Decisions

A verbal update was provided by Herts County Councillor Fiona Hill regarding Highways Issues.

The Chair advised there was no public participation at this meeting of the Committee.

(1)       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.

There was no Other Business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meetings of the Committee held on 8 March 2022 and 26 May 2022 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That Officers would explore possible options of how Town Talks and Area Committee meetings could improve to be more effective and accessible for public and Members, in line with the Council Constitution and Terms of Reference of the Committee.

(2)  That the Royston Surgeries be reduced to once every two months on the second Saturday of the month, starting from the Surgery scheduled on Saturday 10 September 2022.

(3)  That the Committee endorsed the actions taken by the Community Engagement Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Royston.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)  To ensure the Committee is kept informed of the work of the Community Engagement Officer.

(2)  The Community Engagement Officer is seeking advice from the Committee on the best way forward with regards to future provision of Town Talk and Councillor Surgeries.

(3)  This report is intended to inform Members of the financial resources available to the Committee. It draws attention to the current budgetary situation by assisting in the effective financial management of the Area Committee’s budget. This ensures that all actions are performed in line with the Authority’s Financial Regulations, the Council’s Constitution, and the guidance of the existing Grants policy as agreed by Cabinet in January 2020.

(4)  The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims of the Council Plan.

There were no apologies for absence.

The Chair welcomed Members and Officers to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Chris Hinchliff to his first Area Committee meeting following his election in May and placed on record thanks to former Councillor Sarah Dingley.

Councillor Ruth Brown gave a verbal update to Members on the Town Twinning Association and Royston First.

RESOLVED: That the Committee allocate £1,000 to The Creative Mental Health Charity PoetsIN towards delivering ten of their One Hour Wellbeing Workshops to Hitchin-based schools as outlined in 8.1.3 of the officer’s report.

The Chair invited Paul Chambers, co-founder of PoetsIN charity, to give a verbal presentation for Members in support of their grant application.

RESOLVED: That the Committee allocate £1,035 to Back2Schoolival CIC towards a project that will support the creation of volunteering/work experiences for local students in the North Hertfordshire area as outlined in paragraph 8.1.1 of the officer’s report.

The Chair invited Adam Howard from Back2Schoolival CIC to give a verbal presentation for Members in support of their grant application.

RESOLVED: That the Committee allocated £1,100 to Hitchin Fun Club towards funding to help cover the cost of their annual Holiday Clubs as outlined in 8.1.2 of the officer’s report.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Judi Billing, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg and Kay Tart.

Councillor Chris Lucas was absent.

The Chair provided Members with an update on the work being done regarding a potential new Twinned Town for Hitchin.

The Chair provided Members with an update on the work being done at Charnwood House and led a discussion regarding this.

The Chair led a discussion with Members on Air Quality in Hitchin.

There was no other business notified.

(1)  The Chair welcomed those present at the meeting, especially Members attending their first Hitchin Committee meeting and the members of the public who had attended to give a presentation.

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

(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 Chair advised that Anni Sander from Plastic Free Hitchin was unable to attend this meeting and would be invited to a future meeting.

The Chair invited Lisa King, Treasurer at Hitchin Fun Club, to give a verbal presentation for Members in support of their grant application.

The Chair advised that the Hitchin BID Manager, Tom Hardy, was unavailable for this meeting. Councillor Keith Hoskins provided a brief update.

The following items were discussed in relation to Ward Matters and Outside Organisations:

·         Plastic Free Hitchin

·         The Dell

The Chair notified Members that the following items would be included on the next agenda; Car Parking Charges review and a public presentation from Plastic Free Hitchin.

The Chair also raised the possibility of a discussion at the next meeting regarding the future of Hitchin Town Talks, given the decline in attendance at these at recent meetings.

RESOLVED: That the Committee be recommended to endorse the actions taken by the Community Engagement team to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Hitchin.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)  To ensure the Members are kept informed of the work of the Community Engagement Team.

(2)  This report is intended to inform Members of the financial resources available. It draws attention to the current budgetary situation by assisting in the effective financial management of budgets. This ensures that all actions are performed in line with the Authority’s Financial Regulations, the Council’s Constitution, and the guidance of the existing Grants policy as agreed by Cabinet in January 2020.

