Decision details

(1)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded.

(2)   The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean that, as this was an emergency, all of us, Officers and Members had that in mind as we carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our District.

(3)   The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

The Monitoring Officer informed Members that a general dispensation had been granted for Agenda Item 9 - Land North of Great Ashby (GA2) Strategic Masterplan Framework.

(4)   The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.

(5)   The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to Agenda Items 9 and 10 and the corresponding referrals.

(6)   The Chair advised Members that there were changes to the order of the published agenda.

(7)   The Chair welcomed newly elected Councillor Sarah Lucas to her first Council Meeting.

(8)   The Chair advised that tickets were now available to purchase for the Chair’s Civic Event and Awards 2025, being held on Friday 28 February 2025.

(9)   The Chair and Members paid tribute to former Councillor Ray Bloxham.

(10)         The Chair and Members paid tribute to former Councillor Anthony Burrows.

 A minutes silence was observed in memory of both former Councillors.

(11)         A donation was made to the Chair’s Charity – SANDS on behalf of the estate of the former Cllr Michael Weeks.