Prayers were taken by The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford.

To approve the minutes of the Council meeting held on  28 September 2017.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 September 2017          were approved by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

To receive any questions, statements and deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Part 4G of the Constitution.

The Chairman advised that 10 members of the public had registered to speak, to address the Council.

The Chairman announced that she would be varying the order of business and that agenda Item No 17- Ward Member presentation- would be considered  immediately after Questions, Statements and Deputations.

Mr Hobbs spoke on behalf of Potton Town Council, in support of the Motion set out at Item 14 on the agenda and referred to the Potton neighbourhood plan. He spoke about the need for Town and Parish Councils to be consulted over the allocation of Section 106 Agreement monies. He expressed concern about how Section 106 monies from developments in Potton had been allocated to Biggleswade, when facilities were very much needed in Potton.

Mr Shrimpton spoke on behalf of Millbrook Parish Council in support of the Motion set out  at Item 14 on the agenda. He spoke about traffic problems in Millbrook and the importance of  Section 106 monies being deployed to alleviate the impact of two large commercial sites in Millbrook.

Mr Giugno referred to item 14, Motions and supported the need to consult with Town and Parish Councils.  He expressed his concerns about  current issues in Houghton Regis.

Mrs Lawrence spoke in support of the Motion set out at Agenda item 14 and  the anticipated ward presentation on Tempsford Airfield. She asked a question about the Cambridge to Oxford Arc and for the Council’s view on the number of new homes recommended by the National Infrastructure Commission. She also raised concerns about SEMLEP.

Mr Lynch spoke about the historic importance of Tempsford Airfield dating back to World War Two.

Mr Besant, Chairman of Tempsford Parish Council,spoke about the history of  Tempsford Airfield and concerns about developing the site.

Mr Aldis raised  concerns about the closure of Barclays Bank in Sandy and the impact  on  of businesses and residents in the town.

Doctor Egan spoke about illegal encampments in the area of the Woodside Link and expressed concerns about the lack of the provision of affordable housing in Houghton Regis.

Mrs Williams asked if the Council would support halting  the reintroduction of fluoride in Pulloxhill and surrounding areas until an investigation had been undertaken.

To receive a ward presentation from Councillor Mrs Gurney under Part A4 Rule No. 15 on Tempsford Airfield.

The Council received a ward presentation from Councillor Gurney on Tempsford Airfield.

To receive and discuss petitions if any, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Part 4G of the Constitution.

The Council considered a petition received from Mr Bloxham.

“S106 monies are funds given to a community by a developer in order to help improve local facilities. When a development of 90 houses in Potton was recently approved, £42,000 of S106 for sport was allocated to a sporting facility in Biggleswade! Despite Potton Town Council, the developer and ward councillor Adam Zerny calling for this money to be allocated to Potton, CBC have refused. As Potton has a project in place for a similar facility, which also requires funding it seems unbelievable that money is given to a neighbouring town. We are appealing to Central Bedfordshire Council on behalf of the local community to re-allocate the funds to Potton.

We the undersigned are concerned residents who would urge our local council and property developers to act now.”

 In presenting the petition, Mr Bloxham spoke about concerns relating developments in Potton and the subsequent  pressure that was being placed on local infrastructure. He referred to Section 106 monies from developments in Potton that were being allocated to surrounding towns and villages.  He asked that monies be re-allocated to Potton.

The Chairman invited the Executive Members to respond to Mr Bloxham and the public speakers who had made representations under agenda item 4..  The Leader would reply to Mr Aldis during his announcements at agenda item 7.

The Executive Member for Regeneration responded to members of the public who had made representations under agenda item 4 in the order in which they had been received.

The Executive Member for Regeneration referred to concerns Mr Hobbs had raised about communities feeling that that they were not being properly consulted on plans.  He emphasised the importance of community planning and participation in the consulation process on the emerging Local Plan.

