Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hutchings with Councillor Hurley substituting.

 

Due to personal circumstances Councillor Hicks could not Chair the meeting.

 

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

 

Resolved: That Councillor McGeough be elected as Chair for the meeting.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A			X
Hicks, R	X
Hodson, C	X
Hurley, D	X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K	X
Laws, N	X
Lock, R	X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R	X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  For 11, Abstention 1)

 

 

 

 

 

Following a query from Councillor Hurley the Chief Executive confirmed that a meeting took place in Appledore with himself, the Leader, the Head of Communities & Place, Councillor Ford and Councillor Hames to look at the campervan problem and discuss future proposals for the Jet Ski issues. The campervan issue will be discussed in tonight’s meeting and the Jet Ski Notice of Motion will be brought to a future C&R committee meeting in time for Easter 2021.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Lock, seconded by Councillor Brenton                    and -

 

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October be signed as a correct record.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A	X
Hicks, R	X
Hodson, C	X
Hurley, D	X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K	X
Laws, N	X
Lock, R	X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R	X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  Unanimous)

 

 

 

 

 

The action list was noted.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme. (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 3^rd December 2020. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

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.

Declarations of interest were made when the specific agenda items to which they related were under discussion.

It was proposed by Councillor Lock, seconded by Councillor McGeough and –

Resolved:    That the Agenda as circulated be agreed.   A recorded vote was taken.   COUNCILLOR FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN Brenton, D X   Bright, C X     Bushby, D X   Christie, P X     Dart, A X   Hicks, R X     Hodson, C X     Hurley, D X   Hutchings, J Hurley, D X     James, K X     Laws, N X     Lock, R X   McGeough, D X   Wiseman, R X                                             (Vote:  Unanimous)

 

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Places

 

Written Notice of Motion from Councillor Ford

 

From next Easter, I propose that specific area is allocated for camper/mobile homes. I would suggest the area currently where there are recycle bins, immediately in the car park on the left. By my calculation, I think we could allow a maximum of 12. I would also suggest increasing the fee to £15 per night and only one overnight stay per visit. In conclusion, this would alleviate the problem of them blocking the footpaths, which is the only safe route through the car park for many, especially those using pushchairs and wheelchairs

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Members approve the alternative proposal for the zonal restriction of camper van parking as set out in the report with an increase to £15 per night, and approve a maximum two-night stay to be applicable to Churchfields car park, and authorise officers to seek amendment to the Off-street Parking Places Order as necessary

 

 

Councillor Wiseman declared an interest as a campsite owner. He took no part in the discussion or vote.

 

The Head of Communities and Place presented the report the purpose of which was to consider the following written notice of motion proposed by Councillor Ford and referred to this committee by Full Council.

 

From next Easter, I propose that specific area is allocated for camper/mobile homes. I would suggest the area currently where there are recycle bins, immediately in the car park on the left. By my calculation, I think we could allow a maximum of 12. I would also suggest increasing the fee to £15 per night and only one overnight stay per visit. In conclusion, this would alleviate the problem of them blocking the footpaths, which is the only safe route through the car park for many, especially those using pushchairs and wheelchairs.

 

Within the recommendation the Head of Communities and Place advised that the first recommendation should read – That Members consider whether to approve or reject the notice of motion.

 

The Chair invited Councillor Ford to speak on his Notice of Motion.

 

A discussion then took place with the following comments and concerns raised:

·         Good report.

·         Campervan owners park along the front of the car park by the water’s edge as this area gives an excellent view across the water. This area should be restricted with adequate signage put in place.

·         Two-night maximum stay is preferred as one night is not long enough.

·         TDC cannot been seen to be in competition with local campsites.

·         Need an alternative site.

·         £8 per night is not enough, should be £12 - £15 a night.

·         Needs to be controlled/monitored better with flexible working hours for Civil Enforcement Officers.

 

Following queries from Councillor Bright the Head of Communities & Place confirmed the following:

·         This Notice of Motion only applies to Churchfields Car Park in Appledore and not any other car parks across Torridge District Council area that allow overnight Campervan parking.

·         Campfires and barbeques are not permitted within the rules of Car Parks.

·         Councillor Ford proposed a zonal area for campervan parking however if not agreed then campervans could park in the rest of the car park apart from the proposed restricted zone.

