Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Virtual Meeting

Contact: Committee Services 

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL

To elect the Chairman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2020/21.

Minutes:

1.1          Councillor Arthey MOVED the nomination of Councillor Kathryn Grandon as Chair of the Council and Councillor Carpendale SECONDED the proposal.

 

By 28 votes to 0 votes, 1 abstention

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Councillor Kathryn Grandon be elected as Chair of the Council for the Municipal year 2020/21

 

 

1.2             The Chair thanked Clive Arthey for proposing and Sue Carpendale, for seconding her, for her second term as Chairman of Babergh District Council. 

 

1.3             She also thanked her fellow Councillors for supporting her.  In particular, in particular she thanked the Vice Chairman, Adrian Osborne, for his support for the past year and a half, sometimes being asked to stand in for her at short notice and always offering to do whatever he could to be of assistance and for his enthusiasm for all things to do with the Council.  She also thanked the Democratic Services and Civic Office Teams for all the work they have done to support her role – it was often work that was not seen, but was vital in helping the Chairman’s role run smoothly.  She was truly honoured to be selected for a second term as Chairman.  

 

She said it was ‘unprecedented’ times.  When Members were all elected in May 2019, who would have thought that a year later the District would be in lockdown? May 2019 was such a different world.   Organising the Count following the Election would be an interesting prospect now and the Annual Meeting 2019 certainly looked markedly different from this Annual Meeting 2020.

 

The Chair’s first term had been a year of two halves. She had been proud to represent Babergh District Council at so many interesting events and she had attended such occasions with relish and had taken her Civic duties very seriously.   Hadleigh, the town she represented, had clearly enjoyed the fact that she had been given the honour of Chairing the Council and invited her to open Hadleigh on Show, amongst other events.

 

The second half of her term was rather a contrast.  Along with all other events, her planned fund-raising Chairman’s Charity Ball had to be cancelled. But while the crisis of the pandemic had seen many special events cancelled and more importantly in some cases, seen loss of life and livelihood, there had also been times of optimism; doing things differently and Members could be proud of the Council and communities pulling together, showing empathy, working hard and extending a helping hand to those in need.

She had been asked which charity she planned to support in this her second term.  She regretted she had not been able to give as much, as she would have liked to her chosen charity, Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance, last year.  The Ball was intended to do that in a big way.  Two local companies and a private individual generously gave donations for her charities – she had added Hadleigh Sea Scouts and 5th Hadleigh St Mary’s Guides while planning the Ball.  But of course, without the Ball,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL

To elect the Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2020/21.

 

Minutes:

2.1               Councillor Ward MOVED the proposal for Councillor Adrian Osborne to be Vice-Chair of the Council, which was SECONDED by Councillor Beer.

 

By 28 votes to 0 votes, 1 abstention

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Councillor Adrian Osborne be elected as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Municipal year 2020/21.

 

2.1            Councillor Adrian Osborne thereupon made his Declaration of Office.

 

2.2            Councillor Adrian Osborne thanked Councillors for voting for him as Vice-Chair of the Council, and the Democratic Services and Civic Office Team for their support

 

3.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS

Minutes:

3.1               Councillor Mick Fraser declared a local non-pecuniary interest in Item 10, as the Armed Forces Champion for Suffolk County Council.

 

3.2               Councillor Margaret Maybury declared a local non-pecuniary interest in Item 10, as a Director and Trustee of Sudbury and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

 

3.3               Councillor Jan Osborne declared a local non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 as a Trustee of Sudbury and District Citizens Advice Bureau

4.

BC/20/1 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 21 JULY 2020 pdf icon PDF 442 KB

Minutes:

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 July 2020 be confirmed and signed as a true record.

5.

BC/20/2 ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND LEADER pdf icon PDF 17 KB

In addition to any announcements made at the meeting, please see Paper BC/20/2 attached, detailing events attended by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

 

Minutes:

5.1       The Chair drew Members attention to Paper BC/20/2, which was for noting.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Paper BC/20/2, Announcements from the Chairman be noted.

