correction of the spelling of Councillor Delderfield’s forename (“Clare” not “Claire”) on page 5 of the Minutes.

 

It was noted that in the written response from the Lead Cabinet for Finance appended to the minutes at page 25, the figure on the underspend for the budget for Agency Staff should read (£0.63m) and not (£0.63).

 

The Chairman noted that a confidential minute of the meeting (containing exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)) had been submitted at item 14 on the agenda and would be considered later in the meeting.

6b

Extraordinary Meeting - 4 July 2019 pdf icon PDF 115 KB

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 4 July 2019 as a correct record.

Minutes:

The minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of the Council held on 4 July 2019 were confirmed as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

 

 

7.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, the Executive or the Head of Paid Service.

Minutes:

Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council, reported that Liz Watts would take up her position as the Chief Executive of South Cambridgeshire District Council on 23 September 2019. 

8.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

 To note that no questions from the public have been received.

Minutes:

No questions from the public had been received.

9.

PETITIONS

To note that no petitions have been received since the last Council meeting.

Minutes:

No petitions for consideration by the Council had been received. 

10.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH COMBINED AUTHORITY pdf icon PDF 510 KB

To receive the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in May and June 2019.

Minutes:

The Committee noted reports prepared by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority summarising the work of the Authority during May and June 2019.

 

Updates were given by the Council’s representatives on the Combined Authority as follows:-

 

·         Councillor Bridget Smith, the Council’s representative on the Combined Authority Board, reported that she had objected to the allocation of funding for conversion of an office building to flats in Ely noting that only 4 of the 25 units would be affordable.  Moreover, she had concerns that permitted development rights allowed conversion of office space to residential use, meaning that less consideration would be given to parking and access to health and education facilities than would be the case with a planning application.

·         Councillor Grenville Chamberlain, one of the representatives on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, noted that he had challenged any notion of a “light touch approach” being adopted to scrutiny at the Combined Authority. Councillor Pippa Heylings, who also represented the Council on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, supported the position adopted by Councillor Chamberlain.

·         Councillor Peter Topping, who had substituted at the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 24 June 2019, reported that the Committee had agreed that its focus should be on matters arising in the next 24 to 36 months.  He further commented that Councillor Chamberlain had been appointed to serve on the CAM Bus Review working group.

 

Councillor John Batchelor noted that the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 31 May 2019 indicated that the Mayor had stated his support, in principle, for the planning application for the Agri-tech site “as it would serve the rural farming area well” and asked in what capacity the Mayor had given this statement.  Councillor Peter Fane indicated that the Mayor had stated that he had made these comments on a personal basis.  This had not been recorded in the minutes but a request had been made to amend the minutes to rectify this omission. The Leader reported that she had written to complain about the Mayor’s intervention in the Agri-tech appeal and that the response received had stated that he had made comments in his capacity as Mayor, rather than in his position as head of the Combined Authority.

 

Council RECEIVED the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in May and June 2019.

11.

Membership of Committees and Outside Bodies

(a)  To note and endorse the following changes in Committee memberships and substitute appointments:

 

Scrutiny and Overview Committee

·         The replacement of Councillor Peter Topping by Councillor Graham Cone as a member of the Committee; and

·         The replacement of Councillor Alex Malyon by Cllr Philip Allen as a substitute member of the Committee.

 

Cambridge Fringes Joint Development Control Committee

·         The replacement of Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom by Councillor Eileen Wilson as a member of the Committee.

 

(b)  To note, as indicated in the minutes of the Annual meeting, that Cambridge City Council has advised that the terms of reference of the Cambridge Fringes Joint Development Control Committee only permit two substitutes per political group represented on the committee.  The revised substitute appointments are therefore as follows:

 

·         Conservative – Councillors Graham Cone and Mark Howell

·         Liberal Democrat – Councillors Sarah Cheung Johnson and Tumi Hawkins

 

(c)  To note and endorse any other changes in the membership of committees which have been made in accordance with the wishes of the Leader of the political group to which the seat has been allocated.

 

(d)   To appoint a Member to represent the Council on Cambridgeshire Horizons and to consider any other changes required in the membership of outside bodies. 

Decision:

 

Council

 

(1)  NOTED and ENDORSED the following changes in Committee membership and substitute appointments:

(a)  Scrutiny and Overview Committee:

(i)    Councillor Peter Topping replaced by Councillor Graham

Cone as a member of the committee; and

(ii)   Councillor Alex Malyon replaced by Councillor Philip Allen as a

substitute member of the committee.

 

(2)  NOTED that terms of reference of the Cambridge Fringes Joint Development Control Committee only permit two substitutes per political group represented on the committee and that the revised substitute arrangements were therefore as follows:

(a)  Conservative – Councillors Graham Cone and Mark Howell; and

(b)  Liberal Democrat – Councillors Sarah Cheung Johnson and Dr. Tumi Hawkins.

 

(3)  AGREED to appoint Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council, as the Council’s representative on Cambridgeshire Horizons.

 

 

Minutes:

The Council noted changes in membership made in accordance with the wishes of Group Leaders in respect of places allocated to their Groups on Committees. 

 

The Council was also invited to nominate a member to represent the Council on Cambridgeshire Horizons and noted that this was an appointment that was normally held by the Leader of the Council. Councillor Neil Gough proposed that Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council, should be appointed as the Council’s representative and Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins seconded the proposal.

 

Council by affirmation:

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  That the following changes in Committee membership and substitute appointments be noted and endorsed:

(a)  Scrutiny and Overview Committee:

(i)    Councillor Peter Topping replaced by Councillor Graham

Cone as a member of the committee;

(ii)   Councillor Graham Cone replaced by Councillor Peter Topping as a substitute member of the committee; and

(iii)  Councillor Alex Malyon replaced by Councillor Philip Allen as a

substitute member of the committee.

 

(2)  That it be noted that terms of reference of the Cambridge Fringes Joint Development Control Committee only permit two substitutes per political group represented on the committee and that the revised substitute arrangements are therefore as follows:

(a)  Conservative – Councillors Graham Cone and Mark Howell; and

(b)  Liberal Democrat – Councillors Sarah Cheung Johnson and Dr. Tumi Hawkins.

 

(3)  That Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council, be appointed as the Council’s Member representative on the Cambridgeshire Horizons Board.

 

 

12.

QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

A period of 30 minutes will be allowed for this item to include those questions where notice has been provided (as set out on the agenda below) and questions which may be asked without notice.

 

Members wishing to ask a question without notice should indicate this intention to the Democratic Services Team Leader prior to commencement of the item. Members’ names will be drawn at random by the Chairman until there are no further questions or until the expiration of the time period.

12a

From Councillor Judith Rippeth

I was very pleased to hear that we will be welcoming Syrian families into South Cambridgeshire and would like to hear how this initiative is progressing?

 

Minutes:

I was very pleased to hear that we will be welcoming Syrian families into South Cambridgeshire and would like to hear how this initiative is progressing?

