Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence received.

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

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 August 2021 be agreed.

(Vote:  For - Unanimous)

Matters Arising –

Councillor Lock asked if Officers had spoken to Geoffrey Cox MP regarding Members concerns in the rise of house prices locally.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the Leader, Deputy Leader and himself had met with the MP on 20 August, when Members concerns were relayed to him.   This was followed up with a range of information and questions the MP had in terms of Torridge’s specific statistics and these were provided to him.

The Action list was reviewed and updated.

Minute No 158

It was confirmed that the Public Health & Housing Manager had sent an email to Councillor Bushby with the information requested.

Following a request from Councillor Christie, the information was shared with the Committee.   The Public Health & Housing Manager advised the information had been provided to Geoffrey Cox MP, and that currently there are approximately 820 in Torridge on the latest Devon Home Choice Register but this changes monthly.  

During the discussion that followed, the following concerns/comments were made:

·         The housing situation will not get any better and the situation should be reviewed now.

·         The number on the waiting list – the Public Health & Housing Manager advised that the list includes house swaps and not all on the list would be considered priority need.   The vast majority are in housing and just looking to move.

·         Developers to look at building single smaller units – should this be looked at in the Local Plan when identifying smaller areas.  

·         Emergency accommodation – figures were not too hand as these change on a weekly basis.   The Public Health & Housing Manager will provide figures.

·         How many are in desperate need for housing?   The Chief Executive explained this is a matter that is included in the Council’s QBR which is reviewed at Internal O&S.  The Public Health & Housing Manager will be reporting back to Internal O&S.  It is work in hand.

The Chief Executive said Members will be aware that the Council have started looking at work on housing, and a report will be brought to Full Council on the 1 November. It will be looking at those options where the Council may be able to or wish to intervene in the position of affordable housing.

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

There were no public contributions.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Christie, the Head of Communities & Place gave the following update on Isaac’s Yard:

·         No further update on the funding bid.   Indication was the Authority would hear in the Autumn.

·         The valuation report had been returned and Officers have attempted to re-open negotiations with the primary landowner of the site, but his preference was to do more investigation work in advance of those negotiations.

·         The Development Management Team have been progressing the proposals put forward for the planning application, but no application had yet been submitted.

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.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Public Health and Housing Manager

Resolved:

1.    That authorisation be given for the Sustainability and Climate Officer to respond to the draft Nature Recovery Plan by endorsing and supporting the proposed vision and actions within it.

2.    That the Nature Recovery Declaration be signed and the associated actions identified for Councils be progressed.

3.    That all members and staff be encouraged to pledge their support for this Declaration as individuals, and to share it with their family and friends where appropriate.

The Public Health & Housing Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to make Members aware that the North Devon Biosphere had published a Nature Recovery Plan, and to seek approval to sign the Declaration.

Following the presentation Councillor Christie referred to a planning application in Westward Ho! where the off set was to be in his Ward.   He had not been informed of this and asked if the Planning Department could inform Councillors of the plans for their Ward.

During the discussion there were concerns raised regarding the signing up to the Declaration.   The primary concern raised was regarding the impact this could have on the agricultural community.  The Public Health & Housing Manager addressed the concern stating that the Biosphere have a good record of working with the agricultural sector.  This is about sustainable farming and not stopping farming working in a different way.

Following comments made that there is nothing binding in it, the Public Health & Housing Manager stated It is not binding but it is about aspirations in all the different areas that we can all be involved in.

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

Resolved:

1.    That authorisation be given for the Sustainability and Climate Officer to respond to the draft Nature Recovery Plan by endorsing and supporting the proposed vision and actions within it.

2.    That the Nature Recovery Declaration be signed and the associated actions identified for Councils be progressed.

3.    That all members and staff be encouraged to pledge their support for this Declaration as individuals, and to share it with their family and friends where appropriate.

(Vote: For 5, Against 3)

To receive the report and appendices of the Operational Services Manager

Resolved:

1. That the £3,000 bond be returned to the Freshspring Trust on the condition that annual inspections /surveys are undertaken by the trust and the Harbour Master to ensure the vessel does not deteriorate which would be to the detriment to the harbour area.   Condition reports to be presented at the end of the reporting year to the Bideford Harbour Board Working Group.

2. That the Council reserve the right to insist that the bond be reinstated for the ship to remain in the Harbour area if any defects are not rectified within a defined time scale.

In the absence of the Operational Services Manager, the Head of Communities & Place presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider the recommendation of the Bideford Harbour Board Working Group to return a £3,000 bond to the SS Freshspring Society to enable further improvements to the ship.

During the discussion and following comments in relation to insurance, the Head of Legal & Governance advised that insurance is separate from the bond and confirmed that with all mooring arrangements it had been stipulated insurance must be in place.

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

Resolved:

1. That the £3,000 bond be returned to the Freshspring Trust on the condition that annual inspections /surveys are undertaken by the trust and the Harbour Master to ensure the vessel does not deteriorate which would be to the detriment to the harbour area.   Condition reports to be presented at the end of the reporting year to the Bideford Harbour Board Working Group.

2. That the Council reserve the right to insist that the bond be reinstated for the ship to remain in the Harbour area if any defects are not rectified within a defined time scale.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That the proposed price increases for 2021/2022 as set out in Appendix 1

attached to the report, not be agreed.

The purpose of the report, presented by the Head of Communities &

Place, was for Members to determine and agree the proposed 2021/2022 pricing arrangements of its Leisure Contractors 1610.

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

Resolved:

That the proposed price increases for 2021/2022 as set out in Appendix 1

attached to the report, not be agreed.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)