(3)  The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims of the Council Plan.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meetings of the Committee held on 1 March 2022 and 26 May 2022 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That application 21/03533/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the completion of the S106 agreement and deed of variation, the applicant agreeing to any necessary extensions to the statutory determination period to achieve this and to request additional comments from the Lead Local Flood Authority and to add any condition(s) they request before the grant of planning permission.

(2)  Independently to the grant of planning permission for the Council to investigate whether a group Tree Preservation Order (TPO) should be served on the trees outside the application site immediately to the south to secure their long term protection following an assessment of the state and condition of the trees.

RESOLVED: That application 21/02768/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager, including an amendment to Condition 13 and the addition of Condition 14 as follows:

“Condition 13

Prior to commencement, a single method statement for the clearance of vegetation should be submitted to the LPA for consideration. This should incorporate the key considerations outlined in the mitigation measures for the safeguarding of hedgehogs, nesting birds and reptiles in sections 6.3. 6.4 and 6.5 of the Ecological Impact Assessment by SLR Consulting Limited (Ref: 402.06511.00007 Version No:2),  including those relating to the time of year.

Reason: In the interests of nature conservation     

Condition 14

Prior to the commencement of the development a Landscape and Ecology Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out and thereafter maintained in accordance with the approved Plan.

Reason: In the interests of nature conservation.”

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

(1)  The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio 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 gave advice to the registered speakers on the speaking procedure and time limits.

(4)  The Chair advised that a break would be taken around 9pm, if required.

(5)  The Chair advised that there had been a change to the order of the agenda and Item 7 and 8 would be taken ahead of Item 6, which would be taken following the conclusion of Item 8.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 20 April 2022 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sean Nolan, Daniel Allen and Terry Tyler.

Having given due notice Councillor Amy Allen substituted for Councillor Daniel Allen and Councillor Nigel Mason substituted for Councillor Sean Nolan.

RESOLVED: That application 22/01342/TD be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

The Development and Conservation Manager advised that, due to the time, he would not provide Members with a verbal update on this item.

RESOLVED: That application 22/00346/FP be REFUSED planning permission for the reasons outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

RESOLVED: That application 22/00171/LBC be DEFERRED to receive a response from Highways regarding the installation of a gate and to request further details from the Police regarding anti-social behaviour in the area.

RESOLVED: That application 22/00170/FP be DEFERRED to receive a response from Highways regarding the installation of a gate and to request further details from the Police regarding anti-social behaviour in the area.

RESOLVED: That application 19/01106/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager and the following additional conditions:

“Condition 25

Prior to any demolition and construction works full details of a Demolition and Construction Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved scheme.

Reason: In order to ensure that adequate measures are adopted to control nuisance during works associated with the development from the spread of pollution, notably dust and fine particulate matter.

Condition 26

Prior to the occupation of the development a Landscape and Ecology Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Plan.

Reason: In the interests of nature conservation     

Condition 27

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 as amended no development as set out in Class E of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Order, (or any subsequent Statutory Instrument which revokes, amends and/or replaces those provisions) shall be carried out without first obtaining a specific planning permission from the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: Given the nature of this development, the Local Planning Authority considers that development which would normally be "permitted development" should be retained within planning control in the interests of the character and amenities of the area.”

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Simon Bloxham, James Denselow, Mandi Tandi and Sean Prendergast.

Apologies for absence were also received from Parish Councillor Rebecca Elliot.

Having given due notice, Councillor George Davies substituted for Councillor Simon Bloxham.

Councillor Clare Billing was absent.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 19 October 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

There was no other business notified.

(1)  The Chair welcomed new Members of the Standards Committee.

(2)  The Chair made a statement regarding the passing of the former Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health Councillor Gary Grindal, following his funeral which had taken place earlier in the day.

There was no public participation at this meeting.

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Committee noted the content of the report.

(2)  That the Committee considered the points made at 8.3-8.6 and will review the Complaints Handling Procedure at its meeting on 23 March 2023.

(3)  That the Committee considered/noted the Government’s response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life on Local Government Ethical Standards (Appendix A).

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure good governance within the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Information Note entitled Update on the Demand for Accommodation and Support Services for Single Homeless People be noted.