 

Councillor Hazel Smith, the Lead Cabinet Member for Housing, responded that the joint initiative with Cambridge City Council was progressing well.  The Council had already made good progress and was on track to meet its pledge of housing 3 to 5 refugee families by the end of the year. Details would not be released as the initiative progressed as it was important to let the families arrive and settle into communities at their own pace, without any undue stress.

 

As a supplementary question, Councillor Rippeth asked whether the Council would be expanding the scheme to help further relieve the plight of refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria.  In response, the Lead Cabinet Member for Housing, reported that the Government had announced that at the end of the year there would be another initiative and the Council would look at this when it became available.  At this time it was not possible to say whether the arrangement would be extended further, but this could be reviewed once the original pledge had been fulfilled and the details of the new Government initiative were known.

12b

From Councillor Geoff Harvey

This Council is committed to a 2050 target to reduce to zero, CO2 emissions in South Cambridgeshire. The Council is already taking the first steps. Photovoltaic panels at the Waterbeach depot provide renewable electricity directly. Under evaluation is a solar canopy for the car park of these offices. Nevertheless, the Council is, and will remain dependent on grid electricity for its operations, particularly in the winter months. It is therefore important to consider the provenance of our grid electricity as part of our overall drive to reduce the Council’s own contribution to CO2 emissions. Following a query to officers it appears that the origin of our current electricity supply at South Cambridgeshire Hall has the following composition: 10.1% Coal, 53.5% Gas, 16.2% Nuclear, 16.8% Renewable and others 3%. British Antarctic Survey recently gave an excellent presentation on their own impressive efforts to reduce carbon footprint and the figure of 0.3% was given as the additional cost to switch to 100% RES (Renewable Energy Source) electricity, albeit that the previous tariff was not specified. What would it cost SCDC to follow the BAS example and in view of our commitments to mitigate climate change, should we not now also switch to a 100% RES electricity supply?

Minutes:

The Chairman reported that Councillor Harvey wished to withdraw his question as the issue raised would be addressed via the developing climate change action plan.

12c

From Councillor Peter Topping

How much money has been paid out under the Renewable Energy Fund and how much money has been paid out under the auspices of the Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership, even if the name of the fund has changed?

 

Minutes:

How much money has been paid out under the Renewable Energy Fund and how much money has been paid out under the auspices of the Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership, even if the name of the fund has changed?

 

Councillor Bill Handley, the Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing, responded that a new scheme, the Zero Carbon Communities grant, had been approved by Cabinet in May 2019, replacing the Community Energy grant.  The new scheme differed from the previous scheme in that it included community engagement projects as well as renewable energy and energy efficiency projects as there had been a wish to widen the scope of the grant and its ambition.  Up to £15,000 per project was available through the scheme, compared to £3,000 previously.  A total of £91,229 would be available through this scheme, comprising £55,000 and a further £36,229 rolled over from the previous scheme.  The scheme had originally been expected to open at the end of May but had been delayed due to the Project Officer in charge of the scheme moving to a different post.  A new Project Officer had started in post on 15 July 2019 and applications were now due to open at the end of July with awards to be made in the autumn. The Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing further confirmed that support for the Sustainable Parish Energy Partnership would continue as part of the duties of an officer in the Sustainable Communities team.

 

Councillor Topping, as a supplementary question, asked that his original question be answered.  The Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing advised that, to date, for the reasons he had explained earlier, no amounts had been awarded under the grants scheme referred to. 

 

12d

From Councillor Heather Williams

Given the Local Plan is of such importance to all Councillors, will the Lead Member for Planning organise a repeat of the briefing given on the 4th July, and when?

 

Minutes:

Given the Local Plan is of such importance to all Councillors, will the Lead Member for Planning organise a repeat of the briefing given on the 4th July, and when?

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning responded that, no, it was not proposed to hold another workshop. 

 

Councillor Heather Williams, as her supplementary question, asked whether, if similar briefings were to be held in the future, consideration could be given to providing more varied opportunities to enable Members to attend, rather than repeating sessions on the same day, and to providing recordings of the briefings.

 

The Lead Cabinet Member for Planning noted that a daytime and an evening session had been held on 4 July 2019 and was sorry that some Members had been unable to attend either session.  The comments regarding providing recordings could be considered.

12e

From Councillor Nick Wright

Will the Lead Member for Planning say how confident she is that the current trajectory of houses being built in South Cambridgeshire will be enough to maintain a five year land supply, and will she put in the public domain that trajectory?

 

Minutes:

Will the Lead Member for Planning say how confident she is that the current trajectory of houses being built in South Cambridgeshire will be enough to maintain a five year land supply, and will she put in the public domain that trajectory?

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, reported that the approach in the most recent national policy was that, where a five-year housing land supply was established in a recently adopted Local Plan, it would have effect until 31 October in the following year, so she was confident about the current trajectory. A new housing trajectory was in preparation, having regard to updated national planning policy and guidance, and it was expected that this would be published for public consultation in September.

 

As a supplementary question, Councillor Nick Wright asked if the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning was able to provide an indication of the number of houses the Authority would need to deliver each year.  The Lead Cabinet Member for Planning believed that the current figure to the end of October was in the region of 975 but stated that she would need to check this. As indicated earlier, work was on going to prepare the new housing trajectory for public consultation and once this work was complete, it would be possible to indicate the number of completions the Council would be expected to deliver in future years.

 

 

 

 

 

12f

From Councillor Grenville Chamberlain

When will the electric powered refuse vehicles that the Lead Member for Environmental Services was photographed in front of in June actually arrive into service?

 

Minutes:

When will the electric powered refuse vehicles that the Lead Member for Environmental Services was photographed in front of in June actually arrive into service?

 

Councillor Bill Handley, the Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing, responded that the next addition to the Shared Waste Service’s fleet was planned for the next financial year and it was hoped that the Council would have an electric waste collection vehicle operational by the next summer.

 

Councillor Chamberlain, as a supplementary question, asked whether the Council would encourage developers through the planning system to provide charging points in all new homes.  The Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing anticipated that the Council would wish to do all it could to try to achieve such an aim.

 

 

12g

From Councillor Bunty Waters

Major developments have routing restrictions imposed on them for trucks serving the construction site, and these restrictions are enforceable by the district council.  Is the Lead Member for Environmental Services satisfied the Council is enforcing this for the Northstowe site, to protect nearby villages from days and nights of disruption?

 

Minutes:

Major developments have routing restrictions imposed on them for trucks serving the construction site, and these restrictions are enforceable by the District Council.  Is the Lead member for Environmental Services satisfied the Council is enforcing this for the Northstowe site, to protect nearby villages from days and nights of disruption?

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, observed that the planning permission for the Northstowe development  included traffic management routing arrangements and hours of operation for construction traffic.  She had been made aware that HGV construction traffic had been travelling through villages outside of these restrictions but noted that only three complaints had been received directly from residents in the last two years.  Members were asked to advise residents to notify the Council of incidents where construction traffic was not complying with the traffic management conditions.

