Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5LF. View directions

Contact: Jane Fulton 

Items
No. Item

203.

Welcome

Minutes:

            The Chairman welcomed Councillors, representatives of the public, press and officers to the Council Meeting.  A special welcome was extended to Alderman Mrs Stinchcombe and Squires.

 

 

204.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

            Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Mrs Baker, Batley, C Blanchard-Cooper, Miss Needs and from Honorary Aldermen, Mrs Goad, MBE and Mrs Morrish.

 

 

205.

Declarations of interest

Members and Officers are invited to make any declarations of pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interests that they may have in relation to items on this agenda, and are reminded that they should re-declare their interest before consideration of the item or as soon as the interest becomes apparent.

 

Members and Officers should make their declaration by stating:

 

a)  the item they have the interest in

b)  whether it is a pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interest

c)  the nature of the interest

d) if it is a pecuniary or prejudicial interest, whether they will be exercising their right to speak under Question Time

Minutes:

The Director of Place declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest in Agenda Item 12 [Cabinet – 29 July 2019 – Minute 141 [Local Housing (Property) Company as the current Director of the Company.  He confirmed that he would leave the meeting for this item.

 

            A Declaration of Interest Sheet had been circulated to the meeting setting out those Members who had made a declaration of their personal interest as a Member of a Town or Parish Councillor or a West Sussex County Councillor, as confirmed in their Register of Interest as these declarations could apply to any of the issues to be discussed at the meeting.  This table is set out below:

 

Name

Town or Parish Council or West Sussex County Council [WSCC]

Councillor Jamie Bennett

Rustington

Councillor Paul Bicknell

Angmering

Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper

Littlehampton

Councillor Jim Brooks

Bognor Regis

Councillor Ian Buckland

Littlehampton and WSCC

Councillor Mike Clayden

Rustington

Councillor Alison Cooper

Rustington

Councillor Sandra Daniells

Bognor Regis

Councillor David Edwards

WSCC

Councillor Roger Elkins

Ferring and WSCC

Councillor Paul English

Felpham

Councillor Inna Erskine

Bognor Regis

Councillor Steve Goodheart

Bognor Regis

Councillor Pauline Gregory

Rustington

Councillor June Hamilton

Pagham

Councillor Shirley Haywood

Middleton-on-Sea

Councillor David Huntley

Pagham

Councillor Henry Jones

Bognor Regis

Councillor Martin Lury

Bersted

Councillor Francis Oppler

WSCC

Councillor Jacky Pendleton

Middleton-on-Sea and WSCC

Councillor Vicky Rhodes

Littlehampton

Councillor Dan Purchese

WSCC

Councillor Emily Seex

Littlehampton

Councillor Martin Smith

Aldwick

Councillor Matt Stanley

Bognor Regis

Councillor Samantha Staniforth

Bognor Regis

Councillor Isabel Thurston

Barnham & Eastergate

Councillor James Walsh

Littlehampton and WSCC

Councillor Jeanette Warr

Bognor Regis

Councillor Amanda Worne

Yapton

Councillor Gillian Yeates

Bersted

 

 

206.

Public Question Time

To receive questions from the public (for a period of up to 15 minutes)

Minutes:

The Chairman invited questions from members of the public who had submitted their questions in advance of the meeting in accordance with the rules of the Council’s Constitution. 

 

The Chairman announced that two questions had been received.  As the first questioner was not able to be present, the Committee Services Manager read out the question on their behalf.  This asked the Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Councillor Mrs Yeates, if the Council could consider the implementation of Neighbourhood Wardens.  It was felt that a visible presence could prevent crime and deter repeat offenders.

 

The Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Councillor Mrs Yeates, responded stating that the Council was aware of the various Neighbourhood Warden schemes in operation across West Sussex and the beneficial outcomes for local communities, which included increasing community guardianship, improved engagement and where required, utilising enforcement to disrupt and deter anti-social behaviour.  The Council would scope and consider the viability of implementing a similar scheme in Arun. 

