Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Chalmers, Elizabeth Dennis, Joe Graziano, Lisa Nash and Tamsin Thomas.

Audio recording – 1 minute 46 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Chalmers, Elizabeth Dennis, Joe Graziano, Lisa Nash and Tamsin Thomas.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 19 September 2024.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 19 September 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 2 minutes 5 seconds

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 19 September 2024 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 47 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 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.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 52 seconds

N.B. Councillor Sam Collins entered the Chamber at 19:43.

(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.

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.

Also that public participation would be immediately before the respective agenda items - 9 and 10.

(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.

Councillors Ralph Muncer and Daniel Allen paid tribute to the former Councillors.

A minute’s 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 Councillor Michael Weeks.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

Immediately before each of the respective Agenda Items, a presentation was received from Silke Gruner, Emanuele Lo Faro and Edward Keyner regarding Agenda Item 9 - Land North of Great Ashby (GA2) Strategic Masterplan Framework and from Richard Kelly regarding Agenda Item 10 - North Stevenage Strategic Masterplan Framework.

Audio recording – 23 minutes 12 seconds

N.B. Councillor Cathy Brownjohn left the Chamber at 20:33 and returned at 20:42.

The Chair invited Ms Silke Gruner, Mr Emanuele Lo Faro and Mr Edward Keyner to present to Council their presentation regarding Agenda Item 9 - Land North-East of Great Ashby (GA2) Strategic Masterplan Framework.

Ms Gruner thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided a presentation for Members which included that:

·       It had taken 10 years to get to this stage.

·       This was a development of 600 homes including 250 affordable dwellings. The site would have a community centre and a primary school.

·       This was a landscaped led development utilising the woodlands and providing an attractive edge to the site.

·       The Masterplan had previously been described as excellent by Members and this reflected the preparation and commitment of the team. The team had worked with Officers and the Project Board to get to this point.

·       Work was continuing with Officers on the pre application phase with an aim to submit an outline planning application in early 2025.

·       There would be further details in the outline planning application including the housing mix and density and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

·       There was ongoing work on a sustainable travel strategy linking the development, including improvements to bridleways.

·       In coordination with the Highways Agency extensive modelling and assessment work had been completed regarding the traffic impact from the development

·       There would be a primary school on the site and a community centre. There had been discussion regarding an NHS provision, but these were ongoing.

·       The development would be implemented by a construction partner subsequent to any planning application.

·       It was expected that the development including infrastructure would occur over a period of 5 years with 150 to 200 homes built each year.

The following Members asked points of clarification:

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Laura Williams

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

·       Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham

·       Councillor Paul Ward

·       Councillor Sam Collins

In response to points of clarification, Ms Gruner advised that:

·       There would be active travel routes between Great Ashby and Stevenage, some of which would be dedicated cycle paths.

·       There had been a question-and-answer session at the Community Hall in Great Ashby.

·       Questions had been raised regarding any NHS facilities however, this was not something under their control, a site would be made available if successful.

·       There was an emergency vehicle access point from Back Lane.

·       This was an allocated site in the Local Plan, the Local Plan had been agreed with one site access. Highways had been consulted regarding this matter.

·       There were ongoing discussions with Herts Badger Group regarding their concerns.

·       There were ongoing discussions regarding an NHS facility. These would be progressed and a suitable location would be allocated if successful.

·       Work was ongoing with the Highways team at Hertfordshire County Council regarding the access point with some minor alterations made to the geometry of the junction.

·       The Highways team undertook computer modelling of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

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 five questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution.

(A)  Removal of Public Bins

Councillor Matt Barnes to Councillor Amy Allen (Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management).

(B)  Royston Leaner Pool

Councillor Tim Johnson to Councillor Mick Debenham (Executive Member for Environment, Leisure and Green Spaces).

(C) Churchgate Regeneration

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Leader of the Council).

(D) Single Person Council Tax Discount

Councillor Ralph Muncer to CouncillorIan Albert (Executive Member for Finance and IT).

(E) Civil Enforcement Officer Roles

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport).

Audio recording – 2 hours 31 minutes 49 seconds

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

(A)  Removal of Public Bins

Councillor Matt Barnes to Councillor Amy Allen (Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management).

"At Full Council in January, when discussing the planned removal of public litter bins arising from the new waste contract, the Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management said:

"Once the proposed criteria is ready I will be able to share it with ward Councillors. Based on these criteria the potential for removal list will be shared with Members; the proviso being that if Members collectively want to keep a bin, then another will have to go. We will be asking Members to consider the need for the bin. We are also happy to engage with Parish Councillors who will no doubt have the knowledge of need in their Parish."