The Executive Member for Regeneration referred to Mr Shrimpton’s concerns about  traffic travelling through the village of Millbrook. He referred to Section 106 monies that had been allocated for further infrastructure in the area and would ask the Deputy Executive Member for Regeneration to contact Mr Shrimpton directly to work together on this issue.

The Member for Regeneration responded to Mrs Lawrence and outlined the role of SEMLEP and the pressures from government to proceed with the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, including with the development of additional housing.

The Member for Regeneration responded to Mr Lynch and Mr Besant about the historical value of Tempford airfield and referred to the emerging Local Plan.

The Executive Member for Community Services responded to Dr Egan.  He explained the limitations of the Council’s powers but emphasided that the authority was working with private land owners to try to address the current difficulties as well as lobbying Government.

The Executive Member for Health responded to Mrs Williams and advised that the Council would not be taking a vote on fluoridation  at this time.

The Executive Member for Regeneration thanked Mr Bloxham for presenting the petition. He spoke about securing monies for Potton and explained that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

The Chairman to announce any matters of communication.

The Chairman advised that due to ill health she had been unable to attend several events that she had been invited to.

The Chairman advised that she had attended Remembrance Services held in Leighton Buzzard and Leighton Linslade.

The Chairman advised that Priory View Independent Living Scheme, Dunstable had received a Local Authority Building Control award. 

The Leader of the Council to announce any matters of communication.

The Leader thanked the public speakers for their representations and referred to the concern expressed by Mr Aldis about the closure of banks in small towns.  The Leader undertook to make appropriate representations to Barclays Bank about the proposed closures in Sandy and Shefford. The Leader referred to the motion that had been approved at the last Council meeting about the proposed methodology for calculating additional housing requirements.  This had influenced the Executive’s decision to accelerate the adoption of the emerging Local Plan while the Leader had met recently with the Secretary of State to explain the Council’s concerns and to emphasise the importance of infrastructure, such as East West Rail. Meanwhile, the publication of the National Infrastructure Commission report was imminent.

The Leader had written to the Minister for Housing responsible for Gypsies and Travellers.

To receive reports from up to three Executive Members on recent matters of interest and ask questions on matters contained within the reports.

Reports are anticipated from Councillors Spurr and Wenham.

Councillor Spurr, Executive Member for Health, reported on public health including:

·         partnership working;

·         health improvement;

·         supporting people to have healthy lifestyles;

·         working with partners to improve healthy lifestyles;

·         clinical effectiveness and evaluation;

·         clinical governance and equality.

Councillr Spurr referred to a campaign designed to counter  the stigma of mental health. 

In response to a question, Councillor Spurr advised that Mr Ben Salmons would be invited to speak prior to another Council meeting about the stigma attached to mental health.

Councillor Stock reported on work in support of Stronger Communities including:

·         the provision of school places;

·         mending roads;

·         libraries and leisure centres;

·         key priorities in the 5 year plan;

·         the importance of volunteer working to build successful communities;

·         Cheering for Volunteering event;

·         engaging communities;

·         Town and Parish Conferences;

·         A pilot of  additional joint working with Town and Parish Councils ;

·         sponsoring of community event days;

·         work on  Member Learning and Development,  including  towards the LGA Gold achievement award.

To consider a recommendation from the meeting of the Executive, 10 October 2017 and answer questions asked under Part 4A, Rule No. 13.1 of the Council’s Procedure Rules.

Fees and Charges 2018.

The Council considered recommendations from the Executive concerning Fees and Charges 2018.

RESOLVED

1. that the revised Central Bedfordshire Council Charging Policy, as set out in Appendix A to the Executive report, be approved;      

2. that the pricing schedule for January 2018 Fees & Charges, as set out in Appendices B – J to the Executive report, be approved;

3. that the new Fees and Charges that are proposed to be introduced for 2018, as set out in Appendix K, be approved;

4. that an inflationary increase as at September of each year be applied to fees and charges and therefore the inflationary increase for 2018 be set at 2.9%; and

5.    that recommendations 1-3 be subject to recommendation 4.

