Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence received.

Councillor L Bright joined the meeting at 18.01pm.

Members identified an error in the Minutes regarding Mr Cawthorne’s relation to the former Great Torrington factory. It was corrected that he was the manager, not the owner.

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

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on the 21^st October 2024 be signed as a correct record, with the above amendment.

(Vote: For – 10, Against – 0, Abstention – 1)

Councillor P Hames was not yet present in the meeting and therefore was not included in the vote.

There were no items on the Action List for discussion.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  .(The deadline for registering  to speak is by 2pm Thursday 21^st November 2024. 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.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Estates Support Officer

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation to amend the name from “Babbage” to “Fowler Drive” be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Chair presented the report, the purpose of which was to request that Members amend their decision regarding street naming in light of revised information.  

Members discussed the recommendation of amending the street name to “Fowler”.

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

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation to amend the name from “Babbage” to “Fowler Drive” be approved.

(Vote: For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Estates Manager.

RESOLVED:

That it be approved to acquire the electric replacement vehicles as detailed in the report.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Head of Communities & Place introduced the report, the purpose of which was to obtain resolution to purchase no.2 replacement Estates Department vans and also proposed that a transition to electric vehicles is made at this juncture.

It is also requested that the Committee note the over and above capital cost of £11,744 when compared to diesel equivalents.

A discussion followed.

In relation to cost, it was advised that the electric vehicles would be more costly than ones powered by diesel. Despite this, they were recommended in recognition of the Council’s commitments to the NetZero 2030 target.

Councillor P Hames joined the meeting at 18.05pm.

Members queried the running costs of the electric vehicles and requested a comparison of the CO₂ reductions between electric and diesel-powered vehicles. The Head of Communities & Place informed the Committee that electric vehicles would incur savings on running costs when compared to vehicles with diesel engines. Furthermore, there is an expectation that electric vehicles would be cheaper to maintain in the short term, but issues with battery lifespans may arise. The Head of Communities & Place advised Members that he did not currently have statistics on CO₂ reductions.

Members commended Officers for the recommendation and noted that the use of electric vehicles could provide a good message to the general public.

In response to a question regarding battery provision and overnight charging, the Head of Communities & Place informed Members that the Council does not currently have battery provision.

Councillor W Lo-Vel joined the meeting at 18:10pm.

Next, Members questioned the cost of different electric vehicles and were advised that the recommended vehicles were the most suitable. Members suggested that research into battery properties and charging would be beneficial.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hames, seconded by Councillor T Tinsley and –

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation for the purchase of two electric replacement vehicles be approved.

Vote: (For – Unanimous).

To receive the report of the Councillor Climate Change Working Group

RESOLVED.

That the following recommendation be refused –

Whilst recognising the serious climate impact of carbon emissions generated by the meats and dairy industry and with reference to TDCs net zero carbon target, it is recommended that this council serves 50% plant-based food at its internal meetings and events, and it aims to increase plant-based offerings at its external sites, and generally aims to raise awareness in the Torridge area of the benefits of a plant-based diet.

(Vote: For - 9, Against - 2, Abstentions - 1)

Councillor P Pennington declared a pecuniary interest and confirmed he would not take part in the debate.

The Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) advised that Councillor P Pennington did not have a pecuniary interest as indicated in the Councillor Climate Change Working Group minutes, but advised Members to be aware of any pre-determined interests relating to this item. Following this advice Councillor P Pennington stayed at the table.

Councillor R Lock declared a personal interest due to being a farm owner.

Councillor K James declared a personal interest due to being a farm owner.

In response to queries on pre-determined interests, the Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) advised Members to be open-minded to the discussion. Councillor P Pennington declared that he is a Member of the Councillor Climate Change Working Group and Councillor P Hames declared that he had an open mind, even though he is a member of the Councillor Climate Change Working Group.

An issue with the wording of the recommendation in the report was discussed; the recommendation in the report differed to the resolution from the Councillor Climate Change Working Group meeting minutes.

A lengthy discussion commenced with Councillor R Lock voiced her opinions stating she could not support the recommendation and proposed that the recommendation be refused. 

Councillor P Hames supported the recommendation in the report and read a statement emphasising the Climate implications.

Councillor C Leather seconded Councillor R Lock’s proposal to refuse the recommendation in the report.  

In addition to his earlier declaration, Councillor K James declared an interest relating to farming low-density livestock which is encouraged under SFIs (Sustainable Farming Incentives).

Throughout the lengthy debate Members were able to express their judgement on the pros and cons of Plant Based foods. 

Councillor T Tinsley referred to an email received from the National Farming Union suggesting a collaborative meeting to discuss a resolution for Carbon issues and encouraged Members to accept this offer.

It was proposed by Councillor R Lock, seconded by Councillor C Leather and-

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendation be refused –

Whilst recognising the serious climate impact of carbon emissions generated by the meats and dairy industry and with reference to TDCs net zero carbon target, it is recommended that this council serves 50% plant-based food at its internal meetings and events, and it aims to increase plant-based offerings at its external sites, and generally aims to raise awareness in the Torridge area of the benefits of a plant-based diet.

(Vote: For - 9, Against - 2, Abstentions - 1)

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   XXXXXX   of Part I and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no Part II items.