Chichester District Council
Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms, East Pallant House. View directions

Contact: Lisa Higenbottam on 01243 534684  Email:  lhigenbottam@chichester.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

21.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 157 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2019.

Minutes:

The Chairman extended a warm welcome to everyone present and read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

 

The Chairman explained that there was one amendment to minute 13 of the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2019 relating to Public Question Time:

 

Mr Lloyd-Williams asked the following supplementary question, what does the council intend to do about the members who haven’t attended training sessions which are paid for by the tax payer. Will they be prevented from speaking at Council and/or sitting on Committees until they have completed training?

 

Mrs Shepherd responded:

 

It is not possible to stop a councillor from attending Council or any Committee which they have been appointed to. Following today’s appointments the Planning and Licensing Committee members will be reminded that they need to attend the relevant training sessions. The council acknowledges the number of working members and will be considering ways to best address their needs going forwards.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted to approve the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2019 subject to the above amendment.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 21 May 2019 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record of the meeting subject to the above amendment.

 

22.

Urgent Items

The Chairman will announce any urgent items which due to special circumstances are to be dealt with under Late Items.

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that there was one urgent item relating to the Appointments to External Organisations made at the Annual Council meeting on 21 May 2019 which would be dealt with under agenda item 11.

 

23.

Declarations of Interests

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

Minutes:

Mr Over declared an interest in agenda item 14 and withdrew from the room when the item was discussed.

 

24.

Chairman's Announcements

Apologies for absence will be notified at this point.

 

The Chairman will make any specific announcements.

Minutes:

The Chairman announced the following apologies for absence from Cllr Judy Fowler, Norma Graves, Cllr Richard Plowman, Cllr Eileen Lintill and Cllr Henry Potter.

 

The Chairman explained that she had attended the Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC) AGM and was pleased to report that the council amongst other authorities had received thanks for its support in offering a three year funding agreement.

 

The Chairman then took the opportunity to congratulate a previous district councillor Tony French on receiving the Freedom of the City.

 

25.

Public Question Time

Questions submitted by members of the public in writing by noon on the previous working day (for a period up to 15 minutes).

Minutes:

The following public questions were asked:

 

Question from Mr Lloyd-Williams:

 

How much Council Tax Payers money has been spent supporting the Novium Museum since it has opened (including site purchase, design and build costs, running costs), and how much further Council Tax Payers money must be spent in the next 5 years to continue this support, please?

 

Response to question read by Mr Briscoe:

 

I’d like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to bring to everyone’s attention the fantastic resource we have in the Novium Museum, yes there are costs associated with it as with many of the other District Council facilities and services. I would have expected you however to have been familiar with the costs you are asking about having been a Dist. Cllr who sat on the Overview and Scrutiny Cttee. However, I’m sure you’re aware the Novium Museum opened in July 2012 and has progressed steadily in its achievements and fantastic Exhibitions including the ones on our own Tim Peake and Lego. The visitor numbers are steadily rising and with that the revenue from the shop, grants and sponsorship are increasing, and that’s without even considering the boost to the local economy of the City and wider District as a result. So, initially, the museum cost just over £6 million. This included the build, the fit and transference of artefacts from the site at the Little London Museum. However, that site was sold on along with the adjoining Tower Street site for a combined figure of nearly (2.5m) £2.465m in order to reduce the capital expenditure for the new premises. The Tourist Information Centre also moved into the new museum, which meant that we the council could lease the former TIC building, this is now generating an additional £49.5k pa for the council, this additional income is not attributed against the Novium’s budget even though it is because of the Novium that this has been made possible. Since the construction of the new museum, the museum service has cost the council £4,290,000 to run which equates to an average of £536,250 per annum.  The Novium Museum budget for 2019/20 is £610,900 but we’re currently carrying out a feasibility study into the running and facilities at the Novium and the results from this will inform the new Museum business plan, that will go to cabinet next year. As part of this work we are continuing to look for opportunities that will help us to reduce costs and increase income from the service. A good example of this is the work currently being carried out for the exciting forthcoming ‘Mystery Warrior’ exhibition. This exhibition is of International Interest, we have been chosen to host this exhibition due to our location and superb facilities in the Novium, we hope it will attract more visitors than both the Tim Peak and Lego Exhibitions. It is very hard to quantify the educational and economic benefits the Novium provides to schools and businesses of Chichester, but it certainly gives us  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

26.

Resurfacing and Improved Drainage at Westhampnett Depot

The material relevant to this item is the report and appendix on pages 11 to 24 of the agenda pack considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4 June 2019.

 

The following recommendations were made to the Council:

 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

 

1.     That the Council releases £392,000 from reserves and £200,000 from the Asset Replacement Programme to fund the resurfacing and improved drainage at Westhampnett Depot.

2.     That the Council uses Brexit funding of £31,000 to purchase a new fuel storage facility.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Mrs Plant to introduce the report and referred members to the recommendations made by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4 June 2019 which are detailed on the Council agenda front sheet.

