Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair will make any specific announcements for this meeting and advise of any late items which due to special circumstances will be given urgent consideration under Late Items.

Apologies were received from Councillor Brisbane.

Members are requested to make any declarations of disclosable pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interests they might have in respect of matters on the agenda for this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

In accordance with Chichester District Council’s scheme for public question time the Cabinet will receive any questions which have been submitted by members of the public in writing by noon two working days before the meeting. Each questioner will be given up to three minutes to ask their question. The total time allocated for public question time is 15 minutes subject to the Chair’s discretion to extend that period.

Questions to Cabinet 5^th September on behalf of the Chichester and District Cycle Forum and Sustrans.

Agenda Item 9

I am sure all Cabinet Members agree that developers, housebuilders, and landowners should pay for the infrastructure which is needed because of the granting of planning permission for new housing.

So can you please explain why all the funds [ £43,300,000 ] for the mitigation required for the A27 Chichester By-Pass as proposed in this SPD is for increasing the capacity of the road infrastructure for the benefit of vehicles and none for active or sustainable travel infrastructure and their users who need to utilise or traverse the A27?

Especially when in your report , para 5.6,  it is accepted that many of the new houses will be occupied by residents who do not own cars.

How will this SPD encourage modal shift and reduce air pollution?

Answer from Cllr Jonathan Brown:

Thank you for your question. The proposed SPD is specifically to secure funding for the mitigation needed for the A27 Chichester By-Pass through the use of S106 planning obligations. It reflects the approach taken in the current SPD but updates the proposed mitigation that is now required and affordable – based upon the evidence collected so far in the preparation of the emerging local plan.  In due course, this local plan seeks to respond to future evidence and need through a monitor and manage process – which will consider the potential for spending of accrued funding under the proposed SPD toward alternative sustainable transport and active travel measures that may have the same or greater effect in creating capacity within the strategic (and associated local) highway network through modal shift.  However, until the emerging local plan has been through examination, the identified and costed appropriate mitigation at this stage are the improvements identified at Fishbourne and Bognor junction.  It is also noteworthy that these works themselves will allow for improvements to bus journey times in and out of Chichester.

It is important to note that this funding secured through the SPD is only part of the infrastructure provision that will be brought forward in the emerging local plan. The plan will support additional monies secured through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is the primary mechanism used to collect money for infrastructure to support development. The Infrastructure Business Plan (IBP) sets out the infrastructure required to support the delivery of the Chichester Local Plan to 2029 and this includes active and sustainable transport schemes.  These can be funded through CIL and/or through other funding sources or where appropriate delivered directly by developers, as identified in the IBP.  Delivery of these schemes contribute towards modal shift and therefore reductions in air pollution.

Agenda Item 11

Route K is an important part of the National Cycle Network, both NCN 2 from Dover to Totnes [ the major South Coast route ] and NCN 288 [ Centurion and Bill Way ] linking Midhurst to Selsey. It is very disappointing that your  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and make the following recommendations to Council:

That Cabinet recommend to Council:

1.    The acceptance of funding from Defra for the extension of the Trees Outside Woodlands Project of £120,000 for 2023/2024 and £120,000 for 2024/2025.

2.    That a budget of £120,000 is set for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, to cover staff costs and expenditure on tree planting pilot projects.

3.    That authority is delegated to the Director of Planning and Environment to accept any additional funding offered by Defra, should such funding be offered as part of the project, and to increase budgets accordingly.

4.    That authority is delegated to the Divisional Manager for Environment and Health Protection, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy, to award funding to tree planting pilot participants in the District.

*RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

That Cabinet recommend to Council:

1. The acceptance of funding from Defra for the extension of the Trees Outside Woodlands Project of £120,000 for 2023/2024 and £120,000 for 2024/2025.

2. That a budget of £120,000 is set for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, to cover staff costs and expenditure on tree planting pilot projects.

3. That authority is delegated to the Director of Planning and Environment to accept any additional funding offered by Defra, should such funding be offered as part of the project, and to increase budgets accordingly.

4. That authority is delegated to the Divisional Manager for Environment and Health Protection, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy, to award funding to tree planting pilot participants in the District.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet member for Environmental Strategy to introduce the report.