 

 

5.2       The Chair invited the Leader of the Council to make his announcements.

 

5.3       Councillor Ward commented on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic within the District and highlighted the ongoing financial implications and said:

 

5.4       It was great that the technology was available to enable Members to meet in these difficult times and that everyone had adapted very quickly to this new way of working. Further improvements were being trialled – particularly to enable online voting through the latest version of the Modern.gov app.

 

5.5       He wanted to take this opportunity to thank all officers for the huge effort they have made over the past four months to maintain services, whilst at the same time supporting businesses, communities and residents to cope with the effects of lockdown. Many had been redeployed to focus on the Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis and had been working very long hours, including weekends. The response in Babergh and Mid Suffolk and across the whole county had been exemplary. The Council had distributed government financial support to a wide range of small businesses very quickly and been part of the county-wide response to support the homeless and eliminate rough sleeping.  The Council had distributed its own community grants and supported those who had been shielded by ensuring they have food and medical supplies, and advice and support. Everyone involved deserves thanks and gratitude. But this would not have been possible without the senior leadership team who had been simply inspiring to work with. The Council was now moving from the ‘response’ phase to ‘recovery’, which would have its own challenges, as the Council focused on giving as much support as possible to businesses to safeguard existing jobs and provide new ones.

 

6.

DESIGNATION OF COMMITTEES AND JOINT COMMITTEES

To appoint the following Committees and Joint Committees:

·               Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·               Planning Committee

·               Babergh Licensing and Regulatory Committee

·               Joint Audit and Standards Committee

·               Joint Appointments Committee

Minutes:

6.1            To appoint the following Committees and Joint Committees:

 

·        Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·        Planning Committee

·        Babergh Licensing and Regulatory Committee

·        Joint Audit and Standards Committee

·        Joint Appointments Committee

 

 

6.2            Councillor Ward MOVED the proposal, which was SECONDED by Councillor Jan Osborne.

 

By a unanimous vote

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That the following Committees and Joint Committees be appointed:

 

·        Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·        Planning Committee

·        Babergh Licensing and Regulatory Committee

·        Joint Audit and Standards Committee

·        Joint Appointments Committee

 

7.

BC/20/3 POLITICAL BALANCE AND COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 135 KB

Monitoring Officer

Additional documents:

Minutes:

7.1           The Monitoring Officer introduced paper BC/20/3 Political Balance and Composition of Committees and Appendices A and B.  The Monitoring Officer advised Members of the alteration to Appendix B contained in the tabled papers circulated to Members.

 

7.2           Councillor Ward MOVED recommendations 2.1 and 2.2 in the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Jan Osborne.

 

By a unanimous vote

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

1.1            That the Committees’ size and numerical allocation of seats be approved as detailed in Appendix A of the report.

 

1.2            That Committee Members be appointed as set out in Appendix B of tabled papers.

8.

ELECTION OF CHAIRS AND VICE-CHAIRS OF COMMITTEES pdf icon PDF 86 KB

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Article 6 (6.2.1)) the Leader shall take up Chairmanship of the Cabinet.

To elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the following Committees and Joint Committees:

·       Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·       Planning Committee

·       Babergh Licensing and Regulatory Committee

·       Joint Audit and Standards Committee

·       Joint Appointments Committee

Minutes:

8.1               The Chair advised that the tabled nominations for Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the following Committees would be taken first:

 

·         Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee

·         Joint Audit and Standards Committee

·         Joint Appointments Committee

 

8.2               On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Carpendale and SECONDED by Councillor Busby it was RESOLVED by a unanimous votethat

 

Councillor Alastair McCraw be elected as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the municipal year 2020 – 2021.

 

Councillor Adrian Osborne be elected as Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the municipal year 2020 – 2021.

 

Councillor Bryn Hurren be elected as Co-Chair of the Joint Audit and Standards Committee for the municipal year 2020 – 2021.

 

Councillor John Ward be elected as Co-Chair of the Joint Appointments Committee for the municipal year 2020 – 2021.

