Venue: Virtual Meeting
Contact: Committee Services
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ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL To elect the Chairman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2020/21. Minutes: 1.1 Councillor Lavinia Hadingham asked for nominations for Chairman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2020/21.
1.2 Councillor Eburne proposed Councillor Penny Otton as Chairman of the Council and was seconded by Councillor Field.
1.3 Councillor Morley proposed Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE as Chairman of the Council and was seconded by Councillor Hicks.
1.4 The vote for Councillor Otton was 17 For and 17 Against.
1.5 The vote for Councillor Humphreys was 17 For and 17 Against.
1.6 Due to a deadlock vote, the Chair Councillor Hadingham exercised her casting vote in favour of Councillor Humphreys.
By the Chair’s casting vote
It was RESOLVED:-
That Councillor Barry Humphreys MBE be appointed Chairman of the Council for the Municipal Year 2020/21.
1.7 Councillor Humphreys thereupon made his Declaration of Office.
1.8 Councillor Humphreys thanked everyone who had voted for him as Chair of the Council, and Councillor Hadingham for her service in the previous Municipal year. Councillor Humphreys announced his chosen charity would be Stowmarket Dementia Action Alliance.
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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 Matthissen proposed Councillor Rowland Warboys and was seconded by Councillor Mansel.
2.2 Councillor Muller proposed Councillor Paul Ekpenyong and was seconded by Councillor Hadingham.
2.3 The vote for Councillor Warboys was 17 For and 17 Against.
2.4 The vote for Councillor Ekpenyong was 17 For and 17 Against.
2.5 Due to a deadlock vote, the Chairman, Councillor Humphreys, exercised his casting vote in favour of Councillor Ekpenyong.
By the Chair’s casting vote
It was RESOLVED:-
That Councillor Paul Ekpenyong be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Municipal year 2020/21.
2.6 Councillor Paul Ekpenyong thereupon made his Declaration of Office.
Councillor Ekpenyong thanked Members for voting for him as Vice-Chair of the Council. |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: 3.1 There were no apologies received.
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS Minutes: 4.1 There were no declarations of interests declared.
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MC/20/1 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23 JULY 2020 PDF 461 KB Minutes: It was RESOLVED:-
That the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2020 be confirmed and signed as a true record.
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LEADER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: 6.1 Councillor Morley, the Leader made her announcements and said that throughout the year and especially over the past 6 months of COVID-19, she would like to recognise all the staff as the ‘unsung heroes’ of local government. The Council’s staff had worked through, sometimes, difficult personal circumstances, always with the best interests of Mid Suffolk residents at the forefront of their minds. Members recognised what had been achieved in managing, and helping to mitigate, the spread of COVID-19 in addition to maintaining vital services to residents and communities. Mid Suffolk remained one of the safest places to live, with only two new confirmed cases within the last week, the lowest number across the whole of Suffolk. So “Stick with It Suffolk” – we can do this! She also wanted to pay tribute to Councillors, who have continued to represent their residents and helped share important public messages. “Working Together” are achieving good outcomes for the people who live or work in Mid Suffolk.
6.2 Councillor Morley then highlighted some of the Council’s achievements:
· Paddock House redevelopment received the go ahead – creating 16 affordable homes in Eye. · The Council had received £800,000 Government funding for electricity micro generation and solar storage car ports, as part of the Climate Change initiatives. · Great progress had been made on the Regal Theatre refurbishment and extension as part of the Stowmarket visioning work. · Gateway 14 consultation was underway. This was an opportunity for the community to be heard and would help to support our economic recovery. · A £200k investment in Stradbroke Pool & Fitness Centre had been completed and a £2.2m upgrade and extension to Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket was now underway, including a new gym, poolside features and changing rooms. · CIL awards – eg improvements to Thurston Railway Station, new electrical vehicle charging points in Stowmarket, improvements to the Moors Lane children’s play area in Eye, a new car park in Debenham and conversion of the Granary in Wingfield into a children’s nursery. Each of these were creating communities with bright and healthy futures. · “Working Together “with Babergh, the Council had secured £100,000 to provide safe and warm accommodation for homeless people and rough sleepers this winter. · Inaugural Innovation Awards 2020 had been launched – this was recognising forward thinking businesses large and small (27th Sept closing date for nominations, held virtually on 3rd Nov).
