To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 10 February 2015.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

Councillor Matthews declared a personal interest in item 13 ‘Commissioning of New School Places in Leighton Linslade and Cranfield’ as he was at Governor at Cranfield Church of England Academy.

Item 13 ‘Commissioning of New School Places in Leighton Linslade and Cranfield’ would be considered after item 8 ‘Draft Central Bedfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Preparing for Adulthood Strategy (14-25)’.

Item 20 ‘Quarter 3 Performance Report’ would be considered after item 17 ‘Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015 – 2016’.

The Chairman welcomed the improvements to the pool and changing rooms at Houghton Regis Leisure Centre. 

A joint initiative between the Council, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and Bigglesade Town Council had created a green corridor for walking and cycling around Biggleswade. The landmark Biggleswade Green Wheel project had been launched at Jordans Mill on 22 March 2015.

The second campus ‘Forest End’ at Church End Lower School, Marston Moretaine had been officially opened.

All pupils transferring to secondary and upper schools across Central Bedfordshire in September 2015 had secured their first choice preference.

Councillor Murray presented a petition on behalf of the lead petitioner, Mr Worley that requested the Council to consider extending traffic calming measures to include Weatherby and Hillcroft in Dunstable.

The Leader advised Councillor Murray that the petition would be considered by the Executive Member for Community Services at the next delegated decisions meeting.

The Chairman had received requests to speak on item 8 ‘Draft Central Bedfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Preparing for Adulthood Strategy (14-25)’ and item 13 ‘Commissioning of New School Places in Leighton Linslade and Cranfield’.   He agreed for the speakers to address the Executive under the relevant items.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 May 2015 to 30 April 2016.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 May 2015 to 30 April 2016 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 May 2015 to 30 April 2016 be noted.

To consider and approve the draft Central Bedfordshire SEND Preparing for Adulthood strategy (14-25).

1.      That the draft Central Bedfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Preparing for Adulthood Strategy (14-25), as attached at Appendix B to the report, be approved.

2.      That the preparation work officers have carried out be noted and the commencement of the implementation phase, across agencies within Central Bedfordshire be endorsed.

The Chairman invited the public speakers to make their statements in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme. 

1.         Nicola Powell

Ms Powell was a parent representative on the Special Needs Action Panel (SNAP), the Parent Carer Forum within Central Bedfordshire.  She  cared for her 17 year old son who had special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and had been receiving services from Central Bedfordshire Council and the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group.  SNAP was a forum made up of parent carers who were passionate about improving services offered to young people with SEND and their families.  She had been involved in developing the draft Strategy and supported what it was trying to achieve.

2.      Liam O’Dell and Toby Yoxall

Mr O’Dell and Mr Yoxall had been selected to become Young Researchers to support key workers in their research, engage with a wider group of young people with SEND and to help make a difference. This had allowed them to gain transferable skills, encouraged personal development, contributed to the improvement of SEND services in Central Bedfordshire, and receive accreditation for their work through an organisation called Open Badges. After conducting focus groups and consultations, the Council had agreed to continue the work of the Young Researchers.  In future, they would be working with the Council on the Local Offer as well as transitions for young people with SEND.  Mr O’Dell and Mr Yoxall welcomed their involvement with the draft Strategy.

The Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing thanked the speakers for attending and appreciated their involvement in the development of the Strategy. 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Members for Social Care, Health and Housing and Children’s Services that set out the proposed framework to improve support to young people with SEND of transitional age (14-25) and their family carers.  The Council had sought the views of young people, family carers and a wide range of partner agencies and stakeholders to inform the draft Strategy.  The report summarised the next steps for the implementation of the proposed Strategy which included a Delivery Partnership to oversee progress.  This would ensure that young people and their family carers had improved experiences and outcomes during the transition years.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing confirmed that progress would be reported to the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee where Members of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be invited to attend.

Reason for decision:  To implement the Central Bedfordshire SEND Preparing for Adulthood Strategy (14-25) across Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Central Bedfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Preparing for Adulthood Strategy (14-25), as attached at Appendix B to the report, be approved; and

2.         that the preparation work officers have carried out be noted and the commencement of the implementation phase, across agencies within Central Bedfordshire, be endorsed.

To receive a report on the commissioning of new school places in Leighton Linslade and Cranfield.

1.      That the proposal to expand Cranfield Church of England Academy from its current capacity of 300 places to provide 450 places over two sites with an implementation date of 1 September 2016 be approved, thereby approving the commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the approval of the Education Funding Agency and the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 August 2015.

2.      That the proposal to expand Leedon Lower Community School from its current capacity of 300 places to provide 450 places with a phased implementation date of 1 September 2015 be approved, thereby approving the commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 June 2015.

