Agenda and minutes

Father P Maddison, Priest of the Church of the Sacred Heart, St. Ives opened the meeting with Prayer.

(a)  Councillors P D Reeve and Ms S Kemp

  The Chairman welcomed Councillor P D Reeve, newly elected Councillor for Ramsey to his first meeting of the Council.

  Having referred to the resignation of Councillor Ms S Kemp as District Councillor for the Huntingdon North Ward with effect from 1st September 2009, the Chairman asked for the Council's appreciation to be placed on record for Ms Kemp's contribution to the Council and the constituents of Huntingdon North over the past two years.

(b)  Charity Ball

  The Chairman reminded the Council that his charity ball would take place at the Burgess Hall, St. Ives on 30th October 2009 and he encouraged all Members to attend.  Proceeds from the event would be donated to MacMillan Cancer Support, St. John's Ambulance and Magpas.

(c)  Council Procedure

  Having explained the programme for the evening, the Chairman welcomed Chief Superintendent M Gipp and a questioner from the public, Mr D Lewisohn, to the meeting.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 24th June 2009.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24th June 2009 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members declarations as to personal and/or prejudicial interests and the nature of those interests in relation to any Agenda Item.  Please see Notes 1 and 2 below.

Councillors Mrs K E Cooper, R W J Eaton and G S E Thorpe declared a personal interest in the following items by virtue of their membership of St. Neots Town Council - Minute No. 38 (a), Item Nos. 25 and 36 and Minute No. 38 (c), Item No. 12.

Councillor C R Hyams declared a personal interest in Minute No. 36 by virtue of his membership of Godmanchester Town Council.

Councillor L W McGuire declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No. 38 (f), Item No. 8 as the owner of a boat at Hartford Marina.

The Returning Officer to report that Mr D P Reeve has been elected to the Office of District Councillor for the Ramsey Ward at a by-election held on 23rd July 2009.

The Chief Executive reported that Councillor P D Reeve had been elected to the office of District Councillor at the by-election held on 23rd July 2009 in the Ramsey Ward.  In so doing, he extended his appreciation to candidates and their agents for their co-operation during the day. 

Councillor Reeve thanked Members of the Council for their warm welcome to him since his election to office.

The Chief Executive to report on the resignation of Councillor Ms S L Kemp with effect from 1st September 2009 and that the vacancy in the Huntingdon North Ward would be filled at a by-election to be held in the Autumn.

Further to Minute No. 27, the Chief Executive confirmed the resignation of former Councillor Ms S Kemp with effect from 1st September 2009 and reported that the resultant vacancy in the Huntingdon North Ward would be filled at a by-election to be held on 29th October 2009. 

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor P J Downes paid tribute to the contribution made by Ms Kemp to the Council's overview and scrutiny process and indicated that, whilst disappointed at her resignation, he had understood the personal reasons for her decision.  Indeed he expressed the hope that she would return to serve as a district councillor again in the future.

A member of the public has given notice that he wishes to ask the following question –

  “What steps has the Council taken to bring privately owned residential properties that have been empty for a significant period, into use as they are surely needed to help alleviate the shortage of houses in the District?”.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, the Chairman invited Mr D Lewisohn to ask Councillor K J Churchill, Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, the following question -

"What steps have the Council taken to bring privately owned residential properties that have been empty for a significant period, into use as they are surely needed to help alleviate the shortage of houses in the District ?"

A copy of Councillor Churchill's reply is appended hereto.

In response to a supplementary question from Mr Lewisohn which suggested that five properties had remained empty in Hartford over periods extending from 2/3 - 5/6 years, Councillor Churchill replied that whilst he had no knowledge of the properties referred to, the Council could offer assistance to bring properties back into use, that residents were encouraged to report empty properties and that if the questioner could advise either him or the Head of Housing Services of the location of the dwellings referred to he would investigate their circumstances. 

To consider the suspension of Council Procedure Rule 11 on the rules of debate at meetings of the Council for the purposes of Agenda Item Nos. 7 and 8 ante.  Report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services.

By way of a report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council was reminded of the decisions taken recently to change the format of Council meetings which had included the introduction of headline debates and Cabinet "white paper" proposals.  To seek to promote a free-flowing discussion and exchange of views, the Council considered the suspension of the formal rules of debate during the Council meeting when these items were being considered.  Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that Council Procedure Rule 11 (Rules of Debate) be suspended for the duration of the discussion on Minute Nos. 34 and 35 and at such time, the common law rules of debate be observed by Members and applied by the Chairman.

