Agenda and minutes

The Reverend A Milton, Vicar of All Saints and St Mary’s, Huntingdon, opened the meeting with prayer.

The Chairman presented to the Council an account of the activities that he had attended since the last meeting. In so doing, he summarised his attendance various events including the Huntingdonshire Business Awards, Remembrance Day flag raising at Pathfinder House and St Neots, annual presentation evening with St John’s Ambulance, community events in St Ives and Great Paxton, thanksgiving service at RAF Alconbury, Young People of the Year Awards Ceremony and various carol concerts and civic services in St Neots, St Ives as well as the hosting of his own carol service in Huntingdon.

The Vice-Chairman, Councillor R C Carter, recounted to Members his attendance at the Godmanchester Civic Service, charity evening with the mayor of Peterborough, Remembrance Day wreath laying and services as well as supporting the Chairman at the recent carol and civic services.

In concluding, Councillor M F Shellens commended the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for their efforts in their respective roles and stressed the importance that the District Council was represented, despite the heavy workload.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11th October 2017 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 16th November 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 11th October 2017 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on the 16th November 2017 were approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

Councillor  S J Criswell declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Item No. 45  by virtue of a site identified in the Huntingdonshire Local Plan to 2036 and left the meeting for the duration of discussion and voting on the Item.

Councillor I D Gardener declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No. 44 (b) by virtue of the fact that his employer had undertaken work for the owner of the property and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting on the item.

Councillors Mrs S J Conboy and D R Underwood declared non-statutory disclosable interests in Item No. 46 by virtue of their membership of Godmanchester Town Council.

a)  Councillor T D Sanderson to move –

"This Council wishes to express its disapproval at the events which took place at the Development Management Committee on 16th October 2017.

The Chairman unilaterally varied the published order of business on the Agenda in the knowledge that three members of the committee were delayed. This action may have led to the granting of planning permission for a major application which had been previously refused by the Committee.

In the interests of public accountability and democratic representation; this Council recommends, in circumstances where members are expected at a meeting or part of a meeting or where speakers have confirmed their wish to attend and address a meeting, that the Chairman will not have discretion to vary the published order of business on the Agenda.

To enable speakers and Members better opportunity to attend, that the all future meetings of the Development Management Committee begin no earlier than 7pm."

b)  Councillor B S Chapman to move –

“The Falcon Hotel on St Neots Market Square has been closed for the past decade. The building occupies a central position at the heart of St Neots and its current appearance and lack of use is damaging to the local St Neots economy. 

The appearance of the Falcon Hotel is unsightly and damaging to St Neots tourism and attractiveness of the Market Square to local residents and visitors. It is damaging to the local retail economy and impacts profitability and sustainability of local shops, pubs and restaurants. The Falcon Hotel is a prominent feature of the St Neots Riverside as well as the town's Market Square but currently has a significant negative impact on both vistas. 

The Falcon Hotel offers Huntingdonshire District Council an opportunity to play a part in reversing the decline of the St Neots economy.

Last summer an online petition calling for HDC to Compulsorily Purchase the Falcon Hotel was supported by over 600 signatures in a period of one week.  

It is therefore proposed that Huntingdonshire District Council in its capacities both as Local Planning Authority and the Principal Authority responsible for St Neots Economic Development commit to serving a Compulsory Purchase Order on the owner of Falcon Hotel, St Neots.” 

Councillor T D Sanderson moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor P D Reeve that –

"This Council wishes to express its disapproval at the events which took place at the Development Management Committee on 16th October 2017.

The Chairman unilaterally varied the published order of business on the Agenda in the knowledge that three members of the Committee were delayed. This action may have led to the granting of planning permission for a major application which had been previously refused by the Committee.

In the interests of public accountability and democratic representation; this Council recommends, in circumstances where Members are expected at a meeting or part of a meeting or where speakers have confirmed their wish to attend and address a meeting, that the Chairman will not have discretion to vary the published order of business on the Agenda.

