Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber

Contact: Rebecca Owen, Democratic Services Manager on 01455255879 or email  rebecca.owen@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

135.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Findlay, Nichols and Sheppard-Bools. It was also noted that Councillor HG Williams would be arriving late.

136.

Minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 100 KB

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2019.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

 

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.

137.

Additional urgent business by reason of special circumstances

To be advised of any additional items of business which the Mayor decides by reason of special circumstances shall be taken as matters of urgency at this meeting. Items will be considered at the end of the agenda.

Minutes:

It was noted that the Mayor had agreed to accept an urgent motion by virtue of the fact that the information had been released after the agenda had been issued and to enable representations to be made in a timely manner. The motion would be taken at the relevant point on the agenda.

138.

Declarations of interest

To receive verbally from Members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council's code of conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the Agenda.

Minutes:

No interests were declared at this stage.

139.

Mayor's Communications

To receive such communications as the Mayor may decide to lay before the Council.

Minutes:

The Mayor thanked members for their support with the visit of two young people from Grand Quevilly who were undertaking a photography project.

140.

Questions

Question from Councillor Boothby to the Executive member for Finance:

 

“Referring to the recent press release regarding the proposed development of 150 homes on Station Road, Market Bosworth, can the member please confirm that this council will receive a significant receipt for the land required to access this site?

 

Further, would the Executive member agree with me that it is imperative to maximise the receipt from this council-owned asset to help fund beneficial future projects in Market Bosworth and across our borough?”

 

Response from Councillor Lynch:

 

“Thank you Cllr Boothby for your question. As you will know, the Council has been working with a number of partners to bring forward this site for a number of years, including when you were part of the previous administration. The delivery of the site is not simple and there are a number of interested parties. The Council proposed, and it has been agreed, that it will lead on commissioning a masterplan for the site with the other partners. That will seek to establish design principles based on the neighbourhood plan and an appropriate layout. That will help us to determine how much of the Council’s land ownership may be required to enable the development to take place. The Council is working with a number of partners and the masterplanning process will require their engagement and the wider community including those that might be affected.

 

As you will know, the Council has to follow national legislation with regards to disposing of assets and we are required to ensure that we achieve the ‘best consideration’ for the disposal of land. The land that potentially may be required is not free from occupation and any valuation will take this into account. I understand that your previous administration was supportive of the principle of funding any necessary relocations from a receipt and to be flexible on value achieved in order to facilitate development.

 

Until the masterplan work and then formal valuations are undertaken it is unwise to speculate on any future receipt. The Council will then have to follow its procedures which are in place for the disposal of assets which are likely to require further member approval.

 

If a receipt is received there are also rules in place to how that receipt can be used, which will have to be followed. How any income received is spent will be determined at a later date through the appropriate processes.”

Minutes:

Question from Councillor Boothby to the Executive member for Finance:

 

“Referring to the recent press release regarding the proposed development of 150 homes on Station Road, Market Bosworth, can the member please confirm that this council will receive a significant receipt for the land required to access this site?

 

Further, would the Executive member agree with me that it is imperative to maximise the receipt from this council-owned asset to help fund beneficial future projects in Market Bosworth and across our borough?”

 

Response from Councillor Lynch:

 

“Thank you Cllr Boothby for your question. As you will know, the Council has been working with a number of partners to bring forward this site for a number of years, including when you were part of the previous administration. The delivery of the site is not simple and there are a number of interested parties. The Council proposed, and it has been agreed, that it will lead on commissioning a masterplan for the site with the other partners. That will seek to establish design principles based on the neighbourhood plan and an appropriate layout. That will help us to determine how much of the Council’s land ownership may be required to enable the development to take place. The Council is working with a number of partners and the masterplanning process will require their engagement and the wider community including those that might be affected.

 

As you will know, the Council has to follow national legislation with regards to disposing of assets and we are required to ensure that we achieve the ‘best consideration’ for the disposal of land. The land that potentially may be required is not free from occupation and any valuation will take this into account. I understand that your previous administration was supportive of the principle of funding any necessary relocations from a receipt and to be flexible on value achieved in order to facilitate development.

