Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lisa Nash, Caroline McDonnell, Bryony May, Tim Johnson, Ruth Clifton, Rhona Cameron, Sadie Billing, Cathy Brownjohn, David Barnard and Sam Collins.

Audio recording – 1 minute 44 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lisa Nash, Caroline McDonnell, Bryony May, Tim Johnson, Ruth Clifton, Rhona Cameron, Sadie Billing, Cathy Brownjohn, David Barnard and Sam Collins.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 22 May 2025 and 16 June 2025.

RESOLVED:Thatthe Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 22 May 2025 and 16 June 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 12 seconds

Councillor Keith Hoskins, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and it was:

RESOLVED: Thatthe Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 22 May 2025 and 16 June 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 49 seconds

There was no other business notified.

Climate Emergency

The Council has declared a climate emergency and is committed to achieving a target of zero carbon emissions by 2030 and helping local people and businesses to reduce their own carbon emissions.

A Cabinet Panel on the Environment has been established to engage with local people on matters relating to the climate emergency and advise the council on how to achieve these climate change objectives. A Climate Change Implementation group of councillors and council officers meets regularly to produce plans and monitor progress. Actions taken or currently underway include switching to green energy, incentives for low emission taxis, expanding tree planting and working to cut food waste.

In addition the council is a member of the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership, working with other councils across Hertfordshire to reduce the county’s carbon emissions and climate impact.

The Council’s dedicated webpage on Climate Change includes details of the council’s climate change strategy, the work of the Cabinet Panel on the Environment and a monthly briefing on progress.

Ecological Emergency

The Council has declared an ecological emergency and is committed to addressing the ecological emergency and nature recovery by identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity net gain whilst ensuring that development limits impact on existing habitats in its process.

The Council has set out to do that by a) setting measurable targets and standards for biodiversity increase, in both species and quantities, seeking to increase community engagement, b) to work with our partners to establish a Local Nature Partnership for Hertfordshire and to develop Nature Recovery Networks and Nature Recovery Strategy for Hertfordshire and c) to investigate new approaches to nature recovery such as habitat banking that deliver biodiversity objectives and provide new investment opportunities.

Declarations of Interest

Members are reminded 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 are required to notify the Chair 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, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

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

(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 did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

(6)        The Chair advised of a change in the order of the Agenda. Agenda Items 14, 15 and 16 would be considered following Item 6. This would be followed by Agenda Item 7 and then Items 17 and 18 would be considered. Then returning to Agenda Items 8 to 13.

(7)        The Chair announced that Ros Allwood, Cultural Services Manager, had been working at North Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended his gratitude to Ros for her services to the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Ros Allwood for her long and valuable service to Local Government.

(8)        The Chair announced that Aimee Jarmain, Senior Benefits Subsidy Officer, had been working at North Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended his gratitude to Aimee for her services to the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Aimee Jarmain for her long and valuable service to Local Government.

(9)        The Chair announced that former Chief Executive Stuart Philp passed away on 10 December 2024.

(10)     The Chair announced that former District Councillor Marilyn Kirkland had passed away on 13 June 2025. 

(11)     The Chair announced that former District Councillor Lawrence Oliver had passed away recently, and Members stood for a minute in silence in tribute to them all.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 55 seconds

N.B. Councillor Martin Prescott entered the Chamber at 19:35.

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

(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 did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

(6)        The Chair advised of a change in the order of the Agenda. Agenda Items 14, 15 and 16 would be considered following Item 6. This would be followed by Agenda Item 7 and then Items 17 and 18 would be considered. Then returning to Agenda Items 8 to 13.

In response to a question from Councillor Daniel Allen, the Chair advised that he had opted to trial Questions from Members and Motions on Notice ahead of other items.

(7)        The Chair announced that Ros Allwood, Cultural Services Manager, had been working at North Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended his gratitude to Ros for her services to the Council.

The following Members provided comments:

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

Councillor Keith Hoskins proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and it was:

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Ros Allwood for her long and valuable service to Local Government.

(8)        The Chair announced that Aimee Jarmain, Senior Benefits Subsidy Officer, had been working at North Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended his gratitude to Aimee for her services to the Council.

The following Member provided comments:

·       Councillor Ian Albert

Councillor Keith Hoskins proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded and it was:   

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Aimee Jarmain for her long and valuable service to Local Government.

