Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R Lock and D Hurley.

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

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2022 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For 6, Abstentions 2)

The action list was reviewed and updated.

Minute 281 – Skate Park

Councillor Christie gave an update on conversations that Councillor Bushby and himself had had with the complainant.   

Councillor Christie reiterated his previous concerns regarding drainage of the site and which he said was a condition on the planning permission.   The complainant had contacted the ombudsman as he believes the Authority are in breach of their own planning conditions.

Members were informed that the breach of condition could not be discharged and there is no longer an enforcement issue.

The Head of Communities & Place referred to the Community & Resources Committee decision not to progress with works to the site, and advised it is only Members who can change the decision. If Members wanted to consider that decision it would require Members taking it back to Committee.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 19 January 2023. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

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 Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That in light of the initial findings, Officers should not direct resources towards the production of a detailed feasibility study and business case (at the expense of delay to other priority projects) in line with the Notice of Motion presented by Councillor Brenton.

The Head of Communities and Place introduced this item and invited Councillor Brenton to address the meeting regarding his Notice of Motion presented to Full Council in December 2022, and which had been approved by Members.

Councillor Brenton outlined his thoughts and concerns in relation to the report.  He stated the report included a significant number of negatives and that most of the information contained therein was irrelevant.

Members acknowledged they had supported the Motion at Full Council, but on reflection and having looked at the practicalities did not feel they could now give their support to pursue this matter further, but to focus on what can be achieved, referring particularly to Middle Dock which is one of the major projects for the Council. 

Regarding temporary accommodation, Members were advised that other schemes to deal with the housing situation are being explored.   There has been a significant increase in hostel accommodation and private sector leasing which is the preferred approach.

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

Resolved:

That in light of the initial findings, Officers should not direct resources towards the production of a detailed feasibility study and business case (at the expense of delay to other priority projects) in line with the Notice of Motion presented by Councillor Brenton.

(Vote:  For 8, Against 1)

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That the proposal as detailed in the report be approved and fairness and racial equality for resident  and non-resident burials of all faiths be given.

The Head of Communities and Place presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider removing the restriction to TDC residents only for Muslim burials to bring in line with guidelines/policy for all other faiths.

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

Resolved:

That the proposal as detailed in the report be approved and fairness and racial equality for resident and non-resident burials of all faiths be given.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place

Resolved:

That in light of reduced demand and the considerable safety challenges associated with implementation of their previous resolution, the Committee decided not to pursue their resolution of the 25 November 2019.

The purpose of the report, presented by the Head of Communities & Place, was for Members to re-consider the decision to allow taxis to use the concrete apron of the Quay to wait for space to become available on the main taxi rank at Bideford Quay.

During the discussion Members expressed concerns with supporting the resolution, the reasons given included the increased number of cars parking on the Quayside and the health and safety risks involved.    

Councillor Bushby gave his reasons as to why he supported the resolution, stating that had the system been implemented it would show whether it was working or not.

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

Resolved:

That in light of reduced demand and the considerable safety challenges associated with implementation of their previous resolution, the Committee decided not to pursue their resolution of the 25 November 2019.

(Vote:  For 7, Against 1, Abstentions 1)

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

Resolved:

That Torridge, in line with other Local Authorities, increase their number of pledges to support people under The Afghan Resettlement Scheme to enable the LAHF funding to be accessed.

The Head of Legal & Governance presented this item, the purpose of which was to advise Members in respect of the potential for Grant funding for Housing under the Homes for Ukraine and Afghan Resettlement Schemes to enable Members to decide whether to proceed with the Scheme.  

The Head of Legal & Governance explained why the written report was not before Members.

The Government is proposing a further fund of £500m.  Full details of the scheme were conveyed to Members, which included TDC’s proposed allocation of £576,600 made up as Year 1 - £172,980 and Year 2 - £403,620, the funding objectives, what the funding can be used for, the conditions of funding and the Grant rate and eligible spend.   

The Government has recognized that Torridge, alongside many other Council areas, are facing pressure in terms of homelessness. The fund allows for the provision of long term accommodation provided TDC have increased our pledges and provide additional homes for those in bridging accommodation for Afghans and once the accommodation is no longer required they will go into TDC housing stock to be used for general housing accommodation. 

The Head of Legal & Governance highlighted to Members the need to make an initial indication to Government by Wednesday 25 January 2023, on whether TDC wished to proceed or not.

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

Resolved:

That Torridge, in line with other Local Authorities, increase their number of pledges to support people under The Afghan Resettlement Scheme to enable the LAHF funding to be accessed.

(Vote:  For 8, Against 1)

The Forward Plan was noted.