Members asked officers if they would be collaborating with schools and nurseries too plant trees in playgrounds as a form of shelter. Officers responded by stating that it would be possible under the Establishment of Urban Trees pilot project.

*RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

That Cabinet recommend to Council:

1.    The acceptance of funding from Defra for the extension of the Trees Outside Woodlands Project of £120,000 for 2023/2024 and £120,000 for 2024/2025.

2.    That a budget of £120,000 is set for 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, to cover staff costs and expenditure on tree planting pilot projects.

3.    That authority is delegated to the Director of Planning and Environment to accept any additional funding offered by Defra, should such funding be offered as part of the project, and to increase budgets accordingly.

4.    That authority is delegated to the Divisional Manager for Environment and Health Protection, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy, to award funding to tree planting pilot participants in the District.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following resolution:

That Cabinet considers the Treasury and Investment activity summarised in this report.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet considers the Treasury and Investment activity summarised in this report.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Chichester Contract Services to present the report.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet considers the Treasury and Investment activity summarised in this report.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolutions:

That Cabinet approve the setting up of a Budget Review Group, and the Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approve the setting up of a Budget Review Group, and the Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Chichester Contract Services, to introduce the item.

Members of the Cabinet noted that the establishment of a Budget Review Group was very important moving forward. In particular, the Leader of the Council noted that the council will face difficult challenges in the upcoming years and due to this it was very important to have a very well-balanced group to review the budget in depth. This would include the Leaders of the Opposition parties and the Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Audit Committee.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approve the setting up of a Budget Review Group, and the Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and make the following resolutions:

That Cabinet:

(a)       Allocates £51,000 from general fund reserves for repairs to the ramp.

(b)       Notes that from 2025-26 revenue budget growth of £7,000 per year will be required to enable on-going surveying, and repair and maintenance of the ramp.

(c)    Notes that any further essential repairs that cannot be accommodated within the repairs and maintenance budget will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

(d)       Requests that officers seek support for on-going revenue costs from Selsey Town Council and other interested stakeholders.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

(a) Allocates £51,000 from general fund reserves for repairs to the ramp.

(b) Notes that from 2025-26 revenue budget growth of £7,000 per year will be required to enable on-going surveying, and repair and maintenance of the ramp.

(c) Notes that any further essential repairs that cannot be accommodated within the repairs and maintenance budget will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

(d) Requests that officers seek support for on-going revenue costs from Selsey Town Council and other interested stakeholders.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy, to present the item.

Cllr Val Weller, the Ward member for Sidlesham and Selsey North, explained that Selsey generated income from usage of the ramp by various businesses. Additionally, Ms Weller stated that Selsey was not the only Ward that benefited but the Peninsula as a whole. Ms Weller also stated how detrimental it would be for Selsey if the ramp was removed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Allocates £51,000 from general fund reserves for repairs to the ramp.

2.     Notes that from 2025-26 revenue budget growth of £7,000 per year will be required to enable on-going surveying, and repair and maintenance of the ramp.

3.    Notes that any further essential repairs that cannot be accommodated within the repairs and maintenance budget will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

4.    Requests that officers seek support for on-going revenue costs from Selsey Town Council and other interested stakeholders.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolution:

1.    That the Decision Statement as set out in the appendix for publication.

2.    The examiner’s recommendation that the Neighbourhood Development Plan proceed to referendum, subject to modifications as set out in the Decision Statement.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approved:

1.    The Decision Statement as set out in the appendix for publication.

2.    The examiner’s recommendation that the Neighbourhood Development Plan proceed to referendum, subject to modifications as set out in the Decision Statement.

The Leader of the Council introduced this item.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved:

1.     The Decision Statement as set out in the appendix for publication.

2.     The examiner’s recommendation that the Neighbourhood Development Plan proceed to referendum, subject to modifications as set out in the Decision Statement.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolution:

That Cabinet approves the draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)for public consultation for a period of six weeks to commence prior to 23 September 2023.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approves the draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation for a period of six weeks to commence prior to 23 September 2023.

The Leader of the Council introduced this item.

