Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nicola Harris (Chairman) and Frank Radcliffe.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nicola Harris (Chairman) and Frank Radcliffe.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on the 5 December 2017.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 5 December 2017 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 5 December 2017 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman.

Members should notify the Chairman of other business which they wish to be discussed by the Committee at the end of the 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 Chairman will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

No other business had been notified.

No other business had been notified.

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 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.

(1)          The Vice-Chairman thanked all who had attended Town Talk;

(2)          The Vice-Chairman welcomed all present at the meeting, particularly those who had attended to give a presentation;

(3)          The Vice-Chairman informed those present that, in accordance with Council Policy the meeting would be audio recorded;

(4)          The Vice-Chairman 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.

(1)          The Vice-Chairman thanked all who had attended Town Talk;

(2)          The Vice-Chairman welcomed all present at the meeting, particularly those who had attended to give a presentation;

(3)          The Vice-Chairman informed those present that, in accordance with Council Policy the meeting would be audio recorded;

(4)          The Vice-Chairman 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.

To receive a presentation from Sergeant Oliphant, Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Sergeant Steve Oliphant, Hertfordshire Constabulary thanked the Vice-Chairman for the invitation to address the Committee.

The Vice-Chairman thanked the Hertfordshire Constabulary for their work in the Hitchin area and Sergeant Oliphant particularly, for his presentation.

Sergeant Steve Oliphant, Hertfordshire Constabulary thanked the Vice-Chairman for the invitation to address the Committee.

Sergeant Oliphant advised that the statistics and other information covered the Hitchin area.

Statistics

All Crime

·                There had been an increase in reports of 22.5 percent (409 reports).

Anti-Social Behaviour

·                There had been an increase in reports of 0.02 percent.

Burglary Dwelling

·                114 reports.

Burglary Non-Dwelling

·                77 Reports

Work Undertaken

·                It had been a busy year for the Police;

·                The main focus of the year had been to reduce burglaries, both dwelling and non-dwelling;

·                There had been an increase in Burglary Dwelling in Oughton Ward, an operation was set up and an offender was caught;

·                They had also focussed on criminal damage to motor vehicles;

·                There had been an increase in wing mirror damage in Bearton Ward, an operation was set up and two young offenders were caught and were being processed though the court system;

·                Over Christmas and New Year there had been an increase in the theft of motor vehicles, particularly motor scooters, an operation was set up and the main offender was identified and charged with 16 offences;

·                Two people had been arrested and two further people were being monitored in connection with the Zen graffiti tag seen in Hitchin.

Licensing

The Police worked closely with NHDC Licensing and Community Safety Officers to take positive action regarding any breaches of licensing conditions or problems arising at licensed premises, with the aim that everybody could enjoy the nightlife in Hitchin.

Communication

·                Communication with and support of the public was important;

·                Hertfordshire Constabulary chose not to engage directly with people or groups through individual sites on Facebook;

·                The OWL system was very useful and people were encouraged to sign up to it.

Members were pleased that the Zen graffiti offenders had been identified and commented that the work by NHDC to remove the graffiti was ongoing.

They commented that the work being undertaken by the Police to encourage use of the OWL network had been very positively received.

Sergeant Oliphant advised that the OWL network was an important communication tool, which Officers looked at and fed into on a regular basis and that it supported the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

The Safer Streets campaign was about visiting homes, providing advice on security and encouraging sign up to the OWL system.

Councillor Lovewell informed Members that Herts County Council would shortly be starting an initiative in conjunction with District Councils regarding the crime of fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping was blight on the countryside and cost tax payers a lot of money to clear up.

Recently there had been a number of high profile successful prosecutions for fly-tipping and NHDC worked closely with the Police regarding this crime.

A Member reminded the Committee that graffiti had been a major problem some 10 – 15 years ago and since that time a great deal of work had been undertaken in respect of anti-social behaviour. This spate of graffiti was a resurgence that was being dealt with.

A Member reported that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

Following the presentation but before any debate Councillor Judi Billing declared a declarable Interest as she was a Director of Hitchin Initiative, which was the sole shareholder of Hitchin Markets.

Following the presentation but before any debate Councillor Ray Shakespeare-Smith declared a declarable Interest as he was a member of Hitchin Initiative, which was the sole shareholder of Hitchin Markets.

Following the presentation but before any debate Councillor Richard Thake declared a declarable Interest as he was a member of Hitchin Initiative, which was the sole shareholder of Hitchin Markets.

