Agenda and minutes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Bray, Mrs Cope and Taylor.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 June 2017.

In considering the minutes of the previous meeting, Councillor Cope wished a correction to be made in that he and Mrs Cope were not members of the Wykin Social Club, but attended occasionally. It was subsequently

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting be confirmed, with the abovementioned amendment.

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.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Report informing members about the submission of a first-round application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to seek funding for the establishment of a Townscape Heritage Scheme within Hinckley town centre conservation area.

Members were informed about the submission of a first-round application to the Heritage Lotter Fund to seek funding for the establishment of a Townscape Heritage scheme within Hinckley town centre conservation area.

There was some discussion on the plans to reconfigure Church Walk car park, the inclusion of heritage lighting on the site of the planned Aldi supermarket adjacent to Baptists Walk, and claw back arrangements for unused funding.

Members suggested the scope of the scheme should be widened (or included as part of a separate scheme) to take in the former police station and cinema and even Ashby Road. It was agreed that this would be fed back to officers.

The proposed draft revenue budget and council tax for 2018/19 for the Special Expenses Area of Hinckley.

The special expenses budget for 2018/19 was presented to the committee. The following points were raised or noted:

·         Special expenses budget balances of £248k (not including earmarked reserves)

·         The possibility of setting aside £10k of the balances to fund projects or events

·         The need to retain 10-15% balances.

A member felt that some of the balances should be used to run Proms in the Park again. The reasons for not having run it last year were discussed, including the difficulty in getting a band to play and the risk of poor weather. Another member suggested that the same amount of money could be used to fund several smaller projects, or to widen the Townscape Heritage project discussed under the previous item.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The revenue and capital budgets and council tax for 2018/19 be endorsed;

(ii)           The fees & charges for 2018/19 be endorsed;

(iii)          £10,000 be earmarked from the balances to fund additional projects, to be agreed at a future meeting.

To update members on the green space delivery plan.

The Hinckley Area Committee received an update on the Green Space Delivery Plan. Four current or recently completed projects were highlighted – the play area refurbishment at Queen’s Park (completed in October 2017); Richmond Park (funded by S106 monies, due for completion early 2018); landscaping, picnic areas and pathway improvements on Langdale Park; and bulb and minor tree planting on Preston Road Park.

Discussion ensued in relation to:

·         the possibility of resurfacing around the play area on Burbage Common (which was not part of the special expenses budget)

·         current negotiations with the developer about a play area on The Greens

·         dead trees on The Greens, of which the developer is aware

·         complaints about the condition of the wall along The Narrows

·         dog mess on Wykin Park

·         a project within the Green Space Delivery Plan to improve Clarendon Park, for example adding a running track

·         the need to make representations in respect of the proposed freight depot as it abutted Burbage Common

·         land for sale on Leicester Road.

In response to a request at the previous meeting, members will be update on progress.

Members were informed that a report had been prepared for SLT in relation to funding for Hinckley in Bloom. It was noted that the initial work would cost around £4k. Suggestions put forward by officers and members present included:

·         Using a mixture of planting and planters

·         The need to ensure the London Road/Spa Lane triangle was tidied as it was currently neglected despite an agreement with a local group to maintain it

·         The planting of wildflowers on Leicester Road and Ashby Road

·         Planters in car parks

·         Engaging with residents, shops and businesses to encourage involvement.

It was noted that some work could commence in 2018, and it was suggested that £3k be allocated for initial work in 2018.

RESOLVED - £3k be allocated for work to commence in 2018 and a further report be brought to a future meeting.

The Head of Street Scene Services informed members that, whilst Leicestershire County Council were unable to provide grit bins, some of the special expenses budget could be used to provide a limited number of additional bins for the special expenses area. Issues such as requiring permission from the county council to site a grit bin on a pavement were highlighted. It was noted that residents in the vicinity of a proposed grit bin had to be consulted on the proposal and it was suggested that five new bins could be provided.

Suggested locations for new grit bins included Trinity Vicarage Road (at the top of the hill), Towers Drive (by the school), Riddon Drive, Charnwood Road (at the junction with John Street), the London Road/Spa Lane triangle and Leicester Road (by Olympic Way).

Item requested by Cllrs Kirby & Witherford arising from the Emergency Planning briefing.

Reference was made to a presentation received by members in relation to emergency planning and the suggestion of community plans. It was explained that a community group could come together to create a community plan to action in the event of an emergency. For example, in an area at risk of flooding, the community plan could focus on actions and support for the community in the event of flooding.

Members acknowledged that it was not a matter for the Hinckley Area Committee and was something to consider within their own localised communities but requested further information outside of the meeting.

Report referred by the Scrutiny Commission which outlines the special expenses arrangements.

Consideration was given to a report which had been referred by the Scrutiny Commission. Members felt that the current arrangements for governing the special expenses area and the operation of the Hinckley Area Committee were well established and that no changes were required.

Consideration was given to some of the budget allocations listed in the appendices to the report and more information was requested on the use of the funding provided to Neighbourhood Watch. It was requested that an annual report be brought to the Hinckley Area Committee by the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator.

RESOLVED –

(i)            No changes be recommended in relation to the governance of special expenses;

(ii)           No changes be recommended in relation to the operation of the Hinckley Area Committee;

(iii)          The Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator be requested to bring an annual report to the Hinckley Area Committee.

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 Nichols seconded by Councillor Witherford, 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.

To update members on the progress made negotiating with the successful bidders for the Trinity Lane site (former leisure centre).

Members were updated on the progress made in negotiating with the successful bidders for the Trinity Lane Site (former leisure centre). Matters such as car parking, trees and highways were discussed and it was noted that, where relevant, these would be considered as part of the planning application.