Upon being put to the vote 49 Members voted in favour of the recommendations.

To consider recommendations from the meeting of The General Purposes Committee held on 26 November 2017 and answer questions asked under Part 4A Rule No 13.1 of the Council’s Procedure Rules.

(i)            Wixams Joint Development Control Committee – Membership

(ii)          Executive Contract Approval Limits.

(To Follow)

The Council considered recommendations from the General Purposes Committee held on 26 October 2017.

(i)            Wixams Joint Development Committee.

RESOLVED

1.      Joint Development Control Committee to reduce the number of Councillors appointed to the Committee from 9 to 6 Councillors from Central Bedfordshire Council, be approved;

2.       that 6 Councillors to the Wixams Joint Development Control

Committee and up to 3 substitutes in line with political  proportionality be appointed. Nominations received are Councillors Blair, Mrs Clark, Downing, Duckett, Matthews and Turner and nominations for the substitutes are Councillors Firth, Gomm and Morris;

3.          that an amendment of the Constitution as detailed in Appendix A be approved, and;

4.         that the above recommendations are subject to similar amendments by Bedford Borough Council becoming effective after their full Council meeting on 6 December 2017.

Upon being put to the vote 49 members voted in favour or the recommendations.

(ii)          Executive Contract Approval

RESOLVED

1. that an amendment to Part 2 Article 12 of the Constitution to increase the Executive contract approval threshold for capital to £750K financial commitment from £500K whole life cost be approved;

2.    that an amendment to Part 2 Article 12 of the Constitution to   increase the Executive contract approval threshold for revenue to contracts where the total contract value exceeds £1M and the contract exceeds 5 years in duration (including contract extension periods) and the contract value per annum is in excess of £300K from £200K per annum, be approved.

Upon being put to the vote 49 members voted in favour of the recommendations.

To consider a report of Councillor Wenham, Executive Member for Corporate Resources on Monitoring Treasury Management.

The Council considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided a review of Treasury Management activities for the six month period ending September 2017.

RESOLVED

that the Treasury Management activities report and the prudential indicators for the 6 month period ending 30 September 2017 be noted.

Upon being put to the vote 49 members voted in favour of the recommendation.

To receive and consider a report of the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority and ask questions under Rule No. 13.1.

The Council received a report of the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Authority, following its meeting held on 16 October 2017.

Councillor McVicar updated Council on the work undertaken by fire fighters throughout Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

that the report of the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority be noted.

Notification is given under Part 4A (2.6.2) of the Council’s Constitution that since the last meeting, the following changes to the membership of Committees have been made:

(i)            General Purposes Committee - Councillor Shingler has replaced Councillor Graham as a substitute for Councillor Zerny.

(ii)          Biggleswade Joint Committee - Councillor Dixon has replaced Councillor Wenham as a substitute and Councillor Stock has replaced Councillor Jamieson as a substitute.

The Council noted the following change in Committee membership as follows:

(1)  General Purposes Committee – Councillor Shingler had replaced Councillor Graham as a substitute for Councillor Zerny.

(2)  Biggleswade Joint Committee – Councillor Dixon had replaced Councillor Wenham as a substitute and Councillor Stock has replaced Councillor Jamieson as a substitute on Social Care Health & Housing Overview and Scrutiny

(3)  Sustainable Communities Overview & Scrutiny Committee –  Councillor Johnstone was no longer a substitute.

(4)  Social Care Health & Housing Overview and Scrutiny – Councillor Johnstone was no longer a substitute.

(5)  General Purposes Committee – Councillor Johnstone had replaced Councillor Dodwell.  Councillor Dodwell had become a substitute.

To consider motions by Members of the Council under Part 4A, Rule No. 17 of the Council’s Procedure Rules in the order received.