 

Councillor Bunty Waters questioned how local residents could have confidence in the planning conditions if the Council did not appear to undertake monitoring and enforcement of the conditions and asked, as a supplementary question, whether discussions could take place with the contractors.  In response, the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning observed that it was difficult to take action in the absence of reported breaches.  However, she advised that a meeting would take place on 28 August 2019 involving the developers, Local Members and the Parish Council to go through the traffic management plan.  It was also proposed to consider putting in place a log book at the site gate to record vehicles using the site.  This could then be reviewed in the event of complaints.  Installation of CCTV could also be considered, although this would have cost implications. Residents who witnessed breaches of the traffic conditions should be encouraged to report these directly to the Council.  Consideration was being given to establishing a dedicated email address and telephone number to facilitate reporting of such breaches.

 

12h

From Councillor Shrobona Bhattacharya

The residents of Cambourne and nearby villages were grateful for the decision by the Chairman of Planning Committee to allow additional time for the Cambourne West design code to be properly considered by members of the committee. Can the Lead Member for Planning please explain what efforts were made to consult with the Town Council for Cambourne on this issue?

Minutes:

The residents of Cambourne and nearby villages were grateful for the decision by the Chairman of Planning Committee to allow additional time for the Cambourne West design code to be properly considered by members of the committee. Can the Lead Member for Planning please explain what efforts were made to consult with the Town Council for Cambourne on this issue?

 

The Lead Cabinet Member for Planning was disappointed that this question had been raised again, noting that it had already been raised at both Cabinet and Planning Committee.  She noted that the Design Code related to a discharge of condition and not a planning application. Notwithstanding this, the Town Council and Local Members had been consulted on the submission of the Design Code on 20 August 2018 and again on 18 November 2018.  The Town Clerk had also attended a further walking tour of Cambourne with the developer team and the planning authority on 29 May 2019 when the Design Code had been discussed at length.  The Case Officer for Cambourne West had also attended meetings of the Town Council on 23 April and 11 June 2019.  The minutes of the meeting on 11 June 2019 indicated that the Town Council had not made any comments and had decided not to attend the District Council's Planning Committee. The Town Clerk had been advised by telephone of the outcome of the Planning Committee on 12 June 2019 when the application had been deferred. The Lead Cabinet Member for Planning commented that, given that this was a discharge of condition, rather than a planning application, the Council’s consultation approach had been above and beyond what it would normally do in such situations.

 

Councillor Dr. Bhattacharya asked, as a supplementary question, whether the Council would keep Cambourne Town Council “in the loop” in respect of this matter.  The Lead Cabinet Member for Planning advised that the Case Officer was in regular dialogue with the Clerk of the Town Council and was willing to assist the Town Council in any matters in respect of which they needed clarification.

 

 

12i

From Councillor Graham Cone

To ask the Lead Member for Finance, in the last 12 months how many acquisitions has Ermine Street Housing made?

 

Minutes:

To ask the Lead Member for Finance, in the last 12 months how many acquisitions has Ermine Street Housing made?

 

Councillor John Williams, the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, responded that 154 properties had been acquired from April 2018 to June 2019, and Ermine Street Housing was on target to achieve a portfolio of 500 by 2020.  Ermine Street Housing was seen as more than just a “money making machine” and it was now acquiring properties to provide good quality private rented accommodation for those living and working in South Cambridgeshire within the Council’s travel to work area.  It was anticipated that the income from Ermine Street to the Council would be £2.3million in this financial year and the Lead Cabinet for Finance thanked the team and the support staff for their enterprise and hard work in achieving this result.

 

As his supplementary question, Councillor Cone asked if there had been any changes to the way in which Ermine Street Housing acquired homes.  The Lead Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that the acquisition strategy had been reviewed in relation to the Ermine Street Housing property portfolio and that the focus was now on acquiring properties in a defined travel to work area to ensure that the Council provided good quality private rented accommodation for those living and working in South Cambridgeshire.  

13.

NOTICES OF MOTION

A period of 30 minutes will be allowed for each Motion to be moved, seconded and debated, including dealing with any amendments. At the expiry of the 30 minute period, debate shall cease immediately, the mover of the original Motion, or if the original Motion has been amended, the mover of that amendment now forming the substantive motion, will have the right of reply before it is put to the vote.

Minutes:

The Chairman noted that there were ten Motions on the agenda.   He commented that many of the motions needed to be considered by another body, such as Cabinet, or had unquantified resource implications that needed to be clarified before discussion. He therefore intended to propose that some of the motions should be referred to the appropriate body.  If  such a proposal was passed, the motion would stand immediately deferred and would not be considered further at the meeting.  The Chairman suggested that, in future, it would be advisable for Members to speak with appropriate officers in advance of the submission of motions.

13a

Motion from Councillor Sarah Cheung Johnson

Council notes that domestic abuse against women is still too prevalent in our society. Men are also victims of domestic abuse but the statistics show women are overwhelmingly the victims. 2015 figures show two women a week are killed by a current or former partner and 6 out of 7 victims of Domestic Violence are women. This council commits to providing support to ongoing efforts by staff and councillors to take a stand against violence and to take the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women.

 

This Council notes that the White Ribbon Campaign is part of a global movement to end men's violence against women, and the Council commits to becoming a White Ribbon Accredited Authority so that it can ensure it has the necessary policies and procedures in place to reduce male violence against women in workplaces and public interaction.

 

Council understands that raising awareness plays a huge part in changing the cultural and social norms which are recognised as being highly influential in shaping individual behaviour, including the use of violence and Council will continue to work closely with local agencies and organisations involved in tackling violence against women to extend knowledge and understanding of the issues amongst South Cambridgeshire’s population.

Decision:

 

Council AGREED to refer the following motion to Cabinet for review and consideration:

 

Council notes that domestic abuse against women is still too prevalent in our society. Men are also victims of domestic abuse but the statistics show women are overwhelmingly the victims. 2015 figures show two women a week are killed by a current or former partner and 6 out of 7 victims of Domestic Violence are women. This council commits to providing support to ongoing efforts by staff and councillors to take a stand against violence and to take the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women.

 

This Council notes that the White Ribbon Campaign is part of a global movement to end men's violence against women, and the Council commits to becoming a White Ribbon Accredited Authority so that it can ensure it has the necessary policies and procedures in place to reduce male violence against women in workplaces and public interaction.

 

Council understands that raising awareness plays a huge part in changing the cultural and social norms which are recognised as being highly influential in shaping individual behaviour, including the use of violence and Council will continue to work closely with local agencies and organisations involved in tackling violence against women to extend knowledge and understanding of the issues amongst South Cambridgeshire’s population.