Mr John Simmonds, Chairman, Hitchin Markets Limited, thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding Hitchin Market.

The Vice-Chairman thanked Mr Simmonds for his presentation.

Following the presentation but before any debate Councillor Judi Billing declared a declarable Interest as she was a Director of Hitchin Initiative, which was the sole shareholder of Hitchin Markets.

Following the presentation but before any debate Councillor Ray Shakespeare-Smith declared a declarable Interest as he was a member of Hitchin Initiative, which was the sole shareholder of Hitchin Markets.

Following the presentation but before any debate Councillor Richard Thake declared a declarable Interest as he was a member of Hitchin Initiative, which was the sole shareholder of Hitchin Markets.

Mr John Simmonds, Chairman, Hitchin Markets Limited, thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding Hitchin Market.

Mr Simmonds informed the Committee that Hitchin Markets Limited, a social enterprise company, had run Hitchin Market on behalf of the Council since 2008.

He was making the presentation this evening in response to the announcement by NHDC that there were plans to regenerate Churchgate Shopping Centre.

The Churchgate Board was made up of volunteers and Hitchin Market Limited welcomed the idea of a refreshed market and shopping centre.

Running the Market was tough and had not been helped over the last ten years but they had, by local benchmarking, managed to run it successfully.

The Market consists of between 90 and 120 stalls on 4 days of each week.

The indicative NHDC plan relocated the market so that there was a 50 yard gap, which blocked the market in to half the space it was currently using and it put the market 50 yards away from the principle shopping area.

This was the principle objection as the market and the Town Centre were good for each other.

The indicative plan also showed a very limited area for fixed stalls. If the market was to continue in any similar form, it would therefore be necessary to put up around 100 demountable stalls. This was not as easy as it sounded as people had to turn up at 4.30 am to put the stalls up and return in the evening to take them down again.

There were huge running costs involved with looking after and erecting/dismantling demountable stalls amounting to approximately £60,000 per year. One of the reasons for the financial success of Hitchin Markets Limited was the number of fixed stalls that were reliable and did not require personnel to erect and dismantle them.

There was a proposal that the operating contract for Hitchin Markets Limited to expire in July and the operation of Hitchin market be taken back in-house by NHDC during the 2-3 year development period.

Mr Simmonds did not believe that NHDC had the experience to run the market. Hitchin Market Corporate Board had the experience of three experienced traders as well as the experience of Hitchin Initiative, which resulted last year in a surplus profit being made.

This required exceptionally sensitive management as markets were fragile and could easily melt away and be lost. Too many markets had been forced to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

Mr Colin Dunham thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding parking at the Leisure Centre.

The Vice-Chairman thanked Mr Dunham for his presentation.

RESOLVED: That the Executive Member for Leisure be asked to advise this Committee how the parking arrangements for the Leisure Centre in Hitchin were publicised and whether there were plans to further publicise those parking arrangements.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the parking arrangements for the Leisure Centre in Hitchin are publicised as fully as possible.

Mr Colin Dunham thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding parking at the Leisure Centre.

Mr Dunham informed Members that in 2014/15 the Portfolio Holder for Leisure advised that patrons of the Leisure entre would be able to park in an NHDC car park free of charge.

He advised that no publicity had been given to this concession and there was no information about it on the NHDC website and as far as he could ascertain, there had been no publicity as, if used, it would destroy the sale of season tickets.

Mr Dunham queried why there had been no publicity regarding the parking alternatives.

Members suggested that Mr Dunham should direct his question to the Executive Member for Leisure who was responsible for the Leisure Centre and its car park.

The Vice-Chairman thanked Mr Dunham for his presentation.

RESOLVED: That the Executive Member for Leisure be asked to advise this Committee how the parking arrangements for the Leisure Centre in Hitchin were publicised and whether there were plans to further publicise those parking arrangements.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the parking arrangements for the Leisure Centre in Hitchin are publicised as fully as possible.

The Vice - Chairman advised that Sue Barnes, Tilehouse Counselling, had broken her ankle and was unable to attend this meeting.

The Vice - Chairman advised that Sue Barnes, Tilehouse Counselling, had broken her ankle and was unable to attend this meeting.

Ms Liz McElroy, Project Manager, Ms Vicky Wire and Ms Yolande Worrall, Triangle Community Garden, thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding their grant application.

The Vice-Chairman thanked Ms McElroy, Ms Wire and Ms Worrall for their presentation.

