Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J C Hughes, K Jennings, C P Morley, U G C Siddall-Norman, S White and L L Wiffen.

To confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 13 February 2025 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED

(i)             that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 13 February 2025 be received.

Minute No. 537 – Strategy and Resources Committee – 23 January 2025

In respect of the query raised by Councillor A S Fluker and the written response that Councillor J Driver had advised he would provide, Councillor Fluker advised that he had received a response from Councillor Driver but did not feel this answered all his questions. He requested that the response be sent to all Members and / or amended. In response the Chairperson advised that the Minutes of this meeting would be checked.

RESOLVED

(ii)            that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 13 February 2025 be confirmed.

To confirm the Minutes of the extraordinary Council meeting held on 25 February 2025 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED

(i)             that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25 February 2025 be received.

Minute No. 574 – Questions to the Leader of the Council in accordance with Procedure Rule 1(3)M

In respect of the last question raised by Councillor A S Fluker, Councillor J Driver advised that the meeting of the Committee in question had taken place on 13 February 2025 and on 16 February he had provided as full a response as he could, given that he had not chaired the two meetings in question. Councillor Driver noted that his response had been copied to the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer.

RESOLVED

(ii)            that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25 February 2025 be confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor M F L Durham declared non-pecuniary interests as a Cabinet Member of Essex County Council, advising that he was on the Devolution Cabinet and was responsible for that. Secondly, that part of his portfolio also related to Gypsy and Travellers and he was aware there was a question coming up on the agenda tonight in relation to this.

Councillor A S Fluker declared an interest in Agenda Item 11 – Polling Places Review as he was a Member of Southminster Parish Council and Agenda Item 14 - Adoption of the EV Charging and Low Emissions Strategy 2025-2028 as he owned an EV.

Councillor J R Burrell-Cook declared his work with the Maldon District Tourism Group in relation to items 12 - Public Space Protection Order Review Consultation and 13 - UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025 / 26 Allocation.

To receive questions from members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon two clear working days before the day of the Council meeting).

Should you wish to submit a question please complete the online form at www.maldon.gov.uk/publicparticipation.

In accordance with the Council’s public speaking protocol, it was noted that the following question had been received from Mr Russell Forde who was in attendance. Before reading out his question Mr Forde advised for clarification that he was not a resident but a chartered town planner.

RESOLVED that the meeting be adjourned at 7:37pm due to the fire alarm sounding.

RESOLVED that the meeting of the Council resumes at 7:55pm in open session.

At this point the Chief Executive thanked all present for their cooperation with regards to the fire drill that had just taken place. He commented that Council meetings didn’t normally attract the number of public attendees that were present at the meeting today and reassured the public that the fire drill had been planned well in advance and was something that the Council had to do.

The Chairperson referred back to Mr Forde and who read out his question:

Question:

“On behalf of the residents of Woodham Mortimer, I am appalled, at the consistent failure of the Council to act reasonably, reliably and effectively in managing issues relating to the threatened gypsy site on land south west of Oak Acres, A414 Maldon Road, WMR.  My question is simple, when and how will the Council fulfil its duty with energy, skill and precision to protect the residents of WMR to prevent the ongoing propagation of this gypsy site by underperformance, and error to the detriment of the local environment, to the health and wellbeing of local residents.”

In response the Leader of the Council advised how he was aware that professional officers from across the Council's Environmental Health, Community Engagement, Planning Enforcement, Development Management and Legal teams were already involved in activities to evaluate and monitor activities taking place on the site referred to in the parish of Woodham Mortimer and Hazeleigh. He acknowledged that residents were extremely concerned about the scheme approved on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate and activities that have been taking place historically and since, as well as a newer planning application that has yet to be determined by the Council.

Historic issues with this site's planning appeal and the processes followed since were already being considered by the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of its workplan and the Leader trusted that they would report on the outcomes of their enquiries in due course, including any lessons or recommended changes to procedures.