How successful are the Council and its partners in tackling anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime in Huntingdonshire?

The debate to be opened by Chief Superintendent M Gipp, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Councillor K J Churchill, Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health.

The Chairman requested Councillor K J Churchill, Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health and Chief Superintendent M Gipp to open the debate on -

"How successful is the Council and its partners in tackling anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime in Huntingdonshire ?".

In his opening remarks, Chief Superintendent Gipp drew the Council's attention to the percentage of Huntingdonshire residents (11%) who considered that anti-social behaviour was a problem in their local area in comparison with the national average (20%).  He also referred to the statutory responsibility of the Police Authority to co-operate in the formulation and implementation of crime and disorder reduction partnership strategies and their duty to consider the crime and disorder implications of those strategies in partnership with other agencies/authorities. 

Chief Superintendent Gipp highlighted the issues perceived by the public to present the biggest problems in the Huntingdonshire area as being "noisy neighbours, people who were drunk or rowdy, teenagers hanging around, and abandoned cars", but he contended that this was largely a matter of perception with evidence suggesting for example that there are now fewer abandoned cars in the streets.

Councillor Churchill drew the Council's attention to the Huntingdonshire Community Safety Plan 2008 - 2011 and the achievements of the community safety partnership during the period.  He referred, in particular, to a joint project with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the County Council and Yaxley Parish Council which had resulted in the installation of three CCTV cameras and the re-opening of the youth centre in Yaxley and to the establishment of "Night Watch" to address issues associated with the night time economy in St. Ives.  Councillor Churchill described the new and developing activities under the 2009 - 2012 plan which would seek to address anti-social behaviour including criminal damage in Huntingdon and the intention to seek, in partnership, to reduce criminal damage by 10% by 2011.  In closing his address, Councillor Churchill highlighted other initiatives such as safer car park awards, CCTV in town centres and the results of the Place Survey which had demonstrated how the District Council was working with partners to combat anti-social behaviour.

Councillor J J Dutton informed the Council that he had worked in partnership with different agencies in Huntingdon North to reduce crime rates and make the area a better and safer place to live.  Much had been achieved by encouraging residents to participate in community days, promoting interest in community activities and supporting parents in taking responsibility for their children.

Councillor G S E Thorpe underlined the importance of engaging young people in sport, voluntary organisations, scouts and guides etc. but accepted that these community activities might not appeal to all youngsters.  He considered that careful planning of development could create safe play and meeting areas on new estates for instance.  Recent anti-social behaviour surrounding a trim trail in St. Neots had occurred, because of its unsuitable location.  He regretted the discontinuation of a youth coffee shop project which had been supported by grant aid from the Town  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Councillor J M Sadler, Chairman of the Licensing Committee to inform the Council that a consultation exercise has began to review the statement of principles under the Gambling Act 2005 to come into effect in January 2010.

Councillor J M Sadler, Chairman of the Licensing Committee, informed the Council that a consultation exercise had begun to review the Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 to come into effect in January 2010.  Members were reminded that the Council was the licensing authority for the purposes of the Gambling Act 2005 and had certain responsibilities under the Act to regulate gambling in Huntingdonshire including the issue of premises licences at Huntingdon Racecourse, betting shops, adult gaming centres and various other forms of establishment where gambling could take place and the issue of permits for gambling machines in pubs, clubs and elsewhere and various other forms of gambling such as the playing of poker and the registration of lotteries.  The Council noted that the closing date for comment was 13th November 2009 and that the responses received would be brought to the attention of the Licensing Committee and Cabinet before submission to the Council for consideration on 2nd December.  Councillor Sadler urged Members of the Council to raise any concerns about gambling in Huntingdonshire with him or with the Licensing Section who would be co-ordinating replies to the consultation. 

The Executive Councillor Planning Strategy and Transport to present the Development Plan Document – Core Strategy 2008 to the Council for adoption.

By way of a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor D B Dew, informed the Council that the Planning Inspectorate had issued its report on the examination into the Development Plan Document - Core Strategy 2008 which had concluded that the Strategy had satisfied legal requirements and was sound.

As the first District in the County to publish a Core Strategy, the Executive Councillor thanked his predecessor, Councillor P L E Bucknell, other Members and Officers for their contribution during compilation of the document.

