Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Brenton.

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

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 August be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For – 9, Abstentions 2)

Minute 18 – Play Strategy

The Head of Paid Service told Members that the Commercial & Leisure Services Team was preparing a Play Strategy.  With regard to play areas transferred with the housing stock, no reference to liability had been identified in the agreement, however, a meeting was to take place within the next few weeks with the Chief Executive of Westward Housing and this will be raised.

Minute 26 – Future High Streets Fund

A meeting has been scheduled for 15 October.  Councillor Hicks gave his apologies as he will be attending the Local Plans meeting.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme

There were no public contributions.

The Forward Plan was noted. 

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

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

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That the submission of the following planning application be approved –

“That pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 1992 an application for Planning shall be made by Torridge District Council to change the use of 26 High Street, Bideford.”

Prior to the presentation and debate, guidance was sought from the Senior Solicitor about declarations of interest with regard to Members of the Plans Committee and agenda items 9 and 10 which related to future planning permissions.    Members were advised that the reports sought merely to obtain Members’ approval to submit planning applications.

The Property & Procurement Manager presented the report, drawing Members’ attention to the fact that the property was situated within a conservation area. Consequently, planning consent would be required for change of use and replacement windows.

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

Resolved:

That the submission of the following planning application be approved –

“That pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 1992 an application for Planning shall be made by Torridge District Council to change the use of 26 High Street, Bideford.”

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That submission of the following planning application be approved –

“That pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 1992 an application for Planning shall be made by Torridge District Council to erect a CCTV mast in the Skate Park, Bideford”.

The Property & Procurement Manager explained that the proposed CCTV mast exceeded the height covered by permitted development rights and as such planning consent would be required.  Police and other agencies had recommended that CCTV coverage encompass the wider town as well as the skate park and, in order to accommodate this, a more substantial mast was required.  It was noted that the proposed location of the mast lie within a corner of the skate park, adjacent to the football club and the road.

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

Resolved:

That submission of the following planning application be approved –

“That pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 1992 an application for Planning shall be made by Torridge District Council to erect a CCTV mast in the Skate Park, Bideford”.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To receive a verbal update from the Head of Paid Service

The Head of Paid Service advised the Committee that the Constitution Working Group had held a number of meetings and the next meeting was scheduled for the first week in November.  Under the guidance of and working with Councillor Jim McKenna of Cornwall Council the constitution had been divided into manageable sections for review.  On completion of this work, the revised draft will made available to all Members for comment.

The Leader of the Council added that the meetings had been constructive and beneficial.

To receive the report of the Planning and Economy Manager

The Strategic Manager (Resources) explained that the first report had been presented in Part I to provide as much information as possible whilst at the same time being transparent.  It illustrated the benefits, aims and objectives. The second report (Part II) comprised the same report but also included project costs.

The report was noted.

It was proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded by Councillor Dart and -

Resolved:

That further progress reports on the delivery of the new Burrows Centre be  added to the forward plan.

(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 by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part I and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed by Councillor Laws, seconded by Councillor Dart 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)

To receive the report of the Planning and Economy Manager

Resolved:

That further progress reports on the delivery of the new Burrows Centre be  added to the forward plan.

The Planning & Economy Manager reported that, following a robust discussion at the Property & Major Projects Working Group, Members had asked for a detailed report.  The report appended to the agenda was taken as read and questions were invited.  A debate followed which focused mainly on the more recent geological history and environmental maintenance of the pebble ridge and proposed siting of the new centre.  It was noted that the Golf Club had historically, and with approval of TDC, carried out reinforcement works to their own cost.

Concerns were expressed about the potential knock on effects of human intervention and officers were urged seek professional advice from engineering and coastal experts.

Councillor Wiseman joined the meeting at 18.21.

The Property & Procurement Manager added that the project was very much work in progress and currently 3D modelling and assessments were being carried out.

Further discussions took place about the coastal protection budget, flood risk and the wider impact.  It was felt that North Devon Council should be included when considering any development which might affect the pebble ridge.

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

Resolved:

That further progress reports on the delivery of the new Burrows Centre be added to the forward plan.

(Vote: For – 10, Against -2)

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That no further money be spent on securing the site.

The Committee considered the options and costs associated with the work required to secure the former Cattle Market site.  Members were advised that the options available were restricted as South West Water required access to the treatment works.

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

Resolved:

That no further money be spent on securing the site.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

a)     To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)  - 

 TO FOLLOW

b)     To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

a)    Resolved:

That the offer as detailed in the report for the freehold interest in the property be agreed.

b)    Resolved:

That the recommendations as detailed in the report be approved.

Agenda item 17 b) was moved up and taken first.

Following receipt of an update and at the request of Members, information was shared with regard to a prospective purchaser interested in an asset of Torridge District Council.

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

a)    Resolved:

That the offer as detailed in the report for the freehold interest in the property be agreed, subject to survey and any such subsequent negotiations.

(Vote: For 9, Against 3)

Item 17 a)

Councillor Bushy declared an interest – relative with a financial interest - and left the meeting.

The Property & Procurement Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to seek Member support for the purchase of a commercial site in association with the disposal of a further site for residential development 

It was proposed by Councillor Hicks, seconded by Councillor McGeough and -

b)    Resolved:

That the recommendations as detailed in the report be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)