(9)        The Chair announced that former Chief Executive Stuart Philp passed away on 10 December 2024.

The following Members paid tribute:

·       Councillor Keith Hoskins

·       Councillor Claire Strong

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

(10)     The Chair announced that former District Councillor Marilyn Kirkland had passed away on 13 June 2025. 

The following Members paid tribute:

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

·       Councillor Alistair Willoughby

(11)     The Chair announced that former District Councillor Lawrence Oliver had passed away recently.

The following Members paid tribute:

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Jon Clayden

·       Councillor Claire Strong  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

There was no public participation.

Audio recording – 25 minutes 20 seconds

There was no public participation.

To consider any items referred from other Committees.

6A)      Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee – to be considered with item 9

6B)      Annual report of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee – to be considered with item 12

6C)      Referral from Cabinet: Revenue Budget Outturn 2023/24 – to be considered with item 10

6D)      Referral from Cabinet: Investment Strategy (Capital and Treasury) End of Year Review 2024/25 – to be considered with item 11

6E)      Referral from Cabinet: Report on Risk Management Governance: (Year End Update) – to be considered with item 12

The Chair advised that the referrals from Cabinet, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be taken with the respective items on the agenda.

Audio recording – 25 minutes 25 seconds

The Chair advised that the referrals from Cabinet, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be taken with the respective item on the agenda.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To consider the responses to the Community Governance Review second public consultation and to agree the Final Recommendations.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Noted the outcome of the consultation.

(2)   Agreed the Final Recommendations for the Community Governance Review (as detailed under para 8.10 of the report – R1 – 41) subject to the following amendments:

Codicote:

Change the electoral cycle for Codicote, such that the elections in 2026 result in a 2-year term of office ending in 2028; thereafter revert to 4-yearly terms in line with North Herts District elections.

R10: To retain 10 Parish Councillors:

Codicote Village: 8

Codicote East: 2

Ashwell:

R1: To reduce the number of Parish Councillors from 12 to 9.

(3)   Noted that following decision 2.2, a Community Governance Order will be prepared, to implement the agreed recommendations, subject to consent by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (where required).

REASON FOR DECISIONS:  The Council is required to keep parish electoral arrangements under review. Following the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) review of district electoral arrangements (Council size and warding patterns), it is necessary to review parish arrangements across the district to bring them into alignment, ensure they remain fit for purpose, and to ensure they continue to reflect local needs. This report provides the Final Recommendations that have been developed taking into account the responses to the public consultation on the Draft Proposals.

Audio recording – 1 hour 39 minutes 24 seconds

The Democratic Services Manager introduced the report entitled ‘Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations’ and advised that:

·       Two amendments had been published that related to the number of parish councillors for Ashwell and Codicote.

·       A further amendment had been required relating to a change of the electoral cycle for Codicote as the final recommendation printed in the report of when Codicote next elected was incorrect.

·       A valid petition containing 123 signatures had been received from St Ippolyts Parish Council on the draft proposals.  As these were not being presented to Council as Final Recommendations, the Parish Council had confirmed that they would not present the petition and were satisfied if the petition was referenced as part of officer’s presentation.

·       In addition, St Ippolyts Parish Council wanted it noted that the report detailed that no Parish Council response had been received.  However, included in the list of redacted responses included the Parish Council response in objection to both draft proposals.

·       It had been noted that a comment had been incorrectly listed under Pirton which related to Offley.  The comment had already been included in both the Offley and incorrectly in the Pirton list of redacted comments.  However, the outcome remained unchanged.  

Richard Beesley, the consultant working for the Council, presented the report entitled ‘Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations’ and advised that:

·       Full Council had agreed to undertake the Community Governance Review in July 2024.

·       The Final Recommendations being considered by Council had been produced following two public consultations and took into account both the statutory criteria and the 2253 responses received.

·       The final recommendations had been developed, discussed, debated and refined by the cross-party Member Working Group, and some substantial changes made in response to the feedback received during the consultation.

·       It was noted that the consultant had supported a large number of local authorities through Community Governance Reviews and the number of responses to this consultation was a very substantial response and indicated the strength of feeling from local people to the draft proposals.

