Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Sean Kearney, Head of Communities & Place and Councillor D McGeough.

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

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2021 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For 9, Abstentions 1)

The action list was reviewed and updated.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  (The deadline for registering  to speak is by 2pm Thursday 14 October 2021. 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 James and –

Resolved:

That the Agenda as circulated be agreed.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That the 20/21 Councillor Grants underspend be distributed equally between all 36 Ward Members for use (in line with the Councillor Grants scheme guidance) in the 21/22 financial year.

The purpose of the report, presented by the Chief Executive, was for Members to consider the equal distribution between all Ward Councillors of the 2020/21 Councillor Grant underspend to be used in the year 2021/22.

When discussing this matter and following comments made, the Chief Executive agreed for Members to receive monthly updates giving details of their outstanding grant monies, and to email final figures prior to the year end of the scheme.

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

Resolved:

That the 20/21 Councillor Grants underspend be distributed equally between all 36 Ward Members for use (in line with the Councillor Grants scheme guidance) in the 21/22 financial year.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Planning Manager

Resolved:

That a Funding Agreement be entered into in order to release the amount of £34,549 to Northam Town Council

The Chief Executive presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider an application for S106 Grant Funding from Northam Town Council in relation to replacement play facilities at Avon Lane Park, Westward Ho.

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

Resolved:

That a Funding Agreement be entered into in order to release the amount of £34,549 to Northam Town Council

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

Following the vote Councillor Christie asked if there was a current list of S106 monies and whether it is available by Wards.  It had previously been agreed that Members are notified of planning applications involving a S106 Agreement within their Wards.

Councillor James stated it is the intention of the Planning Manager to continue to keep Ward Members informed, and an up-to-date list will be available as and when S106 monies are agreed.  

To receive the report of the Finance Manager & S151 Officer

Resolved:

That Torridge Officers continue to work with the Management of The Plough over the coming months in relation to the Business Plan, to ascertain the ongoing viability of The Plough in a post Covid-19 restriction world, with a view to bringing an updated report Community & Resources Committee for consideration.

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) presented this item and updated Members on the latest financial position of The Plough Theatre, Torrington, following on from the decision made by Community & Resources Committee on 7 September 2020 to support them with a one off grant contribution of £25,000.

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

Resolved:

That Torridge Officers continue to work with the Management of The Plough over the coming months in relation to the Business Plan, to ascertain the ongoing viability of The Plough in a post Covid-19 restriction world, with a view to bringing an updated report Community & Resources Committee for consideration.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the minutes of the Harbour Board meeting held on 23 September 2021.

The Committee referred to Minute No. 86 – repair works to the pilot boat.  Following a telephone call received from a member of the public with information on the repair costs which differed from that in the minutes, Councillor Bushby requested further information on the condition of the boat, details of the repairs and the costings involved. 

The Chief Executive reported that the Head of Communities & Place and the Operational Services Manager had visited the Shipyard last week to have discussions with those carrying out the repair works.   The costing figures for the repairs to be circulated to Members.

The Committee asked that due to the age of the pilot boat, Officers look at replacement options.  The Chief Executive said at this time the boat is repairable, but he would ask the Head of Communities & Place to review options for a replacement.  He was mindful that over time costs and repairs do mount up and at times it is more economical to procure new.  

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.  seconded 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)

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To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That support be given to the recommendation as set out in the report.

Prior to the presentation Councillor Christie declared a personal interest as a member of the Bideford Bridge Trust.

The Property Manager gave a detailed and confidential update on the recent developments in the acquisition of land forming part of the Levelling Up Fund Bid with options and recommendations for the way forward with the scheme.

Following a lengthy discussion and consideration by Members of the report and the progress of negotiations, Officers were instructed to continue to negotiate with the land owner.

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

Resolved:

That support be given to the recommendation as set out in the report.

(Vote:  For 9, Abstentions 2)

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That recommendations a) and b) as set out in the report be approved

The Property Manager updated Members on progress with the acquisition of the land at Bideford Business Park and the opportunity to acquire additional land for future development on that site.

A plan of the site was circulated at the meeting.

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

Resolved:

That recommendations a) and b) as set out in the report be approved

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 (AS AMENDED)

It was proposed, seconded and –

Resolved:    That the press and public be readmitted.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)