The Leader understood senior officers had already been in discussions with Councillor Morgan and had agreed, in principle, to support a multi-agency meeting being held with representatives of the site and interested community parties. He supported this stance and hoped it will enable all parties to discuss each other’s concerns and positions in a fair and safe environment.

The Chairperson extended a sincere welcome to newly elected Councillor James Burrell-Cook, referring to him as very community minded, well known in the district and congratulated him on his recent by-election victory.

In accordance with Part 4 Rule 8(3) of the Constitution, the Chairperson advised that he would be suspending the need to stand.

The Chairperson referred to a beautiful painting of the promenade park gifted to the Council by the Sibley family in honour of their parents. Once reframed the painting would be displayed in a prominent location so that it could be enjoyed by everyone in the District. The Chairperson extended the Council’s thanks to the family for their very kind gift.

Annual Review of Financial Regulations

Recommended that that the revised Financial Regulations at APPENDIX 1 be approved.

The Council considered the following recommendation coming forward from the Performance, Governance and Audit Committee for consideration:

Annual Review of Financial Regulations

Councillor N D Spenceley, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee presented the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the revised Financial Regulations (set out in Appendix 1 to the Council agenda) be approved.

Pay Policy Statement

Recommended that the Pay Policy Statement attached at APPENDIX 2 be agreed.

Funding Request – Council Offices, Princes Road **

Recommended

(i)             That the sum detailed in the report to the Strategy and Resources Committeeis approved for drawdown from Council reserves to enable the purchase and installation of replacement Fire, Security and CCTV Systems at the Council Offices, Princes Road;

(ii)            That the sum detailed in the report to the Strategy and Resources Committee be approved for the necessary replacement of 26 timber framed windows and doors at the Council Offices, Princes Road.

**Please Note: Should Members wish to discuss the detail relating to the Funding Request this will have to take place in closed session. as this report and its appendices contain information not for publication by the virtue of paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

At this point, the Chairperson advised that the second recommendation for consideration ‘Funding Request – Council Offices, Princes Road’ would be considered in private session.

The Council considered the following recommendation coming forward from the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration.

Pay Policy Statement

Councillor M F L Durham, Chairperson of the Committee presented the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Pay Policy Statement (attached as Appendix 2 to the Council agenda) be agreed.

Appointment of Independent and Deputy Independent Person

Recommended

(i)             that John Mitchell is reappointed as Independent Person for Maldon District Council for a period of four years;

(ii)            that Kathy Payne is reappointed as Deputy Independent Person for Maldon District Council for a period of four years.

The Council considered the following recommendation coming forward from the Joint Standards Committee for consideration.

Appointment of Independent and Deputy Independent Person

Councillor M G Bassenger, Chairperson of the Committee presented the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             that John Mitchell be reappointed as Independent Person for Maldon District Council for a period of four years;

(ii)            that Kathy Payne be reappointed as Deputy Independent Person for Maldon District Council for a period of four years.

To note that since the last Council, up until Wednesday 26 March 2025 (Council agenda dispatch) the following Committees have met, and to receive any questions in accordance with Council and Committee Procedure Rule 6 (2).

The Council noted the list of Committees that had met before and since the last meeting of the Council, up until Wednesday 26 March 2025 for which Minutes had been published.

There were none.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ consideration of the outcome of a recent review of all polling districts and polling places within the district and to confirm the designation of polling districts and polling places in the Maldon District. It was noted that this review was compulsory for all Local Authorities in the United Kingdom.

The report set out the timings for compulsory reviews in accordance with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013. The purpose of a review to was ensure that all electors had reasonable facilities for voting and that these were accessible to all electors, including those who were disabled. The report detailed the consultation process undertaken and Appendix 1 set out comments from the Acting Returning Officer based on feedback from electors, members and staff from all elections since 2023.

In her presentation of the report the Lead Elections and Democratic Services Manager outlined the principles underlying the proposals and advised that there were no proposed changes to either polling districts or polling places.

