Decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Amy Allen, Sadie Billing and Tom Tyson.

Having given due notice, Councillor Mick Debenham substituted for Councillor Sadie Billing and Councillor Jon Clayden substituted for Councillor Tyson.

RESOLVED: That Application 23/02935/OP be GRANTED subject to:

(a)     The completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and the applicant agreeing to extend the statutory period to complete the agreement if required: and

(b)     Providing delegated powers to the Development and Conservation Manager to (i) resolve outstanding matters including financial contributions and (ii) update conditions and informatives with minor amendments as required: and

(c)     Conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager: and

(d)     Amendments and additions to that report as set out in the supplementary report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 13 February 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

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

(2)   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.

(3)   The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.

(4)   The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.

The Development and Conservation Manager provided an update on Planning Appeals.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Noted the current draft of the Interim Plan Submission (Appendix B).

(2)   Delegated authority to the Deputy Leader, in consultation with the Service Director Resources and Service Director Legal and Community, to agree and submit the Interim Plan to Government by 21 March 2025.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council is complying with the request of the Secretary of State (Appendix A).

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Considered and approved the proposed outline distribution of funding allocated to the Council by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for 2025/26 under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) to specific schemes.

(2)   Delegated approval of individual grants and payments relating to schemes funded by UK SPF 2025/26 to the relevant Directors in consultation with the relevant Executive Members as identified with reference to table 8.1. Consider a grants panel, where appropriate, for some of the grant funding.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   North Herts Council will be provided with funding in May 2025 to allocate to schemes proposed in accordance with the revised Guidance for UK SPF for 2025/26 from the MHCLG (provided as Appendix 1 to this report).

(2)   The funds regulations allow considerable flexibility in how the Council allocates funding to each approved Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) activity. On 3rd March, officers presented a report to the Political Liaison Board and to the Senior Leadership team who endorsed the proposal set out.

(3)   We are seeking approval to delegate approval of spend decisions, payments or grants made under the schemes to the relevant Directors in consultation with Executive Members. Once Cabinet approval has been obtained, the individual projects will be managed by the relevant service areas.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Noted this report.

(2)   Approved the changes to the 2024/25 General Fund budget, as identified in table 3 and paragraph 8.2, a £840k decrease in net expenditure.

(3)   Approved the changes to the 2025/26 General Fund budget, as identified in table 3 and paragraph 8.2, a total £807k increase in net expenditure.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: 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.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the Growing Baldock Strategic Masterplan attached at Appendix A, is approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION: To set an agreed design framework for the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan. To provide a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of multiple planned sites around Baldock. To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the acquisition of Unit 1 City Park, Letchworth Garden City on the terms set out in the Part 2 report and noting the detailed Budget Cost Plan for adapting, fitting out and upgrading the building for museum storage.

REASON FOR DECISION: A limited number of modern buildings of this age and size become available to purchase or lease in Letchworth Garden City and surrounding area, particularly one on a long lease at a peppercorn rent for the full term, with an expiry date in 2150. Unit 1 includes land fronting Works Road and to the side of the unit, plus a large part of the car park with the ability to erect a fence to separate the area from the rest of the car park used by adjoining units. In addition, the Council already owns the long leasehold interest in Unit 3 City Park, Letchworth Garden City, having acquired it in June 2016 with that building being used for general archive storage, IT servers, offsite disaster recovery, careline business continuity and legal department storage.

RESOLVED: That the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan was approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Council responds to the matters identified within the CPC report, ensuring that the benefits of the CPC process are realised.

The Chair advised that referrals 6B, 6C, 6D, 6F and 6G referred from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee would be taken with the respective items on the agenda. Referrals 6A and 6E would be considered as standalone items.

6A)      Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Proposed Parking Tariffs for 2025/26

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Accepted the hard work from Royston Town Council, and the BID, and the support from them in relation to the ‘Free after 3pm’ scheme and to continue work with Knebworth Parish Council and to delegate the final decision on these discount schemes to the relevant Service Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Transport, the Executive Member for Finance and IT and the Service Director – Resources.

(2)   Considered the increase in parking charges based on the updated modelling, specifically around the 4% increase in charges and reconfirmed the decision made by Cabinet on 11 February 2025.