Ms Liz McElroy, Project Manager, Ms Vicky Wire and Ms Yolande Worrall, Triangle Community Garden, thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding their grant application.

Ms McElroy informed Members that the Triangle Community Garden had been based at Ransoms Recreation Ground since 2000.

It was a registered charity that provided social therapeutic horticultural activities for adults with learning disabilities and supported individuals to lead more healthy lifestyles by learning about nutrition, cookery, growing fruit and vegetables and taking exercise.

Through reviews and talking to service users, it became apparent that a lot of the service uses had some IT skills but did not get the opportunity to use the skills they had learnt.

Ransoms Pavilion was last decorated in 2010 and 8 years if wear and tear had taken its toll. It was also an opportunity to add some colour to the pavilion walls to help those who were visually impaired.

The equipment would enable the participants to undertake some research for themselves regarding recipes etc and staff and volunteer could also use the equipment for training purposes.

The plan was to purchase a TV monitor that would be placed on a wall and be in a built-in cupboard for security

The Triangle Community Garden was requesting grant funding of £2,850 toward the purchase of IT equipment, a mobile phone and internal decoration and wi-fi for Ransom Pavilion that would cost a total of £4,580.

These purchases and improvements would extend the opportunities available to the service users.

Ms Wire informed Members that Ransoms Pavilion was a community resource that acted as a very small community centre which was available for hire for meetings and presentations. Having wi-fi and a monitor would enable this community resource to be available and useful to more people.

Two long-term hirers of the Pavilion would be moving out shortly, therefore, if anyone knew of any groups that would like to hire the Pavilion, please contact them.

Ms Worrall informed Members that she supported a lady in her mid 30s who had autism and severe dyslexia meaning that she had real difficulty reading and writing. This lady, who could manage to write he name, had the opportunity to use a laptop, that had been bought in by a member of staff. She showed great interest in the laptop and was able, with some support to type her name and she was thrilled at being able to achieve this.

Members agreed that this was a fantastic, long running project that had supported those with leaning difficulties for many years.

The Vice-Chairman thanked Ms McElroy, Ms Wire and Ms Worrall for their presentation.

REPORT OF THE COMMUNITIES MANAGER

To update  the Committee on the activities and actions of the Communities Officer, to advise on the current expenditure and balances of the delegated budgets and to consider applications for grant funding.

Prior to any discussion regarding Hitchin Educational Foundation, Councillor Paul Clark declared a declarable interest as he was the Council’s representative on this body. As there was no decision to be made in respect of this organisation, he would remain in the room and take part in any debate.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the budgetary expenditure, balances and carry forwards from the Development Ward Budgets as set out in Appendix A – Hitchin Area Committee Budget for 2017/18 be noted;

(2)       That the sum of £11,131 be allocated from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget to Community Initiatives;

(3)       That the Communities Officer be requested to investigate the possibility of organising a forum for grant funders in the Hitch9n area;

(4)       That the Committee endorses the actions taken by the Community Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Hitchin;

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Members of the Committee apprised of the latest developments in community activities in Hitchin.

Prior to any discussion regarding Hitchin Educational Foundation, Councillor Paul Clark declared a declarable interest as he was the Council’s representative on this body. As there was no decision to be made in respect of this organisation, he would remain in the room and take part in any debate.

The Communities Officer presented the report of the Communities Manage entitled Grants and Community Update and drew attention to the following:

Hitchin Stroke Group

Thanks to the generous grant award by this Committee, the Communities Officer was able to gain the support of the local Rotarians, who had agreed to provide the design and printing of new leaflets and posters to advertise the group.

Also, following a meeting, NHCVS were helping the group with a recruitment drive for volunteers.

The group would now be more sustainable for the future.

Funding Advice

There had been a number of groups that NHDC had been unable to help with grant funding, due to the grant criteria, however the Communities Officer had signposted them to their County Councillor, who had provided some funding from their Locality Budget.

Community Facilities Grant Panel

The Panel had held a meeting in January and there were two community facilities in Hitchin that the Panel had recommended grant funding be awarded to.

The recommendation of the Panel would be considered by the Deputy Chief Executive, who would make the final decision.

Budgets and Grant Funding

There had been a large amount carried forward from the 2016/17 budget, therefore 2017/18 budget had only stated to be used at the last meeting.

Following the grant awards this evening the remaining balance was £11,131 and the Communities Officer suggested that Members might like to allocate this sum to Community Initiatives.

