To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 6 November 2012.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from members any declarations of interest.

None were declared.

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

The Chairman confirmed his agreement to taking a report on the new permitted development rights for domestic properties as an additional item of business as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, as the Council had to respond to the Government’s consultation which closed on 24 December 2012.

To consider petitions received in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

No petitions were received.

To respond to general questions and statements from members of the public in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Appendix A of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The following statement was received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme:

1.      Mr Allen

         Mr Allen spoke in connection to the draft Local Area Transport Plan for Biggleswade and Sandy with specific reference to Station Road/New Road and the A1 junction as he was concerned about the traffic flow in this area.

         The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services confirmed that he had responded to Mr Allen’s concerns since the Traffic Management meeting on 27 March 2012 and that he would provide a written commentary to Mr Allen in response to his statement.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013. (To follow)

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013 be noted.

To approve the process for awarding contract.

1.            That the procurement of a broadband infrastructure provider be approved, utilising the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) procurement framework to meet the 90% superfast (speeds of at least 24 megabits per second) and basic (at least 2 megabits per second) coverage targets, such that the necessary broadband infrastructure is in place so that Central Bedfordshire remains a competitive and attractive location to current and new investors and residents.

2.            That the local priority within the procurement process be approved, to maximise total coverage in Central Bedfordshire, subject to achieving a 90% business premises coverage and achieving a reasonable geographic spread, taking into account local demand, demonstrated through responses to the Broadband survey and response to consultation.

3.            To delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to select the contractor based on any priorities the Council sets and the successful completion of the BDUK procurement process and sign and vary the contract if additional resources are secured during the lifetime of the contract.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that proposed the use of the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework to select a broadband infrastructure provider, to deliver against the goals of the Joint Local Broadband Plan.  It was proposed that the primary assessment criterion for selecting a broadband provider was the maximisation of superfast (speeds of at least 24 megabits per second) and basic (speeds of at least 2 megabits per second) broadband coverage in Central Bedfordshire.

Reason for decision:  To secure external resources and put in place the necessary infrastructure at the earliest opportunity to support the delivery of superfast broadband to 90% of premises and support towards a minimum speed of 2 megabits per second for all in Central Bedfordshire, in line with the Joint Local Broadband Plan.

RESOLVED

1.            that the procurement of a broadband infrastructure provider be approved, utilising the Broadband Delivery UK procurement framework to meet the 90% superfast (speeds of at least 24 megabits per second) and basic (at least 2 megabits per second) coverage targets, such that the necessary broadband infrastructure be in place so that Central Bedfordshire remained a competitive and attractive location to current and new investors and residents; and

2.            that the local priority within the procurement process be approved, to maximise total coverage in Central Bedfordshire, subject to achieving a 90% business premises coverage and achieving a reasonable geographic spread, taking into account local demand, demonstrated through responses to the Broadband survey and response to consultation; and

3.            to authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to select the contractor based on any priorities the Council sets and the successful completion of the BDUK procurement process and sign and vary the contract if additional resources are secured during the lifetime of the contract.

To approve the commencement of consultation on proposed Policy Principles for Pupil Place Planning in schools which, if adopted, will form the basis for the development of commissioning options for New School Places in Central Bedfordshire.

1.      That the commencement of consultation on proposed Policy Principles for Pupil Place Planning in Schools be approved.  If adopted, the principles will form the basis of the development of commissioning options for New School Places in Central Bedfordshire.

2.      That the proposals to include an annual evaluation of the impact of the application of the policy principles by the Director of Children’s Services/Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Member for Children’s Services, along with an annual equalities assessment to provide an assurance that there are no unintended consequences via scoring that would prejudice equality of access to a range of school places.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services proposing consultation on draft Policy Principles for Pupil Place Planning in schools which, if adopted, would form the basis for the development of commissioning options for new school places in Central Bedfordshire.  The outcome of the consultation exercise would be submitted to the Executive on 5 February 2013.

Reason for decision:  To enable the commencement of consultation.

