Agenda for Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, 20th July, 2017, 7.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Civic Centre, Folkestone

Contact: Jemma West 

Items
No. Item

24.

Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

25.

Princes Parade Project Development Strategy

Report C/17/25 provides details of the key elements of the future work programme for the Princes Parade project.

 

Implementation of the work streams identified in this report will allow a detailed and comprehensive Business Plan to be prepared that will allow Cabinet to take a decision on whether to proceed with the implementation of the project, later in the year, after the planning application has been determined.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Report C/17/25 provides details of the key elements of the future work

programme for the Princes Parade project.

 

Implementation of the work streams identified in this report will allow a

detailed and comprehensive Business Plan to be prepared that will allow

Cabinet to take a decision on whether to proceed with the implementation

of the project, later in the year, after the planning application has been

determined.

 

This report was considered at Cabinet on 19 July 2017.

 

David Shore, Strategic Developments Project Manager highlighted the key areas of work that will form the business plan and these are listed at 2.12 in the report. This will allow for a detailed business plan to be reported to Cabinet in due course.

 

Members paid particular attention to the following:

 

·         Play areas – members were informed that the proposed long term development of the public open space at Princes Parade will be informed by the emerging Open Space Strategy and Play Area Review.

·         Examples of leisure centres – it is anticipated that members of the Princes Parade Working Group, Overview and Scrutiny Committee  and officers will visit the Hart Leisure Centre in Hampshire which is of a similar size to the proposed development.

·         Business Plan – members were informed that the business plan will provide the necessary detail to allow Cabinet to take a decision as to whether to proceed with the project.

·         Existing pool – members noted that although a decision had not yet been made it is hoped that the existing pool will be kept open whilst work is undertaken on the new facility in order to provide continued service. The development of the business case for the leisure centre will be informed by usage and income figures for the existing pool.

·         Members are aware that the existing pool has had numerous issues over the past couple of years resulting in repairs to the pool lining and roof  therefore officers are taking a realistic view as to how long it can remain open.

·         Finance – the business plan will set out the detailed financial information for the scheme.

 

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Claire Jeffrey and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note report C/17/25.

2.         That the business plan is brought to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as soon as possible.

 

(Voting: For 6; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

 

 

26.

Shepway Places and Policies Local Plan - submission draft

Report C/17/27: On 14 September 2016 Cabinet agreed report C/16/35, which sought approval to publish the Preferred Options Shepway Places and Policies Local Plan for public engagement and to agree the consultation arrangements.

 

The Preferred Options draft was subsequently published for consultation for six weeks in October to November 2016 and the Council received over 2,000 representations from more than 600 individuals, community groups and organisations. The representations have now been considered and the Plan has been amended to reflect these and other considerations.

 

The new version of the plan, called the Submission Draft Places and Policies Local Plan, is attached at Appendix 1. 

 

The next stage in the process is to publish the Submission Draft Places and Policies Local Plan and undertake public consultation for a minimum six week period in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Following this, the Places and Policies Local Plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State and an examination in public will be held.   

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Report C/17/27: On 14 September 2016 Cabinet agreed report C/16/35,

which sought approval to publish the Preferred Options Shepway Places

and Policies Local Plan for public engagement and to agree the

consultation arrangements.

 

The Preferred Options draft was subsequently published for consultation

for six weeks in October to November 2016 and the Council received over

2,000 representations from more than 600 individuals, community groups

and organisations. The representations have now been considered and

the Plan has been amended to reflect these and other considerations.

 

The new version of the plan, called the Submission Draft Places and

Policies Local Plan, is attached at Appendix 1.

 

The next stage in the process is to publish the Submission Draft Places

and Policies Local Plan and undertake public consultation for a minimum

six week period in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local

Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Following this, the Places and

Policies Local Plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State and an

examination in public will be held.

 

This report was considered at Cabinet on 19 July 2017.

 

David Whittington and Adrian Tofts presented members with an update following the first consultation and the next stage in the process. A copy of the presentation is attached for information.

 

Particular attention was paid to the following:

 

Preferred options consultation – there was an increase in people responding from previous consultations and this is partly due to the success of the communications team and the use of social media (such as Twitter and Facebook) in generating interest.

 

The main areas in the “places” section that received the most interest were Princes Parade, Land adjacent to the Battle of Britain Museum – Hawkinge, Greatstone car park and Land south of New Romney. In respect of the “policies” section particular attention was paid to the transport and local green spaces.

 

17 new sites were submitted and it is intended to take 3 forward to allocate in the Submission plan; Cherry Gardens, New Romney, Rhee Wall Road, Brenzett and Rye Road, Brookland.

 

As well as new sites some sites will be deleted and this is due to uncertainty over delivery, lack of adequate highways access, objections to loss of playing fields and where development on site is advanced. The sites deleted are shown in the attached papers. The Council will still meet the development requirements set out in the 2013 Core Strategy, particularly the numbers of homes that need to be built.

 

The main proposed changes on the sites being kept are in respect of Princes Parade, Hythe, Land adjacent to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, which is to be a mixed-use development including land for the expansion of the adjoining museum, and Land adjoining The Marsh Academy, which is to help with the provision of health facilities.

 

Members noted the additional proposed changes listed in the attached papers with their attention drawn to the need to get correct and proper clarification on requirements for S106 and CIL contributions and the changes in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

27.

Treasury Management Annual Report 2016/17

Report C/17/22 reviews the council’s treasury management activities for 2016/17, including the actual treasury management indicators. The report meets the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. The Council is required to comply with both Codes through Regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Report C/17/22 reviews the council’s treasury management activities for

2016/17, including the actual treasury management indicators. The report

meets the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury

Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local

Authorities. The Council is required to comply with both Codes through

Regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003.

 

This report was considered at Cabinet on 19 July 2017.