6.3 The Leader then thanked Councillor Hadingham who had approached the role of Chair with energy and enthusiasm, both within the Chamber and as part of her Civic functions. It was a shame that the last 6 months had curtailed some of her duties out and about in our Communities, however her chosen charities had benefited from her endeavours to the tune of £1244.78. Councillor Hadingham had been, perhaps, an unconventional Chair with her somewhat irreverent style and she had kept Members on their toes throughout. She was determined that Councillor Hadingham’s talents would not go to waste and she would like to take this opportunity ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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DESIGNATION OF COMMITTEES AND JOINT COMMITTEES To appoint the following Committees and Joint Committees: · Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee · Development Control Committee A · Development Control Committee B · Planning Referrals Committee · Mid Suffolk Licensing and Regulatory Committee · Joint Audit and Standards Committee · Joint Appointments Committee Minutes: 7.1 To appoint the following Committees and Joint Committees:
· Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee · Development Control Committee A · Development Control Committee B · Planning Referrals Committee · Mid Suffolk Licensing and Regulatory Committee · Joint Audit and Standards Committee · Joint Appointments Committee
7.2 Councillor Morley MOVED the proposal, which was SECONDED by Councillor Ekpenyong.
It was RESOLVED:-
That the following Committees and Joint Committees be appointed:-
Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee Development Control Committee A Development Control Committee B Planning Referrals Committee Mid Suffolk Licensing and Regulatory Committee Joint Audit and Standards Committee Joint Appointments Committee
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MC/20/2 POLITICAL BALANCE AND COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES PDF 133 KB Monitoring Officer Additional documents: Minutes: 8.1 Councillor Hicks raised the issue of an inappropriate ‘GIF’ posted in the meeting chat box, which the Monitoring Officer had requested the Councillor concerned to remove.
8.2 The Monitoring Officer informed Members that this would be dealt with outside of the meeting.
8.3 The Chair requested that the post be removed.
8.4 The Monitoring Officer introduced Paper MC/20/2 Political Balance and Composition of Committees and Appendices A and B.
8.5 Councillor Morley proposed the recommendations in the report and this was seconded by Councillor Eburne.
Note: Councillor Amorowson was not available to vote.
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 the report.
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ELECTION OF CHAIRS AND VICE-CHAIRS OF COMMITTEES PDF 87 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: · Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee · Development Control Committee A · Development Control Committee B · Mid Suffolk Licensing and Regulatory Committee · Joint Audit and Standards Committee · Joint Appointments Committee Minutes: 9.1 Nominations for the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees were received as follows:-
Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Chair: Councillor Keith Welham Vice-Chair Councillor Keith Scarff
Vote: Carried
Development Control Committee A: Chair: Councillor Matthew Hicks Councillor Sarah Mansel
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote – Councillor Matthew Hicks
Vice-Chair: Councillor Dave Muller Councillor Sarah Mansel
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote – Councillor Muller.
NOTE: The meeting was adjourned between 6:18pm until 6:23pm.
9.2 The Chair then addressed Councillor Amorowson regarding his inappropriate use of the chat function, despite that the Chair had outlined the protocol at the beginning of the meeting. Therefore, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 20.3, the Chair MOVED that Councillor Amorowson be no longer heard.
9.3 The Monitoring Officer clarified that Councillor Amorowson would not be permitted to debate any of the remaining items on the agenda but would be able to vote. If this Motion was seconded it would move straight to a vote without discussion.
Councillor Muller SECONDED the Motion.
By 17 votes to 16, with 1 abstention the vote was CARRIED
It was Resolved:-
That Councillor Amorowson be no longer heard.
9.4 Members then returned to the vote for Vice-Chair of the Development Control Committee A
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote - Councillor Dave Muller.
Development Control Committee B: Chair: Councillor Kathie Guthrie Councillor Andrew Stringer
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote – Councillor Kathie Guthrie.
Vice-Chair: Councillor Barry Humphreys Councillor Andrew Stringer
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote – Councillor Barry Humphreys.
Mid Suffolk Licensing and Regulatory Committee Chair: Councillor Kathie Guthrie Councillor Daniel Pratt
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote – Councillor Kathie Guthrie.
