Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - South Cambs Hall. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services  01954 713000 Email: democratic.services@scambs.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

Presentation

1.

Apologies

To receive Apologies for Absence from Members.

Minutes:

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Paul Bearpark, Ruth Betson, Tom Bygott, Sarah Cheung-Johnson, Gavin Clayton, Tony Mason and Dawn Percival.

2.

Declaration of Interest

Minutes:

Councillor Nick Wright declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 14b, as some land was due to be returned to his ownership.

 

Councillors Neil Gough and Eileen Wilson declared non pecuniary interests in agenda item 13e as trustees of the Fen Edge Community Association.

 

Councillors Brian Milnes, Heather Williams and Eileen Wilson declared non pecuniary interests as members of the Greater Cambridge Partnership Joint Assembly. Councillor Peter McDonald declared a non pecuniary interest as a substitute member of the Joint Assembly.

 

Councillor Henry Batchelor stated that he had a potential conflict of interests in agenda item 17 and that he would not vote or take part in the debate.

3.

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

4.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 280 KB

To authorise the Chair to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2022 as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was noted that the minutes included in the agenda pack were an earlier draft. The final draft minutes were included as a supplement to the agenda and were on the website under the meeting of 22 February.

 

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 February were agreed as a correct record, subject to the following amendment: 

·         Councillor Alex Malyon’s apologies were included.

5.

Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chair, Leader, the executive or the head of paid service.

Minutes:

The Chair explained that £712.50 had been raised for Fulbourn Hospital and £233 of this money had been used to purchase Christmas presents for patients at the hospital. The balance of around £478 had been donated to Friends of Fulbourn Hospital and £1,016.01 would be donated to Centre 33.

 

The Leader explained that the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 26 September had been moved to 12 September.

 

The Leader announced that the Council had won the silver medal in the category of Green Public Service at the annual iESE (Improvement and Efficiency Social Enterprise) Public Sector Transformation Awards.

 

The Leader expressed her thanks to all councillors who had contributed to the operation and successes of the Council and supported their residents in the most difficult 4 year term since the Second World War.

6.

Questions From the Public pdf icon PDF 37 KB

To answer any questions asked by the public.

 

The deadline for receipt of public questions or statements is midnight on Thursday, 17 March 2022.

 

The Council’s scheme for public speaking at remote meetings may be inspected here:

 

Public Speaking Scheme

Minutes:

It was noted that Brian Williams, Vice-Chair of Waterbeach Parish Council, would speak under agenda item 9, Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan.

7.

Petitions

To note all petitions received since the last Council meeting.

Minutes:

There were no petitions. 

8.

To Consider the Following Recommendation:

8a

Member Parental Leave Policy (Cabinet/22 March 2022) pdf icon PDF 218 KB

Cabinet, subject to recommendation at its meeting on 22 March 2022, and any updates provided by Cabinet,

 

RECOMMENDS THAT COUNCIL  

 

Adopt the Member Parental Leave Policy as set out in the appendix to the report.  

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council 

 

Agreed          To adopt the Member Parental Leave Policy as set out in the appendix to the report.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams introduced the report, which recommended a new Member Parental Leave policy granting all councillors the right to take extended leave for reasons of maternity, paternity, adoption, or shared parental leave whilst continuing to receive their allowances. He urged Council to agree the recommendation and join the other 40 councils who had adopted a similar policy.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts stated that councillors had chosen to seek elected office and she expressed concern that elected members, who had then chosen to have children, would be paid for doing nothing for more than six months.

 

The Leader explained that councillors continued to support their residents when not attending meetings and that it was unfair that members looking after a baby would lose their seats because they were unable to travel to the Council offices to attend meetings. She asserted that the policy would encourage more younger people to become councillors, which would lead to a more diverse membership that better reflected the demographics of the residents they represented.

 

Councillor Alex Malyon supported this proposal, as someone who had given birth during her current term of office. She explained that this would protect new parents who inevitably found it difficult to attend meetings but continued to support their residents. She thanked officers who had consulted with her when drafting this policy.