 

Until the masterplan work and then formal valuations are undertaken it is unwise to speculate on any future receipt. The Council will then have to follow its procedures which are in place for the disposal of assets which are likely to require further member approval.

 

If a receipt is received there are also rules in place to how that receipt can be used, which will have to be followed. How any income received is spent will be determined at a later date through the appropriate processes.”

141.

Leader of the Council's Position Statement

This is my second position statement since the local elections in May. Nationally, there continues to be uncertainty regarding Brexit and the prospect of a national election is looking increasingly likely. This council is working on contingency plans to mitigate the impacts in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

 

Borough events

 

We have recently had the outcomes of attendance at a range of key summer events in Hinckley and elsewhere in the borough. I’m delighted to confirm these have attracted over 19,000 participants and demonstrates how popular they are with local residents. The Snap Dragon summer events that took place in July and August attracted over 8,000 people. Feast Hinckley, despite the weather, proved a great showcase event, attracting over 6,000 visitors.

 

Hinckley town centre

 

It is of no surprise that, given the enormous success of the events programme which we have rolled out and also supported in partnership with Hinckley BID, footfall in the town centre rose by over 16% in August compared with the same time last year. New visitors to the town for August increased by over 24%.

 

Town centre parking

 

The Council will be introducing free parking spaces after 3pm in a number of car parks to support Hinckley town centre. Officers will be drawing up the details of the scheme which will come to a future Executive meeting.

 

Officers are assessing five town centre car parks to look at suitability for installing electric charging point infrastructure. A funding bid has been submitted to the LLEP towards the project.

 

National Paw Print award

 

I’m pleased to report that the Borough Council’s dog warden service has scooped another national award for its ongoing work in the care of stray dogs. It has been awarded the Stray Dog Footprint Gold Standards in the RSPCA’s 2019 Paw Print awards for the eighth consecutive year! I would like to extend my thanks to our dog warden service and team in Environmental Services who do such a magnificent job which has helped secure this national award.

 

Public space protection

 

The Council has commenced consultation on the roll out of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which helps to tackle the problems associated with public drinking and taking of drugs and new psychoactive substances (so-called legal highs) in all public areas of the borough. The Council also uses the same legislation to tackle irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up after their pets, or do not have their pets under control. The consultation closes on 11 October.

 

Rail freight depot

 

Work continues to oppose the rail freight depot which I believe will have a detrimental impact on Burbage Common and cause chaos to local roads. A cross-party member working group has been convened to commence bringing together a comprehensive response to the consultation that has commenced on highway impacts arising from the proposals.

 

A5 Partnership

 

I am reliably informed that as a result of the work of the partnership, in which we play a major role, Midlands Connect have almost completed their  ...  view the full agenda text for item 141.

Minutes:

In his position statement, the Leader of the Council referred to:

 

·         Recent events in the borough

·         Hinckley town centre

·         Town centre parking

·         National Paw Print award

·         Public space protection

·         Rail freight depot

·         A5 partnership

·         Klondyke

·         Isla Tansey

·         Grand Quevilly

·         Heritage open days

·         Ada Lovelace

·         Warwickshire draft rail strategy

·         District Councils Network.

 

A member asked for more information on Brexit plans and it was agreed that a briefing note would be prepared for members.

 

In discussing heritage events and the Ada Lovelace exhibition, it was requested that more be done to recognise our heritage, particularly mathematicians including Roger Cotes from Burbage, William Whiston from Twycross and Thomas Simpson from Market Bosworth who were all critical to the science of mathematics. It was agreed that this would be passed onto the Executive member who was keen to increase heritage activity.

 

In discussing local events, a member referred to his recent visit to the Concordia Theatre to watch Journey’s End by the NTP and wished to write to the group to congratulate them.

142.

Calendar of meetings 2020 pdf icon PDF 259 KB

Please note that, since the draft calendar was sent out to members, the following changes have been made:

 

·         Executive in March 2020 has been moved to 25 March due to a potential clash with the Joint Community Safety Partnership Overview & Scrutiny Committee to be held at Blaby District Council

·         Planning Committee in May has been brought forward to 19 May.