Minutes:

Councillor Sarah Cheung Johnson had submitted the following motion, as set out in the agenda:-

 

“Council notes that domestic abuse against women is still too prevalent in our society. Men are also victims of domestic abuse but the statistics show women are overwhelmingly the victims. 2015 figures show two women a week are killed by a current or former partner and 6 out of 7 victims of Domestic Violence are women. This council commits to providing support to ongoing efforts by staff and councillors to take a stand against violence and to take the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women.

 

This Council notes that the White Ribbon Campaign is part of a global movement to end men's violence against women, and the Council commits to becoming a White Ribbon Accredited Authority so that it can ensure it has the necessary policies and procedures in place to reduce male violence against women in workplaces and public interaction.

 

Council understands that raising awareness plays a huge part in changing the cultural and social norms which are recognised as being highly influential in shaping individual behaviour, including the use of violence and Council will continue to work closely with local agencies and organisations involved in tackling violence against women to extend knowledge and understanding of the issues amongst South Cambridgeshire’s population.”

 

The Chairman moved that, as the motion might have resource implications, it should be referred to Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Council Standing Order 13(d).

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts seconded the motion.

 

Upon being put to the vote, votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (27):

 

Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Dr. Claire Daunton, Dr. Douglas de Lacey, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Philippa Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Pippa Heylings, Steve Hunt, Alex Malyon, Tony Mason, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Nick Sample, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (11)

 

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Grenville Chamberlain, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Peter Topping, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Abstain (0)

 

The Chairman declared the motion to be carried.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the motion submitted by Councillor Sarah Cheung Johnson be referred to the Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Standing Order 13(d).

 

13b

Motion from Councillor Alex Malyon

This Council has already noted with great concern the issues associated with single use plastics and the global problem of plastic pollution.  Currently 320 million new items of plastic are made every year, with this set to double by 2034.  Every day approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans. There may now be around 5.25 trillion macro and microplastic pieces floating in the open ocean, weighing up to 269,000 tonnes.

 

The Plastic Free Communities initiative provides a toolkit for communities to work to tackle this issue on a local level.  Communities can work towards Plastic Free Community status by raising awareness of the need to reduce single use plastic use through community events.  They work with local businesses and other community influencers such as churches or schools, to reduce dependence on single use plastics and encourage the use of alternatives.  Nationally there are 561 communities who have achieved or are working towards this certification including a local community group in Cottenham.        

 

A resolution passed by this Council in July 2018 committed to exploring ways in which we can significantly reduce the sale, provision and use of avoidable single- use plastics.  In doing so we acknowledged the important role that this Council had to play in influencing others to do likewise.

 

This Council and its individual members therefore commit to supporting, encouraging and promoting the work of community groups and parishes who wish to join this growing network of UK Plastic Free Communities. 

Decision:

 

Council AGREED to refer the following motion to Cabinet for review and consideration:

 

This Council has already noted with great concern the issues associated with single use plastics and the global problem of plastic pollution.  Currently 320 million new items of plastic are made every year, with this set to double by 2034.  Every day approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans. There may now be around 5.25 trillion macro and microplastic pieces floating in the open ocean, weighing up to 269,000 tonnes.

 

The Plastic Free Communities initiative provides a toolkit for communities to work to tackle this issue on a local level.  Communities can work towards Plastic Free Community status by raising awareness of the need to reduce single use plastic use through community events.  They work with local businesses and other community influencers such as churches or schools, to reduce dependence on single use plastics and encourage the use of alternatives.  Nationally there are 561 communities who have achieved or are working towards this certification including a local community group in Cottenham.        

 

A resolution passed by this Council in July 2018 committed to exploring ways in which we can significantly reduce the sale, provision and use of avoidable single- use plastics.  In doing so we acknowledged the important role that this Council had to play in influencing others to do likewise.

 

This Council and its individual members therefore commit to supporting, encouraging and promoting the work of community groups and parishes who wish to join this growing network of UK Plastic Free Communities. 

Minutes:

Councillor Alex Malyon had submitted the following motion, as set out in the agenda:-

 

“This Council has already noted with great concern the issues associated with single use plastics and the global problem of plastic pollution.  Currently 320 million new items of plastic are made every year, with this set to double by 2034.  Every day approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans. There may now be around 5.25 trillion macro and microplastic pieces floating in the open ocean, weighing up to 269,000 tonnes.

 

The Plastic Free Communities initiative provides a toolkit for communities to work to tackle this issue on a local level.  Communities can work towards Plastic Free Community status by raising awareness of the need to reduce single use plastic use through community events.  They work with local businesses and other community influencers such as churches or schools, to reduce dependence on single use plastics and encourage the use of alternatives.  Nationally there are 561 communities who have achieved or are working towards this certification including a local community group in Cottenham.        

 

A resolution passed by this Council in July 2018 committed to exploring ways in which we can significantly reduce the sale, provision and use of avoidable single use plastics.  In doing so we acknowledged the important role that this Council had to play in influencing others to do likewise.

 

This Council and its individual members therefore commit to supporting, encouraging and promoting the work of community groups and parishes who wish to join this growing network of UK Plastic Free Communities.”

 

The Chairman moved that as the motion might have resource implications, it should be referred to Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Council Standing Order 13(d).

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts seconded the motion.

 

Council, by affirmation

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the motion submitted by Councillor Alex Malyon be referred to Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Council Standing Order 13(d).

 

 

13c

Motion from Councillor Nick Wright

In the last year councillors been receiving inch thick planning agendas and cabinet agendas sometimes over 700 pages. This is not only damaging Councillors’ backs carrying them, but trees for paper supply; and causing unnecessary postage expenditure. The Conservative group proposes that SCDC Councillors’ documents become paperless unless individual members request otherwise. 

 

Decision:

 

Council AGREED to refer the following motion to Cabinet for review and consideration:

 

In the last year councillors have been receiving inch thick planning agendas and cabinet agendas sometimes over 700 pages. This is not only damaging Councillors’ backs carrying them, but trees for paper supply; and causes unnecessary postage expenditure. The Conservative group proposes that SCDC Councillors' documents become paperless unless individual members request otherwise.

Minutes:

Councillor Nick Wright had submitted the following motion as set out in the agenda:-

 

“In the last year councillors have been receiving inch thick planning agendas and cabinet agendas sometimes over 700 pages. This is not only damaging Councillors’ backs carrying them, but trees for paper supply; and causes unnecessary postage expenditure. The Conservative group proposes that SCDC Councillors' documents become paperless unless individual members request otherwise.”

The Chairman apologised to Councillors Nick Wright and Geoff Harvey, noting that they had proposed substantially similar motions and had allowed a revised motion to come forward.  Unfortunately however, he had been advised by officers that morning that the motion might have legal implications which required further review. The Chairman accordingly moved that the motion should be referred to Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Council Standing Order 13(d).

 

Councillor Philippa Hart seconded the motion.