 

The Chief Executive confirmed that a review will be carried out with regards to the shift times of the Civil Enforcement Officers as campervans arrive after they have finished and leave before they start.

Following a query from Councillor Laws the Head of Communities & Place advised that TDC could investigate as to whether Northam Burrows could be brought within the parking order to give more enforcement powers. Wilkey Fields car park could not be used for campervans as there is a covenant in place prohibiting overnight stays.

 

During normal day time hours, the normal car parks rules would apply.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor Lock and –

 

Resolved:

 

1.    That Members approve the notice of motion, and,

2.    Approve the alternative proposal for the zonal restriction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

To receive the report of the Head of Communities and Place

RESOLVED:

 

That Members approve to use the unspent £36,000 to reapply £1,000 per Councillor to the Councillor Grants Scheme and revise the eligibility criteria in order that donations can be made to appropriate organisations to assist in the Covid 19 community response and recovery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Head of Communities and Place delivered the report the purpose of which was to have Members consider whether £1,000 should be reapplied to each Councillor Community Grant allowance and whether the scheme should be slightly revised to assist in Covid Community response or recovery.

 

The Head of Communities and Place confirmed that as Lead Member Councillor Cottle-Hunkin is in support of this.

 

Questions from Members were received, and the following responses were given:

·         The £1000 is not limited to Covid affected cases and can be awarded as would in a normal year.

·         The grant can be used for whichever purpose Members see fit as long as it is not unlawful.

·         The scheme will be re-instated immediately.

·         Churches can be supported however TDC cannot support the promotion of faith.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor McGeough and –

 

Resolved: That Members use the unspent £36,000 to reapply £1,000 per Councillor to the Councillor Grants Scheme and revise the eligibility criteria in order that donations can be made to appropriate organisations to assist in the Covid community response and recovery. 

 

 A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A	X
Hicks, R	X
Hodson, C	X
Hurley, D	X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K	X
Laws, N	X
Lock, R	X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R	X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  Unanimous)

 

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Places

The Head of Communities and Place delivered the report with the purpose being to report a decision taken under the Urgency Procedure.

 

Councillor Dart declared an interest as her business had received a grant.

 

The Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) confirmed that anything agreed within the Urgency Procedure must be brought forward to C&R as stated in the constitution.

 

The report was noted.

 

 

To receive the report of the Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer

RESOLVED:

 

That the £642K forecasted surplus from 2020/21 be utilised by the Capital Programme be agreed.

 

 

The Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer delivered the report with the purpose being for Members to consider the recommendations from Internal Overview & Scrutiny from the 10^th November 2020.

 

Following a query from Councillor Bushby the Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer confirmed that TDC have reduced the amount they are contributing to the Northam Burrows project due to the design being down scaled and extra external funding being received. TDC are contributing approximately half a million pounds.

 

Councillor Lock questioned if there would be additional funding from Central Government for 2021/22. The Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer confirmed Central Government have announced additional Covid funding of £1.5 billion will be available Nationally but it is not yet clear on how this will be distributed at Local Government level. It has also been announced that there will be an extension to the compensation for lost fees and charges until the end of June 2021.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Hicks, seconded by Councillor Brenton and –

Resolved:    That the £642K forecast surplus for 2020/21 be utilised by the Capital Programme, as per recommendation from Internal Overview & Scrutiny on the 10th November 2020.   A recorded vote was taken.   COUNCILLOR FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN Brenton, D X   Bright, C X     Bushby, D X   Christie, P X     Dart, A X   Hicks, R X     Hodson, C X     Hurley, D X   Hutchings, J Hurley, D X     James, K X     Laws, N X     Lock, R X   McGeough, D X   Wiseman, R X                                             (Vote:  For 11, Against 1)

 

 

 

To receive the report of the Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer

RESOLVED:

 

That the recommendations in the report be taken to Full Council

 

The Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer presented the report the purpose being for Members to make the recommendations to Full Council regarding new PIDs, and closing any funding shortfall, to ensure the Capital Programme is fully funded going forwards.

 

A discussion then took place.

 

Following queries put forward by Councillor Christie the Chief Executive confirmed the following:

·         The Northam Burrows Estuary works was approved in previous years. This will be looked in detail and reported back to the committee. 

·         Torrington market refurbishment was a Notice of Motion brought forward by Councillor Bright.