Vice-Chair: Councillor Dave Muller Councillor Daniel Pratt
Vote: By the Chair’s casting vote – Councillor Dave Muller
Joint Audit and Standards Committee Co-Chair: Councillor Dave Muller Councillor Mike Norris
By the Chairs Casting Vote – Councillor Dave Muller
Joint Appointments Committee Co-Chair: Councillor Suzie Morley
By 22 to 0 votes, 12 abstentions
It was RESOLVED:-
That the following Councillors be appointed as Chairs and Vice-Chairs to the Committees for the Municipal year 2020 to 2021.
Mid Suffolk Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Chair: Councillor Keith Welham Vice-Chair Councillor Keith Scarff
Development Control Committee A: Chair: Councillor Matthew Hicks Vice-Chair: Councillor Dave Muller
Development Control Committee B: Chair: Councillor Kathie Guthrie Vice-Chair: Councillor Barry Humphreys
Mid Suffolk Licensing and Regulatory Committee Chair: Councillor Kathie Guthrie Vice-Chair: Councillor Dave Muller
Joint Audit and Standards Committee Co-Chair: Councillor Dave Muller
Joint Appointments Committee Co-Chair: Councillor Suzie Morley
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MC/20/3 APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE BODIES FOR 2020/21 PDF 130 KB Leader of the Council Additional documents: Minutes:
10.1
The Chair referred to Paper MC/20/3 and Appendix A
in the
10.2 Councillor Morley introduced the paper and MOVED recommendation 2.1 and Appendix A in the Tabled Papers, which was SECONDED by Councillor Richardson.
10.3 Councillor Eburne PROPOSED that Councillor Welham be appointed substitute for Suffolk Flood Risk Management Scrutiny Sub Committee and that Councillor Sarah Mansel be appointed as substitute for Suffolk Health Scrutiny Committee.
10.4 The Proposer and Seconder approved this proposal.
By 33 to 1 vote, 1 abstention.
It was RESOLVED: -
That Councillors be appointed to Outside Bodies as detailed in Appendix A to Paper MC/20/3 and the above amendment to the Suffolk Flood Risk Management Scrutiny Sub Committee for the Municipal year 2020/21, as follows:
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APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLORS TO THE SHARED REVENUES PARTNERSHIP JOINT COMMITTEE PDF 81 KB The Assistant Director – Law and Governance to report that, in accordance with the joint arrangements established with Babergh 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 Mid Suffolk’s appointees. Minutes: 11.1 The Chair advised Members that nominations to the Shared Revenues Partnership were detailed under Item 11 in the Tabled Papers.
11.2 Councillor Kathy Guthrie PROPOSED the nominations in the Tabled Papers which was SECONDED by Councillor Flatman.
By 17 votes to 13, 4 abstentions
It was RESOLVED: -
That Councillors Suzie Morley and John Whitehead be appointed as Members of the Shared Revenues Partnership Joint Committee and that Councillors Gerard Brewster and Jessica Fleming be appointed as substitute Members for the Municipal year 2020/21.
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APPOINTMENTS TO THE SUFFOLK JOINT STANDARDS BOARD PDF 81 KB The Assistant Director – Law and Governance to report that, in accordance with the joint arrangements established with Babergh 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 Mid Suffolk’s appointees who cannot be: · The Chairman of the Council · Members of the Cabinet Minutes: 12.1 The Chair advised Members that nominations to the Suffolk Joint Standards Board were detailed under Item 12 in the Tabled Papers.
12.2 Councillor Brewster PROPOSED the nominations in the Tabled Papers under Item 12, which was SECONDED by Councillor Hadingham.
By 33 votes, 1 abstention
It was RESOLVED: -
That Councillors Paul Ekpenyong, John Matthissen and Mike Norris be appointed as Members of the Suffolk Joint Standards Board for the Municipal year 2020/21.
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APPOINTMENTS TO THE JOINT GYPSY AND TRAVELLER STEERING GROUP PDF 82 KB Council is asked to appoint four Councillors to the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group. Minutes: 13.1 The Chair stated that Council was asked to appoint four Councillors to the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group and that the nominations were under Item 13 in the Tabled Papers.
13.2 Councillor Fleming PROPOSED the tabled nominations which was SECONDED by Councillor Mellen.
By 33 votes, 1 abstention
It was RESOLVED: -
That Councillors Julie Flatman, Lavinia Hadingham, John Field and Andrew Stringer be appointed to the Joint Gypsy and Traveller Steering Group for the Municipal year 2020/21.