Members enquired about what the collection rate was of the CIL and what happens when developers do not pay. Officers responded by stating that due to the length of the projects, payment is requested upfront particularly for smaller developments. Members asked if the money raised through Section 106 agreements could be used for any other purpose. Officers responded by stating that it may be possible to build some flexibility into Section 106 obligations  but that such funding will still need to be spent to create capacity on the A27 via modal shift or junction improvements.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approves the draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation for a period of six weeks to commence prior to 23 September 2023.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolution:

That Cabinet approve the Statement of Community Involvement for a 6-week public consultation.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approve the Statement of Community Involvement for a 6-week public consultation.

The Leader of the Council introduced this item.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approve the Statement of Community Involvement for a 6-week public consultation.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolution:

That Cabinet approve the allocation of £60,000 from general fund reserves to fund the Energy Advice Service delivered by Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice(ACCA) for up to 3 years at £20,000 per annum with an annual review built in.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approve the allocation of £60,000 from general fund reserves to fund the Energy Advice Service delivered by Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice(ACCA) for up to 3 years at £20,000 per annum with an annual review built in. This service is for the benefit of Chichester District Council residents.

The Leader of the Council, Invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, to introduce the report.

Members stressed the importance of this service in helping the most vulnerable residents.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approve the allocation of £60,000 from general fund reserves to fund the Energy Advice Service delivered by Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice(ACCA) for up to 3 years at £20,000 per annum with an annual review built in. This service is for the benefit of Chichester District Council residents.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following resolution:

That Cabinet supports the WSCC public engagement and consultation regarding Route K of the Council’s Chichester City Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and indicates a preference for Option 2 and Option A of the proposals.

RESOLVED

1.    That Cabinet supports the WSCC public engagement and consultation regarding Route K of the Council’s Chichester City Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and indicates a preference for Option 2 and Option A of the proposals.

2.    Cabinet also endorses the comments by Cllr Brown to be included in the covering letter to West Sussex County Council.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy, to introduce this report.

Members noted that they were concerned that cyclists were being given preferential treatment compared to pedestrians and stressed the importance of both cyclists and pedestrians being treated on an equal footing.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet supports the WSCC public engagement and consultation regarding Route K of the Council’s Chichester City Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and indicates a preference for Option 2 and Option A of the proposals.

2.    Cabinet also endorses the comments by Cllr Brown to be included in the covering letter to West Sussex County Council.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following resolution:

That Cabinet authorises the making of the attached Public Spaces Protection Order - Dog Control 2023 relating to the dog behaviour and geographical areas set out in appendices 1 and 2 to the agenda report.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet authorises the making of the attached Public Spaces Protection Order - Dog Control 2023 relating to the dog behaviour and geographical areas set out in appendices 1 and 2 to the agenda report.

The Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy to introduce this report.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet authorises the making of the attached Public Spaces Protection Order - Dog Control 2023 relating to the dog behaviour and geographical areas set out in appendices 1 and 2 to the agenda report.

The Cabinet is requested to note the Urgent Decision Notice.

Noted.

Noted.

a)    Items added to the agenda papers and made available for public inspection

b)    Items which the Chair has agreed should be taken as matters of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be reported at the meeting

Approval of the draft Infrastructure Business Plan 2024-29 for consultation (with the City, Town and Parish Councils and key Infrastructure Delivery Commissioners)

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet approve the Draft Infrastructure Business Plan 2024-29 (Appendix 1) for consultation (with the City, Town and Parish Councils, neighbouring local authorities including the South Downs National Park Authority and key infrastructure Delivery Commissioners) for a period of six weeks from 13 September to 25 October 2023.

Approval of the draft Infrastructure Business Plan 2024-29 for consultation (with the City, Town and Parish Councils and key Infrastructure Delivery Commissioners)

The Leader of the Council introduced the late item.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Cabinet approve the Draft Infrastructure Business Plan 2024-29 (Appendix 1) for consultation (with the City, Town and Parish Councils, neighbouring local authorities including the South Downs National Park Authority and key infrastructure Delivery Commissioners) for a period of six weeks from 13 September to 25 October 2023.

There are no restricted items for consideration at this meeting.