·       Following the first public consultation held in November 2024, Draft Proposals were bought before Council in February 2025 ahead of a second public consultation which ran until May 2025. 

·       The report contained details of every affected parish, town and community.

·       Redacted anonymised submissions were included in Appendix A of the report.

·       Expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the development of the Final Recommendations by responding to the consultation.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Claire Strong

·       Councillor Ian Albert

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

·       Councillor Joe Graziano

·       Councillor Matt Barnes

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

In response to questions, the Consultant advised that:

·       Weston Parish Council did make a response in the first consultation regarding the parish boundaries.  Although the second consultation response from the parish referred to the synchronisation of election dates and the number of parish councillors, not to the possible boundary changes

·       The final recommendation did not include a change to the number of parish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To consider appointing three Member Representatives to the Howard Garden Social and Day Care Centre, the appointment of the Member Representative to the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership and the appointment of the Member Representative to the Chilterns Conservation Board.

RESOLVED: That Council

(1)   Nominated and approved Councillors Tina Bhartwas, Tamsin Thomas and Mick Debenham as the representatives of the Council to the outside organisation the Howard Garden Social and Day Care Centre.

(2)   Nominated and approved Councillor Amy Allen as the representative of the Council to the outside organisation the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership.

(3)   Nominated and approved Councillor Val Bryant as the representative of the Council to the outside organisation the Chilterns Conservation Board.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provision of Standing Order 4.4.1(h) of the Council’s Constitution.

Audio recording – 2 hours 21 minutes 26 seconds

The Chair invited Members to nominate three Members to be appointed as representatives to the outside organisation the Howard Garden Social and Day Care Centre.

Councillor Ruth Brown nominated Councillor Tina Bhartwas and Councillor Claire Winchester seconded.

Councillor Daniel Allen nominated Councillor Tamsin Thomas and Councillor Mick Debenham and these nominations were seconded by Councillor Ian Albert.

The Chair invited Members to nominate a Member as representative to the outside organisation the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed Councillor Amy Allen and Councillor Val Bryant seconded.

The Chair invited Members to nominate one Member as representative to the outside organisation the Chilterns Conservation Board.

Councillor Val Bryant proposed herself and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded.

Following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council

(1)   Nominated and approved Councillors Tina Bhartwas, Tamsin Thomas and Mick Debenham as the representatives of the Council to the outside organisation the Howard Garden Social and Day Care Centre.

(2)   Nominated and approved Councillor Amy Allen as the representative of the Council to the outside organisation the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership.

(3)   Nominated and approved Councillor Val Bryant as the representative of the Council to the outside organisation the Chilterns Conservation Board.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provision of Standing Order 4.4.1(h) of the Council’s Constitution.

REPORT OF THE CHAIR OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

To consider the Annual report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the 2024/2025 Civic Year.

RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2024/2025 as attached at Appendix A was noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Council to consider and comment on the report of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the work of the Committee in the 2024/2025 Civic Year.

Audio recording – 2 hours 26 minutes 11 seconds

Councillor Matt Barnes presented the report and referral 6A from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, entitled ‘Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024-2025’.

Councillors Ruth Brown, Daniel Allen and Ralph Muncer thanked Councillor Matt Barnes and the Scrutiny Officer for their work with the Committee over the last year.

Councillor Matt Barnes proposed and Councillor Jon Clayden seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2024/2025 as attached at Appendix A was noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Council to consider and comment on the report of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the work of the Committee in the 2024/2025 Civic Year.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

The report provides a summary position on revenue income and expenditure at the end of the financial year 2024/25.

RESOLVED: That Council approved the net transfer to earmarked reserves, as identified in table 9, of £1.006million.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Members are able to monitor, make adjustments within the overall budgetary framework and request appropriate action of Services who do not meet the budget targets set as part of the Corporate Business Planning process.

(2)   Changes to the Council’s balances are monitored and approved.

Audio recording – 2 hours 28 minutes 32 seconds

Councillor Ian Albert, Executive Member for Resources presented the report  and referral 6C from Cabinet on the ‘Revenue Budget Outturn 2024/25’ and advised that:

·     This report was requesting the transfer to and from the reserves as set out in table 9.

·     The budget had been prudently based on the business rate baseline income.

·     The balance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) grants reserve was higher than forecast. This included the gains from Business Rates above the baseline level.