RESOLVED

1.      that the commencement of consultation on proposed Policy Principles for Pupil Place Planning in Schools be approved.  If adopted, the principles will form the basis for the development of commissioning options for new school places in Central Bedfordshire; and

2.      that the proposals include an annual evaluation of the impact of the application of the policy principles by the Director of Children’s Services/Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Executive Member for Children’s Services, along with an annual equalities assessment to provide an assurance that there were no unintended consequences via scoring that would prejudice equality of access to a range of school places.

This report summarises the outcomes from a review of the Bedfordshire Adult Skills and Community Learning Service and proposes that Executive endorse the move to a commissioning based model.

1.      That the strategic priorities identified for the Adult Skills and Community Learning Service outlined in section 31 be endorsed.

2.      That the recommendation to move towards a commissioning based model in the first instance whereby some or all of Adult Skills and Community Learning provision is sub-contracted be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that summarised the outcomes from a review of the Bedfordshire Adult Skills and Community Learning Service.  It also proposed that the move to a commissioning based model be endorsed.  Members noted that Ofsted had graded the Service as “Good” and that learner retention and achievement rates were above 85%, consistently above national rates.

Reason for decision:  To provide a strategic direction for the service which was focused on community and business learning needs in a financially sustainable way.  To ensure the customer experience was enhanced, and the responsiveness, flexibility and quality of the service was maintained at a reduced cost, with increased financial viability.

RESOLVED

1.      that the strategic priorities identified for the Adult Skills and Community Learning Service outlined in section 31 be endorsed; and

2.      that the recommendation to move towards a commissioning based model in the first instance whereby some or all of Adult Skills and Community Learning provision is sub-contracted be approved.

The report proposes that Executive approve a Private Sector Property Accreditation scheme for Central Bedfordshire. The scheme is intended to be a cost effective initiative aimed at improving the supply of good quality privately rented accommodation.

That the Central Bedfordshire Private Sector Property Accreditation Scheme be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that set out the proposed Private Sector Property Accreditation Scheme for Central Bedfordshire.  The Scheme was intended to be a cost effective initiative aimed at improving the supply of good quality privately rented accommodation.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Private Sector Property Accreditation Scheme to be promoted to and implemented with private landlords and lettings agents with properties in Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

that the Central Bedfordshire Private Sector Property Accreditation Scheme be approved.

The report proposes that Executive adopt the Masterplan as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

That the masterplan be adopted as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that set out the proposed masterplan for land at Steppingley Road and Froghall Road, Flitwick.  The masterplan set out the aims for the proposed development and identified the constraints and opportunities which the subsequent outline planning application would address.

The Executive Member advised that a transport assessment to test the footpath network particularly underneath the railway bridge was being undertaken and would be submitted alongside the outline planning application.  It was proposed that the speed limit on Froghall Road would also be lowered from 60mph to 30mph for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

The Executive Member confirmed that the proposals did take account of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Parking Strategy and that adequate storage  provision would be made for wheelie bins.

Reason for decision:  To meet the housing requirements for Central Bedfordshire (North) for the period up to 2026 as set out within the adopted Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Planning Document.

RESOLVED

that the masterplan be adopted as technical guidance for Development Management purposes.

To seek approval to retender the Dog Warden and Kennelling Contract.

1.      That the procurement of the Dog Warden and Kennelling contract in accordance with the Council’s Code of Procurement Governance be approved.

2.      To delegate the award of the contract to the Director of Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services, subject to successful procurement processes.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services that proposed the retender of the Dog Warden and Kennelling Service Contract for Central Bedfordshire.  The retendering of the contract would enable the continuation of the essential service from 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2017, with a one year extension.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that a dog warden and kennelling service was provided to meet the Council’s statutory duty to deal with stray dogs, to provide a warden service to regularly monitor the area for stray dogs and provide information and support to dog owners with regard to their responsibilities.

RESOLVED

1.      that the procurement of the Dog Warden and Kennelling contract in accordance with the Council’s Code of Procurement Governance be approved; and

2.      to delegate the award of the contract to the Director of Sustainable Communities in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services, subject to successful procurement processes.

To enable the Executive to respond to the Government’s proposals to relax permitted development rights and the negative consequences of this action.