To enable speakers and Members better opportunity to attend, that the all future meetings of the Development Management Committee begin no earlier than 7pm."

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor R Fuller and duly seconded by Councillor G J Bull that –

“there would be value in satisfying ourselves that Development Management Committee procedures are up to date and fit for purpose and therefore propose that a cross party Advisory Group be appointed to commence a review of the operational processes of the Development Management Committee, reporting back to the Development Management Committee. The terms of reference and Members of the Advisory Group will be agreed at the Development Management Committee in January 2018.”

In response to an attempt by Councillor Sanderson to provide further background detail to his proposed motion, the Managing Director referred to a statement that had been prepared by the Monitoring Officer and confirmed that in relation to the events surrounding the Development Management Committee on 16th October 2017 a conduct complaint was currently being investigated. It was therefore not appropriate for the Council to make further comment on this matter at this time. It was important to have regard to the impartiality of the investigation and the need for both the complainants and members concerned to be able to co-operate fully with the Independent Investigator without the matter under considerations being prejudiced by any further discussions at this meeting.

The Chairman exercised his discretion and allowed contributions from Members. Whereupon, Councillor Reeve outlined his support for the original motion, but referred to the amendment to the motion as a positive approach and welcomed the Member led process. In contrast, Councillor M F Shellens suggested that any review was premature whilst the investigation was ongoing.

Councillor D B Dew concurred with Councillor Reeve and suggested that the Development Management procedures had been in place for a number of years and was time for a review. Councillors Ms L A Duffy and Mrs S J Conboy also outlined their support for a cross party working group.

In concluding, Councillor Fuller reported that he anticipated that the review be concluded before the end of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44a

(See Minute No. 43 for Members’ interests).

Councillor B S Chapman moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor S Greenall that –

“The Falcon Hotel on St Neots Market Square has been closed for the past decade. The building occupies a central position at the heart of St Neots and its current appearance and lack of use is damaging to the local St Neots economy.

The appearance of the Falcon Hotel is unsightly and damaging to St Neots tourism and attractiveness of the Market Square to local residents and visitors. It is damaging to the local retail economy and impacts profitability and  sustainability of local shops, pubs and restaurants. The Falcon Hotel is a prominent feature of the St Neots Riverside as well as the town's Market Square but currently has a significant negative impact on both vistas.

The Falcon Hotel offers Huntingdonshire District Council an opportunity to play a part in reversing the decline of the St Neots economy.

Last summer an online petition calling for HDC to Compulsorily Purchase the Falcon Hotel was supported by over 600 signatures in a period of one week.

It is therefore proposed that Huntingdonshire District Council in its capacities both as Local Planning Authority and the Principal Authority responsible for St Neots Economic Development commit to serving a Compulsory Purchase Order on the owner of Falcon Hotel, St Neots.”

In response, the Managing Director explained that the motion had been overtaken by events since the Agenda had been published as an appeal had been registered with the Planning Inspectorate against the Council’s decision and it was therefore considered inappropriate to consider this motion and for the Council to form an opinion. It was suggested that after the outcome of the appeal was known this matter could be brought back to Council for consideration.

Councillor Chapman supported the decision to defer consideration of the motion but outlined his concern for further delays, whereby the Managing Director undertook to ensure that the Planning Inspectorate be requested to deal with the matter as expediently as possible.

Councillor R Fuller, Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Planning to present Huntingdonshire’s Local Plan to 2036: Proposed Submission 2017.

(The report has been considered at a Meeting of the Cabinet held earlier in the evening. The recommendations of which will be reported verbally at the meeting).

A copy of the draft Plan has been circulated separately to all Members of the Council and is available on the District Council’s website.

(See Minute No. 43 for Members’ interests).

In conjunction with a report by the Planning Service Manager (Growth) and PowerPoint presentation (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book)  Councillor R Fuller, Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Councillor for Housing and Planning addressed the Council on an update on the Local Plan process and timeline of the Local Plan preparation.