 

The Chairman then invited the second questioner to ask their question.  The Cabinet Member for Technical Services, Councillor Stanley, was asked if the barriers around the Felpham beach huts could be removed.  The questioner also sought assurance that no similar structure would be erected without full and lawful consultation with the public.

 

The Cabinet Member for Technical Services, Councillor Stanley, responded stating that he appreciated and understood the frustration some residents felt due to the lack of consultation that was undertaken prior to the installation of fences around the Felpham greensward. He outlined that the fences were installed during the previous administration due to numerous complaints being received by Arun District Council regarding dog waste on the greensward. Alongside this it is also worth noting that that traces of dog waste were previously identified by laboratory analysis in the water nearby. 

 

Since the fences have been in place cleansing officers had reported a noticeable reduction in dog waste around the greensward, and during the ‘Beauty of the Beach’ Felpham beach clean, which he had attended, no issues of concern or complaints had been raised.  In fact, three emails of thanks had been received praising the installation of the fences. 

 

The Chairman then invited supplementary questions.

 

The second questioner asked a supplementary question stating that she would appreciate continuing some sort of dialogue with the Cabinet Member to address the issues.  Councillor Stanley responded confirming that he would be happy to continue correspondence.

 

The Chairman then drew Public Question Time to a close.

 

207.

Petitions

To consider any petitions received from the public.

Minutes:

The Chairman confirmed that no Petitions had been received.

 

208.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 418 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 July 2019, which are attached.

Minutes:

            The Minutes of the last Full Council Meeting held on 17 July 2019 were approved by the Council as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

209.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive such announcements as the Chairman may desire to lay before the Council.

Minutes:

The Chairman alerted Members to the list of engagements and events that had been attended since the last Full Council meeting held on 17 July 2019 – these had been emailed to Councillors recently.

 

She also referred to Alderman Mrs Morrish who had been poorly recently and she asked the Council to join with her in sending her good wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

210.

Urgent Matters

To deal with business not otherwise specified in the Council summons which, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Council (in consultation with the Chief Executive), is business of such urgency as to require immediate attention by the Council.

Minutes:

There were no items for this meeting.

211.

Development Control Committee - 10 July 2019 pdf icon PDF 236 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 10 July 2019.  There are recommendations at:

 

o   Minute 93 [To Consult on the Renewal of the Butlin’s Local Development Order]  – to view the Officer’s report and Appendices, please click on this link – Report and Appendices

 

Minutes:

            The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Ms Thurston, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 10 July 2019.

            Councillor Ms Thurston alerted Members to recommendations at Minute 93 [To Consult on the Renewal of the Butlin’s Local Development Order].  The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Mrs Yeates.

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED - That

 

(1)          The principle of a Local Development Order for Butlins be agreed for a further 5-year period;

 

(2)          Delegated authority be granted to the Group Head of Planning to:

 

(a)    Carry out formal public consultation on the draft renewal of the Local Development Order

(b)    Consider the representations to the draft Butlins Local Development Order and make amendments, if necessary;

(c)    Submit the Local Development Order to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government; and

(d)    Subject to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government not intervening through making a direction under Section 61B(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act, the Butlins Local Development Order be adopted as soon as reasonably practicable after 1 September 2019.

 

212.

Electoral Review Sub-Committee - 16 July 2019 pdf icon PDF 130 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Purchese, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Electoral Review Sub-Committee held on 16 July 2019.  There are no recommendations.

 

 

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Purchese, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Electoral Review Sub-Committee held on 16 July 2019.

 

213.

Standards Committee - 25 July 2019 pdf icon PDF 119 KB

The Chairman, Councillor English, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 25 July 2019.  There are recommendations at:

 

o   Minute 127 [Local Government Ethical Standards] – to view the Officer’s report and the Appendices, please click on this link - Report and Appendix 1; Appendix 2; Appendix 3;  Appendix 4;  Appendix 4A and Appendix 4B;

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor English, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 25 July 2019.

