Meeting documents
East Dorset District Council Full Council
Monday, 1st September, 2014 6.30 pm
PDF 144 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Council Offices, Furzehill, Wimborne. View directions
Contact: Richard Jones 01202 495170 Email: democraticservices@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk
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Prayers Prayers will be said by the Reverend Andrew Rowland of St Mary’s Church West Moors.
Minutes: Prayers were led by the Reverend Andrew Rowlands of St Mary’s Church, West Moors. |
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To confirm as a correct the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 July 2014. Minutes: The Minutes of the Council meeting held on 7 July 2014 were confirmed and signed as a correct record. |
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Declarations of Interests by Members To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of the following items. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest made on this occasion. |
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To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Council Leader or Chief Executive. Minutes: Chairman of the Council The Chairman of Council referred to his list of engagements attended since the last Council meeting which was included within the agenda, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘A’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book. In addition the Chairman made particular reference to a couple of events, Sherborne Abbey where he had attended Dorset County Councils World War 1 Commemoration Service for Dorset which he had found particularly moving. Leigh Park Artsweek which had been extremely successful and for which he thanked the Officers involved for their hard work, and lastly the Charity Fashion Show which had been hosted by M & Co in Wimborne and which had raised over £600 for his charities. Leader of the Council There were no announcements by the Leader of the Council on this occasion. Chief Executive The Chief Executive reminded Members of the forthcoming Special Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 24 September at 6.30pm which is due to deal with the Navitus Bay report. In addition the Chief Executive advised Members of the recent introduction of the new telephony system, in relation to this Members were advised that there had initially been a number of problems which had resulted in a higher than normal level of dissatisfied customers. Members were advised that switchboard performance was now up to the standard it was prior to the introduction of the new system and that customers should soon be able to realise the full benefits of the technology. The Chief Executive highlighted the benefits of the new technology and thanked Members for their patience during this period. |
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Questions by Members of the Public To deal with questions to the Council Chairman, Council Leader, Committee Chairmen or Lead Members submitted in writing by members of the public under Council Procedure Rule 8(2). Minutes: The Chairman reported that one question had been submitted under Council Procedure Rule 8(2). Question – Mr Barnett I am Basil Barnett. I have provided input to the issues of Governance for Ferndown Town Council. I have read the recommendations from the Task and finish group and listened to the meeting here, at Furzehill, earlier today, on the subject of Governance within East Dorset. I understand and am happy with the moves to align boundaries for the Town Council and the District Council. However, there is a fundamental difference between the two Councils. There are, currently, six Town Councillors for Links North Ward and I am one of them. The Ward divides dramatically into two parts. Heatherlands to the North East of the Ward is one of the most deprived areas in the Country. The remainder of the Ward is one of the most affluent in the Country. I note that the recommendations show the Ward to have, approximately, 7000 electors while the next Ward is Ameysford with 1403 residents. It also recommends 9 Councillors for the Ward while Ameysford will have 3. I visit each household in my Ward. However, dividing the Ward into two parts will mean that if I continue as a Councillor after the next election, I will be able to visit each household on a more regular basis and ensure that I can represent their views based on real knowledge. In my view, the Town Council will be improved by having Councillors who can better understand and represent the views of the residents. It will be a simple process to keep the outer boundaries in line with those of the District Council, while dividing it into its two or, even three different parts. I cannot understand why such a large Ward was even considered. I will be pleased if someone can explain to me and to my electorate why the Ward cannot be cut into sensible parts?
