To consider the recommendations from the meetings of the Executive held on 13 October 2009 and 10 November 2009 and answer questions asked under Rule No. 12.1.

 

(Attached pages 13 to 56.  Recommendations from the meeting held on 10 November 2009 are to follow.)

 

 

Executive – 13 October 2009

 

(a)    Customer Services Strategy

 

The Council received and considered a recommendation from the meeting of the Executive held on 13 October 2009 proposing the adoption of the Customer Services Strategy for Central Bedfordshire Council. 

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Customer Services Strategy for Central Bedfordshire Council, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, be adopted.

 

 

(b)    Review of Fees and Charges Policy

 

         The Council received and considered a recommendation from the meeting of the Executive held on 13 October 2009 proposing the adoption of the Fees and Charges Policy.

 

         RESOLVED

 

         that the Fees and Charges Policy, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, be adopted.

 

 

Executive – 10 November 2009

 

(c)    LDF (North):  Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document

 

         The Council received and considered a recommendation from the meeting of the Executive held on 10 November 2009 proposing the adoption of the Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document. 

 

         The Leader of the Council had circulated letters from the Chairman of Potton Town Plan and the Potton Town Clerk about how proposed development in the town was being approached.  The letter also mentioned that consideration should be given to the Potton Town Plan as to where development should take place.  A request was made that a letter from Shillington Parish Council be included in the consideration. 

 

         A Member asked why apparently the former Mid Bedfordshire Planning Department had not responded to a letter sent to them in October 2007.  The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Regeneration advised that he would arrange to provide a written response to the Member.

 

         Members also queried the status of parish plans in relation to site selection.  The Leader of the Council referred to a paper which was being produced on this topic and commented on the importance of having a clear development framework in place to avert the prospect of speculative development.

 

         She circulated an additional recommendation as follows:-

 

         “that the Leader, in consultation with the Director of Sustainable Communities, be authorised to make typographical and other inconsequential corrections to the Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document, prior to publication of the document.”

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document, as set out in the Executive report of 10 November 2009, be adopted

 

2.            that the Leader, in consultation with the Director of Sustainable Communities, be authorised to make typographical and other inconsequential corrections to the Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document, prior to publication of the document.

 

 

(d)    LDF (North):  Site Allocations Development Plan Document

 

         Members were advised that the LDF (North): Site Allocations Development Plan Document had been withdrawn from the Council meeting to allow time for a fully worked up version of the Development Plan Document to be prepared.  The final document would include a number of site specific policies that set out the details of the proposals for each site, any infrastructure requirements and any associated community benefits that might arise. 

 

         Due to the short period of time between the Executive meeting on 10 November 2009 and the Council meeting, it had not been possible to complete work on this document.  Therefore, this item would not be considered until the Council meeting on 7 January 2010.

 

 

(e)    Review of Capital Programme

 

         The Council received and considered a recommendation from the meeting of the Executive held on 10November 2009 proposing the approval of the revised General Fund Capital Programme for 2009/10 and the Revised Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2009/10. 

 

The Leader of the Council circulated a revised recommendation 3 as follows:-

 

“That the Council:-

 

(a)         utilises a further £8.887m of its own resources through the use of unapplied capital receipts and borrowing to fund the 2009/10 Capital Programme

 

(b)         notes that any borrowing will be undertaken within Central Bedfordshire’s operational boundary under the Prudential Code.”

 

A Member queried whether any funds for Tithe Farm Lower School, Houghton Regis were likely to be diverted to Roecroft Lower School, Stotfold for improvements and when the improvement work would begin.    The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services advised that she would provide a written response to the Member.

 

Members also raised questions about capital provision for the Luton Dunstable Guided Busway, which it was noted was due to be discussed shortly by the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and about future support for registered social landlords to provide more affordable housing.

 

Members were advised that the recommendation set out on page 5 of the Chairman’s briefing note was no longer required.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the revised General Fund Capital Programme for 2009/10, attached as Appendices B1 to B5 set out in the Chairman’s briefing note be approved

 

2.            that the revised Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2009/10, attached at Appendix E to the Executive agenda of 10 November 2009 be approved

 

3.            that the Council:-

 

a.            utilises a further £8.887m of its own resources through the use of unapplied capital receipts and borrowing to fund the 2009/10 Capital Programme

 

b.           notes that any borrowing will be undertaken within Central Bedfordshire’s operational boundary under the Prudential Code.