 

Mrs Plant proposed the recommendations which were seconded by Mrs Taylor.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     That the Council releases £392,000 from reserves and £200,000 from the Asset Replacement Programme to fund the resurfacing and improved drainage at Westhampnett Depot.

2.     That the Council uses Brexit funding of £31,000 to purchase a new fuel storage facility.

27.

Vehicle Wash-Down Facility at Westhampnett Depot

The material relevant to this item is the report and appendix on pages 25 to 39 of the agenda pack considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4 June 2019.


The following recommendation was made to the Council:

 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

 

That the Council releases £199,400 from reserves to fund the provision of a vehicle wash-down facility at Westhampnett Depot.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Mrs Plant to introduce the report and referred members to the recommendation made by the Cabinet at its meeting on 4 June 2019 which is detailed on the Council agenda front sheet.

 

Mr Oakley requested reassurance that the downstream environment impact would be minimised. Mrs Plant explained that this would be the case.

 

Rev Bowden requested that vehicles using the facility be supervised by council staff to minimise damage.

 

Mrs Plant proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Mrs Taylor.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Council releases £199,400 from reserves to fund the provision of a vehicle wash-down facility at Westhampnett Depot.

28.

Chichester District Council Annual Report 2018-2019

The material relevant to this item is the report and its appendix on pages 11 to 53 of the agenda pack considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 9 July 2019.

 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

 

That the Council receives the Annual Report 2018-2019.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Mrs Taylor to introduce the report and referred members to the recommendation made by the Cabinet at its meeting on 9 July 2019 which is detailed on the Council agenda front sheet.

 

Dr O’Kelly with reference to page 20 of the agenda pack expressed concern regarding the 10.9% increase in crime and suggested it be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) in the coming year. She also requested the introduction of indicators to monitor the homelessness in relation to numbers in temporary accommodation and to monitor the response times of the Planning Enforcement team. In response to the crime increase Mr Briscoe explained that he would be addressing the concerns with the Police Crime Commissioner. With regard to the OSC referral Mr Moss as Chairman of OSC agreed to address the item in the upcoming OSC work programme. With regard to the introduction of new indicators Mrs Shepherd explained that the practicality would need to be discussed with the relevant officers outside of the meeting.

 

Mr Brown with reference to page 38 of the agenda pack requested a more satisfactory response to the reason for the exclusion of a fifth wildlife corridor from the draft Local Plan. Mr Frost explained that there had been strong evidence for four of the corridors and if further evidence came forward for the fifth corridor it would be taken into consideration.

 

Mrs Johnson wished to note a correction to the report relating to the Seas the Day Project. She explained that the project is part of the Selsey Haven Feasibility Study not the Selsey Vision.

 

Mr Moss with reference to page 21 of the agenda pack explained that he felt it important to expand the thinking of the parking strategy and look at parking charges more dynamically with regard to its effect on visitors to Chichester. Mr Dignum explained that a report would be taken to the Chichester District Parking Forum shortly where this could be considered.

 

Mr Bell requested confirmation whether there would be changes made to the car parking charges prior to April 2020. Mr Dignum explained that the car parking charges had been fixed by the Cabinet in April 2018 for a two year period.

 

Mrs Plant proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Mr Briscoe.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Council receives the Annual Report 2018-2019.

29.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report pdf icon PDF 104 KB

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2018-2019 and Work Programme 2019-2020 are attached to this agenda.

 

The following recommendation was made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 18 June 2019:

 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

 

That the 2018-2019 Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report and 2019-2020 Work Programme be noted.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman referred members to OSC Annual Report 2018-2019 and OSC Work Programme 2019-2020 on pages 19 to 28 of the agenda pack and explained that the recommendation from the OSC had been amended to read ‘that the 2018-2019 Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report be noted'. The Chairman then invited Mrs Apel as the OSC Chairman during the period discussed in the OSC Annual Report to introduce the item.

 

Mrs Apel explained that a great deal of work had taken place during 2018-2019 and she wished to take the opportunity to thank all the officers involved.

 

Mr Bell with reference to page 23 of the agenda pack asked whether a breakdown of costs for the Ice Rink had been received. Mrs Apel confirmed that she had not seen any figures to date. Mrs Hotchkiss explained that a report would be taken to the next OSC which would cover Mr Bell’s request and detail the reinstatement of the grass which had been signed off.

 

Mrs Apel proposed the recommendation as amended which was seconded by Mr Moss.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the 2018-2019 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report be noted.

30.

Questions to the Executive

For a maximum of 40 minutes duration.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited questions to the Executive.

 

Mrs Apel asked whether following the Cabinet’s declaration of a Climate Emergency could green measures such as solar panels in new buildings such as the new Lidl’s be a requirement of a planning permission. Mr Over explained that a planning application for solar panel roofing at the site would be submitted shortly.