 

Upon being put to the vote, votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (27):

 

Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Dr. Claire Daunton, Dr. Douglas de Lacey, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Philippa Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Pippa Heylings, Steve Hunt, Alex Malyon, Tony Mason, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Nick Sample, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (11)

 

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Grenville Chamberlain, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Peter Topping, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Abstain (0)

 

The Chairman declared the motion to be carried.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the motion submitted by Councillor Nick Wright be referred to the Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Standing Order 13(d).

 

13d

Motion from Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom

This Council:

 

Is deeply concerned by the financial outlook for schools in South Cambridgeshire due to a combination of inadequate government funding and increasing cost pressures.

 

Believes that the Government’s failure to properly and fairly fund schools is jeopardising the education and future opportunities of young people in South Cambridgeshire and is particularly letting down more vulnerable children, such as those with special educational needs and disabilities, and those who need mental health support.

 

Notes with concern reports that many schools across the country are having to ask for donations from parents, cutting back teaching hours, reducing staff numbers, reducing mental health support and mentoring for vulnerable pupils. In South Cambridgeshire, where schools have historically been underfunded relative to other parts of the country, more extreme measures are beginning to be taken. For example, Fulbourn Primary School is switching to a four-and-a-half-day week from September, while another of our primary schools is likely to shrink to 3 classes from the current 4, meaning as many as 36 children from 3 different academic years, and up to 4 years age difference, will be taught in a single class. Many other headteachers in South Cambridgeshire are being forced to take similarly agonising decisions which will negatively impact educational outcomes. Schools are one of the cornerstones upon which local communities in South Cambridgeshire are built and thrive, and the current funding situation risks real damage to those communities.

 

Further notes that years of real-terms pay cuts for teachers, coupled with the pressure caused by funding cuts in schools and an excessive workload that too often leads to physical and/or mental health issues, have led to a crisis in retention and recruitment in the teaching profession. This is driving thousands of dedicated professionals out of the jobs they love, and further undermining the quality of education in our schools.

 

Will make representations to the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, calling for them to:

 

  • Reverse, in full, the real-terms cuts to per-pupil school budgets since 2015 – meaning schools in South Cambridgeshire would receive £3,837,946 additional funding in 2020.
  • Guarantee that all basic equipment and resources, including support staff, are provided so that teachers can focus on delivering a high-quality education to their pupils and the number of talented teachers leaving the profession due to excessive workload may be reduced.
  • Provide additional funding to Cambridgeshire and others across the country, to give more, fully funded support to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Fix the historic underfunding of Cambridgeshire schools by putting in place genuinely fairer funding through the National Funding Formula.

Decision:

 

Following amendment of the original motion, Council AGREED the following motion:

 

This Council:

 

Is deeply concerned by the financial outlook for schools in South Cambridgeshire due to a combination of inadequate government funding and increasing cost pressures.

 

Believes that successive Governments have not fairly funded schools which is jeopardising the education and future opportunities of young people in South Cambridgeshire and is particularly letting down more vulnerable children, such as those with special educational needs and disabilities, and those who need mental health support.

 

Notes with concern reports that many schools across the country are having to ask for donations from parents, cutting back teaching hours, reducing staff numbers, reducing mental health support and mentoring for vulnerable pupils. In South Cambridgeshire, where schools have historically been underfunded relative to other parts of the country, more extreme measures are beginning to be taken. For example, Fulbourn Primary School is switching to a four-and-a-half-day week from September, while another of our primary schools is likely to shrink to 3 classes from the current 4, meaning as many as 36 children from 3 different academic years, and up to 4 years age difference, will be taught in a single class. Many other headteachers in South Cambridgeshire are being forced to take similarly agonising decisions which will negatively impact educational outcomes. Schools are one of the cornerstones around which local communities in South Cambridgeshire are built and thrive, and the current funding situation risks real damage to those communities.

 

Further notes that years of real-terms pay cuts for teachers, coupled with the pressure caused by funding cuts in schools and an excessive workload that too often leads to physical and/or mental health issues, have led to difficulties in retention and recruitment in the teaching profession. This is driving thousands of dedicated professionals out of the jobs they love, and further undermining the quality of education in our schools.

 

Will make representations to the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, calling for them to take action during the next spending review to:

 

  • Reverse, in full, the real-terms cuts to per-pupil school budgets since 2015 – meaning schools in South Cambridgeshire would receive £3,837,946 additional funding in 2020.
  • Guarantee that all basic equipment and resources, including support staff, are provided so that teachers can focus on delivering a high-quality education to their pupils and the number of talented teachers leaving the profession due to excessive workload may be reduced.
  • Provide additional funding to Cambridgeshire and others across the country, to give more, fully funded support to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • Fix the historic underfunding of Cambridgeshire schools by putting in place genuinely fairer funding through the National Funding Formula.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom moved the following motion as set out in the agenda:

 

“This Council:

 

Is deeply concerned by the financial outlook for schools in South Cambridgeshire due to a combination of inadequate government funding and increasing cost pressures.

 

Believes that the Government’s failure to properly and fairly fund schools is jeopardising the education and future opportunities of young people in South Cambridgeshire and is particularly letting down more vulnerable children, such as those with special educational needs and disabilities, and those who need mental health support.

 

Notes with concern reports that many schools across the country are having to ask for donations from parents, cutting back teaching hours, reducing staff numbers, reducing mental health support and mentoring for vulnerable pupils. In South Cambridgeshire, where schools have historically been underfunded relative to other parts of the country, more extreme measures are beginning to be taken. For example, Fulbourn Primary School is switching to a four-and-a-half-day week from September, while another of our primary schools is likely to shrink to 3 classes from the current 4, meaning as many as 36 children from 3 different academic years, and up to 4 years age difference, will be taught in a single class. Many other headteachers in South Cambridgeshire are being forced to take similarly agonising decisions which will negatively impact educational outcomes. Schools are one of the cornerstones around which local communities in South Cambridgeshire are built and thrive, and the current funding situation risks real damage to those communities.

 

Further notes that years of real-terms pay cuts for teachers, coupled with the pressure caused by funding cuts in schools and an excessive workload that too often leads to physical and/or mental health issues, have led to a crisis in retention and recruitment in the teaching profession. This is driving thousands of dedicated professionals out of the jobs they love, and further undermining the quality of education in our schools.

 

Will make representations to the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, calling for them to:

 

·         Reverse, in full, the real-terms cuts to per-pupil school budgets since 2015 – meaning schools in South Cambridgeshire would receive £3,837,946 additional funding in 2020.

·         Guarantee that all basic equipment and resources, including support staff, are provided so that teachers can focus on delivering a high-quality education to their pupils and the number of talented teachers leaving the profession due to excessive workload may be reduced.

·         Provide additional funding to Cambridgeshire and others across the country, to give more, fully funded support to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

·         Fix the historic underfunding of Cambridgeshire schools by putting in place genuinely fairer funding through the National Funding Formula.”