Regarding the proposed strategic housing development at Godmanchester, Councillor C R Hyams reported that this would be dependant upon the implementation of the improvement scheme to the A14 between Ellington and Fen Ditton and particularly the construction of a new junction at the A1198, Ermine Street.  He added that in his opinion, the developer would have to demonstrate that the scheme would not have a detrimental effect on traffic on the A1198 and that, his view was that the construction of 800 houses at Godmanchester could only exacerbate the current situation.  In these circumstances, Councillor Hyams indicated that he would not be able to support the adoption of the strategy.  Councillor P Godley endorsed the views expressed by Councillor Hyams adding that development in Godmanchester would lead to traffic congestion in the village if pursued in advance of improvements to the A14 and the removal of the Huntingdon viaduct.

In terms of development east of the railway line, St. Neots, Councillor G S E Thorpe welcomed the proposed extension to the town hoping that it would bring with it improved infrastructure and employment to ensure St. Neots remained a healthy and vibrant market town.

Councillor P D Reeve welcomed the proposed adoption of the Core Strategy and in particular those initiatives which promoted employment.  In his view, it was essential that decisions on the future development of Huntingdonshire should be made by the District Council and not be influenced by the East of England Regional Assembly. 

The Executive Councillor, Councillor Dew concurred with the comments made by Councillors P J Downes and R J West in respect of the requirement for stringent enforcement action if the expectation for strategic housing development was to be achieved and for presentations on the Core Strategy to be made to all town and parish councils.  The latter suggestion was endorsed by Councillor J S Watt who also requested training for District Council Members on the Core Strategy and on subsequent development plan documents.

Councillor R G Tuplin raised his concern at the decision of H M Inspectorate to approve, on appeal, an application for development of 190 houses at Sawtry which, in his view, was already contrary to the Core Strategy.

In closing the debate, Councillor Dew reaffirmed that development would only progress in Godmanchester if it was established that there would be no detriment on the A1198 and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

(a)  To consider a report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services on the representation of political groups on Panels, etc in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and the District Council’s Constitution.

(b)  To vary the membership of the Council’s Committees and Panels as appropriate.

Members considered a report submitted by the Head of Democratic and Central Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) regarding the changes required to the constitution of political groups on the Council following recent changes in Council membership.  Having regard to the principles of proportionality to be applied to the appointment of Panels and in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Part II of the Local Government Act 2000, it was

RESOLVED

  that the allocation of seats on Panels and Committees to political groups and non-aligned Members be determined as set out in the report now submitted and the membership of Panels varied in accordance with the schedule appended hereto.

Councillor I C Bates, Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 23rd July and 17th September 2009.

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In connection with Item No. 26 and in response to a question from Councillor G S E Thorpe regarding the funding of officer time spent on the Great Fen Project, Councillor Bates replied that there was no specific budget set aside for this purpose, that costs were notional and that any contribution arising from the Section 106 Agreement would be required to relate to development arising from the project.

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Councillor T V Rogers, Executive Councillor for Finance presented the report and recommendation referred to in Item No. 29.  In response to a question from Councillor P J Downes regarding the opportunity for the District Council to retain some flexibility in setting its Council Tax at the level suggested if circumstances were to change over the next few weeks, Councillor Rogers replied that there continued to be a number of uncertainties in the budget/MTP process but that Officers were continuing to work with the Cabinet to identify further measures to provide additional flexibility should this be necessary.

Having noted the contributions made to the process by the Overview and Scrutiny Panels and on being put to the vote, the recommendation contained in item No. 29 was declared to be CARRIED.

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In connection with Item No. 33 and in response to a question from Councillor G S E Thorpe regarding arrangements for the nomination of parish councillors and position of chairman to each of the Neighbourhood Forums, Councillor Bates reminded the Council that forums would be reviewed after twelve months' operation but that at the outset, Councillor A N Gilbert would remain Chairman of St. Neots Forum.

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In connection with Item No. 35 and further to the findings of the study by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) regarding the adoption of roads and sewers, Councillor A N Gilbert urged Members of the Development Management Panel to place stringent conditions on planning consents for new development to ensure roads and sewers were completed by developers to adoptable standards and requested Members generally to draw to the attention of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs those construction companies who were failing to meet their responsibilities in this respect.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that subject to the aforementioned paragraphs, the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 23rd July and 17th September 2009 be received and adopted.

Mr D L Hall presented the Report of the meetings of the Standards Committee held on 9th July and 3rd September 2009.

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Further to Item No. 2, Mr Hall thanked both Councillors I C Bates and P J Downes as Leaders of their respective groups for their presentations to the Committee.  In turn, Councillor R J West thanked Mr Hall for his attendance at a recent meeting of Offord Cluny and Offord D'Arcy Parish Council which had been appreciated by the parish councillors who had attended.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Standards Committee held on 9th July and 3rd September 2009 be received and adopted.