Members were appraised with details of the Member engagement process and workshops undertaken with Town and Parish Councils. Following the conclusion of the consultation on the draft Local Plan in August 2017 and further consultation on the ‘call for sites’ that sought submissions of additional sites for potential residential development, a series of amendments had been incorporated into the proposed submission.

Councillor Fuller drew Members attention to three main differences between the consultation draft and proposed submission draft of the Local Plan and explained that all had been considered by the cross party Development Plan Advisory Group. He explained that there had been a revision to the definition of built-up areas to allow for more organic development, changes to the Renewable Energy Police to accept wind energy development in principle and allowed the allocation of 12 additional sites providing an additional 898 dwellings.

In providing a summary of the proposed additional housing allocation sites, Councillor Fuller advised Members that he had been made aware of concerns expressed by ward councillors in relation to the proposed allocation in Bluntisham and explained that although the site had been allocated, this did not signify the intention to develop. He further explained that it was necessary for the Council to allocate a demonstrable five year land supply for the future to enable the Council to control and manage its development.

Councillor Fuller stressed the importance of proceeding to the Regulation 19 stage of the process, namely publication of the plan for representations to be made to enable the timeframe to be achieved for submission of the Local Plan to the Secretary of State on or before the 31st March 2018 before the revised framework for a standardised methodology for calculating Objectively Assessed Need is published and introduced. The impact of which on Huntingdonshire’s housing need would require the provision of an additional 5,000 homes by 2036.

In response to a question by Councillor B S Chapman on confidence in the population figures used in the Local Plan following his perceived differences in population in the spatial planning areas as calculated by Cambridgeshire Insight compared with the figures contained in the Local Plan, Councillor Fuller reassured Councillor Chapman that he was confident that the figures had been correct and suggested that if he had had concerns this should have been raised at the Regulation 18 consultation stage.

In thanking Councillor Fuller for his clear and concise appraisal of the Local Plan, Councillor P D Reeve indicated his parties’ intention to vote against the Local Plan decision and referred to the additional 12 sites and although no automatic right of planning permission, he outlined his  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

Following the Godmanchester Neighbourhood Plan Referendum held on Thursday 7th December 2017 Councillor R Fuller, Executive Member for Housing and Planning to present a report by the Head of Development. A copy of the plan is attached. (REPORT TO FOLLOW – pending Referendum outcome).

(See Minute No. 43 for Members’ interests).

Having regard to a report by the Senior Planning Policy Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the referendum of the Godmanchester Neighbourhood Plan held on 7th December 2017, Members were acquainted with the results of the referendum with 96% voting in favour of supporting the making of the Neighbourhood Plan and a 22% turnout for the referendum. As the result exceeded the 50% threshold, the Council was required to make the Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for Huntingdonshire.

Councillor R Fuller acknowledged the work that had taken place in the preparation of this Plan, including support from Councillors Mrs S J Conboy, Godmanchester Town Council and Planning Officers. Councillor Mrs Conboy also expressed her gratitude to the Officers involved on behalf of Godmanchester Town Council. Whereupon, the Council

RESOLVED

  that the Godmanchester Neighbourhood Plan as attached at Appendix 1 to the report now submitted be adopted with immediate effect to become part of the statutory development plan for Huntingdonshire.

Councillor J A Gray, Executive Councillor for Strategic Resources to present the six-monthly update in respect of treasury management activity, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Resources (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on a six-month update in respect of treasury management activity, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance. In so doing, Councillor J A Gray, Executive Councillor for Strategic Resources, drew Members’ attention to the purpose of the Treasury Management to ensure that the Council had sufficient funding to meet its daily obligations, borrow when necessary to fund capital expenditure and ensure that any investment of surplus funds was balanced against risk.

Councillor Gray referred Members to Appendix E of the report and the Commercial Investment Strategy with associated purchases since approval of the Business Plan in December 2015. It was anticipated that returns on yields of land and building investment were between 6% and 9% and Councillor Gray reported that this had been achieved and represented a significantly higher return than investments with financial institutions.

