Decisions

Application for a definitive map and statement modification order to add a footpath from Higher Holt Farm to Fuzzy Grounds, Melbury Osmond.

Recommendation:

That the application be refused.

Reason(s) for Decision

To provide evidence that the provisions of clause 4.14 of the Supplemental s.106 Agreement dated 16^th June 2005 no longer apply to the property so that it can be sold by the current owner

Other Option(s) considered

None

To provide a certificate providing evidence that the provisions of clause 4.14 of the Supplemental s.106 Agreement dated 16^th June 2005 (the Agreement) no longer apply to 21 Kingfisher Avenue Gillingham and that the Council would not seek to enforce those provisions in the future.

This was required as the property had already been released from those provisions in 2015 but neither the Council nor the solicitors for the parties involved had retained a copy of the decision

The decision was by John Sellgren, the Executive Director of Place who, by virtue of Delegation 152(c) of the Officer Scheme of Delegation of the Constitution, has the power:

Reasons for Decision

Dorset Council has an established policy and procedure for the processing of requests from production companies and others for authority to film on Council owned land.  The Town Council has requested that Dorset Council provide this service in respect of their land and it is in the interests of Dorset Council to accede to this request as it ensures a degree of consistency of approach in the handling of applications for permits thereby making it easier to film in Dorset and promote the area.  Dorset Council will receive a commission from film permit application fees and so provision of this service should be cost neutral.

Alternative Options considered

Dorset Council could refuse the request but this is not in the interests of Dorset Council, the Town Council or the public.

To act as an agent of Weymouth Town Council in processing third-party requests for filming permits in respect of Weymouth Town Council land.

The following motion was proposed by Cllr K Clayton seconded by Cllr M Roe and supported by Cllrs B Heatley, J Orrell, N Ireland, D Bolwell, R Tarr, B Ezzard, D Taylor, S Williams, M Rennie, D Tooke and R Hughes

“We know that climate breakdown is already causing serious damage around the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2018 ‘Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C’ describes the enormous harm that a 2°C average rise in global temperatures is likely to cause compared with a 1.5°C rise and confirms that limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C may still be possible with ambitious action. As many local councils now recognise, and as the outline 'Climate Emergency' motion we passed in May recognises, we have a duty to act NOW, and cannot wait for national governments to change their policies.

In this context, this motion proposes that Dorset Council commits to:

1.    Make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030;

2.    Work with partners and stake-holders to achieve the same across the whole of the Council area;

3.    Develop a Dorset wide transport strategy that discourages car use, encourages walking and cycling, and drastically improves rail and bus services;

4.    Develop an energy strategy that provides local renewable energy generation and storage, increases the efficiency of buildings and addresses fuel poverty;

5.    Develop a new Dorset Local Plan that ensures all planning decisions are consistent with a shift to net-zero carbon by 2030;

6.    End any investment by the Dorset Local Government Pension Fund in the fossil fuel industry or other activities that have an impact on climate change;

7.    Ensure that our net-zero carbon by 2030 ambition is reflected in ALL strategies and plans, that all policy papers include a Climate Impact Assessment;

8.    Require the cross-party climate change panel to report back to Council, within nine months, to provide a time table and action plan detailing how all the above can be achieved;

9.    Take steps to proactively consult and include the opinions of residents, particularly young people, in all of the above, and consider setting up citizens’ assemblies; and

10. Call on the UK Government to provide the powers, resources and help with funding to make this possible, and lobby local MPs to do likewise.”

Decision

That the Notice of Motion be referred to the Climate Change Executive Advisory Panel for consideration and report back to Full Council.

Decision

That the Health and Wellbeing Board's terms of reference be amended to reflect its statutory role in promoting integration and prevention as set out in the minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board of 26 June 2019.

