In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Section 8.3) of the Council's Constitution, to receive oral questions from Members of the Council
Minutes:
In accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules (Paragraph 8.3 of the Council’s Constitution), the Chairman proceeded to conduct a period of oral questions addressed to Executive Councillors and Panel Chairmen as follows:-
Question from Councillor P G Mitchell to the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor P L E Bucknell
In response to a question regarding progress towards the allocation of pitches in the District for Gypsy and Traveller Families, Councillor Bucknell replied that the Development Plan Document (DPD) on Gypsy and Traveller sites would be issued for consultation early in the new year with a view to achieving an objective of 20 pitches for gypsy/traveller families in the District by 2011 as required by the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England.
Question from Councillor Mrs B E Boddington to the Executive Councillor for Resources and Policy, Councillor A Hansard
In response to a question regarding the ineffective mobile ‘phone coverage in some villages in the District, Councillor Hansard replied that he had become aware of the difficulties experienced by some communities via the recent great digital debate in St. Ives and that he would continue to lobby and monitor the situation as exclusion from the network was not conducive either for residents or for a healthy and vibrant business network in the District.
Question from Councillor J E Garner to the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor P L E Bucknell
In response to a question regarding the performance of the Development Control Section of the Planning Services Division, Councillor Bucknell replied as follows –
¨ in 2007/08, the Council had processed 2,057 planning applications;
¨ 72% of major applications were determined within 13 weeks, exceeding the national target of 60%;
¨ 69% of minor applications were determined within eight weeks exceeding the national target of 65%; and
¨ 89% of all other applications were determined within 8 weeks exceeding the national target of 80%.
In that year, the Council also had processed 1,614 formal requests for pre-application advice and permitted development determinations. He explained that this currently was a discretionary service which was not charged. Officers endeavoured to respond to inquiries within four weeks but did make it clear to customers that this might not always be possible. Councillor Bucknell advised that with regard to formal condition monitoring, the applicable legislation and the ability of the Council to charge for this service had only come into force earlier this year and therefore it was too early to define performance in respect of this specific area.
Question from Councillor D J Priestman to the Executive Councillor for Finance and Environment, Councillor T V Rogers
In response to a question regarding the liability of small businesses in the District to pay council or business tax, Councillor Rogers reported that a scheme which would permit relief for small businesses from Council Tax would commence on 1st April 2009 and that the Council would continue via the Local Government Association, to lobby the Government for improved benefits in this area.
Question from Councillor M F Shellens to the Leader of the Council, Councillor I C Bates
In response to a question regarding proposals for car parking on the Riverside Park, Huntingdon, Councillor Bates replied that he considered it inappropriate and premature to comment on the question in advance of the conclusion of the consultation process on various uses for the Riverside Park but he confirmed that the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Support) would have the opportunity to consider the outcome of the exercise.
Question from Councillor G S E Thorpe to the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor P L E Bucknell
In response to a question regarding the old fire station site in St. Neots, Councillor Bucknell replied that the current planning application to allow for the demolition of the old fire station building had been prompted by the need for the Council, as a responsible land owner, to have regard to issues of public safety. A recent structural report (in May 2008) had confirmed that the building was structurally unsafe and potentially liable to an uncontrolled collapse. Such an event could potentially endanger pedestrians and cause damage to the footpath and the busy roadway to the front of the property. The existing building also contained asbestos and this would need to be moved in a controlled manner. Currently the Council had no plans for the re-use or redevelopment of the site. Whilst he was aware that there had been various informal discussions about the future of the site, Councillor Bucknell confirmed that it had not been marketed and no application for its development had been received. Planning Officers remained willing to talk to any interested parties about the Council’s land holdings and/or the planning process.
Question from Councillor P J Downes to the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Customer Services and Information Technology, Councillor L M Simpson
In response to a question regarding the question of increased fly-tipping in Brampton Ward following the closure of the waste recycling centre in Buckden, Councillor Simpson assured the questioner that he would, on behalf of the responsible Executive Councillor, continue to monitor the number of such incidents and any additional cost involved in clearing the rubbish.
Question from Councillor M G Baker to the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Customer Services and Information and Technology, Councillor L M Simpson
In response to a question regarding the total cost of the recruitment process for the post of Director of Central Services, Councillor Simpson undertook to respond to the questioner in writing.