That the following motion be endorsed:

This Council notes the Government’s intention to extend permitted development rights for householder extension applications as announced by the Secretary of State on 6 September 2012.

This Council believes that this change is unnecessary and dilutes the democratic control of sustainable and suitable development in our local area.

This Council states that democratically elected and accountable councillors are best placed to make the right decisions on development and evidence shows that councils across the country have a demonstrable record of achieving the correct balance between promoting sustainable and suitable development while having proper regard for residents’ objections.

This Council resolves to write to the Planning Minister and our local MPs to highlight our concerns on this issue and also to propose that the Government uses the Growth and Infrastructure Bill to give councils the powers to set out permitted development rights locally, thereby allowing local policies to boost small scale development or facilitate change of use to stimulate growth in a way that caters to local needs and is accountable to local people.

The Executive received a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that outlined the Government’s proposals to relax permitted development rights and the negative consequences of this action.  The Government was proposing to allow residents to extend their property to the rear at ground floor up to 8m for detached houses and up to 6m for all other houses.

The Council could serve an Article 4 Directive to remove the Permitted Development Rights, but it would then become liable to potential compensation claims associated with the use of this power.

Reason for decision:  The relaxation of permitted development rights would lead to unsightly and obtrusive development and neighbour disputes.

RESOLVED

that the following motion be endorsed:

This Council notes the Government’s intention to extend permitted development rights for householder extension applications as announced by the Secretary of State on 6 September 2012.

This Council believes that this change is unnecessary and dilutes the democratic control of sustainable and suitable development in our local area.

This Council states that democratically elected and accountable councillors are best placed to make the right decisions on development and evidence shows that councils across the country have a demonstrable record of achieving the correct balance between promoting sustainable and suitable development while having proper regard for residents’ objections.

This Council resolves to write to the Planning Minister and our local MPs to highlight our concerns on this issue and also to propose that the Government uses the Growth and Infrastructure Bill gives councils the powers to set out permitted development rights locally, thereby allowing local policies to boost small scale development or facilitate change of use to stimulate growth in a way that caters to local needs and is accountable to local people.

The report provides information on the revenue position as at Quarter 2 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

1.      That the Revenue forecast of a projected overspend of £1.4m, be noted.

2.      To request officers to continue with their efforts to achieve a minimum balanced outturn or an under spend.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided information on the revenue position as at Quarter 2.  It also set out spend to date against the profiled budget and the forecast financial outturn.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing explained that Officers were actively working to identify self funders for care services, to meet their information requirements.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources confirmed that provision was being made to object to the Development Consent Order for a large waste to energy facility in rookery Pit, Stewartby by petitioning Parliament against the proposal.

Reason for decision:  To enable the financial position of the Council to be monitored.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Revenue forecast of a projected overspend of £1.4m, be noted; and

2.      to request officers to continue with their efforts to achieve a minimum balanced outturn or an under spend.

The report provides information on the Capital position as at Quarter 2 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

That the overall forecast spend of £79.7m (proposed deferral of £31.9m into 2013/14 and £2.6m overspend), be noted.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided information on the Capital position as at Quarter 2 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

Reason for decision:  To monitor the delivery of the Capital Progamme.

RESOLVED

that the overall forecast spend of £79.7m (proposed deferral of £31.9m into 2013/14 and £2.6m overspend), be noted.

The report provides information on the Housing Revenue Account revenue and capital position as at Quarter 2 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

That the Housing Revenue Account financial position as at the end of September 2012 be noted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided information on the 2012/13 Housing Revenue Account revenue and capital position as at Quarter 2 and the forecast outturn position.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing explained that tenant arrears were monitored on a monthly basis, but residents’ circumstances had to be considered during this financial climate.

Reason for decision:  To enable the financial position of the Council to be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Housing Revenue Account financial position as at the end of September 2012 be noted.

To consider quarter 2 performance report.

That the overall strong performance in Quarter 2 be noted, for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities and to request officers 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 provided the Quarter 2 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

that the overall strong performance in Quarter 2 be noted, in the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities and to request officers to further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.