The Administration now appears set to go ahead with these plans without doing any of this. 

Last month it wrote to Parish Councils where 30% or more will be removed, but did not supply the proposed criteria or the potential removal list - making it difficult for them to provide any meaningful feedback. Parishes below this threshold, like Knebworth or Great Ashby, as well as unparished areas like Baldock, Letchworth and Hitchin, received no proactive communication, and nor were ward Councillors provided with any details about the impact in our areas - despite these very clear promises being made.

Could the Executive Member therefore explain to Council what has changed, and why the Administration now feels it is acceptable to go ahead with these plans without telling anyone which bins they intend to remove?”

Councillor Amy Allen gave a response as follows:

“The Waste Client Team are currently managing a program of projects in order to ensure the successful implementation of a new Waste Recycling and Street Cleansing Contract in May.

Like all new projects that are reviewed as they are implemented, a Member’s workshop was held on 12 September 2024 an opportunity for Councillors to consider and comment on the criteria used in assessing the need for littler bins.

Following this the team communicated updates on the project via the Members Information Service, that is the MIS which everyone gets every week. This provided updates on two occasions and is circulated to both Ward and Parish Councillors. The second update also included the letter to be sent out to those impacted by 30% or more bins being removed. Parishes and Ward Councillors are welcome to contact the team if they have any concerns about their area or the project as a whole.

Since the publication of the MIS note the team have responded to approximately 40 inquiries about the project, including those not in the 30% bracket such as Knebworth and Great Ashby and have shared criteria for each area where requested, as an example Knebworth Parish were proactive in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Orders 4.8.12 and 4.8.15.

There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.15 and there were three motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

(A)  Motion Similar to One Previously Rejected

RESOLVED: That Full Council would consider the report and recommendations on the North of Stevenage Masterplan at its meeting on 28 November 2024, following reconsiderations by the Project Board and any similar referral motions from Cabinet.

(B)  Hitchin industrial Estate Fires

RESOLVED: That Council

(1)   Instructed the Leader of the Council and the Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health to write promptly to the Environment Agency, to express North Herts Council’s serious concerns about the safety of recycling sites on the Hitchin industrial estate, and request that their operators’ licences be reviewed urgently.

(2)   Work proactively to instigate a system of air quality monitoring in the residential areas closest to the industrial estate.

(3)   Further instructed the Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health to report back to Council within six months with details of any action that has been taken by the competent authorities in the intervening period to monitor pollution and mitigate the risks of future fires.

(C)  A1(M) Junction 6 (Welwyn) to 8 (Hitchin and Stevenage) Upgrade

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Transport calling on the Government to reinstate plans to upgrade the A1(M) between Junction 6 (Welwyn) to Junction 8 (Hitchin and Stevenage) that were cancelled by the prior Conservative government.

(2)   That the Leader of the Council writes to the Member of Parliament for Hitchin, the Member of Parliament for North East Hertfordshire and the Member of Parliament for Stevenage, urging them to call on the Secretary of State for Transport to reinstate plans to upgrade the A1(M) between Junction 6 (Welwyn) to Junction 8 (Hitchin and Stevenage) and mitigate the impact of needed housing growth for North Hertfordshire residents living near the A602, B197 and B656

(D)  Impact of Family Farm Tax on Rural Communities in North Hertfordshire

The Chair advised that due to the time already taken to determine the business on the agenda this item would be deferred to the Extraordinary meeting of Full Council in December 2024.

Audio recording – 17 minutes 20 seconds

There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.15.

(A)  Motion Similar to One Previously Rejected

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed the motion as follows:

The following motion has been submitted to consider a motion previously rejected, due notice of which has been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.15(b).

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.15(b) of the Council’s Constitution, we the undersigned twelve members support the following motion being considered by Full Council at its meeting on 28 November 2024:

“That Full Council considers a report and recommendations on the North of Stevenage Masterplan at its meeting on 28 November 2024, following reconsiderations by the Project Board.”

It is noted that the land to the north of Stevenage is allocated for development in the Council’s Local Plan (NS1 Policy SP16), as a strategic site. The Council’s adopted Local Plan polices requires preparation of such a Masterplan.

The motion of 11 July 2024 was lost, as per the debate, on the basis that there would be further examination by the Council’s Local Plan Project Board of issues raised during debate.