 

Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins stated that the Council needed more young councillors from ethnic minorities and this policy would help to achieve this. Councillor Judith Rippeth read out a statement from Councillor Sarah Cheung-Johnson supporting the proposal which would help to make the Council more diverse. Councillor Nigel Cathcart reported that when he first joined the Council 32 years ago it was totally unrepresentative of the District’s population and he supported the new policy as the authority would hear more alternative views if it had a wider membership.

 

Councillor Heather Williams stated that she was on maternity leave when she was first elected and she supported this policy as it would allow new parents to continue to be councillors. She added that it was important to ensure that the Council had facilities to allow new mothers to come to the office. Councillor Graham Cone also supported the policy as it gave councillors the choice of being able to continue as a member as a new parent.

 

Councillor Steve Hunt stated that he would have welcomed having this policy when he was considering whether to stand for office. He concluded that it was important that the Council attracted all people of all ages to become councillors.

 

Councillor Shrobona Bhattacharya suggested that the Council was not doing enough to promote diversity as none of the 350 or more events that she had organised to tackle inequality had been promoted by the Council or included in South Cambs magazine, although it had been covered by the external media.

 

Councillor Dr Claire Daunton thanked the HR Advisor and the Head of Transformation, HR and Corporate Services for their work in drafting this policy, which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

9.

Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan pdf icon PDF 263 KB

To:

 

a.     Note that the referendum for the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan took place on 3 March 2022,

b.     As it was a successful referendum, to ‘make’ (adopt) the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan (The made version of the plan is Appendix 1 of this report)

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council Agreed

 

A)       To Note that the referendum for the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan took place on 3 March 2022,

B)       As it was a successful referendum, to ‘make’ (adopt) the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan (The made version of the plan is at Appendix 1 of the report)

Minutes:

Brian Williams, Vice Chair of Waterbeach Parish Council, explained that residents, community groups and businesses had been consulted over the last seven years and the evidence gathered had informed Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan, which had gone through several versions. He thanked the Council’s Senior Planning Policy Officer and Cambridgeshire ACRE for their invaluable advice. He requested that Council adopt the Plan.

 

Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins thanked Parish Councillor Brian Williams for his presentation and admired the work of the Waterbeach community in producing an excellent Neighbourhood Plan, which secured a vote of 89.9% in favour in the referendum in early March. She urged Council to support the Plan, which would influence future planning applications affecting the parish.

 

Councillor Judith Rippeth read out a statement from Councillor Paul Bearpark supporting the Neighbourhood Plan and thanking Parish Councillors Brian Williams, Jane Williams and Jane Williamson for their efforts in keeping residents engaged and the clerk Belinda Westwood for her administrative support. Councillor Judith Rippeth thanked Councillor Paul Bearpark for his role in supporting the Plan. She asked Council to vote in favour of its adoption.

 

Councillor Heather Williams stated that as a member of the Planning Committee she recognised the significance that the Plan would have on future planning applications. She supported the adoption of the Plan.

 

The Leader stated that she was impressed with the amount of work that had done into the Neighbourhood Plan and congratulated the working group who had produced it.

 

Councillor Nigel Cathcart praised the Plan for its detail and recognised its importance in guiding future decisions.

 

Councillor Henry Batchelor recognised the hard work that had gone into producing the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan having worked on the simpler Great Abington Neighbourhood Plan. He expressed his support for the Plan.

 

The Chair, Councillor Anna Bradnam, praised all those who had ensured the involvement of the whole community in the development of the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan.

 

Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins proposed and the Chair seconded the recommendation in the agenda. A vote was taken and were recorded as follows:

 

In favour (30):

Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Dr Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Grenville Chamberlain, Graham Cone, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Corinne Garvie, Neil Gough, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Pippa Heylings, Alex Malyon, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Dr Ian Sollom, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Dr Richard Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (0)

 

Abstain (0)

 

Council

 

Agreed

 

A)       To Note that the referendum for the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan took place on 3 March 2022;

 

B)       As it was a successful referendum, to ‘make’ (adopt) the Waterbeach Neighbourhood Plan (The made version of the plan is at Appendix 1 of the report)

10.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority pdf icon PDF 434 KB

Attached are the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in January 2022.

