Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Bill, with the substitution of Councillor D Cope authorised in accordance with council procedure rule 10.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2017.

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 9 October be confirmed and signed by the chairman.

No interests were declared at this stage.

To update members on the progress of current planning appeals.

Members were updated on progress of current planning appeals. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         The learning from appeals allowed on decisions made against officer recommendations

·         The request for a comparison of performance indicators with other authorities and national targets. It was acknowledged that there were difficulties in comparing such data

·         The need for viability of planning proposals to be considered during the planning application/permission process.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To seek member endorsement of the Heritage Strategy 2018 – 2023 and accompanying Background and Action Plan document.

Members received the heritage strategy and action plan which set out the proactive approach going forward. During discussion, the following points were raised by members:

·         The need to protect conservation areas and keep related documentation up to date. In response officers outlined good practice of reappraising these every five years and the need to revisit some existing documents

·         The reference within the report to a ‘spa town’. Officers responded that this was a reference to the historic association with the Big Pit

·         The VAT costs for works to listed buildings. In response it was reported that heritage societies had been lobbying for work to listed buildings to be zero rated

·         The need to retain focussed funding for heritage work.

RESOLVED – the report be endorsed.

To recommend approval of the consultation process and timetable for the Strategic Growth Plan for Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Scrutiny Commission received a report which outlined the countywide partnership work undertaken in preparation of the strategic growth plan for Leicester and Leicestershire. It was noted that all of the Leicestershire authorities were taking the report through the same governance process with the same recommendations.

A member expressed concern that there were confused messages about whether the document was public or private and clarity over the capacity for dwellings in the A46 growth corridor. Questions were raised as to whether it would be feasible due to the infrastructure.

In relation to development of the A46 corridor, it was acknowledged that this had been needed for some time and was also being requested via the Midland Connect strategy along with an A4 expressway. A member raised the concern that the A5 had been highlighted as an issue twenty years earlier but had still not been resolved, and the A46 corridor could follow a similar pattern. It was highlighted that the report stated the strategy was predicated on being infrastructure-led and was a requirement in order to deliver the growth. Furthermore, the local MP had agreed to host a meeting of all A5 corridor MPs with transport ministers to secure support for investment in the A5.

Concern was expressed about the documents that would be presented to the public as part of the consultation. In response it was explained that there would be a suite of documents, including a quick and easy explanation of the plan, and that public exhibitions were still being considered as part of the consultation on the local plan review. Members felt that an exhibition or public events were necessary.

Further concern was expressed in relation to the A47, particularly due to developments coming forward and the increased traffic causing bottlenecks, which would become more problematic over the ensuing five to ten years.

Whilst not feeling comfortable endorsing the report, the Scrutiny Commission agreed to note the report and that it would be presented to Council. It was also proposed that the consultation process and timetable be enhanced.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The report and intention to present it to Council be noted;

(ii)           It be RECOMMENDED that the consultation process and timetable be enhanced.

To seek endorsement of the report.

Members received the local plan review, local development scheme and statement of community involvement. It was noted that the process was for discussion, not the detail of the documents. It was acknowledged that if the council did not progress this matter, the government would be able to enforce it. Officers were thanked for their work on the documents and members noted that they would have the opportunity to discuss the options at the appropriate stage.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

To report the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel and invite recommendations to Council.

The Scrutiny Commission gave consideration to the report of the Independent Panel on members’ allowances.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Work programme attached.

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was requested that reports on Martinshaw Lane and the Klondyke be brought at an appropriate time.

Minutes of the meetings held on 25 September and 6 November 2017.

The minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny were received for information. A member stated she had been very impressed with the frontline service review which had been discussed at the last meeting of that body.

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 paragraphs 3 and 10 of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act.

On the motion of Councillor Camamile seconded by Councillor Crooks, 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 paragraphs 3 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12A of that Act.

Report of Chief Executive.

The Scrutiny Commission gave consideration to a report which recommended negotiations on a contract. Members requested the inclusion in the report to Council of reference to external legal advice taken. Members wished their concern to be noted and wanted to understand what mitigations could be included in future to prevent a reoccurrence.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of Director.

Members were advised of an investment opportunity which would work well with our current services, bring employment into the borough and bring an unused site into use. The risks and implications were highlighted for members and it was noted that it could be operational within two years. It was noted that public consultation would take place as part of the planning process.

RESOLVED – the report be welcomed and option 1 outlined in paragraph 4.2 of the report be supported and RECOMMENDED to Council.