·     The end of year monitoring report and the list of budget variances was highlighted in table 2.

·     Appendix A summarised the significant variances across the year.

·     Whilst there was an underspend against the budget and an increase in the General Fund balance, this should be considered in light of the budgets approved for carry forward.

·     The carry forward total was £1.682 million as referenced in paragraph 8.3 of the report.

·     Details of what had happened in relation to the budgets carried forward from 2023/2024 could be found in paragraph 8.5 of the report.

·     The end of year General Fund balance, which had not yet been subject to an audit, was currently £16.081million as detailed in paragraph 8.16 of the report.

·     The General Fund balance was well above the recommended minimum balance.

·     The allocation of budget risks was highlighted in paragraph 8.17 of the report.

·     There was still an underlying budget shortfall which would need to be addressed.

·     The public consultation which would run until 1 August 2025 had already received 500 responses.

In response to a question from Councillor Ralph Muncer, Councillor Ian Albert advised that the Strategic Priorities Fund had not been spent, as detailed in the table in paragraph 8.2 of the report.

In response to a question from Councillor Matt Barnes, the Director – Resources advised that more information regarding Penalty Charge Notices and car parking tickets would be provided in the 2025/2026 Quarter 1 report to Council.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council approved the net transfer to earmarked reserves, as identified in table 9, of £1.006million.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Members are able to monitor, make adjustments within the overall budgetary framework and request appropriate action of Services who do not meet the budget targets set as part of the Corporate Business Planning process.

(2)   Changes to the Council’s balances are monitored and approved.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

As at the end of financial year 2024/25, there is a reduction in Capital spend compared to quarter 3 of £5.467million. The majority of this change is due to revisions to the profile of planned project spend, with £5.240million that will now instead be incurred in 2025/26.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved the actual 2024/25 prudential and treasury indicators as detailed in Appendix B.

(2)   Noted the annual Treasury Management Review for 2024/25 (Appendix B).

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   Cabinet is required to approve adjustments to the capital programme and ensure the capital programme is fully funded.

(2)   To ensure the Council’s continued compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management and the Local Government Act 2003 and that the Council manages its exposure to interest and capital risk.

Audio recording – 1 hour 25 minutes 48 seconds

N.B. Councillor Paul Ward declared an interest due to his employment and left the Chamber and did not take place in the debate or vote.

Councillor Ian Albert, Executive Member for Resources presented the report and referral 6D from Cabinet on the ‘Investment Strategy (Capital and Treasury) End of Year Review 2024/25’ and advised that:

·       The overall picture was that spend for the year had been lower than expected.

·       The Council had been able to fund all capital expenditure from grants and capial receipts.

·       Details of some of the capital schemes that had been completed this year were set out in paragraph 8.6 of the report.

·       The rates of return on investments had remained high and generated nearly £3 million of income over the year.

·       Most of investments made had been with other local authorities.

·       The main report detailed the position of the capital projects.

·       There had been one minor breach of investment limits for one day due to staff absence, as set out in paragraph 8.10 of the report. 

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved the actual 2024/25 prudential and treasury indicators as detailed in Appendix B.

(2)   Noted the annual Treasury Management Review for 2024/25 (Appendix B).

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   Cabinet is required to approve adjustments to the capital programme and ensure the capital programme is fully funded.

(2)   To ensure the Council’s continued compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management and the Local Government Act 2003 and that the Council manages its exposure to interest and capital risk.

N.B. Councillor Paul Ward returned to the Chamber at 22.11.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To consider the Annual Report of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the 2024/25 Civic Year.

RESOLVED: That Council noted the Annual Report of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

REASON FOR DECISION: To provide Full Council with assurance as to the effectiveness of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Audio recording – 2 hours 39 minutes and 36 seconds

Councillor Sean Nolan presented referral 6B from the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the report entitled ‘Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report 2024/25’ and thanked new Members for settling well into the role and enabling the good work of the Committee to continue. Councillor Nolan also expressed his thanks to the Director – Resources, the Independent Member, the Shared Internal Audit Service (SIAS), the external auditors KPMG for their support and debate during the Civic Year.

Councillor Sean Nolan proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council noted the Annual Report of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

REASON FOR DECISION: To provide Full Council with assurance as to the effectiveness of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To provide a review of the effectiveness of the Risk Management Governance arrangements at the Council.