Minutes:

Council Noted the report.

11.

Greater Cambridge Partnership pdf icon PDF 124 KB

To consider any reports of the work of the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

Minutes:

Councillor Graham Cone requested an update on the cycle greenways between Fulbourn and Cambridge City. Councillor Neil Gough shared Councillor Cone’s frustration with the lack of progress which had been reported at the Greater Cambridge Partnership Joint Assembly and Board meetings whilst discussing an interim report. A fuller report would be received by the Board in September, which would include timescales for the promised work.

 

Council Noted the report.

12.

Membership of Committees and Outside Bodies

To note and endorse any 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 concerned has been allocated.

 

To agree any changes required in the membership of outside bodies.

Minutes:

No changes in Committee membership were reported.

13.

Questions From Councillors

A period of 30 minutes will be allocated 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 Interim Democratic Services Team Manager prior to the 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. 

13a

From Councillor Sally Ann Hart

 

How many Ukrainian families seeking refuge have been settled in South Cambridgeshire since the outbreak of war in Ukraine?

 

Minutes:

How many Ukrainian families seeking refuge have been settled in South Cambridgeshire since the outbreak of war in Ukraine?

 

Councillor John Batchelor explained that the data was not available. Residents had signed up to the homes for Ukrainians scheme and according to the last census there were 112 Ukrainians living in the District. The Council’s working group had met on Monday to discuss the best way to support members of the community seeking to assist Ukrainian refugees. 

 

In response to Councillor Sally Ann Hart’s supplementary question, Councillor John Batchelor explained that the Council had accommodated three Syrian families and six families from Afghanistan, with another three families from Afghanistan expected. He expressed frustration at the time the process took, which had resulted in properties remaining empty for months but the Government was responsible for the allocations process.

13b

From Councillor Geoff Harvey

Since the introduction of the call back service, what is the level of usage of the service and what is the customer reaction?

 

Minutes:

Since the introduction of the call back service, what is the level of usage of the service and what is the customer reaction?

 

Councillor Neil Gough explained that from mid-November 2021 until the end of February 2022 537 call backs had been requested. The number of call backs were expected to increase in March. Demand for call backs were highest between noon and 2 pm. This service was proving to be popular with residents. 

13c

From Councillor Claire Daunton

What is the return to the office plan for SCDC staff?

 

Minutes:

What is the return to the office plan for SCDC staff?

 

Councillor Neil Gough explained that some staff were already working back in the office, as this was the most effective place for them to work. The work on the greening of South Cambs Hall, which restricted the number of officers who work in the office, would be completed shortly and the Government’s Covid guidance was being relaxed. The Council Anywhere project allowed staff to continue to work from home if this was where they were most effective. He estimated that South Cambs Hall would eventually return to a 60% pre-covid occupancy rate. 

 

In response to Councillor Dr Claire Daunton’s supplementary question Councillor Gough explained that fewer staff in the office provided an opportunity for teams to collaborate more effectively and to generate income by renting out office space.

13d

Councillor Corinne Garvie

When will the ground source heat pumps be operational at South Cambs Hall?

 

Minutes:

When will the ground source heat pumps be operational at South Cambs Hall?

 

Councillor Neil Gough reported that he expected the work to fully completed by the end of June. In response to Councillor Garvie’s supplementary question, Councillor Gough explained that the Council planned to reduce its energy consumption by 50% which would significantly reduce costs. He added that due to the increase in energy prices the pay back period for this project had decreased from 20 years to approximately 10-15 years. 

13e

From Councillor Eileen Wilson

With the season for community events approaching, how are we planning to support community groups to reduce waste and increase recycling?