(3)   Endorsed the importance of Overview & Scrutiny in supporting Cabinet in reaching robust policy decisions and works with the Chair of the Committee to effectively facilitate this. 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To implement an increase in car parking tariffs and permits within resident parking zones in order to effectively manage their use and in accordance with the Council’s fees and charges policy as set out in its Medium- Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). To set car parking tariffs that support the achievement of modal shift away from private car use and to help support the vitality of town centres.

6E)      Overview and Scrutiny Committee – RIPA Annual Report

RESOLVED: That Cabinet adopted the amended RIPA Policy (Appendix A – to include updated titles within the appendix to the Policy after 1 April 2025).

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the best practice guidance and the Committee’s terms of reference.

There was no public participation at the meeting.

(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 for the purposes of clarification that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting.

(5)   The Chair advised that the Service Director – Regulatory would be retiring shortly, after more than 35 years of service at the Council.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 11 February 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Daniel Allen.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Noted the progress against Council projects as set out in the Council Delivery Plan and approved the changes to the milestones (Appendix A).

(2)   Noted the performance against the performance indicators and confirms the actions detailed in paragraph 8.4.

(3)   Approved the addition of a new Corporate Risk for Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.

REASON FOR DECISIONS:  The Council Delivery Plan (CDP) monitoring reports provide Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Cabinet, with an opportunity to monitor progress against the key Council projects, and understand any new issues, risks, or opportunities. Overview and Scrutiny are trialling having a focus on a specific Executive Member area of responsibility at each meeting. For their March meeting it is Planning and Transport. An extract of the Council Delivery Plan has therefore been provided for their meeting (i.e. focused on Planning and Transport projects, KPIs and risks), but the overall Council Delivery Plan will be publicised to all Members via the Members Information Service.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)    Noted the forecast expenditure of £16.816M in 2024/25 on the capital programme, paragraph 8.3 refers.

(2)   Approved approves the adjustments to the capital programme for 2024/25 onwards, as a result of the revised timetable of schemes detailed in table 2 and 3, increasing the estimated spend in 2025/26 by £0.627M.

(3)   Noted the position of the availability of capital resources, as detailed in table 4 paragraph 8.6 and the requirement to keep the capital programme under review for affordability.

(4)   Was asked to note the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of December 2024.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: Cabinet is required to approve adjustments to the capital programme and ensure the capital programme is fully funded. 3.2 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.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the Examiner’s report for the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan was noted.

(2)   That following the inclusion of the Examiner’s proposed modifications to the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan, as set out in Appendix A, the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan was approved and it was approved to proceed to a referendum.

(3)   That the Counting Officer be instructed to conduct a referendum on the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan.

(4)   That subject to Recommendation 2.3 and the outcome of the referendum, the decision to “make” the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan be delegated to the Service Director – Regulatory in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Transport, as previously agreed by Cabinet in July 2018 (Minute 21).

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To progress the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan, enable a referendum to take place and if more than 50% of those voting in favour of the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan to “make” the Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan.

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 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

The Chair welcomed Members, Officers, the Premises Licence Holder and their representatives and Other Persons to the hearing.

Councillor Steve Patmore proposed and Councillor Elizabeth Dennis seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Steve Patmore be appointed as the Reserve Member for this meeting of the Licensing Sub Committee.

Councillor Ruth Brown proposed and Councillor Steve Patmore seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Alistair Willoughby be appointed as Chair for this meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee noted the hearing procedure.

The agreed decision notice is attached as part of the Minutes of this meeting.

The Licensing Officer presented the report entitled Determination for the Variation of a Pemises Licence in Respect of Bygrave Plantation, Land Adjacent to 1 Caldecote Road, Newnham, SG7 5JZ.

The report, together with verbal submissions and questions from the Premises Licence Holder, the Premises Licence Holder’s Representatives, and Other Persons, as well as advice from the Legal Advisor, was considered.

The report of the Licensing Officer was noted.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dominic Griffiths.

Having given due notice, Councillor Sam Collins substituted for Councillor Griffiths.

The Chair led a discussion regarding possible agenda items, and training needs for  meetings in the next civic year.

There was no public participation at this meeting.

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

(2)        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.

(3)        The Chair advised that section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting.

(4)        The Chair advised that the following changes to the order of Agenda had been made since publication, Agenda Item 11 would now follow Agenda Item 8.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED: That Committee approved the Local Code of Corporate Governance 2025 (Appendix A).