            Councillor English then drew Members’ attention to a series of recommendations at Minute 127 [Local Government Ethical Standards] and which he formally proposed.  It was confirmed that the minutes were incorrect in referring to these as a ‘resolved’ matter as they should have been recommended to the Council.  The recommendations were then duly seconded by Councillor Tilbrook.

            The Council

                        RESOLVED – That

(1)          The areas for change in the Members’ Code of Conduct and the Local Assessment Procedure be agreed, as set out in Appendix 4 attached to the Minutes;

 

(2)          The review of the Code of Conduct should consider updating the “Principles of the Code of Conduct” against the latest wording for the Seven Principles of Public Life;

 

(3)          Consultation be undertaken with Town and Parish Councils in considering any areas for change; and

 

(4)          The Group Head of Council Advice & Monitoring Officer should bring back a revised draft of the Members’ Code of Conduct and Local Assessment Procedure to a future meeting, taking account of the areas for change.

 

214.

Cabinet - 29 July 2019 pdf icon PDF 230 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, will present the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 29 July 2019.  There are recommendations at:

 

o   Minute 137 [Corporate Plan 2018-2022 – Quarter 4 and End of Year Performance Outturn for 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019] – to view the Officer’s report, please click on this link – Report

o   Minute 141 [Local Housing (Property) Company – Trisanto] – to view the Officer’s report, please click on this link – Report

o   Minute 144 [Overview Select Committee – 25 June 2019 – Recommendation from the meeting of the Council Tax Support Task and Finish Working Party – 16 April 2019]

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 29 July 2019.

 

             Councillor Dr Walsh drew Members’ attention to the first set of recommendation at Minute 135 [Corporate Plan 2018-2022 – Quarter 4 and end of Year Performance Outturn for 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019] which he duly proposed.  The recommendations were then seconded by Councillor Oppler.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED - That

 

(1)      The CP11 [Household Waste Sent for Re-Use, Recycling and Composting] indicator target be increased from 40% to 50% for 2019-2020; and

(2)      The CP8 [Number of new Council Homes Built or Purchased per annum] target be increased from 25 to 35 for 2019-2020.

 

            Councillor Dr Walsh then drew Members’ attention to the next recommendation at Minute 139 [Local Housing (property) Company – Trisanto]. 

 

            [The Director of Place redeclared his Personal and Prejudicial Interest made at the start of the meeting and left the meeting for this item].

 

            Councillor Dr Walsh confirmed that he was withdrawing this item explaining that further investigation needed to take place as to whether the termination of the Local Housing (Property) Company was the right decision for the Council to make.

 

            Councillor Dr Walsh then drew Members’ attention to the final recommendation at Minute 142 [Overview Select Committee – 25 June 2019 – Minutes of the meeting of the Council Tax Support Task and Finish Working Party (16 April 2019) which was asking the Council to support that the Council’s Council Tax Support (the income banded scheme) be retained and unchanged for a further year.  Councillor Dr Walsh proposed this recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Oppler.

 

 

 

 

            Councillor Buckland confirmed that he needed to disclose to the Council that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to him and so he would not be voting on this matter but would remain in the meeting for this item.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED

 

That the Council’s Council Tax Support (the income banded scheme) is retained – that is no change to the current scheme.

 

215.

Audit & Governance Committee - 30 July 2019 pdf icon PDF 269 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Erskine, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Audit & Governance Committee held on 30 July 2019.  There are a series of recommendations at;

 

o   Minute 150 [Treasury Management Annual Report 2018/19] – to view the Officer’s report and its Appendices, please click on this link – Report and Appendices

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Erskine, presented the Minutes from the Meeting of the Audit & Governance Committee held on 30 July 2019.

            Councillor Mrs Erskine alerted Members to three recommendations at Minute 150 [Treasury Management Annual Report – 2018/19] which she duly proposed.  The recommendations were then seconded by Councillor Mrs Haywood.

     The Council then

 

                 RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2018/19 contained in the report be approved;

 

(2)          the treasury management report for 2018/19 be noted; and

 

(3)          the treasury activity during 2018/19, which had generated interest receipts of £754,000 (1.25%) Budget £480,000 (1.14%) be noted.