The Chairman thanked Councillor Barnett for his question and advised that this matter would be dealt with during agenda item 12 (e) on this evenings agenda. |
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Petitions by Members of the Public To deal with petitions or similar communications submitted by Members of the public under Council Procedure Rule 8(3). Minutes: The Chairman reported that one petition had been received under Council Procedure Rule 8(3). The Chairman invited Richard Lonsdale to present his petition to Council. Mr Lonsdale I would like to present to this Council, this petition requesting the Core Strategy adopted on the 28 April 2014 be revoked for a period ending no sooner than the 21 November 2014. It’s clear that the majority residents in East Dorset have no idea what the Core Strategy actually means for the future of the District, as such the Council failed in their duty to properly inform residents of the scale and the implications this core strategy will have on every person and business, living and working and studying in East Dorset. The Core Strategy in its current form will forever change the character and the economy of the whole District. Towns of the District will choke, while through lack of investment and appropriate building the lives of villages and hamlets will be left to fade away as businesses fail and houses become totally unaffordable to all but the wealthiest. Take this opportunity to correct the terrible and tragic mistake that you made on the 28 April this year, should you not choose to act on this petition I would implore that every parish and town council of the Districts of East Dorset and Christchurch Borough call a vote of no confidence in East Dorset District Council and Christchurch Borough Council such is the gravity of the adoption of the Core Strategy by this and Christchurch Borough Councils. The Chairman invited the Leader of the Council, Councillor Monks to respond to Mr Lonsdale. Councillor Monks Whilst the Council has received the petition seeking to revoke the decision to adopt the Core Strategy, I am respectfully going to propose that the Council do not take that action. The Core Strategy has been through an extensive statutory process for many years prior to its adoption in April and at many times during the formulation and consideration of the contents of the Strategy, public consultation has been sought on its content. That consultation has been conducted in accordance with all relevant statutory provisions and it is not accepted that insufficient time has been allowed for public consultation. Indeed Chairman, Members this Council this Council consulted for far longer than the statutory minimum time. The adoption process required the Council to put before an independent planning inspector for approval how the strategy had come into being and what consultation the Council undertook in its formulation. The Planning Inspector was clearly satisfied that the Council had undertaken all the necessary steps required to move the Strategy through its stages in readiness for adoption, and the Inspector had the power to reject the Strategy if the Council had failed in its consultation requirements. That did not happen.
The Strategy has been adopted by the Council following due process. It now forms the strategic planning guidance to facilitate development in the District over the plan period and given compliance ... view the full minutes text for item 134. |
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Deputations by Members of the Public To deal with deputations from members of the public under Council Procedure Rule 8(4).
Note: Deputations by members of the public have to be received by 12 noon on the Friday prior to the meeting. Minutes: The Chairman reported that no deputations had been received under Council Procedure Rule 8(4). |
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Questions by Members of the Council To deal with questions to the Council Chairman, Council Leader, the Chairman of any committee or sub-committee or Lead Members submitted in writing by Members of the Council under Council Procedure Rule 9(2).
Note: Questions by Members of the Council have to be received by 12 noon one clear day before the date of the meeting (Thursday 28 August 2014). Minutes: The Chairman reported that three questions had been submitted under Council Procedure Rules 9(2).
Question by Councillor Mrs J Dover Would the Council agree that the funding cut in the treatment of the River Stour for the Blandford Fly by the Dorset Public Health Authority is of great concern to residents of East Dorset who are regularly bitten by this pernicious fly during the months of May and June. The bites can result in swelling and blistering of the skin, a high temperature and risk of localised infection and, in severe cases, requires hospital treatment. Would the Council further agree that officers should be asked to open discussions with the Dorset Public Health Authority and North Dorset District Council to consider a way forward on this matter where the Blandford Fly larvae can be prevented from hatching in the River Stour in future years.
The Lead Member for Community, Councillor Mrs B Manuel responded: The ‘Blandford Fly’ as it is locally known, is a biting insect common across parts of central and southern England with sections of the River Stour in Dorset providing particularly favourable conditions for the insect. The insect does not transmit disease to humans and the vast majority of bites resolve without the need to seek medical care, however a small percentage of bites can cause some severe problems. Dorset is unique in that a decision was made locally over twenty years ago to try and control the insect through annual spraying of parts of the River Stour with a biological product. This work was funded by affected local authorities, such as ourselves, and the NHS. This has significantly reduced the numbers of the fly over many years. The last spraying was earlier in 2014 but this situation has now changed due to alterations internationally in getting approval to use the product and hence spraying will not be feasible in 2015. Whilst it is disappointing that we will not be able to spray next year, this has given us a chance to review this longstanding annual river treatment and the Dorset Health Protection Network [a group of professionals representing all the local authorities, Public Health England and NHS England] has been asked to consider next steps. The Network met recently and decided that that this was an opportunity to review the evidence, costs, funding and impact of current actions and suggest options for the future. It will include a programme to work with the NHS and DCC Public Health to manage health information, advice and monitoring during next year’s fly season. I know this has been a debate at the Health and Wellbeing Board, and there are various Members who are concerned, it looks like unfortunately we are no longer able to use the insecticide which was previously used due to European restrictions. |
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District By-Election - Colehill East To advise Members that the Liberal Democrat candidate Councillor Barry Roberts was elected onto the Council at the Colehill East By-Election on 17 July 2014, and to formally welcome Councillor Roberts onto the Council. Minutes: The Chief Executive informed Members of the result of the recent Colehill East District By-Election and formally welcomed Councillor Barry Roberts onto the Council. |
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Committee Membership Members are asked to note changes to Committee membership following the outcome of the recent by-election. Minutes: Members were requested to note changes to the Committee Membership following the recent By-Election.