Notice of motion received from Councillor Zerny

"This council understands that Section 106 monies provide an important source of revenue for mitigating the impact of development and enabling schemes to proceed. In order to ensure this funding is focused on the right priorities it is important to ensure that local councillors, parish and unitary, are involved in the process at a point when their input can have material influence.

The council resolves that wherever possible the local parish, and unitary authority member should be consulted by planning officers on what they think should be the priorities for each Section 106 allocation within their ward, and calls on the Chief Executive to put in place measures that will ensure that this happens."

A notice of motion has been received from Councillor Zerny:

“This council understands that Section 106 monies provide an important source of revenue for mitigating the impact of development and enabling schemes to proceed. In order to ensure this funding is focused on the right priorities it is important to ensure that local councillors, parish and unitary, are involved in the process at a point when their input can have material influence.

The council resolves that wherever possible the local parish, and unitary authority member should be consulted by planning officers on what they think should be the priorities for each Section 106 allocation within their ward, and calls on the Chief Executive to put in place measures that will ensure that this happens."

In presenting the motion, Councillor Zerny expressed concern about Town and Parish Councils feeling that they are not being consulted on schemes and developments

Councillor Graham seconded and spoke in favour of the motion. She summarised the importance of the allocation of Section 106 monies and involvement of the engagement of Town and Parish Councils at an early stage in the consultation process.

Councillor Young spoke about legislation governing the allocation of funding  and the engagement of Town and Parish Councils in the planning process. 

Councillor Young proposed an amendment to the motion:

“This council understands that Section 106 monies provide an important source of revenue for mitigating the impact of development and enabling schemes to proceed. In order to ensure this funding is focused on the right priorities it is important to ensure that local councillors, parish and unitary, are involved in the process at a point when their input can have material influence.

In order for this to happen it is important that the local community have established clear local priorities and associated deliverable schemes to match these priorities, against which planning officers can seek funding contributions.  It is the role of local ward councillors to work with local communities, Town and Parish Councils to achieve this.  It is also important that where 106 contributions have been received that there are suitable, qualifying, deliverable local projects rather than funds returned to developers.  Local ward Councillors have a key role in working with local communities and officers to make sure this is achieved.  This Council urges all local councillors to forward plan and work proactively with their communities and Local Town and Parish councils to achieve this.”

Councillor Berry seconded the motion. Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried.

Upon being put to the vote 43 members voted in favour, 2 voted against and 3 members abstained form the substantive motion.  (Councillor D Lawrence was absent from the room)

The substantive motion was declared to be carried.

RESOLVED

“This council understands that Section 106 monies provide an important source of revenue for mitigating the impact of development and enabling schemes to proceed. In order to ensure this funding is focused on the right priorities it is important to ensure that local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To answer written questions from Members of the Council under Part 4A, Rule No. 13.2 of the Council’s Procedure Rules.

No written questions were received.

To answer Open Questions asked by Members of the Council under Part 4A, Rule No. 13.7 of the Council’s Procedure Rules.

The Chairman invited the Minority Group Leaders to ask a question each, prior to the consideration of questions that had been placed in the Open Question receptacle. The Minority Group Leaders did not ask a question.

(1)  Councillor Smith asked for clarity on the terms of reference, objectives and expected outcomes of a review on current education facilities in the region.

The Executive Member for Education and skills advised that a commission with outside bodies  school.  A unique opportunity  to align the school estates as the local plan emerges.  The review provides an opportunity to align change rather than piecemeal development, working on locality basis.  It is hoped that by end of the next calendar year be bale to update members on school space planning.

(2)  Councillor Perham asked a question on concerns about repairs undertaken on Leighton Buzzard town centre footpaths.

The Executive Member for Community Services advised that he had recently visited roads in Leighton Buzzard. He advised that utility companies have up to 3 years to repair roads.

(3)  Councillor Shingler asked a question about Councils that do not have a local plan and asked if Central Bedfordshire Council has a plan.

The Executive Member for Regeneration advised that central Bedfordshire does have a Local Plan and referred to intervention by government on Council’s that do not have a Local Plan.