RESOLVED:

(1) That Cabinet introduces a new Corporate Risk relating to Council Resourcing;

(2) That Cabinet notes the report

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(3) That Council notes the report

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The responsibility for ensuring the management of risks is that of Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1) That the draft CAAMPs for Ashwell and Pirton are noted;

(2) That approval is given for public consultation to take place on the draft Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans and the proposed amendments to the conservation area boundaries at Ashwell and Pirton.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the conservation areas and historic assets within North Hertfordshire are appropriately assessed and designated to inform decision making for planning applications and in the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans.

RESOLVED:

(1) That the report on strategic planning matters be noted;

(2) That the correspondence and information in Appendices A to E are noted and endorsed by the Cabinet.

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters and progress on the North Hertfordshire Local Plan.

RESOLVED:

(1) That Cabinet note this report;

(2) That Cabinet approves a decrease of £592k in the 2021/22 net General Fund expenditure, as identified in table 4and paragraph 8.1, to a total of £16.892 million;

(3) That Cabinet approves the changes to the 2022/23 General Fund budget, as identified in table 4 and paragraph 8.3 a total of £179k increase in net expenditure.

THAT CABINET RECOMMENDS TO COUNCIL:

(4) That Council approves the net transfer from earmarked reserves, as identified in table 9 of £8.123 million.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

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

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

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).

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 22 March 2022 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Details of decisions taken on this item are restricted due to the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of Section 200A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approves a full inhouse service provision being established for non-complex installations and maintenance to commence from 01 October 2022

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Judi Billing and Tom Plater.

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

Ms. Cottier, Ms. Peers and Mr. Cook gave verbal presentations to the Cabinet.

(1) The Chair made a statement regarding the passing of the former Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health Councillor Gary Grindal and invited Members to speak. The Chair then held a minute’s silence;

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

(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.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:

(1) That Cabinet notes expenditure of £1.434million in 2021/22 on the capital programme, paragraph 8.3 refers;

(2) That Cabinet approves the adjustments to the capital programme for 2022/23 as a result of the revised timetable of schemes detailed in table 2, increasing the estimated spend in by £0.979million;

(3) That Cabinet notes the position of the availability of capital resources, as detailed in table 3 paragraph 8.7 and the requirement to keep the capital programme under review for affordability;

(4) That Cabinet approves the application of £1.225million of capital receipts/set aside towards the 2021/22 capital programme, paragraph 8.7 refers;

(5) Cabinet is asked to note the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of March 2022.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(6) That Council approves the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators;

(7) That Council notes the annual Treasury Report for 2021/22

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

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

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

RESOLVED: That the Committee endorsed the actions taken by the Community Engagement Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Baldock.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) To ensure the Committee is kept informed of the work of the Community Engagement Officer.

(2) This report is intended to inform Members of the financial resources available to the Committee. It draws attention to the current budgetary situation by assisting in the effective financial management of the Area Committee’s budget. This ensures that all actions are performed in line with the Authority’s Financial Regulations, the Council’s Constitution, and the guidance of the existing Grants policy as agreed by Cabinet in January 2020.

(3) The awarding of financial assistance to voluntary organisations and the use of discretionary spending allows the Committee to further the aims of the Council Plan.

There were no apologies for absence.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 14 March and 26 May 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

(1) The Chair welcomed Members and members of the public viewing proceedings.

(2) The Chair reminded Members to make Declarations of Interest before an item, the full reminder about this was set out under Chair’s Announcements on the agenda.

(3) The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, this meeting would be audio recorded and available to listen on Mod.Gov

There was no public participation at this meeting.

Cllr Michael Weeks gave an update concerning Tesco’s planning application to erect a marquee in 2021.

Members had no other reports or ward matters to discuss with the Committee.

The Committee was unable to elect a Chair for the remainder of the 2022/23 Civic year and instead appointed a Chair on a temporary basis for the purposes of the meeting.

Councillor Michael Weeks proposed and Councillor Juan Cowell seconded and, following a vote it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Michael Muir be appointed Chair for this meeting of the Baldock Area Committee.

The Chair led a discussion for possible agenda items for future meetings.

There was no other business notified.