Members noted that the 2018/19 budget had been reduced by 30 percent.

Councillor Billing informed Members that the County Councillor’s Locality Budgets had been reduced by 50 percent in 2016/17 and that County Councillors could not carry forward any funds to the following year.

She observed that, due to the reduced funding, some County Councillors had been more careful in allocating funds and therefore had not spent all of their allocation.

Councillor Billing reminded Members that, groups and projects in the area could apply for grant funding from their County Councillors and information regarding this could be found on the Hertfordshire County Council website.

The Communities Officer advised that often the effect of budget cuts was that the community thought that there was no longer any money available and asked Councillors to encourage groups to put in funding applications.

The Chairman agreed, as an exception, to allow a member of the public to address the Committee.

Mr Doggett suggested that there should be a forum where all organisations that had grant funds available could share their criteria, that in turn would help grant funding organisations signpost applicants to funding sources.

The Communities Office advised that she did work closely with other grant funders, however she would investigate the possibility of organising a forum  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That grant funding of £4,964 be awarded to Tilehouse Counselling from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of providing weekly one to one counselling sessions for individuals with mental health issues.

(2)       That the Communities Officer be requested to provide a list of counselling services available in Hitchin together with the type of service provided by each organisation.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

The Communities Officer reminded Members that Sue Barnes had been due to give a presentation this evening but had been unable to attend as she had broken her ankle.

The report contained sufficient information for the Committee to make a decision and she asked that they consider the grant in Ms Banes’ absence.

Many years ago Tilehouse Counselling had a Service Level Agreement with the Council, but they had not received any funding since 2003.

A Member noted that there were many different counselling services in Hitchin and that a number of these had requested grant funding in the past. He queried whether there was any overlap in the types of counselling offered and whether these services could be defined and explained for Councillors at some point in the future.

The Communities Officer advised that, to her recollection only one other counselling service had applied for grant funding from this Committee and that was a drug and alcohol service.

Tilehouse Counselling specialised in counselling for children and young people at either discounted rates or for free.

A Member noted that the varying styles of counselling were needed as the NHS could not meet the demands for adult and children’s mental health provision and domestic abuse was an issue that needed support. Tilehouse Counselling was one of the services that helped support women and young people with mental health issues.

Members queried whether all of the clients at Tilehouse Counselling came from Hitchin.

The Communities Officer advised that the majority of clients were from Hitchin.

Members noted that funding was requested to provide a new service that was required to meet a need.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That grant funding of £4,964 be awarded to Tilehouse Counselling from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of providing weekly one to one counselling sessions for individuals with mental health issues.

(2)       That the Communities Officer be requested to provide a list of counselling services available in Hitchin together with the type of service provided by each organisation.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

RESOLVED: That grant funding of £2,850 be awarded to Triangle Community Garden from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of purchasing IT equipment, a mobile phone and internal decoration and wi-fi for the Ransom Pavilion.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

The Communities Officer reminded Members that the Triangle Community Garden was extending services by improving Ransoms Pavilion and purchasing IT equipment.

They worked closely with the NHDC Parks and Open Spaces team who supported the project and the application for grant funding.

RESOLVED: That grant funding of £2,850 be awarded to Triangle Community Garden from the 2017/18 Discretionary Budget towards the cost of purchasing IT equipment, a mobile phone and internal decoration and wi-fi for the Ransom Pavilion.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

The report entitled Regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre that was presented to Council on 8 February 2018 has been reproduced for information purposes only.

The Committee received an information note of the Deputy Executive regarding the regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to make note of the historic steps leading from Churchgate Shopping Centre to the car park, which should be preserved in any plans for upgrading the Centre;

(2)       That the information note regarding the regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre be noted and that the Hitchin Committee look forward to a good working relationship with Cabinet regarding the project;

(3)       That the Hitchin Committee looks favourably on the proposal for a rolling contract for Hitchin Markets Limited to continue managing the market;

(4)       That the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in respect of the management of lager projects, regarding meaningful consultation be reinforced.

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep the Hitchin Committee appraised of the proposals regarding the regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre.

The Committee received an information note of the Deputy Executive regarding the regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre.

Members were concerned that the Hitchin Committee had not been consulted regarding this project and that they had only received an information note rather than proper consultation.

They also felt that the comments made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in regard to the management of larger projects regarding meaningful consultation should be reinforced.