 

The calendar is attached in two different styles for ease of use.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The draft calendar of meetings for 2020 was presented to Council. It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Crooks and

 

RESOLVED – the calendar of meetings for 2020 be approved.

143.

Appointment to charitable body: Poors Platt Charity, Barwell

It will be moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Bill that parish councillor Mathew Hulbert be appointed to Poors Platt Charity Barwell for a term of four years.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bill and

 

RESOLVED – Mathew Hulbert be appointed to Poors Platt Charity, Barwell, for a term of four years with immediate effect.

144.

Motions received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17

(a)        Motion proposed by Councillor R Allen, seconded by Councillor Roberts.

 

            This motion has been withdrawn at the request of the mover and seconder.

 

(b)        Motion proposed by Councillor Morrell, seconded by Councillor Ladkin:

 

            “This Council undertakes to maintain the level of community grant funding, in the form of the Developing Communities Fund (DCF) and Parish & Community Initiative Fund (PCIF) or their replacements, to at least the level incorporated into the MTFS for the 2018/19 financial year”.

 

            Amendment to be proposed by Councillor Lynch and seconded by Councillor Cartwright:

 

            “This administration is fully committed to retaining grants which are accessible to all communities in the borough.

 

            We are also committed to ending the inflation-busting council tax increases that we have seen imposed during the past four years.

 

            Therefore, in accordance with council procedure rule 19.6, Council amends the motion to refer consideration of future grant funding to be looked at by Executive and Scrutiny during the normal budget setting process.”

 

(c)        Motion proposed by Councillor MT Mullaney, seconded by Councillor Cope (not Councillor Bray, as erroneously printed on the agenda)

 

“Council deplores the fact that since 2015 Leicestershire police has suffered 6.1% of cutbacks by this Conservative government.

 

Many residents in the borough, particularly in the rural areas are concerned about rising levels of theft and other crimes and the lack of police available to deal with it.

 

Hard pressed residents had to pay a large increase in council tax for the police this year to make up for reduction in government support.

 

Council calls upon government to properly fund our local police force.”

 

(d)        Emergency motion

 

            The Mayor has agreed to accept an emergency motion due to the information having been released after the setting of the agenda and to enable representations to be made in advance of a meeting within the NHS later this month.

 

            Motion proposed by Councillor Bill and seconded by Councillor Pendlebury:

 

            “This council expresses concerns that the X-ray facility has ceased at Hinckley Hospital, without new alternative facilities being available. This means local people having to travel some considerable distance without adequate public transport to access this vital facility.

 

            We call on the Secretary of State to ensure that this facility is returned to the town as soon as possible.

 

            Furthermore, we urge that the long-awaited improvements repeatedly promised for our local NHS facilities are finally delivered after years of empty promises”.

144a

Motion received from Councillor R Allen, seconded by Councillor Roberts

Minutes:

It was noted that this motion had been withdrawn.

144b

Motion proposed by Councillor Morrell and seconded by Councillor Ladkin

Minutes:

“This Council undertakes to maintain the level of community grant funding, in the form of the Developing Communities Fund (DCF) and Parish & Community Initiative Fund (PCIF) or their replacements, to at least the level incorporated into the MTFS for the 2018/19 financial year”.

 

Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Cartwright proposed an amendment, appropriate notice of which had been given:

 

“This administration is fully committed to retaining grants which are accessible to all communities in the borough.

 

We are also committed to ending the inflation-busting council tax increases that we have seen imposed during the past four years.

 

Therefore, in accordance with council procedure rule 19.6, Council amends the motion to refer consideration of future grant funding to be looked at by Executive and Scrutiny during the normal budget setting process.”

 

In moving the amendment, Councillor Lynch assured members of his support for the Parish & Community Initiative Fund and for the VCS grants.

 

Councillor HG Williams entered the meeting at 7.05pm.

 

The mover and seconder of the original motion were not happy to accept the amendment and it was therefore put to the vote and CARRIED.

 

The motion, as amended, was subsequently put to the vote and CARRIED. It was therefore

 

RESOLVED – Consideration of future grant funding be considered by the Executive and Overview & Scrutiny as part of the normal budget setting process.