In noting that the Council’s investments had been invested in easily accessible accounts, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Treasury Management Performance for the first 6 months of 2017/18 be noted.

Councillor M Francis, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report proposing changes to the District Council’s Constitution following the approval by Cabinet of the Disposals of Small Land Parcels Policy and an updated Disposals and Acquisition of land and buildings policy.

At their meeting on 29th November 2017, the Corporate Governance Committee recommended that the Council be requested to endorse the Policy and approve any consequential amendments to the District Council’s Constitution.

In conjunction with a report by the Head of Resources (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Councillor M Francis, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee, presented details of a draft policy for the Disposal of Small Land Parcels that was considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 29th November 2017. Members were informed of the background and purpose of the Policy whereby the Council currently devoted significant levels of resources to the disposal of small areas of land. The sale process was time consuming and complex.

Councillor Mrs S J Conboy reminded Members of the availability of these parcels of land on the Council’s website. Councillor B S Chapman raised a question in relation to whether Town and Parish Councils had been contacted in respect of these parcels of land as they may have a recreational use for them. Councillor Gray explained that the Policy had been designed to address the management of very small parcels of land and Town and Parish Councils had been fully consulted as part of the disposal process, as well as the inclusion of ward members.

Councillor D A Giles welcomed the explanation on the proposed Policy but continued to express concern that these small parcels of land were being sold off to extend gardens and enhance the value of properties, the resulting increase in value had not been realised by the Officer time involved. Councillor Gray provided an explanation of the how the disposal of small land parcels would be managed, whereby interests may be registered and the legal team would undertake the necessary work following the collation of a suitable batch of enquiries, rather than being dealt with in ad-hoc way, thereby minimising the resources involved. Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that the Disposal of Small Land Parcels Policy as appended to the report now submitted be endorsed; and

(b)  that any consequential changes be made to the Constitution (including the Code of Procurement and Code of Financial Management) to reflect the new Policy along with the respective updates to the Disposals and Acquisitions of Land and Buildings Policy.

To consider an extension of the 6 month rule for Councillor B Hyland on the grounds of ill-health.

The Managing Director presented a report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) detailing a request to consider the extension of the six month rule of non-attendance at meetings in relation to Councillor B Hyland on the grounds of his ill-health. Whereupon, the Council

RESOLVED

(a)  that Councillor B Hyland’s non-attendance at meetings be extended until the end of the Municipal Year in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972; and

(b)  that the Council’s best wishes be conveyed to Councillor B Hyland for continued improvement to his health.

Questions to Members of the Cabinet.

Arising from a question by Councillor Mrs S A Giles on how many of the District’s ‘rough sleepers’ had been assisted by the Council to find shelter during the colder weather and any discussions that had taken place with housing providers, whereby the Managing Director undertook to provide a full briefing note on how the Council managed such instances and policies to manage when the temperature reached below thresholds.

In response to a question by Councillor D A Giles on the St Neots Master Plan and likely timescale for involvement from Ward Councillors, as well as the Town Council, in the project, Councillor G J Bull, Executive Leader, reported that work had commenced on bringing the Master Plan to a deliverable stage and was clearly aware of the need to involve local Members and community.

Councillor T D Sanderson raised a question in relation to comments at the recent National Association of Local Council’s Annual Conference by the Secretary of State and suggestion that local authorities had not been passing enough of their local tax support to towns and parishes. Whereby Councillor Bull indicated his disagreement with the comment and until arrangements were in place it was not possible for him to comment upon it.

Following a question from Councillor P Kadewere on the Post Office at threat of closure on the Oxmoor, together with issues surrounding the ability of the post master to sell certain goods within his store, in accordance with his lease and what assistance and support the Council could offer as landlord, Councillor J A Gray, Executive Member for Strategic Resources, explained that the premises had been leased from the Council as part of its commercial estate. There existed a dispute between the leasehold selling goods that the lease prevented him from selling, this was designed to support other shops in the area and prevent goods from being sold in direct competition. Councillor Gray explained that discussions were on-going with the leaseholder to reach an amicable resolution on the matter. The Managing Director undertook to look into the issue in association with the Estates Team and report back to Councillor Kadewere.