 

Minutes:

With the season for community events approaching, how are we planning to support community groups to reduce waste and increase recycling?

 

Councillor Brian Milnes explained that the Council continued to encourage village events to decrease their waste and promote recycling. The Council also supported community action days that provided skips for recyclable material and set up repair cafes. In response to Councillor Eileen Wilson’s supplementary question, Councillor Milnes agreed to ensure that parish councils were contacted regarding these events as their support was important. 

13f

Councillor Nick Wright

To the Leader:

 

It is nearly 4 years since you became leader. Do you have any regrets?

 

Minutes:

To the Leader:

It is nearly 4 years since you became leader: Do you have any regrets?

 

Councillor Nick Wright agreed to receive an answer to his question in writing. 

13g

Councillor Bunty Waters

To Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins:

 

South Cambs very proudly has purchased many properties through Ermine Street Housing, which give a healthy profit/return to the Council.

Will there be any available, and if so how many, should the Council offer homes to Ukraine refugees, whilst this war on their country rages?

 

Minutes:

South Cambs very proudly has purchased many properties through Ermine Street Housing which give a healthy profit/return to the Council.

Will there be any available, and if so how many, should the Council offer homes to Ukraine refugees, whilst this war on their country rages?

 

Councillor John Batchelor explained that two Ermine Street Housing properties were currently available for Ukrainian refugees and it was possible that more would become available in time. These would be from voids and there were usually at least 10 available at any one time. In response to Councillor Bunty Waters’ supplementary question, Councillor John Batchelor agreed that it was important to locate refugees in the best areas where the community could support them and facilities were available. 

13h

From Councillor Mark Howell

What is the Council's target for self-build houses this year?

 

Minutes:

What is the Council’s target for self-build houses this year?

 

Councillor Dr Tumi Hawkins reported that this year’s target was for 204 self-build homes. 

 

Councillor Mark Howell requested that that either the Leader or Lead Member for Planning attend a meeting of Caxton Parish Council to explain why 9 self-build homes had been granted planning permission on appeal in an area outside the village framework. Councillor Dr Hawkins agreed to attend a meeting of Caxton Parish Council as requested. She added that there was no five year land supply for self-build houses as suggested, but permission was given to those on the register. The self build register was in the process of being reviewed.

13i

From Councillor Steve Hunt

Does the Council have any energy supply contracts with Gazprom or any other Russian energy company?

 

Minutes:

Does the Council have any energy supply contracts with Gazprom or any other Russian energy company?

 

Councillor Neil Gough reported that the Council was not supplied by Gazprom. It was expected that if any of the Council’s suppliers obtained their gas from Russia they would be extracting themselves these contracts.

 

In response to Councillor Hunt’s supplementary question Councillor Neil Gough agreed that the war in Ukraine increased the need for renewable energy and the Council had its projects at both South Cambs Hall and Waterbeach Depot. The energy efficiency of the housing stock was being improved and zero carbon grants were being offered. 

13j

From Councillor Shrobona Bhattacharya

To the Leader:

 

Do the residents of Cambourne deserve to know the reasons why no High Street development took place during the last four years of Lib Dem tenures (2018 to 2022) when the plan for the same was in an advance stage?

 

Minutes:

Do the residents of Cambourne deserve to know the reasons why no High Street development took place during the last four years of Lib Dem tenures (2018 to 2022) when the plan for the same was in an advance stage?

 

Councillor Bridget Smith explained that the Council had been engaged with a developer for many years but the proposed development of the High Street at Cambourne had associated costs which were higher than would usually be expected for a project of this kind. Meetings were being held with the developer and it was hoped that a planning application would be submitted in due course.

 

In response to Councillor Dr Bhattacharya’s supplementary question Councillor Smith explained that the project was a long and complex process. Any planning application would need to meet the requirements required for approval and for the project would also need to be commercially viable. The delay in the process had been outside the Council’s control. The Leader recognised the need to keep the residents of Cambourne fully informed of the progress being made.