 

Councillor Dr. Sollom spoke in support of his motion, referring to the historic  underfunding of schools in Cambridgeshire and the campaigning which had taken place, including by lobbying MPs, to call for changes to the national funding formula and fair funding for Cambridgeshire’s schools.  He commented that many head teachers were being  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13d

13e

Motion from Councillor Gavin Clayton

This Council condemns the recent spike in hate crime and in particular that of homophobic hate crime.

 

This Council notes the need for proactive policy development and recruitment of a specialist officer due to increased levels of hate crime as reported (in Parliamentary Briefing Paper Number 08537, 28 March 2019, Hate Crime Statistics, By Grahame Allen, Yago Zayed). It shows Police Reported hate crimes by monitored strands in England have increased by 123% since 2011. In particular: Race 98% Religion 415% sexual orientation 415% Disability 313% and biggest increase of all for people who identify as transgender 427%

 

Now is not the time to be without a specialist Equality and Diversity Officer and with increasingly uncertain political and economic times ahead, this Council will work with neighbouring councils to build upon the Equality Pledge to construct and implement a Single Equality Scheme which is proactive in providing training across public, private and third sector partners and to join the Encompass Safer Spaces scheme so that there is a visible reassurance for LGBTQ+ residents of South Cambridgeshire. 

 

Decision:

 

Council AGREED to refer the following motion to Cabinet for review and consideration:

 

This Council condemns the recent spike in hate crime and in particular that of homophobic hate crime.

 

This Council notes the need for proactive policy development and recruitment of a specialist officer due to increased levels of hate crime as reported (in Parliamentary Briefing Paper Number 08537 , 28 March 2019, Hate Crime Statistics, By Grahame Allen, Yago Zayed). It shows Police Reported hate crimes by monitored strands in England have increased by 123% since 2011.

In particular: Race 98% Religion 415% sexual orientation 415% Disability 313% and biggest increase of all for people who identify as transgender 427%

 

Now is not the time to be without a specialist Equality and Diversity Officer and with increasingly uncertain political and economic times ahead this council will work with neighbouring councils to build upon the Equality Pledge to construct and implement a Single Equality Scheme which is proactive in providing training across public, private and third sector partners and to join the Encompass Safer Spaces scheme so that there is a visible reassurance for LGBTQ+ residents of South Cambridgeshire. 

 

Minutes:

Councillor Gavin Clayton had submitted the following motion, as set out in the agenda:-

 

“This Council condemns the recent spike in hate crime and in particular that of homophobic hate crime.

 

This Council notes the need for proactive policy development and recruitment of a specialist officer due to increased levels of hate crime as reported (in Parliamentary Briefing Paper Number 08537 , 28 March 2019, Hate Crime Statistics, By Grahame Allen, Yago Zayed). It shows Police Reported hate crimes by monitored strands in England have increased by 123% since 2011. In particular: Race 98% Religion 415% sexual orientation 415% Disability 313% and biggest increase of all for people who identify as transgender 427%

 

Now is not the time to be without a specialist Equality and Diversity Officer and with increasingly uncertain political and economic times ahead this council will work with neighbouring councils to build upon the Equality Pledge to construct and implement a Single Equality Scheme which is proactive in providing training across public, private and third sector partners and to join the Encompass Safer Spaces scheme so that there is a visible reassurance for LGBTQ+ residents of South Cambridgeshire.”

 

The Chairman moved that as the motion might have resource implications, it should be referred to Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Council Standing Order 13(d).

 

Councillor Philippa Hart seconded the motion.

 

Council, by affirmation

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the motion submitted by Councillor Gavin Clayton be referred to the Cabinet for review and consideration in accordance with Standing Order 13 (d).

 

 

13f

Motion from Councillor Heather Williams

That this Council encourages youth engagement in local politics and specifically commits to organising a minimum of two events per year for those aged between 13 and 25. Parish councils and meetings would be invited by the district council to nominate young parish representatives to attend these events, and the Council would actively arrange and facilitate them, including meeting any associated costs.

 

Decision:

 

Council NOTED that the following motion had been withdrawn for further consideration with a view to submission at a later meeting:

 

That this Council encourages youth engagement in local politics and specifically commits to organising a minimum of two events per year for those aged between 13 and 25. Parish councils and meetings would be invited by the district council to nominate young parish representatives to attend these events, and the Council would actively arrange and facilitate them, including meeting any associated costs.

Minutes:

Councillor Heather Williams had given notice of the following motion, as set out in the agenda:

 

“That this Council encourages youth engagement in local politics and specifically commits to organising a minimum of two events per year for those aged between 13 and 25. Parish councils and meetings would be invited by the district council to nominate young parish representatives to attend these events, and the Council would actively arrange and facilitate them, including meeting any associated costs.”

 

The Chairman reported that Councillor Heather Williams wished to withdraw her motion for further consideration and with a view to submitting it to a later meeting.

 

13g

Motion from Councillor Mark Howell

That this Council amends the constitution so that there are recorded votes on all committees, including advisory committees.

 

Decision:

 

Council AGREED to refer the following motion to the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group for consideration as part of its review of the Constitution and recommendation to Civic Affairs Committee and Council:

 

That this Council amends the constitution so that there are recorded votes on all committees, including advisory committees.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Mark Howell had submitted the following motion, as set out in the agenda:-

 

“That this Council amends the constitution so that there are recorded votes on all committees, including advisory committees.”

 

The Chairman noted that Article 15 of the Constitution provided that changes to the Constitution would only be approved by the full Council after consideration of the proposal by the Chief Executive and he therefore proposed that the motion should be referred to the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group for consideration as part of its review of the Constitution and recommendation to Civic Affairs Committee and Council. 

 

Councillor Brian Milnes seconded the motion.

 

Council, by affirmation:

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the motion submitted by Councillor Mark Howell be referred to the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group for consideration as part of its review of the Constitution and recommendation to the Civic Affairs Committee and Council, in accordance with Standing Order 13 (d).

 

 

13h

Motion from Councillor Grenville Chamberlain

This Council seeks to influence others towards good practice as well as ensuring its own approach is consistent with being an ethical employer. To achieve this, this Council directs the Chief Executive to ensure, on all future procurement activity, that suppliers of goods and services to this Council are encouraged to pay staff (both directly employed and sub-contracted staff) at rates which are not less than the Living Wage and that suppliers are encouraged not to engage staff on zero hours contracts.

 

Decision:

 

Council NOTED that the following motion had been withdrawn for further consideration with a view to submission at a later meeting:

 

This Council seeks to influence others towards good practice as well as ensuring its own approach is consistent with being an ethical employer. To achieve this, this Council directs the Chief Executive to ensure, on all future procurement activity, that suppliers of goods and services to this Council are encouraged to pay staff (both directly employed and sub-contracted staff) at rates which are not less than the Living Wage and that suppliers are encouraged not to engage staff on zero hours contracts.

