Issue - meetings

To consider the planning application and recommendations of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

Following the Officers’ presentation Ms Williams, the Agent, addressed the Committee.

Councillor A S Fluker, Leader of the Council, proposed that the application be approved in accordance with Officers’ recommendation.  This proposal was duly seconded. 

Councillor S J Savage raised concern regarding the proposed allotments and their future management.  He then proposed an amendment to the proposition in the name of Councillor Fluker, that the relevant Parish Council be offered first choice to run the allotments.  This was duly seconded.  In response to a request for clarification, Councillor Savage advised that Parish Council was the legal term and therefore would encompass both Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch Town Councils.

The Chairman sought clarification from the Council’s Interim Monitoring Officer as to whether the amendment was permissible.  In response, the Interim Monitoring Officer referred to the Section 106 Agreement and the need to clarify whether ‘green infrastructure’ as defined within this Agreement included allotments.  He therefore asked Members to consider a brief adjournment to allow him to consult with Officers and view the Section 106 Agreement.

A debate ensued, during which Councillor Miss M R Lewis proposed that the application be deferred for one meeting so further information could be sought.  This was not supported.

At this point the Chairman adjourned the meeting.