Councillor A S Fluker referred to an error with the polling notices for Southminster in the last election and asked that for future elections the polling station was shown as Community Hall 1, King George V Playing Field and the situation was monitored with the Clerk at Southminster Parish Council, with regards to availability. In response the Officer advised this was duly noted.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report. These were duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             that no changes are made to the Polling Districts or Polling Places as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)            that where the current Polling District, Polling Place or Polling Station is considered or becomes unsuitable, Officers will provide provisional alternative options to Members for consideration. Members are to note, that these will need to be fully assessed for suitability by Officers prior to any changes being made;

(iii)           that Members confirm and approve the Polling Districts and Polling Places as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director – Customers and Operations, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Assistant Director – Customers and Operations seeking approval to proceed with the public consultation to review the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control in publicly owned areas district wide which was due to expire on 18 July 2025.

The report advised that implementation of the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014 by the Government in 2014 had given local authorities and the Police more effective powers to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB). Amongst these tools were PSPO’s which provided Councils with a flexible power to implement local restrictions to address a range of ASB issues in public places in order to prevent future problems. Further details of PSPOs was set out in the report.

Members were advised that a review of the existing PSPO for Dog Control was proposed to assess the appropriateness of extending the current conditions in the District. Appendix 1 to the report detailed the current areas of the District covered by the PSPO for Dog Control and the proposed controls Officers were seeking to continue were set outlined in the report.

The proposed consultation document was attached at Appendix 2 and provided an explanation of the review consultation, maps of the proposed areas and a questionnaire to gain people’s view. It was noted that if agreed the consultation document would be published on the Council’s website and circulated to requisite people or parties.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation set out in the report and this was duly seconded.

A number of comments were raised during the debate of this item of business and in response the Assistant Director – Customers and Operations advised that:

·                consideration could be given to including a larger the area in the PSPO in Burnham-on-Crouch as part of the consultation.

·                the Council’s Community Engagement Officers were receiving additional training to support the enforcement of PSPOs.

·                Officers would be carrying out reactive and proactive work in respect of intelligence received. The Council was looking to reinstate some arrangements to engage with the pubic to ensure Officers were reactive to information received across the District.

It was commented that the Council should do what it can to control dogs around football pitches from a public health perspective.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Council begins a six-week public consultation starting on 7 April 2025 on the proposal to extend the PSPO for dog control in publicly owned areas district wide.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive informing Members of the projects proposed for delivery under the 2025 / 26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Council’s 100% match funding.

The Chairperson drew Members’ attention to an Addendum report which had been circulated prior to the meeting and provided details of the 2025 / 26 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) allocation from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The report provided information regarding the UKSPF allocation for the year 2025 / 26 and how delegation had been granted to the Corporate Leadership Team to identify projects for delivery, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee. Members were reminded that the Council had previously agreed to 100% match fund the UKSPF 2025 / 26 allocation from the Council’s Reserves. This meant the total delivery fund was £654,292.

Members were advised of the criteria used to identify suitable projects and Appendix 1 to the report detailed the proposed projects for delivery, which had been approved by One Maldon District Partnership, acting as the Council’s Local Partnership Group. Allocations for 2025 / 26 would be paid following submission of a forecast report and agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Members were advised that the MoU had been signed and returned as per the requirement, and to ensure projects were not delayed the Council should commence delivery on 1 April 2025.

During her presentation of the report the Lead Specialist - Prosperity advised that Appendix 1 did not include any projects identified by the Strategic Asset Management Working Group. In response to a question, she explained that development of the application process to the fund would commence once the Council had approved that the proposed projects could be delivered. Members’ attention was also drawn to Project 11 an 18-month Fixed Term Contract position which would support delivery of the fund and assist applicants with the process. Officers would also carryout some work to identify where the fund could be targeted in accordance with the Council’s priorities.

In response to some concerns raised, the Leader of the Council provided further detail regarding use of the funds and the previous decision to use the Council’s reserves to match fund. The funds were open to any Community Group or organisation across the District, where possible Ward Members would be notified of bids and a review of bids allocated to ensure a fair representation across the District would be undertaken.