Members noted that the report mention refurbishment of the steps and wished to ensure that the Deputy Chief Executive was made aware of the historic nature of the steps leading from Churchgate Shopping Centre and that they should be preserved in any plans for upgrading the Centre.

Members wished to make clear that they looked forward to a good working relationship with Cabinet regarding this project.

In respect of the Market and the presentation made by Hitchin Markets Limited, Members wished to make clear that they looked favourably on the proposal for a rolling contract for Hitchin Markets Limited to continue to manage the market.

           RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Deputy Chief Executive be requested to make note of the historic steps leading from Churchgate Shopping Centre to the car park, which should be preserved in any plans for upgrading the Centre;

(2)       That the information note regarding the regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre be noted and that the Hitchin Committee look forward to a good working relationship with Cabinet regarding the project;

(3)       That the Hitchin Committee looks favourably on the proposal for a rolling contract for Hitchin Markets Limited to continue managing the market;

(4)       That the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in respect of the management of lager projects, regarding meaningful consultation be reinforced.

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep the Hitchin Committee appraised of the proposals regarding the regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre.

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER

To provide an annual update on the details of the current Section 106 agreements and Unilateral Undertakings within the wards/parishes in the area and provide an update on the relevant legislation.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the report entitled Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings be noted:

(2)       That the Development and Conservation Manager be requested to continue to present a report regarding Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings on an annual basis;

(3)       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;

(4)       That, if it is proposed that Section 106 funding be allocated to the proposed regeneration of Churchgate Shopping Centre project, the Hitchin Committee be advised in advance of the decision to do so;

(5)       That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to re-circulate the response of the Development and Conservation Manager regarding the involvement of the Hitchin Committee in the proposed development at Highover Farm to all Members of the Committee.

(6)       That the Development and Conservation Manager be requested to provide information regarding the amount of housing provided in Hitchin to the Committee and Member Services Officer, for circulation by email to all Members of the Hitchin Committee.

REASON FOR DECISION:

(1)       To ensure that there is a robust system for negotiating and managing Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings.

(2)       To ensure that this is kept under constant review and that the risk associated with this activity is managed in an appropriate manner.

The Development and Conservation Manager presented the report entitled Section 106 and Unilateral Undertakings and drew attention to the following;

On Monday the government published a draft new version of the National Planning Policy Framework which is now out for consultation.

This was a consultation document and it did not replace the current National Planning Policy Framework, which was published in 2012.

In general having briefly looked at the new draft it was very similar to the existing NPPF but with more emphasis on the importance of housing delivery.

On the issue of planning obligations and Section 106 there was very little to report.

In terms of planning policies the draft NPPF stated in paragraph 34 that:

“Plans, meaning Local Plans, should set out the contributions expected in association with particular sites and types of development. This should include setting out the levels and types of affordable housing provision required, along with other infrastructure (such as that needed for education, health, transport, green and digital infrastructure). Such policies should not make development unviable, and should be supported by evidence to demonstrate this. Plans should also set out any circumstances in which further viability assessment may be required in determining individual applications.”

This was the only paragraph which referred to what should be put in the Local Plan regarding planning contributions.

Members should be aware that the current Supplementary Planning Document regarding Section 106 was 12 yeas old and this would be updated after the NHDC Local Plan had been though the examination.

In respect of development management decisions on individual planning applications the draft NPPF maintained the strict tests on the use of planning obligations set out in the existing NPPF and also set out in the report at Paragraph 8.1.1, which was that planning obligations should only be used when they are;

a) necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms;

b) directly related to the development; and

c) fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development.

On the much publicised matter of stopping developers getting away with avoiding their obligations, particularly on affordable housing, in his view the NPPF was quite weak, particularly when you consider that Ministers have been stating that developers will now be forced to deliver the necessary infrastructure and obligations.

Paragraph 58 of the draft NPPF stated:

“Where proposals for development accord with all the relevant policies in an up-to-date development plan, no viability assessment should be required to accompany the application.

Where a viability assessment is needed, it should reflect the recommended approach in national planning guidance, including standardised inputs, and should be made publicly available.”

This meant that developers would no longer be able to label viability tests as confidential.

It then referred to the National Planning Practice Guidance which included details of standardised viability appraisals. The idea behind this was to standardise how viability appraisals are calculated in order to try and de-mystify the process and prevent sharp practices whereby developers pull the wool over the eyes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

To receive an oral presentation from the Hitchin Town Centre Manager

Mr Keith Hoskins, Hitchin Town Centre Manager, thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee. He introduced the new Hitchin BID Manager and gave a verbal presentation regarding the issues and activities in Hitchin Town Centre.