Minutes:

Councillor Grenville Chamberlain had given notice of the following motion as set out in the agenda:

 

“This Council seeks to influence others towards good practice as well as ensuring its own approach is consistent with being an ethical employer. To achieve this, this Council directs the Chief Executive to ensure, on all future procurement activity, that suppliers of goods and services to this Council are encouraged to pay staff (both directly employed and sub-contracted staff) at rates which are not less than the Living Wage and that suppliers are encouraged not to engage staff on zero hours contracts.”

 

The Chairman reported that Councillor Chamberlain wished to withdraw his motion for further consideration and with a view to submitting it to a later meeting.

 

 

13i

Motion from Councillor Peter Topping

This Council instructs its representative on the Greater Cambridge Partnership Board to inform that body that until the Council has completed and published its own assessment of the environmental (including carbon neutral) requirements and conditions of the next Local Plan, so far as they relate to transport construction projects, this Council's representative will not approve any further work on bringing forward proposals for a park and ride at Harston or along the A428.

 

Decision:

 

The following motion was LOST:

 

This Council instructs its representative on the Greater Cambridge Partnership Board to inform that body that until the Council has completed and published its own assessment of the environmental (including carbon neutral) requirements and conditions of the next Local Plan, so far as they relate to transport construction projects, this Council's representative will not approve any further work on bringing forward proposals for a park and ride at Harston or along the A428.

Minutes:

Councillor Peter Topping moved the following motion as set out in the agenda:

 

“This Council instructs its representative on the Greater Cambridge Partnership Board to inform that body that until the Council has completed and published its own assessment of the environmental (including carbon neutral) requirements and conditions of the next Local Plan, so far as they relate to transport construction projects, this Council's representative will not approve any further work on bringing forward proposals for a park and ride at Harston or along the A428.”

 

Councillor Topping referred to the recent briefings regarding the new Local Plan and welcomed the expectation that the Council would invest efforts in shaping a new  Local Plan which had regard to sustainability considerations and to the aspirations for becoming carbon neutral by 2050.  Against that background, he highlighted the proposals of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) to develop transport construction projects, such as the proposed park and ride site in the vicinity of J11 of the M11 and argued that until the Council had satisfied itself of the environmental and sustainability requirements of the new Local Plan, it should not entertain such proposals.  

 

Councillor Grenville Chamberlain seconded the motion.

 

During discussion upon the motion:-

 

·         Councillor Tom Bygott referred to the adoption by the Council of the motion to  achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.  He was concerned at the impact of the proposed Cambourne to Cambridge busway for his ward and felt it was important to assess how projects such as this impacted on the Council’s carbon neutral aspirations.

 

·         Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins argued that work being undertaken to provide the infrastructure was needed to deliver the current Local Plan and reminded the Council that the City Deal had been established to deliver the infrastructure required to support the growth facing Greater Cambridge. She was concerned that the motion would tie the hands of the Council’s representative on the GCP.

 

·         Councillor Anna Bradnam was concerned that the Council’s representative on the GCP could be accused of pre-determination if the motion was passed.

 

·         Councillor Tony Mason commented on the possible implications of a park and ride development for his ward and on the importance of evaluating the potential environmental impact.  He referred to the need for air quality monitoring measures along the A10 so that the impact of any new developments could be evaluated but felt unable to support the motion in its current form.

 

·         Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer was concerned that the motion, if passed, would tie his hands as the Council’s representative on the GCP Executive Board and could be regarded as pre-determination.  He also felt that the motion did not accord with the principle  agreed by the constituent authorities in the terms of reference for the GCP Executive Board that decisions would be reached by consensus. He reiterated earlier comments about needing to provide infrastructure to deliver the development in the current Local Plan.

 

·         Councillor Heather Williams argued that the motion was simply seeking a pause and that it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13i

13j

Motion from Councillor Pippa Heylings

This Council recognises that:

-          we are facing an ecological emergency as well as a climate emergency;

-          the challenge to balance economic growth with measures to protect and enhance nature has never been more urgent, given the unprecedented investment in infrastructure in the district alongside the increasing decline in biodiversity;

-          opportunities are available through the planning system for improving nature by embedding the “environmental net gain” principle into development, including housing and infrastructure, in order to deliver environmental improvements;

-          the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment play a pivotal role in our economy and wellbeing, providing wide-ranging benefits such as clean water and air, food, timber, carbon capture, flood protection and recreation.

 

Therefore, this Council aims to double the area of rich wildlife habitats, tree cover and accessible green space in order for nature and people to thrive, and businesses to prosper. In order to do so, the Council will:

-          Ensure the delivery of biodiversity and environmental enhancements through our planning policy and development control functions by providing high-level guidance to support existing biodiversity policies as part of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD and more detailed guidance for developers through the forthcoming Greater Cambridge Biodiversity SPD.

-          Enable the development of a mandatory biodiversity net gain policy for South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge through the new Joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan, ensuring that this is a core principle for all future development across the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service.

-          Identifying areas for tree planting for carbon sequestration, flood management, air quality improvement and other environmental services.

-          Adopt the Developing Nature Toolkit and direct developers to use the toolkit to assist them in demonstrating a net gain in biodiversity, to be used from the very outset of planning new developments, and ideally at the time of selecting sites to acquire for development.

-          Collaborate with our communities, Parish Councils and schools to encourage the planting of trees and the management of wildflower verges alongside roads.

-          Continue to support Natural Cambridgeshire, the Local Nature Partnership (LNP), to deliver the Doubling Nature Vision for ‘Cambridgeshire to be an exemplar for the landscape scale restoration of the natural environment’.

 

Decision:

 

Council  AGREED the following motion:

 

This Council recognises that:

-           we are facing an ecological emergency as well as a climate emergency;

-           the challenge to balance economic growth with measures to protect and enhance nature has never been more urgent, given the unprecedented investment in infrastructure in the district alongside the increasing decline in biodiversity;

-           opportunities are available through the planning system for improving nature by embedding the “environmental net gain” principle into development, including housing and infrastructure, in order to deliver environmental improvements;

-           the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment play a pivotal role in our economy and wellbeing, providing wide-ranging benefits such as clean water and air, food, timber, carbon capture, flood protection and recreation.

 

Therefore, this Council aims to double the area of rich wildlife habitats, tree cover and accessible green space in order for nature and people to thrive, and businesses to prosper. In order to do so, the Council will:

-           Ensure the delivery of biodiversity and environmental enhancements through our planning policy and development control functions by providing high-level guidance to support existing biodiversity policies as part of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD and more detailed guidance for developers through the forthcoming Greater Cambridge Biodiversity SPD.

-           Enable the development of a mandatory biodiversity net gain policy for South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge through the new Joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan, ensuring that this is a core principle for all future development across the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service.

-           Identifying areas for tree planting for carbon sequestration, flood management, air quality improvement and other environmental services.

-           Adopt the Developing Nature Toolkit and direct developers to use the toolkit to assist them in demonstrating a net gain in biodiversity, to be used from the very outset of planning new developments, and ideally at the time of selecting sites to acquire for development.

-           Collaborate with our communities, Parish Councils and schools to encourage the planting of trees and the management of wildflower verges alongside roads.