The Lead Specialist – Prosperity then referred to the Addendum and presented this report which set out the Council’s REPF allocation for 2025 / 26. It was noted that the REPF was a rural top up to the UKSPF and provided allocations for eligible Local Authorities to help address the additional needs and challenges facing rural areas.

In response to a number of questions raised, the Officer clarified that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 638.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and Low Emissions Strategy (the Strategy), attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The Chairperson drew Members’ attention to an addendum, circulated prior to the meeting, which advised of an amendment to page 8 of the Strategy (page 149 of the report pack).

The report highlighted background information regarding the Council’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions from its assets and services and achieving a carbon-neutral District by 2050. It was noted that the District had a limited number of public EV charge points, the projections for increased EV ownership by 2040 and the related expansion of the EV charging infrastructure across the District were set out in the report.

The Strategy provided a clear framework for expanding EV infrastructure and transitioning the Council fleet to support the Net Zero 2050 commitment. The Assistant Director - Place and Community, in her presentation of the report, highlighted the key elements of the Strategy, noting the proposed phased transition for the Council’s fleet and the ongoing collaboration with Essex County Council, private sector partners and local stakeholders. It was noted that the Strategy would also improve air quality, enhance transport sustainability, whilst ensuring the District remained resilient, accessible and forward-thinking in its approach to low-emissions mobility.

The Chairperson put the recommendations as set out in the report.

Councillor R H Siddall proposed an amendment to recommendation (ii) to include the Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee and the Chairperson of the Net Zero Working Group. This was duly seconded and the amendment agreed.

In response to a question regarding an attempt by Essex County Council (ECC) to put EV charging points on the Hythe quay which had been rescinded, the Leader advised that he would ensure all Members were informed of any communication to install such points in the future.

Councillor A S Fluker referred to the EV charging points outside of the Council offices which people were not currently charged to use. He proposed an additional recommendation, that Officers consider an upgrade of the EV charging machines to make sure that users had to pay for the electric and that it was fair and reasonable. This proposal was duly seconded and agreed as an amendment to the recommendations.

In response to earlier reference to work the Council was undertaking with ECC in relation to the EV Infrastructure Fund, Councillor M F L Durham advised that initially ECC had identified five rural locations within the Maldon District (Great Totham, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Tollesbury, Latchingdon and Tillingham) and wanted to ensure there was no duplication of work. Councillor J C Stilts reported that herself along with Councillors A M Lay and S J N Morgan had met with ECC to discuss EV charging, the EV Infrastructure Fund to and the Hythe quay.

In response to a question requesting that Officers speak to ECC regarding focusing on Southminster and Burnham-on-Crouch within the Dengie peninsular,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 639.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval of the Council’s proposed Greater Essex Devolution consultation response (attached as Appendix 1 to the report).

Members were reminded of the consultation led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government which sought views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas of Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council.

The Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer presented the report and took Members through the proposed responses to the consultation.

The Chairperson put the recommendation as set out in the report. This was duly seconded.

During the debate that ensued there were a number of concerns raised in relation to some of the proposed responses to the consultation response (Appendix 1) and whether a different model to that currently being suggested would be better for the District.

The Council thanked the Assistant Director – Strategy, Partnerships and Communications for the report and the work she had done to produce the consultation response.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that the Council agree the recommendation set out in the report. The Chairperson then put the recommendation which was duly agreed. Councillors V J Bell, M F L Durham and K M H Lagan asked that their dissent be recorded.

RESOLVED that the response to the Greater Essex Devolution consultation (as set out in Appendix 1 to the report) be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive informing Members of the outcome of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s work on this matter.

Councillor S J Morgan, Chairperson of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented the report and advised that following a referral from Councillor A S Fluker a detailed scrutiny exercise on the corporate project around Land at Heybridge had taken place by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the report set out the lessons learned and findings. He noted the importance for the Council to view the lessons learned so that it was clear on project deliverables for future endeavours. Councillor Morgan then put the recommendations as set out in the report. This was duly seconded.

