Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hicks (Councillor Hackett substituting), Councillor Hodson (Councillor Hurley substituting) and Councillor McGeough.

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

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2021 be agreed subject to the following amendment:

Matters Arising:  to amend to - “Weekly planning list”.

(Vote:  For 7, Abstentions 2)

Min 24 – Details of a withdrawn Planning application for storage containers in Riverbank Car Park – response to be circulated to Members of the Committee when received.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 24 June 2021. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

The Chair advised that not all the items listed will be brought forward to the next meeting but will be reallocated to future meetings as and when the relevant works are scheduled.

Agreement to the above was proposed by Councillor James and seconded by Councillor Laws.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

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.

Councillor James reported that after speaking to Councillor Hicks who had had an operation at the end of last week, Councillor Hicks had said he will now be available for telephone and Zoom meetings, and as soon as he can will be attending meetings but will require transport.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, wished Councillor Hicks a speedy recovery.

To receive the report of the Economic Development Officer.

Resolved:

a)    That the Northern Devon: Road to Recovery prospectus, subject to final design alterations, including final artwork be approved.

b)    That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to assess and permit independent markets within 6 miles of the Bideford Pannier Market until the end of December 2022, after which time authority will again be sought by written report from Community and Resources Committee.

The purpose of the report, presented by the Economic Development Officer, was to seek Member approval for the Northern Devon: A Road to Recovery prospectus and for delegated market approval.

Councillor Christie referred to the Impact of Covid 19 and expressed concern that one of the major impacts he had been made aware of was a rise in house prices locally.  Due to Covid, Local Surveyors have said properties are selling off the net without being seen, making the area incredibly popular.  This he said would have an enormous impact on young people in Torridge looking to buy their own property.  

It was proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded by Councillor Bright that Geoffrey Cox MP is contacted regarding this matter.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

Following further discussion, it was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Bushby and -

Resolved:

a)    That the Northern Devon: Road to Recovery prospectus, subject to final design alterations, including final artwork be approved.

b)    That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to assess and permit independent markets within 6 miles of the Bideford Pannier Market until the end of December 2022, after which time authority will again be sought by written report from Community and Resources Committee.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the HR & Communications Manager.

Resolved:

That the proposed Pensions Discretions Policy be approved.

The Finance Manager & S151 Officer presented the report, the purpose of which to seek Member approval for revision to the Pensions Discretion Policy.

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

Resolved:

That the proposed Pensions Discretions Policy be approved.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place.

The purpose of the report was for Members to note the urgent decision recently taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure.

In accordance with the Constitution there is a requirement for decisions to be reported to the next appropriate Community & Resources Committee explaining the reason for the urgency.

The Committee noted the report.

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 James, seconded by Councillor Laws 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 Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Resolved:

That the existing Restrictive Covenant be removed and substituted with an amended Restrictive Covenant allowing the land to be used for commercial use only. 

Councillor Laws declared a prejudicial interest and took no part in the debate and decision making.

The purpose of the report was for Members to consider whether to amend the Restrictive Covenant on the Hotel Site at Westward Ho!    The Head of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer gave a summary of the history to the site and explained in detail the current legal position.

Following a lengthy debate, it was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Bushby and -

Resolved:

That the existing Restrictive Covenant be removed and substituted with an amended Restrictive Covenant allowing the land to be used for commercial use only. 

(Vote:  For 4, Against 4)

The Chair used her casting vote in favour of the motion.

The motion was carried.

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place.

The purpose of the report was for Members to note the urgent decision recently taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure.

In accordance with the Constitution there is a requirement for decisions to be reported to the next appropriate Community & Resources Committee explaining the reason for the urgency.

The Committee noted the report.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 (AS AMENDED)

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

Resolved:    That the press and public be readmitted.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)