·         The bowling club wall has been in the Capital Programme for several years.

·         TDC are working with the Environment Agency and other parties regarding the Linear Defence and details will be brought back for further discussion/debate. Figures shown today are early estimates.

 

Following a query from Councillor Bushby the Chief Executive confirmed that the Finance Manager & Section 151 Officer and his team are working with the Operational Services Manager and Councillor Leather on reviewing the 2017 report when the new Environment Centre was originally approved. The new Environment Centre is currently being worked on and a report will be brought to Members in the new year.

 

The Chief Executive confirmed after queries from Councillor Hames that predicted external grants are already included within the Capital Programme forecast and this would only change if additional external grants were applied for and awarded. The Carbon Plan is nearing completion and due to go to Internal Overview & Scrutiny. Until this is agreed it is unsure as to which projects could be included for Climate Change. The Capital Programme will be going to Full Council in February to be approved so there is time to add projects however Members need to be mindful that the programme is already over committed.

 

The Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer confirmed to Councillor Hames that there will be a budget for Climate Change.

 

Following a proposition from Councillor Bushby to remove the new Northam Burrows Centre from the Capital Programme the Head of Communities and Place advised that removing this project may not be cost effective due to the project being quite well advanced and funding already granted. TDC has already paid money upfront for the Centre. Costings to remove the project could not be reported at tonight’s meeting. 

 

Following a query form Councillor Brenton the Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer confirmed that TDC borrows money through the Public Works Loan Board which is the most efficient way for Councils to borrow and since the report was issued the rate has reduced. 

 

The Chief Executive confirmed to the Chair that recommendation 8a point 2 referred to the Notices of Motions on page 46 of the report which are yet to have a costing within the Capital Programme. The Chief Executive also responded to queries from Councillor Leather advising that the new Environment Centre is still being worked on. The Greenhouse at Riverbank is currently occupied by the Property & Procurement team and the building  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

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 McGeough, seconded by Councillor Brenton 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.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A	X
Hicks, R	X
Hodson, C	X
Hurley, D	X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K	X
Laws, N	X
Lock, R	X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R	X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  Unanimous)

 

To receive the report of the Finance Manager and Section 151 Officer

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Members approve the recommendation as set out in the report with a further recommendation that the business that did not qualify for Hardship Relief by the Hardship Panel in the report be re-evaluated.

 

 

The NNDR & Income Team Leader delivered the report the purpose of which was for Members to consider awarding relief from Business Rates on the grounds of Hardship.

 

The Committee was informed that a panel of Members had considered three applications for Business Rate Relief on the grounds of hardship. The panel had been minded to approve two out of the three applications.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Bright, seconded by Councillor Brenton and –

 

Resolved:

 

That Members approve the recommendation on the report with a further recommendation that the business that did not qualify for Hardship Relief by the Hardship Panel be granted the Hardship Relief.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P		X
Dart, A		X
Hicks, R		X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D		X
James, K		X
Laws, N		X
Lock, R		X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R		X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  For 4, Against 8)

 

 

It was proposed by Councillor Lock, seconded by Councillor Hurley and –

 

Resolved:

 

That Members approve the recommendation on the report.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D		X
Bright, C		X
Bushby, D		X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A		X
Hicks, R		X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K		X
Laws, N		X
Lock, R	X
McGeough, D		X
Wiseman, R		X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  For 3, Against 9)

 

 

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

 

Resolved:

 

That Members approve the recommendation as set out in the report with a further recommendation that the business that did not qualify for Hardship Relief by the Hardship Panel in the report be re-evaluated.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A	X
Hicks, R	X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K	X
Laws, N	X
Lock, R		X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R	X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  For 11, Against 1)

 

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 (AS AMENDED)

 

It was proposed by Councillor Lock, seconded by Councillor McGeough and –

 

Resolved:    That the press and public be readmitted.

 

A recorded vote was taken.

 

COUNCILLOR	FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN
Brenton, D	X
Bright, C	X
Bushby, D	X
Christie, P	X
Dart, A	X
Hicks, R	X
Hodson, C	X
Hurley, D	X
Hutchings, J
Hurley, D	X
James, K	X
Laws, N	X
Lock, R	X
McGeough, D	X
Wiseman, R	X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)