Members are invited to ask a question of a member of the Executive (maximum of 40 minutes duration).
Minutes:
The following Questions to the Executive were received:
Cllr Palmer asked how the meetings could be shortened. Cllr Hamilton explained there is a balance to ensure everyone has their say.
Cllr Sharp asked whether the Chair or Leader could write to Government about being good role models. She shared a personal story related to following the recent Covid-19 rules. Cllr Hamilton agreed to speak outside of the meeting.
Cllr Brown in relation to the A259 Chemroute requested clarification of whether the Cabinet would withdraw support for the scheme if no suitable proposed revisions are made by National Highways or whether the opportunity to withdraw support had passed. Cllr Plant responded. She explained that it is with National Highways and West Sussex County Council to work through. Cllr Lintill added that if there were a significant change it would come back to the district council for further comment. Cllr Moss added that it may require going back to West Sussex County Council to pursue an update.
Cllr Purnell in relation to the South Downs National Park Authority affordable housing situation explained that the 11 affordable dwellings referenced earlier were across the whole of the South Downs National Park area not just the district area. She asked what could be done to ensure enough affordable housing is built. Cllr Sutton referred to conversations with the South Downs National Park Authority and their recognition that more affordable housing is required and plans to expand the offer. Mr Frost added that the scale of developments coming forward influenced the number of affordable houses being delivered, but it was likely to change going forward in line with new Policy. Cllr Lintill added that affordable housing was due to be built in Petworth. Cllr Briscoe also added that Community Land Trusts build affordable housing. He gave the example of Compton.
Cllr Purnell also asked for an update on the small electrical and coffee pod recycling project and how it would work long term. Cllr Plant deferred to Mr Carter. He explained that the use of a booking collection service with residents using their own bags would form a paper to the Environment Panel to request the ability to switch to this method for the rest of the trial. He confirmed that the coffee pod recycling is a consortium of coffee pod producers who pay the council to collect the coffee pods on their behalf.
Cllr Oakley asked in relation to energy inefficient properties, particularly their windows and doors and whether priority had been given to the aesthetics rather than using modern glazing to improve the efficiency particularly in the affordable housing stock. Cllr Taylor explained there are areas with Article 4 Directions which require notification to the council to make changes to properties. She suggested discussing as part of the Local Plan Review. Cllr Sutton explained it is also likely to form part of the Housing Review. He added that there are grants available to those in fuel poverty to help improve property efficiency. Cllr Oakley asked for clarification of whether registered providers are being involved in conversations relating to the Housing Review. Cllr Sutton confirmed this was the case.
Cllr Brisbane asked when the next update on Southern Gateway would come forward following the resolutions made at Special Full Council in December. Cllr Dignum explained that Mrs Hotchkiss would provide the next update to the Economic Development Panel in March to which all members were invited.
Cllr Potter commented on the concerns raised by Cllr Purnell about the number of affordable houses in the South Downs. He explained that the Barlavington Estate is considering provision of some affordable housing.
Cllr Plowman commented on the trend to use more sustainable wood than UPVC for windows.
Cllr Moss asked for an update on the delays to planning permission for a Care Home on the site of the Grange car park in Midhurst. Cllr Dignum explained that there had been objections put forward by officers. Mrs Hotchkiss added that the planning application had since been withdrawn and a new application was expected.