3.      That the proposal to expand Clipstone Brook Lower Community School from its current capacity of 225 places to provide 375 places with a phased implementation date of 1 September 2015 be approved, thereby approving commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 June 2015.

4.      That a School Transport Plan (along with the highways works to mitigate transport impacts) for Cranfield Church of England Academy, Leedon Lower Community School and Clipstone Brook Lower Community School be submitted to the Development Management Committee together with the planning applications for  the expansion proposals  described above.

5.      To authorise the Director of Children’s Services to approve contractual arrangements to undertake capital works required to deliver the proposed projects in this report.

The Chairman invited a public speaker to make her statement in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme. 

1.         Councillor Mrs Ball

Councillor Mrs Ball spoke on behalf of Cranfield Parish Council in relation to the expansion of Cranfield Church of England Academy.  The Parish Council understood the need to expand the Academy, but was  concerned about the access to the school.  The Parish Council wanted to see a pre-construction clause in place to address access issues and a deliverable School Transport Plan. 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that set out the outcome from the consultation and the business case to expand Cranfield Church of England Academy, Leedon Lower Community School and Clipstone Brook Lower Community School. 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Children’s Services highlighted the criteria set out in the Council’s Policy Principles for Pupil Place Planning in Schools and confirmed that the viability of the proposals had been tested.  He moved the following additional recommendation, which was duly seconded:-

‘That a School Transport Plan (along with the highways works to mitigate transport impacts) for Cranfield Church of England Academy, Leedon Lower Community School and Clipstone Brook Lower Community School be submitted to the Development Management Committee together with the planning applications for  the expansion proposals described above.’

With respect to Cranfield, local Members and the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee reiterated the importance of addressing the anticipated access and traffic management issues.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to comply with its legal obligation to meet the needs of the local demographic.

RESOLVED

1.      that the proposal to expand Cranfield Church of England Academy from its current capacity of 300 places to provide 450 places over two sites with an implementation date of 1 September 2016 be approved, thereby approving the commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the approval of the Education Funding Agency and the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 August 2015;

2.      that the proposal to expand Leedon Lower Community School from its current capacity of 300 places to provide 450 places with a phased implementation date of 1 September 2015 be approved, thereby approving the commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 June 2015;

3.      that the proposal to expand Clipstone Brook Lower Community School from its current capacity of 225 places to provide 375 places with a phased implementation date of 1 September 2015 be approved, thereby approving commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 June 2015;

4.      that a School Transport Plan (along with the highways works to mitigate transport impacts) for Cranfield Church of England Academy, Leedon Lower Community School and Clipstone Brook Lower Community School  ...  view the full minutes text for item 132.

To seek the endorsement of the Framework Plan and its adoption as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

That the Land North of Luton and Sundon Rail Freight Interchange Framework Plan be adopted as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that outlined the proposals contained within the Draft Framework Plan for the emerging North of Luton and Sundon Rail Freight Interchange Strategic Allocations.  The Framework Plan was a high level document that set out the general principles for development. 

There had been extensive consultation on the Plan including engagement with Luton Borough Council in accordance with a Duty to Cooperate.  The report described the adjustments made to the Plan in response to this engagement.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Children’s Services explained that the nature of the school provision envisaged with the Framework Plan was indicative at this stage.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Regeneration confirmed that ward Members would be consulted during the development of the Masterplan.  The development would provide for up to 4,000 dwellings and include a mix of types and tenures.  The Council’s policy adopted was to seek 30% affordable housing.  He also confirmed a number of adjustments had been made in response to comments from Luton Borough Council.  As regards their desire for the M1-A6 road to extend to the A507 Central Bedfordshire would be supportive should funding be available.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to progress the development of Land North of Luton and Sundon Rail Freight Interchange.

RESOLVED

that the Land North of Luton and Sundon Rail Freight Interchange Framework Plan be adopted as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

To seek endorsement of the Masterplan and its adoption as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

That the Wixam Park Masterplan be adopted as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that outlined the proposals contained within the Wixam Park Masterplan and the key changes made in response to the public consultation.  The proposed development would include residential housing, employment, community facilities, recreation and open space. 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Regeneration explained that the proposed Wixams Railway Station fell within the catchment area of Bedford Borough Council and acknowledged the need to have the Station in place in time for the East West Rail Project. 

Reason for decision:  To progress the development of the Wixam Park.

RESOLVED

that the Wixam Park Masterplan be adopted as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

To outline the findings of the CIL viability refresh report, the recommended CIL charges and alternative options and provides an update on the progress and timetable for the adoption of CIL and the revised Planning Obligations Strategy.