 

 

 

216.

Development Control Committee - 7 August 2019 pdf icon PDF 176 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 7 August 2019.  There are no recommendations.

 

Minutes:

            The Vice-Chairman for the meeting, Councillor Chapman, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 7 August 2019.

            Councillor Coster confirmed that he wished to make a Statement in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 in relation to Minute 162 [Planning Application P/30/19/OUT].  He stated that he had serious concerns as he believed that the Council had acted unlawfully in considering this planning application.  Councillor Coster stated that at the meeting he had asked for an officer explanation as to why the Committee was being requested to approve the application when it had breached five important policies contained within the Local Plan.  As Councillor Coster felt that he had not received a satisfactory response to the questions and concerns raised, he wished this application to be brought back to the Development Control Committee for reconsideration. 

            The Chief Executive responded confirming that the Decision Notice for this application had been issued as the decision was legally binding.  He further confirmed that this matter could not be debated at this meeting as the Council had, through its Constitution, delegated authority to determine this and other applications, to the Development Control Committee as confirmed  at Part 3 – Responsibility for Functions, Paragraph 4.2.

            Councillor Huntley confirmed that he wished to make a Statement on the same matter in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2.  He criticised the date of the meeting having been organised during the peak school holiday summer season which had resulted in several apologies being submitted making substitutions difficult. 

            The response provided by the Chief Executive outlined that the Calendar of Meetings had been set months in advance and that meetings of the Development Control Committee always took place in the month of August.

 

217.

Cabinet - 2 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 155 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, will present the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 2 September 2019. 

 

The Minutes will be circulated separately any recommendations will be reported to the meeting.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 2 September 2019, which had been circulated separately to the agenda.

 

218.

Overview Select Committee - 3 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 153 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Coster, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 3 September 2019. 

 

The Minutes will be circulated separately and any recommendations will be reported to the meeting.

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Coster, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 3 September 2019, which had been circulated separately to the agenda.

            Councillor Dendle confirmed that he wished to make a Statement in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 in relation to Minute 184 [Combined Cleansing Services Contract – Review of Performance Since Award and Extension of Contract].  He referred to the discussion that had taken place at the meeting about the Council’s green waste service and what methods could be introduced to boost recycling levels.  He had proposed that garden waste collections should be provided to all residents without charge and it had been disappointing that his proposal had not been supported.

            A response was provided confirming that the wider aspects of this approach needed to be addressed first along with other initiatives. It was emphasised that the Council faced huge challenges around West Sussex County Council’s (WSCCs) approach to recycling and so it was necessary to look at all alternatives to make recycling work for the Council.

            Councillor Buckland confirmed that he wished to make a Statement on the same matter in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 relating to the carbon footprint.  He held the view that more work needed to be undertaken with Central Government in terms of the recycling of the batteries from electric vehicles.  His other concern related the amount of electricity that was used to power up electric car batteries which he felt also needed further research as electric vehicles became more popular.

            Councillor Coster, as Chairman of the Committee, raised one final point.  He had become aware that during the meeting a Member of the Committee had used his mobile phone at the table to take pictures of certain Councillors which had then been published onto social media following the meeting without the consent of those Councillors.  Councillor Coster made a request that the publication of such photographs be investigated to ensure that this action was not in breach of the Council’s Filming and Recording of Meetings Protocol.

            The Councillor responsible confirmed that he had taken the pictures so that he could engage with the public.  He apologised for this action but not for intending to engage with the public.

            The Chief Executive confirmed that the Council did have a Filming and Recordings of Meeting Protocol in place, and he asked Members to ensure that they complied with it.

 

 

 

219.

Development Control Committee - 4 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 246 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 4 September 2019. 

 

The Minutes will be circulated separately and any recommendations will be reported to the meeting.

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 4 September 2019, which had been circulated separately to the agenda.

 

220.

Constitution Working Party - 9 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 220 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Yeates, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Constitution Working Party held on 9 September 2019.