13k

From Councillor Graham Cone

How many electric charging points has SCDC had fitted throughout south Cambs via grants from government or out of their own budget over the last 4 years?

 

Minutes:

How many electric charging points has SCDC had fitted throughout South Cambs via grants from government or out of their own budget over the last 4 years?

 

Councillor Bridget Smith recognised the need for more charging points but reminded Council that there had been no extra funding from the Government for this. She reported that six electric charging points had been installed at the Waterbeach Depot for cars and three charging points had been installed for refuse vehicles. 12 charging points had been installed at 270 Science Park and 20 charge points were due to be installed at South Cambs Hall by the end of June this year. Three charge points would be installed at community room car parks.

 

There was insufficient time for Councillor Graham Cone to ask his supplementary question.

13l

Councillor Heather Williams

How many staff vacancies are there currently including where interims or agency workers are temporarily filling in posts?

 

Minutes:

How many staff vacancies are there currently including where interims or agency workers are temporarily filling in posts?

 

There was insufficient time to answer this question.

14.

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 part of the substantive motion, will have the right of reply before it is put to the vote.

14a

Standing in the name of Councillor Heather Williams

This council notes and supports the statement endorsed by the Local Government Association:

 

European local and regional governments strongly support their peers in Ukraine

We, local and regional leaders across Europe, strongly condemn the multiple attacks and violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We express our full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government. We will not accept that our European values and integrity be attacked again by the Russian Federation after the violation of Georgian territories by Russia in 2008. We are firmly opposed to the dismemberment of a free and democratic state in Europe.

 

The escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories are a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe. We call on the Federation of Russia to cease its attack, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories, including Donbas and Crimea.

Firmly convinced of local democracy and city diplomacy, based on the values of peace that unite our municipalities across Europe since 1951, we stand by the Ukrainian municipalities, cities, hromadas, districts, raions and their representative associations. They are in the front line to protect the population and provide basic services to offer them good quality living conditions and daily survival. The destruction of infrastructure by the belligerents jeopardises the efficient and safe maintenance of basic public services provided by Ukrainian local and regional governments to their citizens.

As European local and regional governments, representing 60 national associations across 40 European countries, including Ukraine, we will continue to work to support them in their efforts. Not only are we ready to support our peers in the country with the materials and expertise they may need in the days and weeks to come. Municipalities and regions will probably have to face soon the human consequences of such a tragedy for Europe, probably resulting in a flow of humanitarian refugees. Coordination with our national governments will be essential. 

As the European section of United Cities and Local Governments, let us hope that city diplomacy will soon unite us all again!

This council will:

  • Endorse the statement.
  • Support efforts by government to support those seeking refuge as a result of this conflict.
  • Fly the Ukraine flag in solidarity with our local government colleagues and the people of Ukraine.

Decision:

Council Agreed the following motion:

 

This council will:

·         Endorse the statement.

·         Pledge to support all those seeking refuge as a result of this conflict.

·         Work with Government but we need the Government to do more to establish accessible, swift and safe routes to the UK for all of those fleeing Ukraine and to assist local Councils in their work, welcoming and supporting refugees from Ukraine. This includes clarity on safeguarding measures, ongoing support once the initial period has passed and assistance for people seeking refuge to find work as soon as they wish after arrival.

·         Continue to fly the Ukraine flag in solidarity with our local government colleagues and the people of Ukraine.

Minutes:

European local and regional governments strongly support their peers in Ukraine

We, local and regional leaders across Europe, strongly condemn the multiple attacks and violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We express our full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government. We will not accept that our European values and integrity be attacked again by the Russian Federation after the violation of Georgian territories by Russia in 2008. We are firmly opposed to the dismemberment of a free and democratic state in Europe.

 

The escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories are a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe. We call on the Federation of Russia to cease its attack, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories, including Donbas and Crimea.

