| Time: | 7.30pm | Place: | Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock |
| PRESENT: | Councillor M.E. Weeks (Chairman), Councillor Jim McNally and Councillor M.R.M. Muir. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | John Robinson (Strategic Director of Customer Services and Project Executive) Mary Caldwell (Development and Conservation Manager) Steve Crowley (Contracts and Project Manager) Ashley Hawkins (Communities Officer) Susanne Gow (Committee and Member Services Officer) |
| ALSO PRESENT: | Councillor David Levett (Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enterprise) At the commencement of the meeting, approximately 5 members of the public, including the speakers under Public Participation and a member of the Press. |
| Meeting attachments |
Agenda Front Page Agenda |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 28 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllrs Harris, Jarvis and Young sent their apologies for absence. |
Noted | ||
| 29 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 September 2014 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 30 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS With the Chairman's agreement, an item was added to the Agenda after its publication and circulation and is presented at Item 35 below. The item concerned the North Hertfordshire Local Plan - Preferred Options and would be presented by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enterprise, Cllr David Levett. The reason for urgency was that this item must be brought before the Baldock and District Committee before the end of the consultation period on 6 February 2015 and this would be the only time the Committee met within the consultation period. |
Noted | ||
| 31 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) The Chairman welcomed all present to the meeting. This included the speakers for Public Participation, a member of the Press and members of the public; (2) He then reminded Members that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and they are required to notify the Chairman of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest which requires they leave the room under Paragraph 7.4 of the Code of Conduct, can speak on the item, but must leave the room before the debate and vote. |
Noted | ||
| 32 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Garry Blyth and Bob Angus introduced themselves and thanked the Chairman for allowing them to address the Baldock and District Committee on the subject of refurbishing The Shed at Bakers Field for, Baldock Town Youth Football Club (BTYFC). They wanted to bring The Shed back into use as a pavilion for children of all ages, as Baldock Town Youth Football Club does not have a base and this building would be ideal. Mr Blyth explained that they had been working on this, with the help of Stuart Izzard, the Communities Manager at North Herts District Council, and plans and a survey, costing approximately £1,000 were required to obtain definite prices to bring the interior of the building back into use. The Committee discussed the presentation and a Member commented that the Baldock Town Youth Football Club appears to be "nomadic", so that The Shed as their base is vital. He asked NHDC officers present if The Shed is to be given to the BTYFC and asked the Strategic Director of Customer Services to please respond in writing to the question. The Chairman of the Baldock and District Committee thanked Garry Blyth and Bob Angus for addressing the Committee and added that all Members of the Committee were aware that the BTYFC does great things for Baldock, and that the Shed meets their needs. The grant application they had submitted would be considered at Item 36 below. RESOLVED: (1) That Mr Garry Blyth and Bob Angus be thanked for addressing the Baldock and District Committee on the subject of refurbishing The Shed at Baldock Football Club; (2) That the grant application relating to The Shed be considered later on the Agenda at Item 36 below. |
Agreed | ||
| 33 |
SECTION 106 AND UNILATERAL UNDERTAKINGS Report Appendix A The Development and Conservation Manager (DCM) presented the report of the Head of Development and Building Control. The DCM advised that this was the annual update on how Section 106 monies are allocated to some areas. She highlighted the changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as set out in paras 8.5 and 8.6 of the report. The Committee was informed that the ability to use S106 agreements would be curtailed with the introduction of the CIL regulations and from 6 April 2015 and a pooling limit would be applied to any obligation completed after this date, causing a severe restriction. In addition, from that date, if more than five obligations had been allocated to a specific project, the Local Planning Authority would be unable to seek any more contributions. However, any funds still existing, together with those due for collection from existing permissions, would not be affected. The DCM informed the Baldock and District Committee that there had been an update to the report since it had been written, as the Government had updated and modified the Planning Practice Guidance as of 28 November 2014. This stated that no contributions should be sought from developments of 10 or less units. In rural areas, the Council could apply a lower threshold of five units or less, where no affordable housing of tariffs should be sought. For six to 10 units, the contributions were to be sought in the form of commuted cash payments. The unallocated funds for Baldock at this time came to £92,043 and for the parishes of Ashwell, Radwell, Sandon and Weston, the total was £56,100. There was no time limit for these sums to be spent. Committee discussion raised such points as whether some of the £92,043 referred to should go to help the Baldock Town Youth Football Club fund the pavilion on Bakers Field. It was felt that the Committee should have the final say in where funds were allocated. The DCM pointed out that the amount of money to be collected under each specific heading was set out in SPD and needed to be justified for the appropriate spend using the tests in the CIL regulations. These rules had to be followed - NHDC officers were not making a random allocation. A Member stated that the monies could be allocated to Bakers Field, and was told not unless it related to the contributions for pitched sports and mitigated the effect of the development. If CIL was still in place, it was difficult to anticipate if funds would be available for projects of this nature. On being asked