 

8.3            The Chair asked for nominations for Chairs and Vice-chairs for the following Committees for the year 2020/21:

          

·        Planning Committee

·        Licensing and Regulatory Committee

 

8.4               Councillor Barrett PROPOSED that Councillor Peter Beer be elected as Chair of the Planning Committee and was SECONDED by Councillor Malvisi.

 

8.5               Councillor Arthey PROPOSED that Councillor Stephen Plumb be elected as Chair of the Planning Committee and was SECONDED by Councillor Hinton.

 

By 16 votes for Councillor Beer and 14 votes for Councillor Plumb.

 

It was RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Peter Beer be elected as Chair of the Planning Committee for the municipal year 2020/21.

 

8.6               On the PROPOSAL of Councillor McCraw and SECONDED by Councillor Hinton, it was RESOLVED by a unanimous vote thatCouncillor Stephen Plumb be elected as Vice-chair of the Planning Committee for the municipal year 2020/21.

 

Note: Councillor Holt left the meeting at 6:29 pm.

 

8.7                   On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Jan Osborne and SECONDED by Councillor Carpendale, it was RESOLVED by a unanimous vote thatCouncillor Mark Newman be elected as Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee for the municipal year 2020/21.

 

8.8                   On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Hurren and SECONDED by Councillor Beer, it was RESOLVED by a unanimous vote thatCouncillor Sue Carpendale be elected as Vice-chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee for the municipal year 2020/21.

 

 

9.

BC/20/4 APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE BODIES FOR 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 130 KB

Leader of the Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

10.1           The Chair referred to Paper BC/20/4 and Appendix A in the
tabled papers and invited the Leader to introduce the paper.

 

10.2           Councillor Ward informed Members that there were no changes to the appointments from the previous municipal year.  Councillor Ward MOVED recommendation 2.1, which was SECONDED by Councillor Arthey.

 

Note: Councillor Maybury left the meeting at 6:39pm.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Councillors be appointed to the Outside Bodies as detailed in Appendix A of the tabled papers for the report.

 

NAME OF BODY OR PANEL

NAME OF MEMBER NOMINATED

ASSOCIATION FOR SUFFOLK MUSEUMS

John Nunn

BABERGH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE FORUM

Mary McLaren

EAST OF ENGLAND ASSEMBLY OF LEADERS  

The Leader

GAINSBOROUGH’S HOUSE SOCIETY

Jan Osborne

GREENWAYS COUNTRYSIDE PROJECT JAC

Ric Hardacre

Zachary Norman

HAVEN GATEWAY PARTNERSHIP

Michael Holt

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Bryn Hurren

IPSWICH STRATEGIC PLANNING AREA BOARD

Lee Parker

JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PARTNERSHIP TO DEDHAM VALE (AONB)

John Nunn

Derek Davis

 

JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND PARTNERSHIP TO SUFFOLK COAST AND HEATH

JOINT WASTE MANAGEMENT BOARD

Elisabeth Malvisi

(Clive Arthey)

LOCAL   GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION –   SPARSE

John Ward

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION ASSEMBLY

The Leader

PIN MILL BAY MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY

Bryn Hurren

SUDBURY AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Adrian Osborne

SUFFOLK COASTAL FORUM

Derek Davis

SUFFOLK FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENET SCRUTINY SUB-COMMITTEE

Alastair McCraw
(Jane Gould)

SUFFOLK HEALTH AND WELLBEING BOARD

Derek Davis

SUFFOLK HEALTH SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

Mary McLaren

(Sue Ayres)

SUFFOLK JOINT EMERGENCY PLANNING POLICY PANEL

Sue Ayres

(Sue Carpendale)

SUFFOLK POLICE AND CRIME PANEL

Peter Beer

SUFFOLK RAIL POLICY GROUP      

Alastair McCraw

SUFFOLK VIOLENCE AND ABUSE PARTNERSHIP

Mary McLaren

SUFFOLK WASTE PARTNERSHIP (SWP)

Clive Arthey

THE QUAY THEATRE SUDBURY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OBSERVER

Stephen Plumb

WESTERN SUFFOLK COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP

Mary McLaren

Armed Forces Covenant

John Hinton
(Armed Forces Champion)

East Suffolk Internal Drainage Board

East West Rail Consortium

Michael Holt

 

 

10.

APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLORS TO THE SHARED REVENUES PARTNERSHIP JOINT COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 80 KB

The Assistant Director – Law and Governance to report that, in accordance with the joint arrangements established with Mid Suffolk District Council and Ipswich Borough Council, Council is asked to appoint two Cabinet Members and two substitutes to serve on the Committee for the Current municipal year.

The political balance rules do not apply to Babergh’s appointees. 

Minutes:

10.1 Councillor Ward PROPOSED the nominations in the tabled papers under item 11, which was SECONDED by Councillor Beer.

 

Note: Councillor Carpendale left the meeting at 6:42 pm.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Councillors Jan Osborne and Derek Davis be appointed as Members of the Shared Revenues Partnership Joint Committee and that Councillors John Ward and Lee Parker be appointed as substitute Members for the Municipal year 2020/21.

11.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE SUFFOLK JOINT STANDARDS BOARD pdf icon PDF 81 KB

The Assistant Director – Law and Governance to report that, in accordance with the joint arrangements established with Mid Suffolk District Council and Suffolk County Council, Council is asked to appoint three Councillors to serve on the Board for the current municipal year.

The political balance rules do not apply to Babergh’s appointees who cannot be:

·        The Chairman of the Council

·        Members of the Cabinet

Minutes:

11.1           Councillor Busby PROPOSED the nominations in the Tabled Papers under item 12, which was SECONDED by Councillor Malvisi.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Councillors Bryn Hurren, Adrian Osborne and Alastair McCraw be appointed as Members of the Suffolk Joint Standards Board for the municipal year 2020 to 2021.

12.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE JOINT GYPSY AND TRAVELLER STEERING GROUP pdf icon PDF 82 KB

Council is asked to appoint four Councillors to the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group.

Minutes:

12.1           The Chair stated that Council was asked to appoint four Councillors to the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group.

 

12.2           Councillor Jamieson PROPOSED the nominations in the tabled papers under item 13, which was SECONDED by Councillor Adrian Osborne.

 

Note: Councillor Davis left the meeting at 6:48 pm.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

That Councillors Sue Ayres, Lee Parker, Jane Gould and Alison Owen be appointed to the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group for the Municipal year 2020/21.

13.

APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL WORKING GROUPS pdf icon PDF 311 KB

Council is asked to appoint Councillors to the following Working Groups:

 

·                Community Governance Review Working Group

·                Constitution Working Group

·                Member Learning & Development Working Group

·                Local Plan Working Group

Minutes:

13.1           The Chair advised that Council was asked to appoint Members to the following Council Working Groups:

 

·        Community Governance Review Working Group

·        Constitution Working Group

·        Member Learning and Development Working Group

·        Local Plan Working Group

 

13.2           Councillor Ward PROPOSED the nominations of Councillors as detailed in the tabled papers under item 14, which was SECONDED by Councillor Malvisi.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

1.1            That Councillors Zac Norman and Lee Parker be appointed to the Community Governance Review Working Group

 

1.2            That Councillors Dave Busby, Stephen Plumb and Elisabeth Malvisi be appointed to the Constitution Working Group

 

1.3            That Councillors Sue Carpendale, Adrian Osborne and Derek Davis be appointed to the Member Learning and Development Working Group

 

1.4            That Councillors Clive Arthey, Sue Carpendale, Peter Beer, Leigh Jamieson and Dave Busby (Substitute) be appointed to the Local Plan Working Group

 

 

 

14.