REASONS FOR DECISION: It is recommended practice to review the Local Code of Corporate Governance each year to ensure it remains up to date and relevant.

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee commented on the assumptions and information contained within this report, in the context that Cabinet agrees that:

(1)   That Cabinet note this report.

(2)   That Cabinet approve the changes to the 2024/25 General Fund budget, as identified in table 3 and paragraph 8.2, a £840k decrease in net expenditure.

(3)   That Cabinet approve the changes to the 2025/26 General Fund budget, as identified in table 3 and paragraph 8.2, a total £807k increase in net expenditure.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: Members are able to monitor, make adjustments within the overall budgetary framework and request appropriate action of Services who did not meet the budget targets set as part of the Corporate Business Planning process.

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee commented on the assumptions and information contained within this report, in the context that Cabinet agrees that:

(1)   That Cabinet note the forecast expenditure of £16.816M in 2024/25 on the capital programme, paragraph 8.3 refers.

(2)   That Cabinet approve the adjustments to the capital programme for 2024/25 onwards, as a result of the revised timetable of schemes detailed in table 2 and 3, increasing the estimated spend in 2025/26 by £0.627M.

(3)   That Cabinet note the position of the availability of capital resources, as detailed in table 4 paragraph 8.6 and the requirement to keep the capital programme under review for affordability.

(4)   Cabinet is asked to note the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of December 2024.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

(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.

RESOLVED: That Committee

(1)   Approved the proposed North Herts Council Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26.

(2)   Noted the SIAS Internal Audit Strategy and provide any comments prior to approval by the SIAS Board.

Councillor Sean Nolan, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 5 February 2025 be approved as, as amended, a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That Committee reviewed and approved the Anti-Fraud Plan 2025/26.

(2)   That the Committee delegated authority to the Service Director – Resources to review and update the language, alongside SAFS, to make the KPIs, attached at Appendix B, more specific, particularly in relation to 1 and 3.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the progress by officers and the Shared Anti-Fraud Service to deliver the Anti-Fraud Plan for the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1) Considered the responses to the public consultation.

(2) Commented on the Policy, attached as Appendix A, and delegated authority to the Licensing and Community Safety Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Regulation Committee, to make amendments to the policy, as outlined at the meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The existing policy has worked well since its adoption with effect from 26 October 2020, following a public consultation on a number of changes to policy.

(2) The adoption of a policy ensures that applicants, licence holders, and the public have a clear understanding of the licensing process and objectives; it also ensures a consistent and transparent approach to decision-making.

(3) Continued efficiencies through smarter ways of working, supported by the co-operation of the licence holders, has resulted in changes to the policy that will improve the customer experience and make best use of existing resources.

(4) Government has published two new documents that local authorities must consider when adopting its next policy, and they have been considered as part of this consultation process.

(5) Early discussions with the North Herts Taxi Drivers Association identified some additional suggestions that were included in the policy published for consultation.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1) Endorsed and commented on the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy, attached as Appendix A.

(2) Delegated authority to the Licensing and Community Safety Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Regulation Committee, to make amendments to the Policy, as outlined at the meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The current policy worked well when the district did have a licensed sex shop, however some minor amendments are needed to ensure it remains fit for purpose, particularly in areas of safeguarding and the Council’s White Ribbon commitment.

(2) The adoption of a policy ensures that applicants, licence holders, and the public have a clear understanding of the licensing process and objectives; it also ensures a consistent and transparent approach.

The Licensing and Community Safety Manager provided Members with a verbal update on progress of matters raised at the meeting of the Committee on 14 October 2024.

There was no public participation.

There was no other business notified.

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

(2)   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.

(3)   The Chair advised for purposes of clarification that 4.8.23(a) of the constitution did apply to this meeting and Members were required to be present for the entirety of an Item to vote.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lisa Nash.

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

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

(2)  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.

(3)  The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.

(4)  The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.

There was no other business notified.

The Chair advised that the Minutes from the 30 January 2025 were added to the Agenda in error and had been approved at the Planning Control Committee meeting on 25 February 2025.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ruth Brown and Sadie Billing.

RESOLVED: That application 24/02343/FPP be REFUSED subject to the reasons set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manage and supplementary document.

RESOLVED: That a decision on the confirmation of TPO/00215 be DEFERRED to allow for a new provisional Tree Preservation Order to be issued with an amended plan that provided for a revision in the extent of the land covered by a TPO.