 

The minutes will be circulated separately and any recommendations will be reported to the meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Yeates, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Constitution Working Party held on 9 September 2019, which had been circulated separately to the agenda.

            The Chairman alerted Members to the first of a series of recommendations at Minute 5 [Constitutional Amendments – Officer Employment Rules].  Councillor Mrs Yeates outlined that this had been a major review of this section of the Constitution which had been undertaken to take account of changes to legislation since the Officer Employment Rules had been drawn up.  As this part of the Constitution has not been reviewed for some years a complete re-write had been necessary to also consider best practice and Joint Negotiating Committee guidance.  Councillors were advised that Appendix 1 in their second bundle of papers set out the replacement text to be adopted which would make managing staff more straight forwards from a day-to-day operational perspective. Councillor Mrs Gregory then seconded the recommendations.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED - That

 

(1)          The proposed changes to the Constitution at Part 6 [Procedure Rules (Other)], Section 7 [Officer Employment Rules] as set out in the replacement text at Appendix 1, as attached to the minutes, be approved; 

 

(2)          Article 4, paragraph 2.0(o) be amended to add the words shown in bold below:

 

“Approving the dismissal in a disciplinary matter of the Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive), Directors, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer based on a recommendation from the Statutory Officers’ Investigatory and Disciplinary Committee;

 

(3)             Article 4, paragraph 2.0(p) be amended to remove the words crossed through and add the words shown in bold:

 

“Approving terminations of service of the Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive) in respect of early retirement and/or redundancy within the framework of restructuring proposals, and any changes to the postholder’s terms and conditions in response to a request for flexible retirement.

 

(4)          Amend Part 4 (Officer Scheme of Delegation), Section 2 (Chief Executive and Directors), paragraph 2.0 (Chief Executive) to add a further paragraph as shown in bold to read:

 

a. Settlement Agreements

i. to agree terms for Settlement Agreements up to a cost to the Council of £50,000 in consultation with the Section 151

Officer; ii. to agree terms for Settlement Agreements up to a cost to the Council of £95,000 in consultation with the Leader of the

Council, Leader of the Opposition and Section 151 Officer; and iii. to submit a report to Full Council for consideration on settlements of more than £95,000.

 

(5)          Amend Part 4 (Officer Scheme of Delegation), Section 3 (Group Heads), paragraph 2.1 (Group Head of Corporate Support) to replace the word “Compromise” with “Settlement” in the title and text; and amend the figure of “£10,000” to read “£25,000”.  To also replace the last sentence with the words “Settlements of more than £25,000 may be considered by the Chief Executive or Full Council dependent on their value as confirmed in Part 4 (Officer Scheme of Delegation, Section 2 (Chief Executive and Directors) and Article 4 (Functions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 220.

221.

Motions

The following Motions have been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.1. and 14.2, the detail of which is set out below:

 

Motion 1 – from the Independent Group relating to climate change and the implications for large scale development on the coastal plain

 

Climate change is real. It doesn’t matter whether we believe it is man-made or the end of the last ice age – climate change is happening – and quickly.

 

We are compelled, against our will, by government, to build 20,000 new homes on a coastal plain. As councillors, we are required to consider and determine planning applications for 20,000 new homes on this part of the coastal plain in the coming years.

 

Yet, here in Arun District the environmental risks are already substantial and increasing. The district is uniquely unsuitable for large scale development because it is particularly vulnerable to the risks arising from climate change, in addition to every type of flooding that already occurs in this country.

 

In Palaeolithic times the land we now live on was under the sea. The Slindon, Norton and Aldingbourne raised beaches, roughly following the line of the A27, remind us where the beach once was. If the coastal plain was under the sea once, it can be again.

 

Sea levels have been rising since the end of the last ice age (approx. 11,700 years ago) and continue to do so. As sea levels rise, and extreme weather events increase, as anticipated by scientists around the world, flood risk will increase significantly, yet we have no coherent and deliverable plan or funding for effectively guaranteeing the prevention of this risk to the residents of the district.

