Agenda and minutes

Members of the committee should declare any interests which fall under the following categories*:

a)    disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)    other significant interests (OSI);

c)     voluntary announcements of other interests.

There were no declarations of interest. 

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 December 2017 were submitted, approved and signed by the Chairman.

The Council is required to decide its tax base which will be used in the calculation of Council Tax for 2018/2019.  This report proposes the tax base recommendations for the Council’s approval.

The Council is required to decide its tax base which will be used in the

calculation of Council Tax for 2018/2019. Report C/17/75 proposes the tax

base recommendations for the Council’s approval.

Mrs Charlotte Spendley, Head of Finance, presented the report to the Committee. 

Members questioned the number of dwellings on holiday parks in the District which are subject to Council Tax.  Mrs Spendley will return to members with this information. 

Overall members agreed this report showed a good position and positive outcome.

Proposed by Councillor Ms Susan Carey

Seconded by Councillor Michael Lyons and

Resolved:

1.                    To receive and note report C/17/75.

(Voting: For 10; Against 0 ; Abstentions 0)

Report C/17/72 updates the General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme for the five year period ending 31 March 2023. The report also provides a projected outturn for the General Fund capital programme in 2017/18, based on expenditure to 30 November 2017. The General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme is required to be submitted to full Council for consideration and approval as part of the budget process.

Report C/17/72 updates the General Fund Medium Term Capital

Programme for the five year period ending 31 March 2023. The report also

provides a projected outturn for the General Fund capital programme in

2017/18, based on expenditure to 30 November 2017. The General Fund

Medium Term Capital Programme is required to be submitted to full

Council for consideration and approval as part of the budget process.

Mr Lee Walker, Group Accountant - Capital and Treasury Management, presented the report

Members noted the following:

·         Council vehicles purchased, not leased.

·         Coast protection, funding provided by the Environment Agency.

·         Capital investment of major initiatives and borrowing requirements.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Lyons

Seconded by Councillor Russell Tillson and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note report C/17/72.

(Voting: For 10; Against 0;  Abstentions 0)

This report is to update Cabinet regarding progress with the Core Strategy Review. A draft of the Core Strategy Review (Regulation 18 Consultation document) is provided as Appendix 1.

The report asks Cabinet’s approval to undertake public consultation on the Core Strategy Review under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and seeks delegated authority for the Head of Planning to make any amendments needed for the Regulation 18 consultation (arising from the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitat Regulations Assessment process and any other necessary changes) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the District Economy.

Report C/17/73 is to update Cabinet regarding progress with the Core Strategy Review. A draft of the Core Strategy Review (Regulation 18 Consultation document) is provided as Appendix 1.

This report asks Cabinet’s approval to undertake public consultation on the Core Strategy Review under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country

Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and seeks

delegated authority for the Head of Planning to make any amendments

needed for the Regulation 18 consultation (arising from the Sustainability

Appraisal and Habitat Regulations Assessment process and any other

necessary changes) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the

District Economy.

Mr Ben Geering, Head of Planning, provided a presentation of the Core Strategy Local Plan Review which is attached.

Members noted concerns around the following:

·         Carbon efficiency at Otterpool Park.  Specific details of this will be included in the Masterplan.

·         Number of new homes to be built in the District.  Housing Delivery Target must be achieved. 

·         District wide healthcare.  The Places and Policies Local Plan document proposes the provision of a healthcare hub in New Romney and council officers are working closely with the Clinical Commissioning Group, GP practices and Kent County Council to deliver the project..  

Members noted the public consultation period and were keen to know how this will be delivered.  Mr Adrian Tofts, Planning Policy Manager, confirmed that the Communications Team are advising on how this will be undertaken, however members of the public and interested groups will be welcome to comment on any part of the plan.  There will be details on the council’s website; consultation events will be held; and all individuals and groups on the council’s consultation database will be contacted, as well as neighbouring authorities and statutory organisations. 

The Chairman suggested that information could be included in residents’ annual Council Tax bills to promote the District’s website and clear directions to the Core Strategy Review.  Mr Geering will contact the Communications Team to discuss.

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Michael Lyons and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note report C/17/73.

(Voting: For 9; Against 0; Abstentions 1)

The Chairman, Councillor Peter Gane, suggested an earlier start time of 6pm for the next Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be held on Tuesday 27 February 2018.  Members were in agreement to this suggestion.