 

Firmly convinced of local democracy and city diplomacy, based on the values of peace that unite our municipalities across Europe since 1951, we stand by the Ukrainian municipalities, cities, hromadas, districts, raions and their representative associations. They are in the front line to protect the population and provide basic services to offer them good quality living conditions and daily survival. The destruction of infrastructure by the belligerents jeopardises the efficient and safe maintenance of basic public services provided by Ukrainian local and regional governments to their citizens.

As European local and regional governments, representing 60 national associations across 40 European countries, including Ukraine, we will continue to work to support them in their efforts. Not only are we ready to support our peers in the country with the materials and expertise they may need in the days and weeks to come. Municipalities and regions will probably have to face soon the human consequences of such a tragedy for Europe, probably resulting in a flow of humanitarian refugees. Coordination with our national governments will be essential. 

 

As the European section of United Cities and Local Governments, let us hope that city diplomacy will soon unite us all again!

This council will:

  • Endorse the statement.
  • Support efforts by government to support those seeking refuge as a result of this conflict.
  • Fly the Ukraine flag in solidarity with our local government colleagues and the people of Ukraine.

 

Councillor Heather Williams proposed the above Motion, praising the Ukrainians for their resistance to the invasion of their country. She accused Putin of undermining democracy and urged Council to support the Ukrainians and the Motion.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith proposed the following amendments to the Motion:

 

This council will:

  • Endorse the statement.
  • Pledge to sSupport all those efforts by government to support those seeking refuge as a result of this conflict.
  • Work with Government but we need the Government to do more to establish accessible, swift and safe routes to the UK for all of those fleeing Ukraine and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14a

14b

Standing in the name of Councillor Sue Ellington

This administration claims to be Green to the core. If this is the case why are National Highways being allowed to get away with allowing 80% of the trees, shrubs and hedgerow which they have planted along the A14 to die. Thousands of established trees, bushes and hedgerows were removed along the route which we were assured would be replaced twofold (Environment - Highways England (nationalhighways.co.uk).

 

This council condemns the inadequate provision of replacement trees, shrubs and hedgerows along the A14 and will write to National Highways demanding replacement plants are provided, planted, watered and cared for until they are established.

 

Decision:

Council Agreed the following motion:

 

This Council has a policy of being Green to its core. National Highways, in the construction of the A14, have failed to adequately maintain and nurture the newly planted trees, shrubs and bushes. According to a 2020 survey, 94% of the trees planted had died. These were intended to replace thousands of established trees, bushes and hedgerows which were removed along the route which we were assured would be replaced twofold (Environment – National Highways (nationalhighways.co.uk).

 

National Highways has therefore failed to deliver the large tree planting initiative that was intended to be an important part of the environmental legacy of the project. This Council notes the following statement from National Highways issued in the last few days, in response to a County Council motion adopted last week.

 

  • A tree/land survey (conducted by specialists) is set to take place early to mid-April (weather dependant) to assess whether there are any underlying issues with tree planting in the area.
  • The results will help it determine which species of tree are best suited to the ground conditions.
  • The area will be maintained for the next 6 months before replanting takes place in early October.
  • We’ll be able to inform nearby residents of our plans once we have the results of the tree\land survey in the next 4-6 weeks.

 

This Council condemns the inadequate provision of replacement trees, shrubs and hedgerows along the A14 and will write to National Highways demanding replacement plants are provided, planted, watered and cared for until they are established, state that it will be monitoring the progress of these remedial actions, will hold them to account in order to deliver on the environmental legacy promised, and to ensure that the same problems do not arise on the similar and imminent A428 project.

Minutes:

This administration claims to be Green to the core. If this is the case why are National Highways being allowed to get away with allowing 80% of the trees, shrubs and hedgerow which they have planted along the A14 to die. Thousands of established trees, bushes and hedgerows were removed along the route which we were assured would be replaced twofold (Environment - Highways England (nationalhighways.co.uk).

 

This council condemns the inadequate provision of replacement trees, shrubs and hedgerows along the A14 and will write to National Highways demanding replacement plants are provided, planted, watered and cared for until they are established.