The Cabinet considered the following recommendations from committees:

Decision

(1)       That entry into a Funding Agreement with Homes England be authorised to secure up to £6,310,000 of Housing Infrastructure Funding on terms and conditions to be agreed by the Cabinet Member for Highways, Travel and Environment, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place.

Reason for decision: To promote and assist in the delivery of the proposed Gillingham Strategic Site Allocation by the former North Dorset District Council under the North Dorset Local Plan Part 1 2011-2031 (NDLP).

Decision

(1)       That the Executive Director of People – Children be asked to develop a strategy and detailed roadmap to reduce the number of children in care, taking a rights-based approach, to develop services which support children to be able to grow up in a family setting

(2)       That this be presented to Cabinet in September 2019.

Reason for decision: The reduction of the number of children in care in Dorset would:

1.    Promote the rights of children

2.    Improve the outcomes for children

3.    Enable services to be sustainable

Decision

That a decision be deferred pending further discussion with Hampshire County Council to discuss options for the use of Somerley Household Recycling Centre by Dorset residents.

Decision

(1)  That option three proceed for the development of care technology in Dorset.

(2)  That the procurement be approved of:

a.  Assistive Technology service – assessment, installation and monitoring of equipment;

b.  Careline provider and responder service; and

c.   Development partner.

(3)  That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Executive Director for People – Adults be delegated authority to award the contract to the successful bidder once the tender evaluation has been concluded.

(4)  That authority also be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Executive Director for People – Adults, in consultation with the Executive Director for Corporate Development (S151), to increase the available budget, subject to the compliance with procurement regulations, where clear evidence of savings and/or cost avoidance is provided.

Reason for decision: Commissioning services that increase wellbeing will enable the reduction and delay of more costly health and care interventions and maintain people’s independence for longer.  The procurement of a standalone assistive technology service will support the delivery of cost savings and avoidance and support the overall financial position of the Council.

Decision

(1)       That the Senior Leadership Team’s forecast for Dorset Council’s position at the end of quarter 1, be noted;

(2)       That the context around  the budget that was set for the year be noted;

(3)       That the impact that any overspend would have on reserves and the general fund be noted;

(4)       That the work going into reviewing Dorset Council’s reserves and balances be noted;

(5)       That the approach to work to develop sustainability of the base budget position for 2020/21 and beyond be noted and

(6)       That the work going on around capital strategy and the capital programme and financing be noted.

Reason for decision: To ensure support and/or challenge for actions being taken in 2019/20 to balance the budget and consider the adequacy and use of reserves and to support transition and convergence.  2019/20 is a critical year for establishing the base budget for Dorset Council to enable an accurate, medium-term financial plan to be delivered alongside a longer-term, sustainable financial strategy.

Reason

To facilitate a land sale on Dorset Innovation Park.  Since the acquisition of the site by Dorset Council bringing significant third party investment to the Park through the potential creation of a new high technology engineering facility, for a company satisfying the Park's wider occupation policy and the Council's economic development aims.

Alternative Options considered

Report to Cabinet - rejected as Portfolio holders have enhanced limits for delegated authority and the members are aiming to be agile towards the delivery of economic growth in Dorset.

To approve the sale of a plot of c1.4 acres at Dorset Innovation Park through the grant of a 999 year lease at an agreed price, which (subject to any further negotiation) satisfies the Council's statutory obligation to obtain best value for the sale of its property assets following the formal measurement of the plot.

Reason

To reflect the transition to Dorset council and to bring a broader range of opportunities within scope.

Alternative Options considered

None

The Community Development Team Lead for Dorset Council manages a small discretionary grant fund amounting to £30,000 for community cohesion/social inclusion community projects. It has been inherited from West Dorset District Council and in the past it would hae been used within the West Dorset District Council area.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed tha tthe fund can be used in the whole area covered by Dorset Council.

Decision

That a decision be deferred to enable further exploration of alternative options.

Reason for decision: A deferral will provide the Council with the opportunity to explore alternative options for the funding of the improvements project.