BC/20/5 EXTENSION TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT PERSONS FOR CODE OF CONDUCT COMPLAINTS pdf icon PDF 121 KB

Monitoring Officer

Minutes:

14.1           The Monitoring Officer introduced report BC/20/5 which sought Councils approval to extend the appointment of the independent persons for a further two years.

 

14.2           Councillor Malvisi PROPOSED the recommendations, which was SECONDED by Councillor Arthey.

 

14.3           Councillor Hinton commented that a report had not been received updating the Council on the number of Code of Conduct complaints.

 

14.4           The Monitoring Officer confirmed that a quarterly report was usually presented to the Joint Audit and Standards Committee, however this had not been possible due to the extensive agenda items for the Committee.  In addition, the Committee had not been able to meet due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. She added that typically complaints were around five a month, however the independent persons would only be involved in particular complaints, as the Monitoring Officer dealt with most complaints.

 

14.5           Councillor Hinton enquired whether the complaints received were of a County, District or Town and Parish level.

 

14.6           In response the Monitoring Officer confirmed that complaints relating to the County Council were dealt with by the Monitoring Officer at Suffolk County Council.  The majority of complaints received by this Council related to Town and Parish Councils.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: _

 

That the appointment of the three Independent Persons listed in section 3 of the report be extended for a further two years pursuant to section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011.

15.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM COMMITTEES

Minutes:

15.1           The Chair invited Councillor Hurren, Chair of the Joint Audit and Standards Committee, to move the recommendations in Report JAC/19/24.

15a

JAC/19/24 ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 147 KB

At its meeting on 11 August 2020, the Joint Audit and Standards Committee considered Paper JAC/19/24 – Annual Treasury Management Report 2019/20.

 

The recommendations set out in the report were accepted.

 

It was RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

 

1)   That the Treasury Management activity for the year 2019/20 be noted. Further, that it be noted that performance was in line with the Prudential Indicators set for 2019/20.

 

2)   That it be noted that Babergh District Council treasury management activity for 2019/20 was in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Strategy, and that the Council has complied with all the Treasury Management Indicators for this period.

 

Note – It is a requirement of the legislation that the Annual Treasury Management Report is submitted to the Full Council for noting.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

15a.1    Councillor Hurren introduced Report JAC/19/24 Annual Treasury Management Report 2019/20, which provided details of the performance and effects of decisions taken during the 2019/20 period.

 

15a.2   Councillor Hurren commented on the financial implications that the Covid-19 Pandemic has had and provided details of the Council’s investments, which was listed in Appendix C of the report.

 

15a.3   Councillor Hurren then provided details of the Councils investments which were listed in Appendix C of the report.

 

15a.4   Councillor Hurren MOVED recommendations 3.1 and 3.2 in the report.

 

Note: The meeting adjourned between 7:05pm and 7:15pm.

 

15a.5   The recommendations in the report were SECONDED by Councillor Ward.

 

15a.6   Councillor McCraw commented that the report had received proper consideration from the Joint Audit and Standards Committee.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

1.1               That the Treasury Management activity for the year 2019/20 be noted. Further, that it be noted that performance was in line with the Prudential Indicators set for 2019/20.

 

1.2       That it be noted that Babergh District Council treasury management activity for 2019/20 was in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Strategy, and that the Council had complied with all the Treasury Management Indicators for this period.

 

Note: Councillor Dawson experienced IT Issues at 7:18pm but re-joined the meeting before the next item.

16.

BC/20/6 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PLAN 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 217 KB

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Additional documents:

Minutes:

16.1           Councillor McCraw introduced report BC/20/6, which described the work plan for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the municipal year.

 

16.2           Members were advised that the work of the Committee had been interrupted during the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic, however meetings had now resumed.

 

16.3           Members thanked Councillor McCraw and Councillor Osborne for their hard work on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

16.4           Councillor Busby suggested that the Committee considered the effectiveness of joint meetings between Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council, in particular the Cabinet meetings, Cabinet Briefings and Joint Audit and Standards Committees.