 

Mr Oakley explained that during the recent unauthorised occupation of Tangmere Airfield a number of illegal and antisocial activities took place including:

 

·       Fly tipping

·       Human fouling

·       Intimidation of allotment holders

·       Verbal abuse of a CDC officer

 

He asked what approaches has CDC taken or will undertake to Sussex Police to ensure the Police take a more robust approach to the use of their S61 powers to remove travelling groups and minimise the impact on residents and the environment. Mr Briscoe agreed that the Police should take their more powers more seriously in this case. He agreed to come back to Mr Oakley with a response.

 

Mr Johnson asked what the process is for asking supplementary questions as some supplementary questions were allowed at the Annual Council meeting but not others. The Chairman explained that supplementary questions are allowed at the Chairman’s discretion and time is a consideration. Mrs Shepherd added that a Public Question Time leaflet is available on the website and public questions are limited to 15 minutes per meeting.

 

Mr Hughes with reference to the council’s website asked whether reference to starter homes as an affordable housing option could be removed if the option is not being pursued. Mrs Rudziak responded and explained that the Government initiative had never taken off so it would be removed from the website.

 

Mrs Bangert with reference to library closures asked to what extent could the Local Plan mitigate West Sussex County Council (WSCC) cuts to ensure community facilities such as the Southbourne Library are maintained. Mrs Taylor responded and explained that the cuts were not foreseen when the Local Plan process began three years ago however the needs of local communities would need to be addressed as part of the Local Plan Review process. She explained that Mrs Bangert could make representation to WSCC with regard to the effects of the closure on the local community.

 

Mr Brown with reference to Southern Water Waste Water Treatment Works what representations have been made by the council to Ofwat and could representation be made to Southern Water and/or Ofwat under the duty to cooperate. Mr Frost explained that representations to Southern Water and/or Ofwat would be appropriate once assurance has been given that the infrastructure in the district area is unaffected.

 

Mr Evans asked with reference to Government targets for 0 emission cars by 2022 what provision has the council made to meet the target and will the Local Plan take the requirement into account. Mr Dignum responded and explained that a grant had been received for electric car points in district car parks. He added that there is a new Air Quality Action  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

31.

Late Items

To consider any late items as follows:

 

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

 

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

Minutes:

The Chairman referred to the previously mentioned urgent item relating to the Appointments to External Organisations made at the Annual Council meeting on 21 May 2019. She explained that with regard to the Chichester Conservation Area Advisory Committee two appointments had been made where only one is required. She proposed that Cllr Plowman remain appointed and Cllr Taylor be removed.

 

Mrs Plant moved the recommendation which was seconded by Mr Wilding.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That Cllr Taylor be removed from the Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

32.

Exclusion of the press and public

The Council is asked to consider in respect of agenda items 12 and 13 to make the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL

 

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of agenda items 12 and 13 on the following ground of exemption in Part 1 of the Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972  namely Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and because, in all circumstances of the case, the public interest in in maintaining the exemption of that information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

Please note in respect of agenda item 13 attendance will be limited to members and approved officers only.

 

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that there are two exempt items for consideration which are recommendations made by the Cabinet at its meeting on 9 July 2019.

 

The Chairman read the resolution to exclude the press and public as detailed below.

 

Mrs Taylor proposed the recommendation to exclude the press and public which was seconded by Mr Dignum.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That in accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (the Act) the public and the press be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of agenda items 13 and 14 for the reason that it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted that there would be disclosure to the public of ‘exempt information’ being information of the nature described in Paragraphs 1 (information relating to any individual) and 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and because, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption of that information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

33.

Increased Commercialisation of the Council's Business and Waste and Recycling Service

The material relevant to this item is the report and appendix on pages 107 to 121 of the agenda pack considered by the Council at its meeting on 9 July 2019.

 

The following recommendation is included in the report:

 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

 

That the Council releases £134,000 from reserves for the provision of a new vehicle for the Business Waste and Recycling Service as set out in the Project Initiation Document with an estimated payback period of 4 ½ years.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Mrs Plant to introduce the exempt report and referred members to the recommendation made by the Cabinet at its meeting on 9 July 2019 which is detailed on the Council agenda front sheet.

 

Mrs Plant proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Mrs Taylor.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Council releases £134,000 from reserves for the provision of a new vehicle for the Business Waste and Recycling Service as set out in the Project Initiation Document with an estimated payback period of 4 ½ years.

34.

Staffing Matter

The material relevant to this item is the report supplement pack for the 9 July 2019 Cabinet meeting issued separately to members.

 

The following recommendation is included in the report:

 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL

 

That the Council agrees the proposal as set out in paragraph 5 of the report.

Minutes:

The Chairman requested that all officers leave the room except Mrs Shepherd, Mr Ward, Mr Bennett and Miss Higenbottam. She then invited Mrs Shepherd to introduce the item which had been circulated as a separate report pack to members. Mrs Shepherd outlined the exempt report and responded to questions from Mr Brown, Mr Hobbs and Dr O’Kelly.

 

Mrs Taylor proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Mr Wilding.

 

In a show of hands the Council voted in favour.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Council agrees the proposal as set out in paragraph 5 of the report.

 

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