Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Brenton, R Lock, the Chief Executive and the Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer).

The Chair identified an error in minute 454 which would be corrected by Democratic Services.

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor J Whittaker           and -

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd July be signed as a true record with the above correction included.

(Vote:  For – 7, Against – 0, Abstentions – 2)

Councillor A Dart joined the meeting at 6.02pm, following the vote of the minutes. 

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  .(The deadline for registering  to speak is by 2pm Thursday 12^th September 2024. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

The Forward Plan was noted.

The Head of Communities & Place advised the Playzone item would be moved to the Full Council forward plan.  

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 urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Economic Development Manager.

RESOLVED:

That Members support the Bideford Cultural Investment Plan.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Cultural Development Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was for the Community & Resources Committee to note and support the new Bideford Cultural Investment Plan.

A brief discussion took place where Members made comments on the plan which the Cultural Development Officer noted and advised amendments could be made.

Confirmation was given that private music venues had been consulted and that the Methodist Church proposal was put forward by Bideford Town Council for the Levelling Up Partnership, although it was not known if this was progressing.

The Cultural Development Officer advised Bideford College had been contacted however had not responded.

It was proposed by Councillor R Hicks, seconded by J Whittaker and –

RESOLVED:

That Members support the Bideford Cultural Investment Plan.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To receive the report of the Head of Communities and Place

RESOLVED:

That £50 per calendar month rent be charged from the commencement of the tenancy.

(Vote: For – 8, Against – 0, Abstention – 1) 

The Head of Communities & Place presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to decide whether or not to provide a rent concession to the Men’s Shed.

Councillor K James declared a personal interest as a trustee of the Man Shed and provided details of the rent charged at the previous premises.

A discussion commenced focusing, firstly, on the condition of the unit the Man Shed now occupy and the reason for the move.

Councillor C Leather proposed a rent of £50 per calendar month, this was seconded by Councillor L Piper.

Members expressed the benefit of the Man Shed for both social and mental health needs and it emerged through the continued discussion that Members support the organisation and commended the work carried out. 

The Head of Communities & Place confirmed how the original rent had been determined.

Councillor R Hicks proposed a rent of £50 per calendar month from the beginning of the tenancy. Both Councillor C Leather and Councillor L Piper were in agreement with this amendment.

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor L Piper and –

RESOLVED:

That £50 per calendar month rent be charged from the commencement of the tenancy.

(Vote: For – 8, Against – 0, Abstention – 1) 

To receive the report of the Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer).

RESOLVED:

That the decision taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure be noted.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Head of Communities & Place presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to note the urgent decisions recently taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure.

Following a query regarding the potential risk of the Lead Member also being the Chair of Internal Overview & Scrutiny signing the document, the Head of Communities & Place explained the procedure for an urgent decision and that it was not a necessity for the Lead Member to sign the document it was for agreement purposes only.

RESOLVED:

That the decision taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure be noted.

(Vote: For – unanimous)