In response to a question regarding the costs, the Lead Legal Specialist and Monitoring Officer clarified that the monies came from S106 funding rather than Council reserves or other positions.

The Chairperson thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for its hard work on this issue. He then moved the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the report on the outcome of the Committee’s work on this Member Scrutiny Request item be noted;

(ii)            That the Council identified any actions arising from the Committee’s conclusions to inform practice and process in relation to future similar corporate projects.

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Monitoring Officer seeking Members’ approval to appoint two Councillors to Steeple Parish Council (the Parish Council) under Section 91(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was reported that only two Town Councillors remained on the Parish Council following the resignation of two Parish Councillors resulting in the Parish Council not being quorate as its Standing Orders required a minimum number of three Councillors at any meeting. In order for the Parish Council to perform its statutory duties it must legally be quorate. In accordance with the Law where there were so many vacancies, the District Council may by order appoint persons to fill all or any of the vacancies until other Councillors are elected to take up office.

The Monitoring Officer updated the Council, advising that since publication of the report a further Councillor had resigned leaving one Parish Councillor out of a possible five. She advised that Members may wish to amend the recommendation as the Council needed to appoint a minimum of three Members, but may wish to appoint four.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly seconded. Following a brief discussion about the number of Councillors the Council wished to appoint the Chairperson withdrew the recommendations. He proposed that the Council appoint four Councillors to the Parish Council. This proposal was duly seconded.

Councillor J C Stilts proposed that Councillors L J Haywood and M G Neall be appointed to the Parish Council. This was duly seconded and both nominated Members confirmed they were happy to sit on the Parish Council.

Councillor W Stamp proposed that Councillor A Fittock be appointed to the Parish Council. This was duly seconded. Councillor S J N Morgan proposed that Councillor R G Pratt be appointed to the Parish Council. This was duly seconded. Both Councillors Fittock and Pratt confirmed they were happy to be nominated to the Parish Council.

The Chairperson then moved recommendation (i) with the four nominated Members, and this was duly seconded and agreed. He then moved recommendation (ii) with an amendment to refer to the appointment of four Councillors. This was duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That Councillors A Fittock, L J Haywood and M G Neall and R G Pratt be temporarily appointed to Steeple Parish Council;

(ii)            That the Council authorises the making of an Order pursuant to Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972 for the temporary appointment of four Councillors to enable the Parish Council to act lawfully on the terms set out in the draft order attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

Councillor M F L Durham referred to a previous decision of the Council to contribute to the development of homeless living units being built by Chess Homeless (Chess) in return for nomination rights for homeless people in the Maldon District, funded from Section 106 (S106) income. He advised that the Council had yet to commit the money to Chess. Councillor Durham asked the Leader of the Council to look into this matter and if necessary, ensure that the balance of funding already agreed by the Council was expedited to protect the Council’s position. Requesting that any questions be directed to Rob Sagg from Chess. In response the Leader of the Council advised that the agreement to progress a contract with Chess was subject to available funding and at this time there was not sufficient S106 affordable housing contributions to progress without drawing on Council reserves and the outlined the reason for this. The Leader hoped that housing officers would engage with Chess and if necessary, a paper would need to be brought forward to the next meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee to consider investment from reserves to move forward. Councillor Durham commented that this would only be a temporary investment until further expected S106 monies were received. He again requested that Rob Sagg be contacted to ensure that the delay did not jeopardise the Council’s nomination rights. In reply the Leader advised that the Chief Executive and Assistant Director - Place and Community would take this forward.

Councillor W Stamp asked the Leader of the Council to ensure that when representing the Council he shared correct information and facts, she specifically referenced information shared about the debt of another authority. In response the Leader advised that the figure shared had been given to him by the Chief Executive of the Council in question.