what monies the Council could provide to boost the £25,000 obtained for The Shed refurbishment at the Baker Close pavilion by way of the Green Space Development Plan (para 8.14), the DCM replied that she presumed that the fundraisers were also looking for monies outside the Council. She offered to speak to the relevant officers. The DCM warned that the Council's Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) would not work as well after April 2015 as it had in the past. One Member commented that the problem was knowing what finance was allocated to each project, as currently it was difficult to say what funds were available. The SDCS opined that the mandate had to be given by the Council, as it was their property. One Member commented that Sport England will give sums of up to £100,000 as long as their leases run for between 10-15 years. The Estates Department would have the details. The DCM brought up the subject of funding for the Bush Spring play area in Baldock, proposing that the total received for the Play Space Contribution of £50,258.28 (p.26) be allocated to this. The Committee agreed with this. The Committee then agreed unanimously that all monies received for the Pitch Sports Contribution of £26,701.42 (p.25) should be allocated to refurbishment of The Shed at Bakers Field, Baldock. The Chairman thanked the Development and Conservation Manager for her comprehensive update on Section 106 allocations and Unilateral Undertakings. RESOLVED: (1) That the contents of the report updating the Baldock and District Committee on Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings, be noted; (2) That the Development and Conservation Manager (DCM) be thanked for her presentation of the Information Note and that, in the event that there are any further legislative updates concerning the implementation of any changes to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations from 6 April 2015, she be requested to inform Members by means of an Information Note; (3) That the Development and Conversation Manager be requested to present an annual updating report on the Section 106 allocations and any contributions under the new CIL regulations; (4) That, other than where a contribution has been negotiated for a specific purpose or project, Ward Members of the area where Section 106 or Unilateral Undertaking funding is generated, be consulted prior to allocation of funds to any project; (5) That, other than where a contribution has been negotiated for a specific purpose or project, Ward Members of the area where Section 106 or Unilateral Undertaking funding is generated and the Area Committee, be consulted prior to funding being allocated away from that area or from a village location to a town; (6) That the sum of £26,701.42 from the Pitch Sports contribution be allocated to refurbishment of The Shed at Bakers Field, Baldock; (7) That the sum of £50,258.28 from the Play Space contribution be allocated to the Bush Springs play area. |
Agreed | ||
| 34 |
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE MUSEUM AND COMMUNITY FACILITY AT HITCHIN TOWN HALL Information Note The Strategic Director of Customer Services (SDCS) referred the Baldock and District Committee to the Information Note, which updated them on the progress to date with the North Hertfordshire Museum and Community Facility. He advised them that a huge body of work had been completed, and the site had been transformed. However, additional costs were likely to be incurred and project completion would be delayed. The Council's Quantity Surveyor was currently in negotiations with the construction contractor and any additional costs would be reported in due course. As a result, despite the delay in securing Listed Building Consent because of the need to report back to the Planning Control Committee on conditions, it was anticipated that the project would be completed seven to 12 weeks behind schedule, but still within the Summer of 2015. The SDCS advised that several statements had been made by Hitchin Town Hall Limited that the Council had breached the Development Agreement. Any detailed rebuttal of these statements at this time would put the Council in a difficult position. As a result, the Council's reaction had been limited to a broad statement by the Leader of the Council in response to a media enquiry generated by Hitchin Town Hall Limited. An additional meeting of the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be held on 18 December 2014 in the District Council Offices, consisting of both Part 1 and Part 2 sections to review matters concerning the extant Development Agreement. All Members were requested to refrain from commenting on these issues in public and would be invited to attend the Overview and Scrutiny Meeting. Meanwhile, work was continuing on the new North Hertfordshire Museum and Community Facility. The Chairman thanked the Strategic Director of Customer Services for his comprehensive Information Note and opened the floor to questions from the Baldock and District Committee. However, the Committee were satisfied with the information offered and had no further questions to put to the SDCS. |
Noted | ||
| 35 |
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE LOCAL PLAN - PREFERRED OPTIONS The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enterprise, Councillor David Levett, introduced the Local Plan. He explained that he had already presented the Local Plan to full Council at the meeting on 27 November 2014. He was now taking the Preferred Options round to put before the Area Committees in order to ensure that everybody was aware of the pros and cons and that all members of the public who attended the meetings could ask their questions, at the Chairman's discretion, and he would ensure that these were answered and everybody was completely sure of the situation. He explained that the consultation date would commence on 18 December 2014 and end on 6 February 2015 and that Press releases were also being sent out throughout this period. The object was to also keep an open dialogue going with organisations across North Herts District. A Member of the Committee asked whether meetings will be held in separate towns and whether Cllr Levett would give evidence before the Inspector. He was informed that it doesn't go to the Inspector at this stage, but will be presented to him at a later stage after further consultation. He was also questioned as to whether if a person sent in something on this or a further consultation, would it be possible for them to speak at a submission or would the Inspector reject them? The Portfolio Holder assured the Committee that he would investigate this question and get back to them. Finally, the Chairman thanked Councillor Levett for his informative address and asked him whether there would be a Baldock Town Centre consultation with maps, in the near future. He was informed that this was not planned, but one could be set up if necessary. |
