Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking Members’ endorsement of proposals for the governance of Maldon District Council’s decision making in relation to the proposed Bradwell B Nuclear Power Station.

The report outlined the process to be undertaken in development of a new nuclear power station and how the developer would apply directly to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) rather than to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) for planning permission.  The Council would however have an important role in this process and the report provided detailed information in respect of this.  A table within the report set out the decision-making routes along with the groups and individuals that would be involved. 

It was noted that the Council would be required to make a range of decisions as part of the DCO process, beginning with the approval of the Statement of Community Consultation.  Members were advised that the proposed decision-making framework, if approved, would be utilised to allow the Council to respond in a timely and effective way.

The Leader of the Council proposed an amendment to the recommendation, as set out in the report, that the decision-making process be clarified and agreed at the next meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee.  He also proposed to add robustness and ensure decisions were being made by Members that decisions were only made by the Strategy and Resources Committee and / or the Council.  This proposal was duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)              that the governance arrangements outlined within the report for decision regarding Bradwell B and its associated development be endorsed;

(ii)            that the decision-making process be clarified and reported to the next Strategy and Resources Committee;

(iii)          that any decisions relating to Bradwell B be brought to future meetings of the Strategy and Resources Committee and / or the Council for Members’ consideration.