Councillor Stamp referred to Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution and asked the Leader of the Council if he would agree to form a Working Group which could then report to the Council on a regular basis. She expressed concern that Members were not being given information regularly, specifically following meetings of the Essex Chief Executives and Leaders. In response the Leader of the Council confirmed he was happy to have a Working Group, however explained that at this present time he did not have any information to share. Although the Essex Leaders’ were meeting its discussions were very high level and the Leader reiterated that when there was information to share this would be given to Members.

Councillor A S Fluker asked the Leader of the Council if he would join him in commending Thurrock Council for reducing its debt from £1.5 billion to £1 billion through disinvestment and the sale of assets. In response the Leader of the Council advised it was not his place to comment on another Local Authority.

At this point the Chairperson reminded Members to ensure that questions to the Leader of the Council were based on District issues.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 643.

There was none.

To resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

The Chairperson advised following his earlier announcement the Council would now consider the second recommendation coming forward from the Strategy and Resources Committee.

The Council considered the following recommendations coming forward from the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration.

Funding Request – Council Offices, Princes Road

Councillor M F L Durham, Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee presented and then put the recommendations set out on the Council agenda. This was duly seconded.

Councillor J Driver, Vice-Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee advised that the sums of money identified were to enable the Council to go out to tender. During the lengthy debate that ensued Members discussed the projects for which monies were sought and some concerns were raised. Reference was made to the Council’s current tenants in the Council Offices and the need to carry out repairs and update systems. The Leader of the Council commented that the report was seeking to make sure the building was fit for purpose for the future.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations. In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor A S Fluker requested a recorded vote. This was duly seconded.

The Chairperson moved recommendation (i) as set out below:

That the sum detailed in the report to the Strategy and Resources Committee is approved for drawdown from Council reserves to enable the purchase and installation of replacement Fire, Security and CCTV Systems at the Council Offices, Princes Road;

The voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, S J Burwood, J Driver, A Fittock, A M Lay, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens and N J Swindle.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors D Bown, J R Burrell-Cook, M F L Durham, A S Fluker, L J Haywood, K M H Lagan, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, M G Neall, R G Pratt, W Stamp, J C Stilts and M E Thompson.

Abstention: There were none.

The Chairperson declared that this vote was therefore lost, and the recommendation not agreed.

The Chairperson moved recommendation (ii) as set out in the report. In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor A S Fluker requested a recorded vote. This was duly seconded and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, S J Burwood, J Driver, A Fittock, L J Haywood, K M H Lagan, A M Lay, M G Neall, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, W Stamp, E L Stephens, J C Stilts and N J Swindle.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors D Bown, J R Burrell-Cook, M F L Durham, A S Fluker, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, R G Pratt and M E Thompson.

Abstention: There were none.

The Chairperson declared that this was duly agreed.

RESOLVEDthat the sum detailed in the report to the Strategy and Resources Committee be approved for the necessary replacement of 26 timber framed windows  ...  view the full minutes text for item 646.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive highlighting the Council’s concerns in relation to NHS Planning Obligations relating to a Section 106 (S106) Agreement for a site as identified in the report. The report sought Members’ agreement to request that the matter be raised with the Secretary of State.

The report provided background information regarding the S106 Agreement provision made for a health care facility at the site, S106 contributions paid and the context around current issues which have caused a temporary stall. The Assistant Director – Planning and Implementation provided Members with an update following a meeting held with the NHS that had taken place that morning. He reminded Members that the Council had no role in the negotiations taking place, however it needed to maintain an interest given the delivery of the facilities was important to local residents.

The Chairperson moved the recommendation set out in the report. This was duly seconded.

At this point, in accordance with Procedure Rule 1(6)(i) the Chairperson advised that it was past 10pm but the meeting would continue. This was duly noted.

Councillor A S Fluker provided the Council with information relating to a similar site and then proposed that the recommendation be amended, and the Council also write to the Health Secretary. This proposal was duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED that the Council writes to the following persons to set out the Council’s concerns and to facilitate a resolution to the issues in this case:

·                the Health Secretary;

·                both Members of Parliament (the honourable Priti Patel and Sir John Whittingdale) and request that they raise the matter with the Secretary of State.