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.      that the proposed CIL charging rates be approved for:

(i)      residential schemes as set out in paragraph 12 of the Executive report;

(ii)     non residential schemes as set out in paragraph 15 of the Executive report.

2.      that the Draft Charging Schedule and draft Regulation 123 list be approved for the purposes of publication and submission to the Secretary of State for Examination;

3.      that subject to endorsement by Council, authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to:

(i)      agree changes to the buffers;

(ii)     agree minor changes prior to publication of the Regulation 123 List, future exemptions from CIL and payment plan timeframes;

(iii)    agree minor modifications as a result of the consultation prior to submission; and

(iv)    agree minor modifications during examination if suggested by the Inspector.

RESOLVED

that the Draft Revised Planning Obligations Strategy be approved for consultation.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that outlined the findings of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) viability refresh report, the recommended CIL charges and alternative options.  The recommended rates included a 30% buffer, however, further evidence was being sought on the case for reducing this to 20%, as this would increase the CIL revenue for infrastructure. 

The Executive Member for Regeneration amended recommendation 1 ii) to non residential schemes as set out in paragraph 15 and not 16 as set out in the report.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Regeneration explained the house price value zones in Central Bedfordshire, but a full written response would be provided to the relevant Member.  He confirmed that any new sustainable urban extensions would be exempt from CIL.  Further work on the collection and distribution of CIL was still required.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to implement the charging of CIL.

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.      that the proposed CIL charging rates be approved for:

(i)      residential schemes as set out in paragraph 12 of the Executive report;

(ii)     non residential schemes as set out in paragraph 15 of the Executive report.

2.      that the Draft Charging Schedule and draft Regulation 123 list be approved for the purposes of publication and submission to the Secretary of State for Examination;

3.      that subject to endorsement by Council, authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to:

(i)      agree changes to the buffers;

(ii)     agree minor changes prior to publication of the Regulation 123 List, future exemptions from CIL and payment plan timeframes;

(iii)    agree minor modifications as a result of the consultation prior to submission; and

(iv)    agree minor modifications during examination if suggested by the Inspector.

RESOLVED

that the Draft Revised Planning Obligations Strategy be approved for consultation.

The Executive adjourned from 11.55 a.m. and reconvened at 12.08 p.m.

This report details the proposed Local Transport Plan capital programme for 2015/16.

That the 2015/16 Local Transport Plan capital programme be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that detailed the proposed Local Transport Plan (LTP) capital programme for 2015/16.  The Council had been awarded an annual settlement of £1,365,000 to deliver the LTP 2015/16.  This would enable town and parish councils to contribute to transport schemes in their areas with the assistance of match funding from Central Bedfordshire Council, building on the similar initiative in 2014/15 which was in the process of delivering 13 schemes.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to deliver the 2015/16 programme of schemes from April 2015.

RESOLVED

that the 2015/16 Local Transport Plan capital programme be approved.

To seek Executive approval to determine the Admission Arrangements for 2016/17; specifically the Council’s coordinated admissions scheme and the Council’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools.

1.      That the Council’s coordinated admissions scheme as attached at Appendix 1 and 2 to the report be approved.

2.      That the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for the academic year 2016/17 as attached at Appendix 3 to the report be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that sought approval of the Admission Arrangements for 2016/17, specifically the Council’s coordinated admissions scheme and the Council’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools. 

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Children’s Services explained that the proposed removal of the prioritisation of children attending nurseries, pre-schools and child care settings was in response to the Chief School Adjudicator’s annual report in November 2013.  This would have an impact on those schools that were oversubscribed.  He would also investigate the concerns for Shefford Lower School whereby using the straight line distance criteria might result in children from the new housing development being offered a place ahead of those children already living in Shefford.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet its statutory obligations to determine tis admission arrangements by 15 April 2015 for admissions in the academic year 2016/17.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Council’s coordinated admissions scheme as attached at Appendix 1 and 2 to the report be approved; and

2.      that the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for the academic year 2016/17 as attached at Appendix 3 to the report be approved.

To request the Executive to adopt the Park Homes Strategy following consultation.

1.      That the draft Park Homes in Central Bedfordshire – A unique environment and place to live 2015-2020 document, attached at Appendix A to the report, be adopted.

2.      That the action plan to drive improvement to services over the next 5 years, attached at Appendix C to the report, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that set out the Council’s offer to Park Homes residents following stakeholder engagement.  The Council’s vision was that all park home residents would enjoy an independent living lifestyle in a unique community environment that met the needs and aspirations of older people in Central Bedfordshire.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to set out the approach and commitment to creating a better offer and choice for older people living in Park Homes.

