Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies were received from Councillors D Brenton, L Piper, and K James, with Councillor D Bushby substituting for Councillor K James.

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor A Dart and –

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th January 2025 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For – 5, Against – 0, Abstentions – 5)

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor A Dart and –

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th January 2025 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote: For – 5, Against – 0, Abstentions – 5)

Matters Arising

Minute 509 - Councillor P Hames enquired into regulations governing beach huts. The Head of Communities & Place confirmed that leases were in place and that Councillor P Hames would be informed of any of the guidance within them.  

Minute 510 - Councillor P Hames highlighted an error in the name of the Councillor Climate Change Working Group title, it was confirmed this would be rectified.

Minute 510 – Councillor P Hames highlighted that the formal recommendation from the Climate Emergency Working Group to allocate £500,000 for carbon reduction measures was omitted from the agenda.

Minute 511 – Councillor T Tinsley further questioned the Capital PID for the Harbour (Shipping works). The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) confirmed the work is to replace the fenders and that the Coastal Engineer was sourcing information to complete the work.

The action list was reviewed.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme. (The deadline for registering  to speak is by 2pm Thursday 3^rd April 2025. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

A query with the deadline of public contribution request was raised. In response, the Senior Electoral & Democratic Services Officer confirmed this was due to a clerical error and reassured Members that no members of the public had requested to speak.

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.

The Chair addressed communication concern raised by Councillor C Leather regarding the liquidation of Active Nation, who provide back office support to Active Torridge. He assured Members that efforts to resolve the issue were underway. The contract was between Active Nation and Active Torridge resulting in no additional expenses for TDC.

The Chief Executive added that a press release had been issued to Members and he would ascertain when this was sent.  

To receive the report of the Economic Development Manager.

The Chair presented this item, the purpose of which was for Members to note the urgent decision recently taken under the Council’s Urgency Procedure and stated he had agreed as it saved the Council money.

A brief discussion took place where the following was clarified:

The Head of Communities & Place explained the meaning of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the reasons for reallocating the money was to ensure budget compliance and to prevent the return of funds to the government.

Funds were reallocated to ensure compliance with government timelines and prevent loss of funding. This included moving funds to the OSCAR and ACMIC projects.

It was confirmed that this is not additional funding and money has been identified through other streams to go back to the original fund when available.

The Head of Communities & Place advised he would ascertain the exact improvements proposed for the Drovers Trail. 

It was confirmed that the £105,000.00 allocated to the Playzone scheme can be used on the OSCAR Project, to prevent returning the money to central government. The process would then allow funds from the OSCAR project to be reallocated to the Playzone scheme. Unfortunately delays in confirmation from the Football Federation had led to the need for the decision. 

A further explanation was provided on the educational resource centre and pond at OSCAR.

Following a request for an update on ACMIC, the Chief Executive advised this would be provided at the Member Briefings along with other necessary updates.

The Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer), confirmed Councillor S Newton had signed the agreement in his capacity as Lead Member for Legal & Democratic Services.

Members noted the report.

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

The Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) presented the item, the purpose of which was to update to Members on the Victoria Park CCTV provision following a Notice of Motion.

A brief discussion took place with the following points clarified:

If Members are minded to submit a Notice of Motion and it meets the constitutional criteria, officers do not question the Motion and are obliged to add to the agenda. 

There are no plans to install additional CCTVs in other areas of the district, however enhancements and upgrades are scheduled for current cameras and this cost/maintenance is within the existing budget.

The report was noted.

There are no Part II items.