 

Large scale development in an area at risk of coastal and tidal flooding, flash flooding, surface water flooding, groundwater flooding from chalk aquifers and fluvial flooding is irresponsible.

 

Because we live on a coastal plain the land is flat and the water table is very high. Drainage of surface and ground water to the sea is slow, even more so at times of major weather events, via a small network of rifes that are tide locked twice a day. We also have the South Downs to the north shedding water southwards towards the coastal plain and sea.

 

Against this background, this Council believes that the Local Plan does not adequately protect new and existing communities from increasing flood risk. Therefore, we have no confidence in the Local Plan.

 

The Council calls on the Government to introduce a moratorium on large scale development in the Arun District whilst climate change and its potential impact on coastal plain development is properly assessed at governmental level.

 

 

 

The Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the appropriate Government Minister to notify him/her of this motion and to request a meeting with the Minster in order to discuss it.

 

We also call on local MPs to engage with the concerns raised in this motion and to assist the Council in taking these concerns to Government.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 221.

Minutes:

            The Chairman announced that three Motions had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules 14.1 and 14.2.

            The Chairman invited the proposer of the first Motion, Councillor Dixon to present the Motion which he duly proposed.  The Motion was seconded by Councillor Coster.  The Motion read as follows:

Motion relating to climate change and the implications for large scale development on the coastal plain

 

Climate change is real. It doesn’t matter whether we believe it is man-made or the end of the last ice age – climate change is happening – and quickly. 

 

We are compelled, against our will, by government, to build 20,000 new homes on a coastal plain. As Councillors we are required to consider and determine planning applications for 20,000 new homes on this part of the coastal plain in the coming years.

 

Yet, here in Arun District the environmental risks are already substantial and increasing. The district is uniquely unsuitable for large scale development because it is particularly vulnerable to the risks arising from climate change, in addition to every type of flooding that already occurs in this country.

 

In Palaeolithic times the land we now live on was under the sea. The Slindon, Norton and Aldingbourne raised beaches, roughly following the line of the A27, remind us where the beach once was. If the coastal plain was under the sea once, it can be again.

 

Sea levels have been rising since the end of the last ice age (approx. 11,700 years ago) and continue to do so. As sea levels rise, and extreme weather events increase, as anticipated by scientists around the world, flood risk will increase significantly, yet we have no coherent and deliverable plan or funding for effectively guaranteeing the prevention of this risk to the residents of the district.

 

Large scale development in an area at risk of coastal and tidal flooding, flash flooding, surface water flooding, groundwater flooding from chalk aquifers and fluvial flooding is irresponsible.

 

Because we live on a coastal plain the land is flat and the water table is very high. Drainage of surface and ground water to the sea is slow, even more so at times of major weather events, via a small network of rifes that are tide locked twice a day. We also have the South Downs to the north shedding water southwards towards the coastal plain and sea.

 

Against this background, this council believes that the Local Plan does not adequately protect new and existing communities from increasing flood risk. Therefore, we have no confidence in the Local Plan.

 

 

The Council calls on the Government to introduce a moratorium on large scale development in the Arun District whilst climate change and its potential impact on coastal plain development is properly assessed at governmental level. 

 

The Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the appropriate government Minister to notify him/her of this motion and to request a meeting with the Minster in order to discuss it.

 

We also call on local MPs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 221.

222.

Questions from Members pdf icon PDF 550 KB

To consider general questions from Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.3.

Minutes:

            The Chairman confirmed that the Questions from Members along with their responses had been circulated to the meeting and so this would be put without discussion, in line with the Constitution.

            The Chairman then invited each questioner to ask a supplementary question.

            Each of the questioners asked supplementary questions.  These questions and the supplementary responses can be found on the schedule attached to these Minutes.

 

223.

Review of Governance Arrangements pdf icon PDF 334 KB

This report is being submitted at the request of the Cabinet Member for Corporate Support, Councillor Francis Oppler.  It seeks the Council’s views on conducting a review of governance arrangements moving from the current Cabinet arrangements to a Committee style structure.  The report highlights the scope for a review process and how this could be taken forward.