RESOLVED that Members note the changes to Committee Membership.
Voting: Nem.Con |
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Community Committee, 15 July 2014
To receive the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 July, 2014.
Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the 15 July 2014 were submitted. RESOLVED that the minutes as submitted be adopted. Voting: Unanimous |
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Planning Committee, 22 July 2014 To receive the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 July, 2014. Minutes: The minutes of the 22 July 2014 were submitted. RESOLVED that the minutes as submitted be adopted. Voting: Unanimous |
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Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee, 29 July 2014 To receive the Minutes of the meeting held on 29 July, 2014. Minutes: The minutes of the 29 July 2014 were submitted. The Chairman of Scrutiny and Policy Development advised Council of the following amendment in respect of Minute No. 108 (Shadow Lead Members), the third bullet point being amended to read; Councillor Clarke (Performance) had recently had an exploratory meeting with the relevant Lead Member, to discuss how the shadowing arrangements could work.As there was currently no framework laid down, Councillor Clarke had suggested a regular, once per cycle meeting but had agreed to the Lead Member’s request to trialling instead the sitting in on the meetings of the Corporate Property Services Group and Joint Portfolio Holders' briefings. As yet, there had been no response to the Lead Member’s request to Officers to confirm there was no objection to this. In addition, Councillor Clarke reported on the element of risk regarding the implementation of recommendations from the review of Parish and Town Councils, where approval of the Boundary Commission may be required as a consequence of recommendations. Councillor Clarke had also attended the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership as a substitute Member. RESOLVED that subject to the amendment as set out above being incorporated, that the minutes as submitted be adopted. Voting: Unanimous |
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Resources Committee, 30 July 2014
To receive the Minutes of the meeting held on 30 July, 2014. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the 30 July 2014 were submitted. RESOLVED that the minutes as submitted be adopted. Voting: Unanimous |
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Resources Committee (Special Meeting), 1 September 2014 To receive the Minutes of the special meeting held on 1 September, 2014. Minutes: The minutes and the recommendation of Minute No. 121 (Community Governance Review – Draft Recommendations) of the 1 September 2014 were submitted. During the debate, an amendment was proposed by Councillor D G L Packer seeking the insertion of an additional recommendation to follow (a) which read as follows:-
"(b) the Council offers to facilitate discussions between parish councils where two or more parishes appear to be in dispute over the Community Governance Review Draft Recommendations with a view to reaching and publishing mutually agreeable alternative recommendations during the period of consultation." The amendment, as proposed, failed to obtain a seconder. RESOLVED that the minutes and recommendation as submitted be adopted. Voting: 29:1 (1 Abstention) |
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Partnership Development Strategy To secure endorsement for the 2014-2018 Partnership Development Strategy. Additional documents: Minutes: The Head of Organisational Development submitted a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix ‘B’ to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The report sought Members endorsement for the 2014-2018 Partnership Development Strategy. RESOLVED that the 2014-2018 Partnership Development Strategy, be approved. Voting: 23:6 (2 abstentions) |
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Representations from Outside Bodies To receive reports from Members on those Outside Bodies which have met since the previous meeting. Minutes: The Chairman reported that there were no presentations from Members on this occasion. |