RESOLVED

1.      that the draft Park Homes in Central Bedfordshire – A unique environment and place to live 2015-2020 document, attached at Appendix A to the report, be adopted; and

2.      that the action plan to drive improvement to services over the next 5 years, attached at Appendix C to the report, be approved.

The report introduces the draft Homelessness Strategy for Central Bedfordshire and proposes that it is adopted by Executive for implementation.

1.      That the Central Bedfordshire Homelessness Strategy, attached at Appendix A to the report, be adopted.

2.      That the action plan to drive improvements to services over the next 5 years be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that set out the proposed Homelessness Strategy for Central Bedfordshire.  The Strategy was based on a comprehensive review of homelessness carried out between June and September 2014.  The Strategy reflected the Council’s commitment to early invention and prevention.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to adopt a Homelessness Strategy to comply with the requirements of the Homelessness Act 2002.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Central Bedfordshire Homelessness Strategy, attached at Appendix A to the report, be adopted; and

2.      that the action plan to drive improvements to services over the next 5 years be approved.

To request the Executive to recommend to Council to adopt the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015 – 2016.

That the Strategic Assessment and the Community Safety Partnership  Priorities be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED to Council

the adoption of the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015 - 2016.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services that set out the proposed Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Plan for endorsement.  The Plan reflected the Partnership Strategic Assessment, which analysed crime and disorder in Central Bedfordshire and identified the emerging priorities that needed to be tackled.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Children’s Services welcomed priority one; reducing harm to vulnerable victims and increasing their confidence to report domestic abuse, sexual abuse and hate crime which Children’s Services monitored very carefully. 

It was noted that the reference to theft from a vehicle appeared twice on page 7 of the Plan.  The second reference should read theft of a vehicle.  The increase in vehicle theft had been linked to serious organised crime.

Reason for decision:  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a statutory duty on the local authority to work with other responsible authorities to develop and implement a strategy for reducing crime and disorder.

RESOLVED

that the Strategic Assessment and the Community Safety Partnership Priorities be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015 – 2016 be adopted.

To report on Quarter 3 2014/15 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council’s Medium Term Plan indicator set.

1.      That the continuing good performance in Quarter 3 for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities be acknowledged.

2.      That officers be requested to further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the quarter 3 2014/15 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council’s Medium Term Plan indicator set.

Reason for decision:  To ensure a rigorous approach to performance management across Central Bedfordshire Council.

RESOLVED

1.      that the continuing good performance in Quarter 3 for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities be acknowledged; and

2.      that officers be requested to further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

To secure agreement from Executive to award the contract for the construction of the Woodside Link and confirm that the Council will underwrite the Base Scheme.

1.      That the award of the contract for the Woodside Link Base Scheme plus additional junctions/roundabouts, as set out in Appendices A-C to the report, be approved.

2.      That the fact that the Council has already agreed to underwrite the cost of the Woodside Link if necessary, be acknowledged.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the proposed award of a contract for the construction of the Woodside Link, which the Council had agreed previously to underwrite if necessary.

Members were advised that the Funding Agreement had been signed by the developers of Houghton Regis North.  The Executive Member for Community Services moved the following recommendations, which were duly seconded:-

‘1.     that the award of the contract for the Woodside Link Base Scheme plus additional junctions/roundabouts, as set out in Appendices A-C to the report, be approved; and

2.      that the fact that the Council has already agreed to underwrite the cost of the Woodside Link if necessary, be acknowledged.’

Reason for decision:  To enable the commencement of construction of the Woodside Link.

RESOLVED

1.      that the award of the contract for the Woodside Link Base Scheme plus additional junctions/roundabouts, as set out in Appendices A-C to the report, be approved; and

2.      that the fact that the Council has already agreed to underwrite the cost of the Woodside Link if necessary, be acknowledged.

To consider and adopt the Technical, Environmental, and Economical Practicability Assessment of the waste collection services in Central Bedfordshire in response to new waste regulations that came into force from January 2015.

That the Technical, Environmental and Economical Practicability Assessment of Waste Collection Services in Central Bedfordshire be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the Technical Environmental and Economical Practicability (TEEP) Assessment of the Waste Collection Services in Central Bedfordshire. 

In response to a question, the Deputy Executive Member for Community Services agreed to clarify the details regarding the flats in table 1 on the exempt papers to the relevant Member.

Reason for decision:  To comply with the Waste Regulations (England and Wales) 2011.

RESOLVED

that the Technical, Environmental and Economical Practicability Assessment of Waste Collection Services in Central Bedfordshire be adopted.

To receive the exempt Appendix D.

See minute E/14/142 for details.

To receive the exempt Appendix B.

See minute E/14/143 for details.