-           Continue to support Natural Cambridgeshire, the Local Nature Partnership (LNP), to deliver the Doubling Nature Vision for ‘Cambridgeshire to be an exemplar for the landscape scale restoration of the natural environment’.

Minutes:

Councillor Pippa Heylings had submitted a motion, as set out in the agenda.

The Chairman moved that, in order to enable the full implications of the motion to be investigated, it be referred to the Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 13 (d).

 

The motion was not seconded.

 

Accordingly, Councillor Pippa Heylings moved the following motion as set out in the agenda:

 

“This Council recognises that:

-           we are facing an ecological emergency as well as a climate emergency;

-           the challenge to balance economic growth with measures to protect and enhance nature has never been more urgent, given the unprecedented investment in infrastructure in the district alongside the increasing decline in biodiversity;

-           opportunities are available through the planning system for improving nature by embedding the “environmental net gain” principle into development, including housing and infrastructure, in order to deliver environmental improvements;

-           the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment play a pivotal role in our economy and wellbeing, providing wide-ranging benefits such as clean water and air, food, timber, carbon capture, flood protection and recreation.

 

Therefore, this Council aims to double the area of rich wildlife habitats, tree cover and accessible green space in order for nature and people to thrive, and businesses to prosper. In order to do so, the Council will:

-           Ensure the delivery of biodiversity and environmental enhancements through our planning policy and development control functions by providing high-level guidance to support existing biodiversity policies as part of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD and more detailed guidance for developers through the forthcoming Greater Cambridge Biodiversity SPD.

-           Enable the development of a mandatory biodiversity net gain policy for South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge through the new Joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan, ensuring that this is a core principle for all future development across the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service.

-           Identify areas for tree planting for carbon sequestration, flood management, air quality improvement and other environmental services.

-           Adopt the Developing Nature Toolkit and direct developers to use the toolkit to assist them in demonstrating a net gain in biodiversity, to be used from the very outset of planning new developments, and ideally at the time of selecting sites to acquire for development.

-           Collaborate with our communities, Parish Councils and schools to encourage the planting of trees and the management of wildflower verges alongside roads.

-           Continue to support Natural Cambridgeshire, the Local Nature Partnership (LNP), to deliver the Doubling Nature Vision for ‘Cambridgeshire to be an exemplar for the landscape scale restoration of the natural environment.”

 

In moving her motion, Councillor Heylings commented that the planet was facing both a climate and an ecological emergency. She referred to a study that had indicated an unprecedented decline in species and to a recently published habitat mapping exercise which had had indicated that Cambridge and Peterborough was one of the poorest areas in the UK for biodiversity, tree cover and habitat and that South Cambridgeshire had the lowest amount of area  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13j

14.

CHAIRMAN'S ENGAGEMENTS

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

 

Date

Venue/Event

Attending

 

 

 

May

 

 

 

 

 

Fri 17

The Great British SCDC Bake Off. SCDC

Chairman

Vice Chairman

 

Sat 18

Opening of Southwell Court Care Home Melbourn

 

Chairman

Sun 19

Parklife Opening

Chairman

Vice Chairman

 

Mon 20

Mayor, Councillor Gawthrope’s memorial service at Great St Mary’s Church

 

Chairman

Tue 21

Royal Garden Party, Buckingham Palace

 

Chairman

Fri 24

Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership Launch

 

Chairman

Wed 29

High Sheriff of Cambridge Drinks Reception.

Burghley House, Stamford

Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

June

 

 

 

 

 

Sat 08

The Bishop of Ely Drinks Reception

Ely Cathedral

 

Chairman

Thur 13

Anglia Ruskin University Annual Friends and Supporters Dinner, London

 

Chairman

Sun 30

Unveiling of first Blue Plaque in South Cambridgeshire

Girton College

Chairman

 

 

 

July

 

 

 

 

 

Thu 4

Rotary Club Memory Café 100th meeting

Chairman

 

 

 

Minutes:

In introducing the item, the Chairman noted that the Vice-Chairman had attended two engagements in addition to those printed on the agenda as follows:

 

·         Monday 27 May – Memorial Day 2019 at the Cambridge American Cemetery

 

·         Wednesday 26 June 2019 – Civic Open Day at RAF Molesworth/RAF Alconbury National Fusion Intelligence Centre.

 

Councillor Peter Topping noted that the Chairman had attended the memorial services of Councillor Nigel Gawthrope, the former Mayor of Cambridge.  Councillor Topping noted that the late Councillor Gawthrope had been a good friend of the Council and he thanked the Chairman for representing the Council at the service.

 

The Council noted those engagements attended by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council since the last meeting.

 

15.

Adjournment

Minutes:

The Chairman adjourned the meeting for a short break at 4.15pm. The meeting reconvened at 4.30pm.

16.

Statement by Councillor Philippa Hart

Minutes:

In relation to item 13(j) on the agenda, Councillor Philippa Hart stated that she was very sorry for the comments she had made with reference to Councillor Deborah Roberts.  She wished to retract those comments and had not intended to cause any offence to Councillor Roberts.

 

Councillor Roberts accepted the apology.

17.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The press and public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)).

Minutes:

The Chairman moved and Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer seconded the following motion:

 

That Council agree that following item of business contains exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

A debate ensued during which some Members opposed dealing with the item following the exclusion of the press and public and expressed the view that the Council should be as transparent as possible in its dealings.  Some Members also expressed concerns at the number of items which had recently been dealt with in confidential session. 

 

The Deputy Head of Legal Practice advised that in officers’ view the item did contain exempt information as it related to the consultation on the organisational review, the outcomes of which had not yet been published.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council, acknowledged the points raised by Members earlier in the debate and was supportive of dealing with as much business as possible transparently, however she was mindful of the clear advice of the Council’s legal advisor and also felt it was important to protect the position of the staff affected by the consultation.

 

Upon being put to the vote, votes were cast as follows on the proposal:

 

For: (24)

 

Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Dr. Claire Daunton, Douglas de Lacey, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Philippa Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Pippa Heylings, Alex Malyon, Tony Mason, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Nick Sample, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer and John Williams

 

Against: (10)

 

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Grenville Chamberlain, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Deborah Roberts, Peter Topping, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Abstain: (1)

 

Councillor Gavin Clayton.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the following item of business contains exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

Having been moved by  the Chairman and seconded by the Vice-Chairman, Council, by affirmation

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that, if present, there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

 

 

18.

Minutes

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Confidential Minute of the Annual meeting held on 16 May 2019.

 

A Minute containing exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) has been circulated to Members of the Council only.  The press and public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during any discussion on the accuracy of the exempt minute.

Minutes:

The confidential minute of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 16 May 2019 (which contained exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)) were approved for signature by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the substitution:

·         of the word “reports” for the word “groupings” in the first bullet point on page 79; and

·         of the word “rejected” for the word “refuted” in the second bullet point on page 79.