Councillor T Hayward raised a question in relation to recent email correspondence sent to all Members suggesting a different course of action for specific questions to Members or Officer before raising at Council meetings and his concern for stifling debate, whereby the Managing Director explained that the purpose of the email was to remind Members that if they required a detailed answer or matter that required more urgent attention there were other choices and options available.

Councillor J E Corley raised a question in relation to the requirement to undertake repairs to paving on St Neots Market Square and statement from Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways that funding was not available as they were unable to confirm where £100K collected on behalf of the District Council. He asked as to the whereabouts of the County Council car park proceeds and whether this could be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

Councillor G J Bull, Executive Leader to present on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Councillors R C Carter and T Hayward to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Decision summaries for recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Board and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are attached to the Agenda for information.

In accordance with the Protocol agreed at the February 2017 meeting, this item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions and comment on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.

If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.

(Notes:  Update  10 Minutes

Questions  10 Minutes).

In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Councillor G J Bull presented an update of their activities by way of a PowerPoint presentation. Copies of which are appended in the Minute Book.

Councillor Bull reported upon the continuance of strategy days and Members of the Combined Authority had been working on the development of a non-statutory spatial plan designed to bring together all local plans that had been challenging, in particular in light of the three year inquiry that Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire had been tied into, as well as the Council’s soon to be deposited plan.

Members noted that a Commission was being established to look into the implications of public service reform. Councillor Bull also referred to the thirty year vision for the Combined Authority area to be a leading place internationally to live and work with good transport links, thriving communities and a skilled and diverse workforce.

Councillor Bull confirmed his portfolio allocation on the Combined Authority that included rural affairs, open spaces and tourism and also reported on the appointment of the new Deputy Mayor on the Combined Authority. In referring to the questions raised by Councillor D A Giles (Minute No. 50) ante refers) on the St Neots Master Plan, Councillor Bull explained that it formed a key part of the work of the Combined Authority but was not yet in a position to report as to how it would be delivered and would ensure that those representing St Neots would have the opportunity to assist in its development. In response Councillor Giles referred to page 179 of the decision summary and suggested endorsement of the next phase of the Master Plan and creation of a St Neots Master Plan Partnership. Councillor Bull reiterated his previous comments that work was continuing.

Councillor T D Alban raised a question in relation to broadband coverage and connecting Cambridgeshire and requested that Councillor Bull continue to place pressure on ensuring that the rural areas were better connected. Councillor Bull reported that he had been charged with mobile phone coverage and digital connectivity was under the control of another Portfolio Holder and undertook to refer this matter.

Arising from a question from Councillor P D Reeve on the possibility of investment in the short term into the existing rural bus network, Councillor Bull explained that the Combined Authority was looking into this issue very seriously as to how to support bus services in rural areas.

Councillors R C Carter and T Hayward provided an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Hayward provided a summary of discussions at their previous meetings and drew particular attention to concern raised in relation to the depth of knowledge of Portfolio holders given the number of changes in responsibility on the Combined Authority. He also referred to concern raised in relation to the financial position of the Local Enterprise Partnership and asked for a further update  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

An opportunity for Members to raise any issues or ask questions arising from recent meetings of the Council’s Committees and Panels.

A list of meetings held since the meeting of the Council held on 11th October 2017 is attached for information and Members are requested to address their questions to Committee and Panel Chairmen.

A copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 11th October 2017 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

Group Leaders to report on variations to the Membership of Committees and Panels if necessary.

On the recommendation of Councillor P D Reeve, it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that Councillor P D Reeve be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Customers) in place of Councillor Ms L A Duffy; and

(b)  that the Development Management Committee be advised to report that Councillor P D Reeve be appointed to the membership of the Section 106 Advisory Group in place of Councillor Ms L A Duffy.

The meeting ended at 9.45pm.