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APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL WORKING GROUPS PDF 314 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: 14.1 The Chair referred to the Tabled Papers Item 14 Appointments to the Council Working Groups and asked for a proposer.
14.2 Councillor Morley PROPOSED the nominated Councillors, which was SECONDED by Councillor Hadingham.
By 33 votes, 1 abstention
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Councillors Suzie Morley, John Whitehead, Sarah Mansel and Penny Otton be appointed to the Community Governance Review Working Group.
1.2 That Councillors Matthew Hicks, Sarah Mansel and Keith Scarff be appointed to the Constitution Working Group.
1.3 That Councillors Suzie Morley, Rachel Eburne and Stephen Phillips be appointed to the Member Learning and Development Working Group.
That Councillors David Burn, Kathie Guthrie, John Field and Andrew Stringer be appointed to the Local Plan Working Group. |
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Monitoring Officer Minutes: 15.1 The Monitoring Officer introduced Paper MC/20/4 which sought Councils approval to extend the appointment of the independent persons for a further two years.
15.2 Councillor Guthrie PROPOSED Recommendation 2.1, which was SECONDED by Councillor Richardson.
By 33 votes, 1 abstention
It was RESOLVED: -
That the appointment of the four Independent Persons listed in section 3 of paper MC/20/4, be extended for a further two years pursuant to section 28 7) of the Localism Act 2011. |
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RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CABINET / COMMITTEES Minutes:
16.1 The Chair invited Councillor Muller, Co-Chair of Joint Audit and Standards Committee, to move the recommendations in Paper JAC/19/24.
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JAC/19/24 ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2019/20 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 Mid Suffolk District Council treasury management activity for 2019/20 was in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Strategy, and that, except for one occasion when the Council exceeded its daily bank account limit with Lloyds by £129k, as mentioned in Appendix C, paragraph 4.6, 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: 16.1a Councillor Muller introduced Paper 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. He provided a brief summary of the details in the report.
16.2a Councillor Muller MOVED Recommendations 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 in the report. This was SECONDED by Councillor Whitehead.
16.3a Councillor Eburne queried Appendix B of the report, page 55, bullet point 1.1, the changes to the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) interest rates and how this would affect any plans the Council has, Appendix C, page 60, bullet point 2.8 regarding the use of the equity in CIFCO, and Appendix C, page 60, bullet point 2.9 whether the investment income referred to was a net figure.
16.4a The Assistant Director for Corporate Resources confirmed that the increase in interest rates from the PWLB would only impact future borrowing from the PWLB and not existing loans. Councillor Eburne further queried whether the Council had any current plans to borrow any additional funds. It was confirmed that there were no current plans in place.
16.5a The Corporate Manager for Finance and Commissioning and Procurement provided clarification with regards to CIFCO that 10% of each purchase was attributable to equity.
16.7a With regard to the investment income in Appendix C the Corporate Manager for Finance and Commissioning and Procurement confirmed that this was a gross figure.
16.8a Councillor Otton requested an explanation regarding the Council’s bank account being exceeded and enquired whether any penalties had been incurred.
16.9a The Assistant Director for Corporate Resources advised that this transaction related to a CIL payment and that no penalties were incurred.
16.10a In response to a query from Councillor Field regarding interest received from CIFCO, the Assistant Director advised that this figure related to interest on figures loaned to CIFCO from the Council.
16.11a Councillor Matthissen commented on the risks involved with investing in CIFCO, and the existing investments in Companies using fossil fuels.
16.12a Councillor Eburne felt that more clarity was needed with regard to reporting of matters relating to CIFCO. The Assistant Director for Corporate Resources advised that this would be taken into consideration when preparing the next report.
16.13a Councillor Richardson thanked the Officers involved in producing the report, and Councillor Muller for his comprehensive introduction.
By 17 votes for to 16, and 1 abstention.
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 Mid Suffolk District Council Treasury Management activity for 2019/20 was in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Strategy, and that, except for one occasion when the Council exceeded its daily bank account limit with Lloyds by 2129k, as mentioned in Appendix C, paragraph 4.6 of the report, the Council had complied with all the Treasury Management Indicators for this period.
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MC/20/5 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PLAN 2020/21 PDF 217 KB Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Additional documents: Minutes: 17.1 Councillor Welham, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee introduced Paper MC/20/5 The Overview and Scrutiny Committee Workplan 2020/21 and informed Members that the Committee worked with Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee and that most meetings were joint.