Noted | ||
| 36 |
COMMUNITY UPDATE AND GRANT APPLICATIONS Report Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Appendix 7 The Communities Offer (CO) updated the Baldock and District Committee on the activities with which he had been involved since the last meeting on 8 September 2014, after first going through the budget spreadsheet and the Area Committee Work Programme for 2015. Although the majority of items in his report remained the same, updates were given on: - The Baldock Partnership Christmas Dinner on 28 November, which had a good attendance and had been a great success; - The Baldock 10k race on 14 September was supported by less than 200 runners, a lower number than had taken part in 2013; - The Baldock Firework Display on 25 October, held for only the second time, had been supported by 1300 spectators from Baldock and the surrounding villages. Again, a smaller number than in 2013 attended. The comment was made that the timings of the Firework Display should be more widely advertised and the policing structure should be reviewed; - Members were reminded that the Baldock Beast Multi-Terrain Half Marathon would be returning again on 15 February 2015. Grant Funding The Committee was asked to note the funding applications currently being considered as follows: - Funding support for St Mary's Church Hall to assist with the cost of DDA improvements, including a chairlift; - Funding support for Baldock Community Centre to assist with the cost of enhancement works and DDA improvements to the Youth Wing Building; - Funding support for Clothall Village Hall Committee, for the purchase of tables and chairs for the venue. The Chairman thanked the Communities Officer for his report and for his hard work on behalf of the people of Baldock and the surrounding area. RESOLVED: (1) That the activities and schemes with which the Community Development Officer has been involved be noted; (2) That the budgetary expenditure, balances and carry forwards within the Area Committee Development Budget spreadsheet attached as Appendix 1 be noted. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) To ensure that the Committee are kept informed of the work of the Community Development Officer; (2) This report is intended to inform Members of the financial resources available to the Committee. It draws attention to the current budgetary situation, assists in the effective financial management of the Baldock and District Committee's budget and ensures actions are performed within the Authority's Financial Regulations and the guidance in the Grants Policy; (3) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims and strategic priorities of the Council; (4) Production of this report is a requirement of the ‘Priorities for the District' in which the Community Development Officer is required to produce a formal report to the Area Committee in line with the Civic Calendar. |
Noted | ||
| 37 |
GRANT APPLICATION - BALDOCK TOWN PARTNERSHIP RESOLVED: That the sum of £500 be granted to Baldock Town Partnership to assist with costs for bringing an artificial ski slope to Baldock as part of their Baldock Christmas Weekend Event. The sum will be split between Baldock Town and Baldock East Wards. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims and strategic priorities of the Council; (2) The allocation of funds will improve the services provided by local organisations and groups that are available and accessed by members of the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 38 |
GRANT APPLICATION - BALDOCK TOWN YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB RESOLVED: That the sum of £1,000 be awarded to Baldock Town Youth Football Club to assist with the production of plans and fees associated with refurbishing the pavilion at Baker's Field, which had been left empty for several years. The grant was unanimously agreed by the Baldock and District Committee. It was emphasised that numerous other clubs could use this facility. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims and strategic priorities of the Council; (2) The allocation of funds will improve the services provided by local organisations and groups that are available and accessed by members of the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 39 |
GRANT APPLICATION - RUSHDEN AND WALLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL RESOLVED: That the sum of £500 be awarded to the Rushden and Wallington Parish Council to assist with the cost of purchasing a new wooden notice board for Rushden village hall. The Ward Member for Weston and Sandon had made it known before the Committee Meeting that he agreed this grant application, as he was unable to attend. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims and strategic priorities of the Council; (2) The allocation of funds will improve the services provided by local organisations and groups that are available and accessed by members of the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 40 |
GRANT APPLICATION - ASHWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL RESOLVED: That the sum of £350 be awarded to the Ashwell Music Festival to assist with printing and publicity costs. The Ward Member for Arbury had agreed this grant application would be provided from the Arbury Ward budget, before the Committee Meeting, as he was unable to attend. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims and strategic priorities of the Council; (2) The allocation of funds will improve the services provided by local organisations and groups that are available and accessed by members of the community. |
Agreed | ||
| 41 |
GRANT APPLICATION - HINXWORTH YOUNG PEOPLE RESOLVED: That the sum of £150 be awarded to Hinxworth Young People to assist with setting up a monthly youth club for the young people of Hinxworth aged 7 to 16 years. As he was unable to attend, before the Meeting the Ward Member for Arbury had agreed that this grant application would be provided from the Arbury Ward budget. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims and strategic priorities of the Council; (2) The allocation of funds will improve the services provided by local organisations and groups that are available and accessed by members of the community. |
Agreed | ||