Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors: D Hurley, R Craigie,

C Bright, J Manley, D Jones, R Lock, L Ford, S Langford, C Cottle-Hunkin and D Brenton.

15 minute period for public contributions. The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 4 August 2022. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk

There were no public contributions.

Members with interests to declare should refer to the Agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being discussed.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Watson and –

Resolved:

That the Agenda as circulated be agreed.

(Vote:  for – Unanimous)

The Leader, Councillor James, addressed the meeting regarding an article that had been published in the North Devon Journal and Devon Live about a planning application in Winkleigh.  He has written to the papers expressing concern as to the wording given in the report which could do reputational damage to the Council and also undermine Officers.

The Leader and Chief Executive have written to Sir Geoffrey Cox MP, and a meeting has been arranged with him for late September.   The Chief Executive, Ken Miles, North Devon Council has also conveyed his concerns regarding the reporting on how both Authorities are dealing with the five year land supply and planning.

To receive the report of the Head of Legal and Governance

The Head of Legal and Governance presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider whether or not to continue the sanctions against Councillor Leonard Ford.

Following a brief discussion, it was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Laws and –

Resolved:

That Councillor Ford’s Torridge District Council’s email address continue to be removed for the remainder of his Councillor term.

That Councillor Ford continue to be excluded from the Council’s offices or other premises with the exception of meeting rooms as necessary for attending Full Council, Committee and Sub-Committee meetings.  Councillor Ford to only attend the offices on other occasions by making prior arrangements with the Chief Executive.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

The Chair to move:

“That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972”

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Inch and -

Resolved:

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 and Paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(Vote: For - Unanimous)

Items which may be taken in the absence of the public and press on the grounds that exempt information may be disclosed.

To receive the report of the Head of Legal and Governance & Monitoring Officer

The Chair reminded Members that this is a Part II item and all information is confidential and therefore must not be disclosed to any third person.

The Head of Legal & Governance & Monitoring Officer introduced this item and gave a summary of the report which included the history behind this application.

A lengthy discussion ensued, following which it was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Watson and –

Resolved:

That the recommendations as set out in the report be approved.

(Vote:  For 14, Against 1, Abstentions 8)

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor James and -

Resolved:

That the press and public be readmitted.

(Vote: For – unanimous)