 

Members were informed that all treasury management regulations and standards are being complied with. They noted that longer term investments were being used rather than shorter term options. This has helped to reduce risks.

 

Members asked for more background information about why the council’s credit rating reduced and when the change happened. This information will be circulated to the committee after this meeting along with further information about the council’s investments with BNP Paribas.

 

It was noted that an investments advisory company, Arlingclose, helps the finance team to monitor the strategy and provides advice on investment risks and opportunities.

 

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Michael Lyons and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/17/22.

 

(Voting: For 6; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

28.

General Fund Revenue Budget Monitoring - 1st Quarter 2017/18 and 2016/17 Financial Outturn

Report C/17/26 provides a projection of the end of year financial position for the General Fund revenue expenditure based on net expenditure to 31 May 2017. The report also summarises the 2016/17 final outturn position (subject to audit) for the General Fund revenue expenditure compared to both the latest approved budget.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Report C/17/26 provides a projection of the end of year financial position

for the General Fund revenue expenditure based on net expenditure to 31

May 2017. The report also summarises the 2016/17 final outturn position

(subject to audit) for the General Fund revenue expenditure compared to

both the latest approved budget.

 

This report was considered at Cabinet on 19 July 2017.

 

Members noted that this report summarises 2016/17 final outturn position and provides an indication of how the budget is being managed in the current financial year. A number of budget allocations have been carried forward from 2016/17 to 2017/18 to progress activities that span the two financial years, including funds that have been set aside for the Otterpool Park development.

 

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Claire Jeffrey

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rodica Wheeler and

 

Resolved:

1. To receive and note Report C/17/26.

 

(Voting: For 5; Against 0; Abstentions 1)

29.

General Fund Capital Budget Monitoring - 1st Quarter 2017/18 and 2016/17 Outturn

Report C/17/23 This monitoring report provides a projection of the latest financial position for the General Fund capital programme, based on expenditure to 31 May 2017. The report identifies variances on planned capital expenditure for the General Fund in 2017/18. The report also summarises the 2016/17 final outturn position (subject to audit) for the General Fund capital programme compared to both the latest approved budget and the quarter 4 budget monitoring position reported to Cabinet in April 2017. Finally the report also summarises the outturn position for the approved prudential indicators for capital expenditure in 2016/17.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Report C/17/23 This monitoring report provides a projection of the latest

financial position for the General Fund capital programme, based on

expenditure to 31 May 2017. The report identifies variances on planned

capital expenditure for the General Fund in 2017/18. The report also

summarises the 2016/17 final outturn position (subject to audit) for the

General Fund capital programme compared to both the latest approved

budget and the quarter 4 budget monitoring position reported to Cabinet in

April 2017. Finally the report also summarises the outturn position for the

approved prudential indicators for capital expenditure in 2016/17.

 

This report was considered at Cabinet on 19 July 2017.

 

Members were informed that there are no unforeseen capital issues arising.

 

Proposed by Councillor Michael Lyons

Seconded by Councillor Ian Meyers and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/17/23.

 

(Voting: For 6; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

30.

Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring - 1st Quarter 2017/18 and 2016/17 Outturn

Report C/17/20 provides a projection of the end of year financial position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue expenditure and HRA capital programme based on net expenditure to 31 May 2017.  The report also summarises the 2016/17 final outturn position (subject to audit) for the HRA revenue expenditure and HRA capital programme compared to both the latest approved budget. 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

Report C/17/20 provides a projection of the end of year financial position

for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue expenditure and HRA

capital programme based on net expenditure to 31 May 2017. The report

also summarises the 2016/17 final outturn position (subject to audit) for the

HRA revenue expenditure and HRA capital programme compared to both

the latest approved budget.

 

This report was considered at Cabinet on 19 July 2017.

 

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Claire Jeffrey and

 

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/17/20.

 

(Voting: For 5; Against 0; Abstentions 1)

31.

Otterpool Park

A presentation will be given.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

A presentation by Andy Jarrett, Head of Strategic Development Projects was given and this is attached to the minutes for information.

 

The presentation updates members on the Landowner progress since March 2017 and officers are now moving forward in respect of detailed technical studies some of which are already part-way through: transport; ecology; landscape and water supply, with no real issues coming out of these.

 

The Framework masterplan must be viable and deliverable as it will form part of the planning application. A study of employment is underway which will attract new economic development into the site, this study will look at what will work, which can be reliable and deliverable.

 

Discussions are in progress with network rail to develop Westenhanger Station and on-going discussions are now taking place with the 4 potential operators for the line.

 

Members were informed that the collaboration agreement has been extended to 31 March 2018. Preparation of a 2nd Collaboration Agreement and working towards a future Development Agreement has begun.

 

Mr Jarrett informed members that following initial consultations it was clear that the younger generation had not responded and it is this area that officers will work hard to connect with as progress is made. More public events, working with schools and colleges to show what Otterpool can offer in terms of business opportunities, open space and housing.

 

It was agreed that this is a long term plan which will evolve over time with more detail being added along as it progresses.

 

Members paid particular attention to the following:

 

·         Funding – members were informed that significant government funding has been provided for consultant fees and local planning authority.

·         Schools – it is anticipated that 2 primary schools will be built at the start of works and this is based on initial housing figures of upto 12,000. The masterplan may eventually include 7 primary schools and 2 secondary.

·         Consultations – more work is needed to reach the younger generation and it is hoped that communication can be made not only through public consultations but by using twitter, facebook and other social media outlets as well as direct contact through schools and the local college..

.

·         Housing – members requested that more detail be provided at the earliest opportunity in respect of numbers and affordable housing.

 

 

At the end of the presentation as members did not have any questions relating to the financial position in respect of Otterpool there was no need to take the meeting into a private session.