The Project Board has considered these matters, and therefore the Masterplan has been referred for approval. There is no reason to delay reconsideration of the matter by Full Council.

The Council therefore resolves to consider any similar referral motions from Cabinet / motion.

Councillor Val Bryant stated that it was important to carefully review Masterplans, and that Officers had met with the developer after which detailed amendments and clarifications had been presented to Members and the Strategy Group.

Councillor Stewart Willoughby seconded the motion and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Full Council would consider the report and recommendations on the North of Stevenage Masterplan at its meeting on 28 November 2024, following reconsiderations by the Project Board and any similar referral motions from Cabinet.

Audio recording – 2 hours 50 minutes 20 seconds

N.B. Councillors Cathy Brownjohn and Sarah Lucas left the Chamber at 22:27 and did not return. Councillor Sadie Billing left the Chamber at 22:30 and returned at 22:43.

There were three motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12. 

(B) Hitchin industrial Estate Fires

Councillor Jon Clayden proposed the motion as follows:

The Hitchin area has recently been plagued by a series of industrial fires associated with metal recycling facilities within the industrial area to the north of the town. Most recently, a fire broke out on the industrial estate on the 8th of November 2024 at around 2:30am, producing a plume of smoke and steam that was visible across a wide area for much of the day, and affected local residents including children on their way to school. Fires also occurred in the same area in September 2024, July 2024, February 2024 and December 2023.

In response to these fires, there have been multiple calls for action in the press from Hitchin and Ickleford councillors, and the MP for Hitchin, across political parties and over several months.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

To consider any items referred from other Committees. Any items referred to this meeting will be published as a supplementary document.

The Chair advised that the referrals 8B and 8C from Cabinet would be taken with the respective items on the agenda.

8A) Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028

RESOLVED: That Council adopted the Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028 policy.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Licensing authorities are required to publish a policy every three years by virtue of section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”).

(2)   A new policy must be published by 3 January 2025 to comply with this statutory requirement.

(3)   The policy builds on the effectiveness of the existing policy with minor amendments to reflect changes in legislation.

Audio recording – 2 hours 29 minutes and 21 seconds

The Chair advised that the referrals 8B and 8C from Cabinet had been taken with the respective items on the agenda.

8A) Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028

Councillor Alistair Willoughby presented the referral from the Licensing and Regulation Committee and advised that:

·       It was a requirement to review the policy every three years.

·       There had been safeguarding updates to included, the White Ribbon Campaign, Violence against Women and Girls Charter and child sexual exploitation.

Councillor Daniel Allen thanked Officers for their hard work preparing this item.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council adopted the Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028 policy.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Licensing authorities are required to publish a policy every three years by virtue of section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”).

(2)   A new policy must be published by 3 January 2025 to comply with this statutory requirement.

(3)   The policy builds on the effectiveness of the existing policy with minor amendments to reflect changes in legislation.

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING MANAGER

This report asks Cabinet to recommend the approval of the Strategic Masterplan Framework for land to the north-east of Great Ashby to Full Council. This site is allocated for development in the Council’s adopted Local Plan (Site GA2, Policy SP18) as a strategic site for approximately 600 homes and supporting infrastructure.

RESOLVED: That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for the land North-East of Great Ashby (Local Plan site GA2), attached at Appendix A, was approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   To set an agreed design framework for the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan.

(2)   To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.

Audio recording 1 hour 12 minutes

N.B. Councillors Alistair Willoughby and Stewart Willoughby declared an interest regarding a family member employed by the Developer. The Monitoring Officer confirmed they had sought advice and a dispensation had been granted for the item.

Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport, Councillor Daniel Allen,  presented referral 8B from Cabinet and the report ‘Land North-East of Great Ashby (GA2) – Strategic Masterplan Framework’ and stated that:

·       This site was allocated in the Local Plan for the development of 600 homes.

·       Due to the size of the development a Masterplan was required following a public consultation.

The Strategic Planning Manager presented the report and provided a visual presentation of the site plans.

The following Members asked points of clarification:

·       Councillor Ian Albert

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

·       Councillor Laura Williams

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

In response to points of clarification, the Strategic Planning Manager advised:

·       There would be minor, low level work required for the emergency access point on Back Lane.

·       The landlord of the disused land had not indicated any potential forthcoming development of the land.

·       Cycle times had focused on the two development sites.

·       There would be a cycle route to the south for the secondary school and to the southwest to Stevenage Town Centre. Further routes would be reviewed at the next stage of the development.