The Vice-Chairman thanked Mr Hoskins and Mr Hardy for their presentation.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That Mr Keith Hoskins be thanked for the hard work on behalf of Hitchin that he has undertaken as Hitchin Town Centre Manager;

(2)       That Mr Tom Hardy be welcomed as the new Hitchin BID Manager.

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep the Hitchin Committee apprised of the work and activities being undertaken in Hitchin Town Centre.

Mr Keith Hoskins, Hitchin Town Centre Manager, thanked the Vice-Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee. He introduced the new Hitchin BID Manager and gave a verbal presentation regarding the issues and activities in Hitchin Town Centre as follows:

Sun Street

Most of the people turning right at the end of Sun Street were those working at Hitchin Priory.

It may be a good idea to send a note to the company that they could circulate to their employees.

Bid Rangers

The BID rangers did a marvellous job and they were instrumental in enabling a serial purse snatcher to be apprehended.

Mr Hoskins wished to thank the BID Ranges for their efforts in clearing the snow from the pavements.

Funding of Hitchin BID and Initiative

The policy made by the NHDC that they could no longer fund projects bought forward by Hitchin BID or Hitchin Initiative was very frustrating and unclear.

Hitchin Initiative now had a Public Realm Group that would welcome funding for projects and seed funding could lead to other funding being secured.

The Dell

This project was still moving forward with negotiations currently taking place regarding covenant insurance.

The Council had decided that this was the best way forward as, although they had consent from one member of the Gainsford family to continue with the project, consent was required from all of the members of the family.

Covenant insurance would provide an indemnity should anybody object.

They had met with the Executive Member for Leisure and the Parks and Countryside Development Manager at the Dell, both of whom were incredibly enthusiastic.

The Station

A meeting was held with County Councillors and the MP to look at access to the London bound platform and what could be done with the site formerly occupied by the Aggregates.

Work regarding this would continue.

Commercial Issues

There were currently some high-profile voids in the Town Centre; however this was no more than the natural churn after Christmas.

Many of these voids wee at some stage of offer, although it should be noted that this process took some time.

BID Manager

Mr Hoskins introduced Mr Tom Hardy who was the newly appointed Hitchin BID Manager.

Mr Hardy informed Members that, prior to coming to Hitchin, he had been the Letchworth BID Manager for over two years.

He advised that Hitchin BID was heading into the renewal process when all of the business in the BID area would get an opportunity to vote on the new 5-year Business Plan which would begin April 2019. This vote would be held between 2 November 2018 and 4 December 2018.

They were currently considering the changing needs of the Town over the next 5 years including issues such as:

·                How technology could be used to get people into the Town;

·                How could the Night-time Marshalls be better used and directed to key areas of the Town;

·                How events, that showcased the Town, could be improved;

·                Considering the marketing strategy such as increasing website presence and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To receive any oral reports from Members regarding Ward matters and Outside Organisations.

No Ward or Outside Organisation issues were discussed.

No Ward or Outside Organisation issues were discussed.

To receive suggestions for Items to be discussed at future meetings from Members of the Committee

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to circulate to all Members of the Hitchin Committee by email the list of topics to be discussed at future meetings of the Hitchin Committee;

(2)       That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to organise the meetings of the Hitchin Committee to be held at either Benslow Music School or Westmill Community Centre.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that future meetings and agendas of the Hitchin Committee are organised efficiently.

The Vice - Chairman advised that it had been suggested that Hitchin Committee may like to consider having a permanent meeting venue for the coming Civic Year.

Following a brief discussion Members agreed that meetings should alternate, where possible, between Benslow Music School and Westmill Community Centre.

The Chairman advised that there was a comprehensive list of items for discussion at future meetings and suggested that this list be circulated to Members and that, in the new Civic Year, Members consider the priority that items be discussed also if Members wished to add any further subjects to the list to contact the Committee and Members Services Officer.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to circulate to all Members of the Hitchin Committee by email the list of topics to be discussed at future meetings of the Hitchin Committee;

(2)       That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to organise the meetings of the Hitchin Committee to be held at either Benslow Music School or Westmill Community Centre.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that future meetings and agendas of the Hitchin Committee are organised efficiently.