RESOLVED: That Council noted the report.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Cabinet has responsibility for ensuring the management of risks.

(2)   This report is presented to Council as our Risk Management Framework Strategy document determines that all Councillors should support and promote an effective risk management culture.

Audio recording – 2 hours 42 minutes 54 seconds

Councillor Ian Albert, Executive Member for Resources presented the report and referral 6E from Cabinet on the ‘Annual Report on Risk Management Governance (Year-End) Update’ and advised that this report highlighted the ongoing work on Risk Management over the last financial year and gave assurances to Council that it was operating effectively.

Councillor Paul Ward stated that this was a very comprehensive report and that details of the largest risks were highlighted in page 443 of the report. 

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council noted the report.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Cabinet has responsibility for ensuring the management of risks.

(2)   This report is presented to Council as our Risk Management Framework Strategy document determines that all Councillors should support and promote an effective risk management culture.

To consider passing the following resolution: That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

Audio recording – 25 minutes 25 seconds

Councillor Keith Hoskins, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded, and following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – ENTERPRISE

To provide Members with an update on the Churchgate regeneration project. Highlighting the due diligence, consultation and feasibility work that has been completed so far.

RESOLVED: That Council noted the report prior to coming to the decision in Part 1.

REASON FOR DECISION: Using the knowledge collated from the public consultation and the technical due diligence carried out by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), there are various ways that the site (also known as the Churchgate Regeneration Zone) could be developed. However, for the Council to move forward it is important that the various options are narrowed down according to feasibility. This recommendation allows the Council to proceed with the option that is more likely to succeed based on the evidence.

N.B. This item was considered in restricted session and therefore no recording is available.

RESOLVED: That Council noted the report prior to coming to the decision in Part 1.

REASON FOR DECISION: Using the knowledge collated from the public consultation and the technical due diligence carried out by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), there are various ways that the site (also known as the Churchgate Regeneration Zone) could be developed. However, for the Council to move forward it is important that the various options are narrowed down according to feasibility. This recommendation allows the Council to proceed with the option that is more likely to succeed based on the evidence.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – ENTERPRISE

To provide Members with an update on the Churchgate regeneration project. Highlighting their due diligence, consultation and feasibility work that has been completed so far.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Supported and endorsed the Churchgate Project Board recommendation to discount Option 4 due to it not being financially viable and undertake further work to develop a proposal based upon ‘Option 3’, which includes by default, Options 1 and 2.

(2)   Supported and endorsed the five ‘Development Principles’ that are set out in paragraph 8.5.

(3)   Members approved additional funding for a specialist Project Manager of £120k as set out at 8.13, as this was not identified as part of the 25/26 budget setting process.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: Using the knowledge collated from the public consultation and the technical due diligence carried out by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), there are various ways that the site (also known as the Churchgate Regeneration Zone) could be developed. However, for the Council to move forward it is important that the various options are narrowed down according to feasibility. This recommendation allows the Council to proceed with the option that is more likely to succeed based on the evidence.

Audio recording – 1 hour 0 minutes 37 seconds

Councillor Tamsin Thomas, the Executive Member for Enterprise, presented the report entitled ‘Churchgate Viability and Next Steps – Part 1’ and advised that:

·       This report provided an update on the next phase of the Churchgate Regeneration Project.

·       The Council purchased the Churchgate Shopping Centre Leasehold on 1 August 2022.

·       The Project Board had completed the first three stages of the Project Management process and were now in the final stage of delivering the project.

·       Due to its complexity, the Council had appointed expert consultants Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to assist with delivery of this project.

·       Public consultations were held with 3,700 responses received through surveys and individual responses.

·       Following a viability assessment and combining the results of the consultations, LSH defined five ‘Development Principles’ which had been endorsed by the Project Board.

·       The Council remained committed to a revitalisation of Churchgate and asked LSH to balance viability with vision.

·       Three Project Board workshops were held which have resulted in four development options each of which have been financially appraised by LSH.

·       The report recommended to Council to secure the services of a Project Manger to allow the formal procurement process to commence and to move forward with the preferred Option 3.

Steve Norris, Executive Director at LSH, gave a presentation entitled ‘Churchgate Regeneration Zone’ and advised that:

·       LSH had been appointed to assist the Council with the stages of property and regeneration cycle for Churchgate.