144c

Motion proposed by Councillor MT Mullaney and seconded by Councillor Cope

Minutes:

“Council deplores the fact that since 2015 Leicestershire police has suffered 6.1% of cutbacks by this Conservative government.

 

Many residents in the borough, particularly in the rural areas are concerned about rising levels of theft and other crimes and the lack of police available to deal with it.

 

Hard pressed residents had to pay a large increase in council tax for the police this year to make up for reduction in government support.

 

Council calls upon government to properly fund our local police force.”

 

Councillor HG Williams prosed an amendment that the year “2015” be amended to “2009”. In the absence of a seconder before the close of debate, the motion was not pursued.

 

Councillor Cartwright and at least four further members stood to request voting on the motion be recorded. The vote was recorded as follows:

 

Councillors CM Allen, RG Allen, Bill, Boothby, Bray, Cartwright, Collett, Cook, Cope, MJ Crooks, WJ Crooks, Flemming, Furlong, Gibbens, Glenville, Hodgkins, Hollick, Ladkin, Lay, Lynch, Morrell, LJ Mullaney, MT Mullaney, O’Shea, Pendlebury, Roberts, Smith, Walker, Webber-Jones, HG Williams and P Williams voted FOR the motion (31).

 

There were no votes against the motion.

 

The motion was therefore declared CARRIED and it was

 

RESOLVED – Council calls upon Government to properly fund our police force.

144d

Emergency motion proposed by Councillor Bill and seconded by Councillor Pendlebury

Minutes:

The Mayor had agreed to accept an emergency motion due to the information having been released after the issuing of the agenda and to enable representations to be made in a timely manner.

 

“This council expresses concerns that the X-ray facility has ceased at Hinckley Hospital, without new alternative facilities being available. This means local people having to travel some considerable distance without adequate public transport to access this vital facility.

 

We call on the Secretary of State to ensure that this facility is returned to the town as soon as possible.

 

Furthermore, we urge that the long-awaited improvements repeatedly promised for our local NHS facilities are finally delivered after years of empty promises”.

 

RESOLVED – the Secretary of State be called upon to ensure

 

(i)            that this facility is returned to the town as soon as possible;

 

(ii)           the long-awaited improvements repeatedly promised for our local NHS facilities are delivered.

145.

Matters from which the public may be excluded

To consider the passing of a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the public from the undermentioned item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act listed on the individual reports.

Minutes:

On the motion of Councillor Bray seconded by Councillor Cartwright, it was

 

RESOLVED – in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A of that Act listed on the individual reports.

146.

Disposal of flat 39 Brookside, Burbage

Minutes:

Members received a report which sought approval for the disposal of flat 39, Brookside, Burbage.

 

In relation to all of the disposal reports on the agenda, a member expressed concern that only one valuation was sought. The Executive member agreed to review this.

 

It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Glenville and

 

RESOLVED – the disposal be approved.

147.

Disposal of land adjacent to 48 Mill Lane, Newbold Verdon

This item has been withdrawn from the agenda to allow for consultation with ward councillors.

Minutes:

It was noted that this report had been withdrawn from the agenda for consultation with ward councillors.

148.

Leasehold disposal of plot 27 Harrowbrook Industrial Estate

Minutes:

Approval was sought for the leasehold disposal of plot 27 Harrowbrook Industrial Estate. It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Glenville and

 

RESOLVED

 

(i)            The leasehold disposal on a long term lease of 125 years be approved;

 

(ii)           The Commercial Estates Surveyor be granted delegated powers to negotiate the disposal of the plots to the best advantage of the Council.

149.

Leasehold disposal of plots 2, 2A, 3 and 4 Sketchley Meadows Industrial Estate

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval for the leasehold disposal of plots 2, 2a, 3 & 4 Sketchley Meadows Industrial Estate. It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Glenville and

 

RESOLVED

 

(i)            the leasehold disposal on a long term lease of 125 years be approved;

 

(ii)           the Commercial Estates Surveyor be granted delegated powers to negotiate the disposal of the plots to the best advantage of the Council.