 

16.5           In response Councillor McCraw observed that as many of the issues dealt with by both the Joint Audit and Standards Committee and the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committees were relevant to both Council’s, it  was beneficial for both Councils to be working together and personally he had not felt that this posed any issues.

 

16.6           Councillor McCraw went on to comment that decisions regarding Cabinet meetings would be for Cabinet make.

 

16.7           Councillor Davis agreed that it would be worthwhile for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to look at the issue of joint meetings.

 

16.8           Councillor McCraw thanked the Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Members who have attended meetings, the Officers who support and attend meetings, and the Cabinet Members.

 

16.9           In response to a query from Councillor Hinton regarding annual monitoring reports from various departments, Councillor McCraw advised that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee do not have responsibility to scrutinise these reports.

 

16.10       The Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities advised Members that the Annual Monitoring Report for Planning had previously been published in September, however additional steps imposed in respect of public consultation this year had led to a delay in the publishing of the report. He went on to advise that the report would be published imminently.

 

It was RESOLVED:-

 

That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Work Plan for 2020/21 be noted.

 

 

17.

WHITE PAPER: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE pdf icon PDF 4 MB

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities to submit a response to the consultation on the White Paper: Planning for the Future on behalf of the Council, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and the same cross-party group that considered the changes to the current planning system consultation.

 

Cabinet Member for Planning

Minutes:

17.1           Councillor Arthey provided Members with an overview of the White Paper: Planning for the Future being consulted on by the Government.

 

17.2           Members were advised that an accompanying report had not been prepared for this item due to time constraints, and that a further Council meeting would not be held before the consultation end date. It was therefore recommended that authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities to prepare a response.

 

17.3           Councillor Arthey highlighted the main issues outlined in the proposals.

 

17.4           The recommendation in the tabled papers was PROPOSED by Councillor Arthey and SECONDED by Councillor Ward.

 

17.5           Councillor McCraw expressed concerns over the proposed changes.

 

17.6           Councillor Ward commented that there are some merits within the proposals in particular with regard to the zoning system and housing design.

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED:-

 

That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities to submit a response to the consultation on the White Paper: Planning for the Future on behalf of the Council, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and the same cross-party group that considered the changes to the current planning system consultation.

18.

BC/20/7 CHANGES TO THE CURRENT PLANNING SYSTEM CONSULTATION pdf icon PDF 315 KB

Cabinet Member for Planning

Additional documents:

Minutes:

18.1           Report BC/20/7, Changes to the Current Planning System Consultation, was introduced by Councillor Arthey.

 

18.2           Councillor Arthey advised that the draft responses contained in the report followed a detailed cross-Council, cross-party discussion held on 10 September 2020 and expressed concerns with the proposals made.

 

18.3           Councillor Arthey PROPOSED the recommendations in the report, and this was SECONDED by Councillor Hinton.

 

18.4           In response to a query from Councillor Hardacre in relation to height restrictions, the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities referred to the answer for question 26 and clarified that it was felt that a blanket restrictions would not work for all developments and that considerations should be provided for the individual development. He advised that further questions could be discussed outside of the meeting.

 

18.5           Councillor Ward commented on the numbers of concerns raised by the proposals, in particular the increase in housing numbers in the District.

 

18.6           Councillor Osborne commended the Members and Officers on the work carried out and expressed concern over the affordable housing element of the proposals.

 

18.7           Councillor Lindsay stated that he believed a Housing Strategy was needed to enable the Councils to build their own houses.

 

18.8           Councillor McCraw expressed concerns over who benefitted from the proposed changes.

 

18.9           Councillor Arthey thanked the Members from both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils involved in the responses.

 

Note: Councillor Newman and Councillor Nunn left the meeting at 7:59pm

 

By a unanimous vote.

 

It was RESOLVED: -

 

1.1            To respond to the ‘Changes to the Planning System’ consultation.

 

1.2      That the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities in collaboration with the Cabinet Members for Planning consider any proposed amendments to the suggested response and be authorised to make amendments before submitting a response to Government.