·       The first workshop had been a viability assessment of the site, looking at the final land value of the site and whether the scheme was viable or not viable.

·       The second workshop was an assessment of potential uses for the site.

·       Following the workshops LSH had produced four options for the Council.

·       Option 3, a mixed-use development of plots 1-5, had been selected by the Project Board as the preferred option.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Joe Graziano

·       Councillor Ian Albert

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Nigel Mason

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Tamsin Thomas

Points raised during the debate included:

·       This was a step in the right direction with good public consultation.

·       The five Development Principles were the result of the public consultation and these were what the public wanted the Council to achieve.

·       This site was long overdue for development.

·       Although there were concerns regarding achieving 40% of affordable housing and around parking, this project was community focused and sustainable.

·       The Council had paid over market value for the freehold of the Churchgate Shopping Centre.

In response to a point raised, Steve Norris, Executive Director at LSH advised that the next steps for this project was preparation of a Business Plan with milestones for delivery which would be brought to Council in October 2025.

In response to points raised, the Chief Executive advised that the Council had not paid above the market price for the Churchgate Shopping Centre and that the price had been approved by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To consider any questions submitted by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b).

In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, 4 questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution.

(A)  Impact of Luton Airport Expansion

Councillor Chris Lucas to Councillor Daniel Allen, Leader of the Council.

(B)  Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards

Councillor Jon Clayden to Councillor Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Regulatory.

(C)  Recycling Rates

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment.

(D)  Penalty Charge Notices

Councillor Matt Barnes to Councillor Donna Wright, Executive Member for Place.

Audio recording – 2 hours 7 minutes 21 seconds

In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, four questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution.

(A)  Impact of Luton Airport Expansion

Councillor Chris Lucas to Councillor Daniel Allen, Leader of the Council:

‘In light of the Labour Secretary of State for Transport’s announcement on 3^rd April giving the go-ahead to expand Luton Airport from 16.7m passengers to 32m passengers and Alistair Strathern, the Labour MP for Hitchin’s endorsement of the expansion plan, could the Labour Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council explain the impact this will have on the residents of North Hertfordshire, specifically those who live under the current flight path or adjacent to the airport?’

Councillor Daniel Allen provided the following response:

‘Luton planned to increase the passenger numbers to 32 million a year. They have clarified they want to achieve this by the 2040’s. So, this change will happen gradually and slowly, but I know for many the scale of the change with cause considerable concern. Seeing as you mention Alistair Strathern, I will share his work. He has been engaging with the Department of Transport, Ministers and their teams to share the concerns on the impact Luton Airport is already having on nearby communities and to push for consideration on the further impact that expansion will bring. I will continue to push for all relevant stakeholders to improve traffic flow around the site and through our constituency towns and villages. I want to make sure there are more robust monitoring and enforcement on the noise impacts of flight paths and flight times.  It is shame that you have never written or emailed him about it Cllr Lucas, because he would have been very happy to discuss it with you. But in a direct answer to your question, we don’t know yet. We are working with our MPs, with Luton Borough Council and with the Liberal Democrat led County Council to make sure that our residents are supported in the best way possible. I also am looking to the positives of this. We need to capture every opportunity that this brings for our residents in infrastructure improvements and the potential 28,000 new jobs and new housing that will come along with this.’

Councillor Chris Lucas asked a supplementary question, as follows:

‘No, I haven’t written to Alistair Strathern on this matter, but I have actually spoken to him at length on this matter and the answers I got from him are wholly unsatisfactory as was the response and answer that you have just provided. In light of this, I wonder if you could give us some assurances and reassurances to the people who are directly affected by this terrible decision to expand Luton Airport is going to have on the local community and can you give assurances that you will be campaigning and fighting tooth and nail against this expansion?’

Councillor Daniel Allen responded:

‘I can’t. The decision has been made. I  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, which was withdrawn at the meeting.

Audio recording – 2 hours 18 minutes 18 seconds

There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, which was withdrawn at the meeting on the basis that the Director – Resources would consult Group Leaders, the Executive Member and the Shadow Executive Member before a response was submitted to the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Fair Funding Review.

N.B. Councillor Claire Strong left the Chamber at 21.52 and did not return.