 

Councillor Sue Ellington explained that the A14 improvements had resulted in the removal of trees, bushes and the established wildlife. Highways England had promised to replace these with trees and hedges but approximately 95% of these had died as they had not been properly cared for. She urged Council to support the motion.

 

Councillor Brian Milnes proposed the following amendments to the Motion:

 

This administration claims to beThis Council has a policy of being Green to the Core. National Highways, in the construction of the A14, have failed to adequately maintain and nurture the newly planted trees, shrubs and bushes. According to a 2020 survey, 94% of the trees planted had died. These were intended toreplace. If this is the case why are National Highways being allowed to get away with allowing 80% of the trees, shrubs and hedgerow which they have planted along the A14 to die. Thousands of established trees, bushes and hedgerows which were removed along the route which we were assured would be replaced twofold (Environment - Highways England (nationalhighways.co.uk).

National Highways has therefore failed to deliver the large tree planting initiative that was intended to be an important part of the environmental legacy of the project. This Council notes the following statement from National Highways issued in the last few days, in response to a County Council motion adopted last week.

  • A tree/land survey (conducted by specialists) is set to take place early to mid-April (weather dependant) to assess whether there are any underlying issues with tree planting in the area.
  • The results will help it determine which species of tree are best suited to the ground conditions.
  • The area will be maintained for the next 6 months before replanting takes place in early October.
  • We’ll be able to inform nearby residents of our plans once we have the results of the tree\land survey in the next 4-6 weeks.

 

This council condemns the inadequate provision of replacement trees, shrubs and hedgerows along the A14 and will write to National Highways demanding replacement plants are provided, planted, watered and cared for until they are established, state that it will be monitoring the progress of these remedial actions, will hold them to account in order to deliver on the environmental legacy promised, and to ensure that the same problems do not arise on the similar and imminent A428  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14b

14c

Standing in the name of Councillor Alex Malyon

 

Council notes that in May this year we will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the first residents moving into Northstowe.  This new community will ultimately grow to be the largest new town in the UK in decades. Northstowe is an exemplar of high standards in community building and sustainability, and this council should be proud of the role it has played in bringing this complex development forward. Council recognizes the immense, hands-on effort and oversight that has been required to guide Northstowe to this point and drive community development which has seen Northstowe already grow into a strong and active community.  This council is now taking a direct role in bringing forward vital community buildings, the Phase 1 enterprise zone, and Civic Hub, which will house the town’s health centre.  We are grateful to the many officers for their continuing hard work and dedication to delivering these projects and most especially our community development officers who have continued to represent the Council positively within the community throughout lockdown and COVID restrictions.

Council further notes that Northstowe is at a crucial stage, with permission recently granted for phases 3A and B, work underway on Phase 2 and more residents continuing to join the community in phase 1. While we celebrate reaching this point, there is still a long way to go on the journey for this new community in the heart of South Cambridgeshire.

Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to the success of Northstowe and its growing community, and further commits to continue to explore, in consultation with residents and the Town Council, ways in which facilities so vital to this community can be delivered most effectively. Recognizing the essential nature of these facilities, this Council commits to investigate contingencies for provision of GP services, community space, and a convenience store.  

 

Decision:

Council Agreed the following motion:

Council notes that in May this year we will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the first residents moving into Northstowe.  This new community will ultimately grow to be the largest new town in the UK in decades. Northstowe is an exemplar of high standards in community building and sustainability, and this council should be proud of the role it has played in bringing this complex development forward. Council recognizes the immense, hands-on effort and oversight that has been required to guide Northstowe to this point and drive community development which has seen Northstowe already grow into a strong and active community.  This council is now taking a direct role in bringing forward vital community buildings, the Phase 1 enterprise zone, and Civic Hub, which will house the town’s health centre.  We are grateful to the many officers for their continuing hard work and dedication to delivering these projects and most especially our community development officers who have continued to represent the Council positively within the community throughout lockdown and COVID restrictions.