·       Developer contributions would be negotiated at the outline planning and reserve matters stages.

In response to points of clarification, the Senior Transport Policy Officer advised:

·       An extensive upgrade would be required for general access from Back Lane, this development would not generate anywhere near enough S106 money for that.

·       It was thought that an average person would take approximately 20 minutes to cycle to Stevenage train station from the site.

·       Further bus service details would be required at the outline planning stage of the project. The ideal route would link both sites and link to the hospital. The residents of Great Ashby would also benefit from a more frequent service. 

·       There would be a physical locked restriction in place at Back Lane, Emergency services would have a key for access.

·       The most direct cycle route to Stevenage would be via a recently built underpass. A review would occur regarding St Nicholas Park and any feasibility for a cycle path upgrade.

·       Further tests regarding feasibility would occur at the outline planning stage, with the Planning Committee considering the details and reports.

·       A recent traffic survey had occurred and using that modelling the impact of 1280 new vehicles suggested that 290 traffic movements would occur out of the area in peak morning traffic with 120 movement into the area. Highways had therefore not proposed any improvements but would encourage active walking and cycling.

·       There were some improvements expected to a crossing at Mendip Way.

The following Members took part in debate:

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Steve Jarvis

Points raised in debate included:

·       There were concerns regarding the single access point.

·       It should be considered whether  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING MANAGER

This report sets out how the issues raised in debate at Full Council have been considered or will be addressed through the planning processes for this site as a whole. The report asks Cabinet to recommend the approval of the updated Strategic Masterplan Framework to Full Council.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That following the Full Council decision not to adopt the masterplan in July 2024, Council noted the additional information and clarification in the report.

(2)   That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for North Stevenage, attached at Appendix A, was approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   To facilitate the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan.

(2)   To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.

Audio Recording 2 hour 13 minutes 26 seconds

Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport, Councillor Daniel Allen,  presented referral 8B from Cabinet and the report ‘North Stevenage Strategic Masterplan Framework’ and stated that:

·       There had been issues raised when this item was presented to Council in July 2024. The report utilised visual materials to provide an update and highlighted the changes made to the Masterplan after that meeting.

·       The access points onto the site had been clarified as well as the access from the site on to the adjoining development. Vehicles would be able to travel between the two sites.

·       The shops and school were within a 20 minute walk from all parts of the development.

·       The developer would discuss NHS participation during the formal planning stage.

·       The development aimed for Sustainability SPD gold standards in health placemaking, open space, sustainable drainage and sustainable travel.

·       The Project Board considered the updates and amendments in October 2025 and recommended it to Council for reconsideration.

·       Members attended a briefing on this matter on the 6 November 2024.

The Principal Planning and Urban Design Officer presented the report and provided a visual presentation of the site plans.

The following Members took part in debate:

·       Councillor Caroline McDonnell

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

Points raised in debate included:

·       There were improvements made to the plans which installed confidence and had addressed the previous concerns from July.

·       The Council were to adopt the local spaces, this was good news.

·       It was unfortunate that changes could not be made to the Stevenage site.

·       Perhaps future Masterplans with transcending borders could be more joined up.

·       The additional information was a good addition to the report.

·       The Council thoroughly scrutinises decisions which affect the community.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Dave Winstanley seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)   That following the Full Council decision not to adopt the masterplan in July 2024, Council noted the additional information and clarification in the report.

(2)   That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for North Stevenage, attached at Appendix A, was approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   To facilitate the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan.

(2)   To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.

REPORT OF SERVICE DIRECTOR: LEGAL & COMMUNITY & MONITORING OFFICER

This report presents a summary of the areas reviewed and any in principle recommendations of the Constitutional & Governance Working Group (‘Working Group’) in relation to the following:

·       The Planning Control Committee meetings and Sub-Committees (including start times/ potential end times).

·       Standards Committee – recommendation to review the Terms of Reference to include other meaningful areas of remit.

·       Council Procedure Rules to be reviewed and amended in respect of Member Motions and Questions, (including agenda management, number, length of time on debate/ remit/ and Member speeches).         

The report also covers areas considered but not recommended for change at this stage.

The Chair advised that due to the time already taken to determine the business on the agenda this item would be deferred to the Extraordinary meeting of Full Council in December 2024.

The Chair advised that due to the time already taken to determine the business on the agenda this item would be deferred to the Extraordinary meeting of Full Council on December 2024.