17.2 The Committee would not meet in October and would be undertaking a review of the Representations on Outside Bodies at the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee in November.
17.3 Councillor Otton asked if the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would consider the increasing number of people, who had applied for Universal Credit and Councillor Welham responded that he would raise the issue at the next Overview and Scrutiny Joint Chairs’ Briefing.
17.4 Councillor Whitehead enquired if the Overview and Scrutiny Committees intended to seek any feedback from Parish Councils when scrutinising Planning Enforcement.
It was RESOLVED:-
That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Work Plan for 2020/21 be noted.
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MC/20/6 MSDC SHELTERED HOUSING SERVICE CHARGES FOR 2020/21 PDF 351 KB Cabinet Member for Housing Additional documents: Minutes: 18.1 The Chair invited Councillor Flatman, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, to introduce Paper MC/20/6.
18.2 Councillor Flatman clarified that the sheltered housing service charges had not be agreed at the Full Council Meeting in February 2020 due to a procedural error, which had not been legally resolved before the District went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. However, the Sheltered Housing Team felt that it was not reasonable to increase charges for 2020/2021 due to the reduced service currently provided.
18.3 Councillor Flatman MOVED the Recommendation in the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Hadingham.
18.4 Councillor Eburne queried if the increase in service charge income included in this year’s Budget would be brought forward to next year’s budget and if it would be staggered, as it had been previous years.
18.5 The Tenant Services Corporate Manager responded that the Budget setting for next year would be brought to Council for approval at a later stage.
18.6 Members debated the issues including:
· That it was the right decision to take in the current circumstances. · Some felt that the decision taken in February had been wrong, and so now supported the recommendations not to increase the Sheltered Housing Service Charges. · That the Sheltered Housing Team had worked successfully under difficult circumstance during the past months. · That support to residents had been possible because carers had recognised themselves to provide a good service to residents and at the same time avoiding spreading the Covid-19 virus.
18.7 Councillor Flatman thanked the Sheltered Housing Team and all of the Housing Team and officers, who had done a fantastic job during the Covid-19 Pandemic for the Sheltered Housing Service. She also thanked all the officers across the Council, who had been redeployed to help with the work undertaken.
18.8 The Chair asked that this be noted, and that Members thanked the whole Housing Team for the service they had provided and that this was appreciated.
18.9 Several further thanks were expressed by Members during the remainder of this item.
18.10 Councillor Phillips supported the Sheltered Housing team but had been dismayed when he had been informed by some residents that single parents had been housed in sheltered housing during the Covid-19 lockdown. This had caused some concern for the elderly people already housed there, as visitors of those temporarily housed there, had not been appropriate.
18.11 The Tenant Services Corporate Manager responded that this option had only been taken in a few cases.
18.12 The Chair advised that this question was responded to outside the meeting. However, Councillor Phillips reiterated his question, as he had raised this question to Officer previously.
18.13 Councillor Flatman responded that some sheltered housing was unoccupied and that during the Cocid-19 Pandemic there had been an increase in the need for emergency temporary accommodation. The decision had been taken to place those in need in emergency accommodation, until more suitable accommodation could be found.
18.14 Councillor Eburne asked that responses to questions taken outside the meeting be ... view the full minutes text for item 18. |
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MC/20/7 CHANGES TO THE CURRENT PLANNING SYSTEM CONSULTATION PDF 314 KB Cabinet Member for Planning Additional documents: Minutes: NOTE: The meeting was adjourned between 8:02pm to 8:16pm
19.1 The meeting had reached the guillotine deadline and the Chair asked for a proposer and seconder for the meeting to continue.
19.2 Councillor Morley PROPOSED that the meeting continued, which was SECONDED by Councillor Eburne.
NOTE: Councillor Passmore left the meeting at 8:19pm
By 31 votes to 1, 1 abstention
It was RESOLVED: -
that the meeting continued beyond the guillotine deadline, until all business was concluded
19.3 The Chair invited Councillor Burn, the Cabinet Member for Planning to introduce Paper MC/20/7.
19.4 Councillor Burn outlined the background for the report and drew Members’ attention to Paragraph 1.3, which outlined the proposed four points to which consultation was sought. The Council’s responses to the Consultation were outlined in Appendix A. There had been a cross party discussion on the 10 September 2020, which had formulated the responses.