Council further notes that Northstowe is at a crucial stage, with permission recently granted for phases 3A and B, work underway on Phase 2 and more residents continuing to join the community in phase 1. While we celebrate reaching this point, there is still a long way to go on the journey for this new community in the heart of South Cambridgeshire.

Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to the success of Northstowe and its growing community, and further commits to continue to explore, in consultation with residents and the Town Council, ways in which facilities so vital to this community can be delivered most effectively. Recognizing the essential nature of these facilities, this Council commits to investigate contingencies for provision of GP services, community space, and a convenience store. 

Minutes:

Council notes that in May this year we will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the first residents moving into Northstowe.  This new community will ultimately grow to be the largest new town in the UK in decades. Northstowe is an exemplar of high standards in community building and sustainability, and this council should be proud of the role it has played in bringing this complex development forward. Council recognizes the immense, hands-on effort and oversight that has been required to guide Northstowe to this point and drive community development which has seen Northstowe already grow into a strong and active community.  This council is now taking a direct role in bringing forward vital community buildings, the Phase 1 enterprise zone, and Civic Hub, which will house the town’s health centre.  We are grateful to the many officers for their continuing hard work and dedication to delivering these projects and most especially our community development officers who have continued to represent the Council positively within the community throughout lockdown and COVID restrictions.

Council further notes that Northstowe is at a crucial stage, with permission recently granted for phases 3A and B, work underway on Phase 2 and more residents continuing to join the community in phase 1. While we celebrate reaching this point, there is still a long way to go on the journey for this new community in the heart of South Cambridgeshire.

Council therefore reaffirms its commitment to the success of Northstowe and its growing community, and further commits to continue to explore, in consultation with residents and the Town Council, ways in which facilities so vital to this community can be delivered most effectively. Recognizing the essential nature of these facilities, this Council commits to investigate contingencies for provision of GP services, community space, and a convenience store.  

Councillor Alex Malyon explained that both she and Councillor Sarah Cheung-Johnson felt privileged to represent Northstowe, which had developed into a thriving community of 1,000 homes and had its own Town Council. This was an opportune moment for the Council to reaffirm its commitment to Northstowe, support its development and where necessary look for contingencies in service delivery.

 

Councillor Bill Handley said that the Council had helped Northstowe to develop into a thriving community. He fully supported this Motion which was related to a decision that the Council would have to make shortly regarding the provision of interim community facilities.

 

Councillor Sue Ellington supported the developing community of Northstowe but she expressed concern regarding the processing of the sewage from the new town. She urged the Council to put pressure on Anglian Water to resolve this matter. She stated that due to this issue she would have to abstain. 


Councillor Neil Gough expressed his support for the Motion and in ensuring that Northstowe would be a model for other thriving communities. He added that many residents of Rampton were benefiting from the school and other facilities which now existed at Northstowe.

 

Councillor Heather Williams expressed her support for the Motion.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14c

15.

Chair's Engagements

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

 

Date

Venue / Event

 18 March                    Fenland District Council Chairman’s Reception

Minutes:

Councillor Anna Bradnam stated that in addition to the Chair’s engagements on the agenda she had:

·         Planted a tree on 11 March as part of the Queen’s green canopy project on behalf of the Council on land owned by the authority on Musgrove Way, Fen Ditton. 

·         On 21 March the Chair had attended the unveiling of a blue plaque for the astronomer Fred Hoyle who had invented the phrase “big bang theory”.

16.

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 paragraph 3 of Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Anna Bradnam proposed, Councillor Peter Fane seconded and Council by affirmation,

 

Resolved      that the press and public 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 paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act).

16a

Northstowe Acquisition of Interim Community Facilities (Cabinet/22 March 2022)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council  

 

Agreed          the recommendation in paragraph 8 of the confidential report.

Minutes:

Council  

 

Agreed          the recommendation in paragraph 8 of the confidential report.