Councillor J D Ablewhite presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 16th July and 10th September 2009.

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In connection with Item No. 8 and in response to a question from Councillor M G Baker, Councillor Ablewhite confirmed that the District Council had no plans to re-open the tourist information office in Huntingdon.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 16th July and 10th September 2009 be received and adopted.

Councillor P M D Godfrey presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 14th July and 8th September 2009.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 14th July and 8th September 2009 be received and adopted. 

Councillor S J Criswell presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 7th July and 1st September 2009.

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In connection with Item No. 15 and in response to a question from Councillor M F Shellens regarding a suggested system to regulate car parking for visitors to Hinchingbrooke Park, Councillor Criswell reported that the matter was currently being considered by the Members' Car Parking Working Group.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 7th July and 1st September 2009 be received and adopted.

Councillor D B Dew presented the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 20th July, 17th August and 14th September 2009.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 20th July, 17th August and 14th September 2009 be received and adopted.

Councillor Mrs B E Boddington presented the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 15th September 2009.

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In connection with Item No. 10, Councillor Mrs Boddington drew Members' attention to the length of service to the Council of Mr R Probyn who would be retiring shortly and on behalf of the Council she extended her best wishes to him for his retirement.

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In connection with Item No. 11 and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes, Councillor Mrs Boddington reassured the questioner that Members would be given early notification of the date of the seminar to be arranged on shared services.

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 15th September 2009 be received and adopted.

Councillor J M Sadler presented the Report of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16th September 2009.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 16th September 2009 be received and adopted.

Councillor C J Stephens presented the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 23rd June 2009. 

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 23rd June 2009 be received and adopted.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Section 8.3) of the Council's Constitution, to receive oral questions from Members of the Council

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Paragraph 8.3 of the Rules), the Chairman proceeded to conduct a period of oral questions addressed to Executive Councillors and Panel Chairmen as follows:-

Question from Councillor D P Reeve to the Executive Councillor for Operational and Countryside Services, Councillor C R Hyams

In response to a question regarding the contribution made by the CCTV mobile unit in helping combat anti-social behaviour and the possible threat to the service because of budgetary measures, Councillor Hyams replied that given the economic downturn and the uncertainties that surrounded local government finance, he could not give any undertaking that the mobile unit would be retained but he acknowledged the valuable contribution that it made in helping to ensure public safety.

Question from Councillor W T Clough to the Executive Councillor for Housing and Public Health, Councillor K J Churchill

In response to a question regarding the need to consider ways to attract public interest in Council meetings, Councillor Churchill replied that the Democratic Structure Working Group would be reviewing the outcome of the Council meeting and that of the forthcoming Neighbourhood Forum in St. Neots and that the Working Group would address any issues which had arisen at both meetings.

Question from Councillor R J West to the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor D B Dew

In response to a question regarding the potential effect of the economic downturn on the workload of the Planning Services Division, Councillor Dew indicated that in contrast to neighbouring authorities, Huntingdonshire was not experiencing any reduction in activity but that he would continue to monitor the situation.

Question from Councillor R W J Eaton to the Leader of the Council, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the potential for offering one hour’s free car parking in the market towns to mitigate the economic downturn and maintain the vitality of the town centres, Councillor Bates encouraged the Liberal Democrat’s representative on the Members' Car Parking Working Party to raise the issue for consideration in that forum. 

Question from Councillor Mrs K E Cooper to the Leader of the Council, Councillor I C Bates

In response to a question regarding the transfer of the tourist information centre from St. Neots Museum to the Priory Centre and its effect on the number of visitors and the cost implications, Councillor Bates undertook to reply to the questioner in writing.

Question from Councillor M G Baker to the Executive Councillor for Operational and Countryside Services, Councillor C R Hyams

In response to a question regarding the progress of works to erect a fence between Hinchingbrooke School, and the Country Park, Councillor Hyams replied that following consultation with the school, appropriate work would be undertaken by the end of September. 

Question from Councillor P L E Bucknell to the Executive Councillor for Environment and Information Technology, Councillor J A Gray

In response to a question about the progress of an investigation into the surface water systems following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

The Chief Executive to report on absences of Members from meetings.

The Chief Executive reported that there were no absences of Members from meetings for consideration in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. 

The meeting ended at 9.50pm.