19.5 Councillor Burn stated that the cross-party discussion had expressed concerns for the method to assess housing need which would raise the need from 535 dwellings per year to 750 dwellings per year. This would have implications for the Joint Local Plan, Communities, rural landscaping developments and the five-year Housing Land Supply position.
19.6 Councillor Burn PROPOSED Recommendations 3.1 and 3.2 in the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Brewster.
19.7 Councillor Eburne PROPOSED an amendment to Recommendation 3.2 that after ‘the Cabinet Members for Planning’ the wording ‘and the Opposition spokesperson for Planning, Councillor Andrew Stringer’ be added.
19.8 Councillor Otton SECONDED the amendment.
19.9 Councillor Burn responded that Councillor Stringer was part of the cross-party discussions and he APPROVED that Councillor Stringer be part of the collaboration.
19.10 He continued that Councillor Arthey, Babergh Cabinet Member for Planning, would also be part of the collaborations, as this was a joint response to the consultations.
19.11 Councillor Geake queried the answer to question three in relation to the adjustment to the standard measure and why the response was ‘yes’.
19.12 The Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities responded that the standard method was not part of the consultation, and that the ‘yes’ in the response could be removed and go straight into the narrative, which Councillor Geake appreciated.
19.13 Councillor Mansel queried the responses relating to First Homes which was to form part of the affordable mix in a development, and if there was scope for any concept of whether First Homes formed part to the affordable homes or not.
19.14 The Assistant Director – Sustainable Communities, responded that the principles of First Homes had been part of a Consultation, which had taken place earlier in the year and to which the Council did not provide a response to this consultation. The answers in the report were responses to questions being asked now.
19.15 In response to Councillor Mansel’s question regarding the consultation for First Homes, the Assistant Director – Sustainable Communities responded he would respond to this and further questions relating to this outside the meeting.
19.16 Councillor Field questioned the maturity ... view the full minutes text for item 19. |
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WHITE PAPER: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE 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: 20.1 The Chair invited Councillor Burn, the Cabinet Member for Planning to introduce Item 20 on the Agenda.
20.2 Councillor Burn provided Members with an overview of the White Paper: Planning for the Future being consulted on by the Government.
20.3 Councillor Burn advised that the recommendation was included in the Tabled Papers and that an accompanying report had not been prepared for this item due to time constraints. It was therefore recommended that authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities to prepare a response.
20.4 Councillor Burn PROPOSED the recommendation as detailed in the Tabled Papers under Item 20, which was SECONDED by Councillor Guthrie.
20.5 In response to Councillor Warboy’s question, Councillor Burn would be happy to receive any Member comments for discussion, as soon as possible.
20.6 Councillor Otton asked if the Council would be looking at responses from other organisations such as the LGA, to which Councillor Burn replied that the working group would be considering those and other groups and organisations responses.
20.7 Councillor Eburne asked that the Working Group met as soon as possible.
20.8 She continued with stating that there was a contradiction in the consultation between the support for the Neighbourhood Plan and the concerns that local government and Members were getting too involved in developments. She was concerned about ‘zoning of protected areas’ which referred to green belts which did not exist in Mid Suffolk.
20.9 Councillor Burn advised that he respond to this outside the meeting.
20.10 Councillor Geake asked what problems the paper was trying to solve, as there was a surplus of houses, which were of the wrong type, location and purpose, but a shortage of housing. As there were no shortage of planning permissions, she though that the issues were that Councils should buy up ‘hoarded’ houses and turn them around for social housing, which would help first time buyers mentioned earlier to save up for a deposit for a house.
20.11 Members debated the issues including:
· That Members were content with the Working Group, and that the response would have to be well planned and within the five-weeks’ timescale. · That the White Paper was created before the Pandemic and that it would be difficult to predict what the post pandemic world would be like and that there might be extensive empty commercial properties in town centres, which might be repopulated for private dwellings. · That the housing being proposed had a locally led planning system which should include and support infrastructure, schools, and promote greener and active travel and take into account the Government and the Councils commitment to the climate emergency.
20.12 Councillor Burn summed up the debate and thanked Members for the comments and suggestions put forward, which would be considered, when responding to the paper.
20.13 The recommendation was put to Members for voting and the vote was UNANIMIOUS.
It was RESOLVED: -
That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Sustainable Communities to submit a response to the consultation ... view the full minutes text for item 20. |