Minutes:

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance, Councillor Oppler, presented a report that sought Members’ views on whether the Council should conduct a review of governance arrangements moving from the current Cabinet arrangement to a new Committee style structure.  The report highlighted the scope for a review process and how this could be taken forward.

 

            Councillor Oppler outlined his personal view that a Committee style structure did have the advantage of involving the maximum number of members in decision making and provided more opportunity for the voice of members to be heard.  A review of this nature would provide an opportunity for all political groups to work together and to come up with a Committee system that would not only work for the Council but for all residents of Arun too.  Having proposed the recommendations in the report, Councillor Dr Walsh then duly seconded them.

 

            In discussing the recommendations, many Councillors welcomed the opportunity for review, though some concerns were expressed over the timeline in place for concluding this work.  It was acknowledged that there was considerable work involved with a review of this nature and whether this could be achieved in time for a new Committee system to be introduced in May 2020.   Concern was also expressed that the cost of undertaking and implementing this work had not been included in the report.

 

Despite the short timescale in place, it was hoped that the Working Party would be able to scrutinise thoroughly all the issues in determining a new decision-making process, looking at the upside and downside benefits.

 

Having concluded to support the recommendations in the report and the establishment of a Governance Working Party to take forward this specific task, the following membership nominations were put forward as follows:

 

Liberal Democrats – 4 Members – Councillors Mrs Gregory, Oppler, Stanley and Dr Walsh

Conservatives – 4 Members – Councillors Bower, Charles, Gunner and Mrs Pendleton.

Independents – 1 Member – Councillor Dixon

Green – 1 Member – Councillor Ms Thurston

Other Independents – Councillor Mrs Daniells

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          A review of governance arrangements being conducted is agreed;

 

(2)          A Governance Working Party is established to undertake this review based on the following terms:

 

Terms of reference

 

(i)    To conduct a review of the Council’s governance arrangements exploring the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a Committee system.

(ii)  The review to work to the Local Government Association and Centre for Public Scrutiny’s guidance “Rethinking governance – practical steps for councils considering changes to their governance arrangements” and to take account of experience in other district and borough local authorities.

Size of the Working Party

11 Members with seats allocated based on the political balance of the Council as follows:

·         Liberal Democrats x 4

·         Conservatives x 4

·         Independents x 1

·         Green x 1

·         Labour x 0

·         Other Independents x 1

 

Nominations to the seats

Membership confirmed as follows:

 

Councillors Bower, Charles, Mrs Daniells, Dixon, Mrs Gregory, Gunner, Oppler, Mrs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 223.

224.

Committee Memberships

The following changes to Committee Memberships need to be noted by the Council as set out below:

 

(1)  Councillor Edwards is to replace Councillor Oliver-Redgate as a Member of the Development Control Committee;

(2)  Councillor Chapman will replace Councillor Bicknell as a named substitute of the Development Control Committee;

(3)  Councillors Clayden will become a named substitute of the Development Control Committee;

(4)  Councillor Bower will replace Councillor Mrs Stainton as a Member of the Standards Committee;

(5)  Councillor Chapman will replace Councillor Mrs Madeley as a Member of the Audit & Governance Committee;

(6)  Councillor Charles will replace Councillor Dendle as a Member of the Members’ IT Working Party;

(7)  Councillor Charles will replace Councillor Roberts as a Member of the Chief Executive’s (CEO) Remuneration Committee;

(8)  Councillor Bicknell will now become a Member of the Housing & Customer Services and Environment & Leisure Working Groups; and

(9)  The Assets of Community Value Appeals Panel is no longer required.  The appeals process against a decision made under The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012 is to the First Tier Tribunal, not a Council body.

 

 

Minutes:

The Council received and noted the following changes in Committee Memberships:

 

(1)  Councillor Edwards to replace Councillor Oliver-Redgate as a Member of the Development Control Committee;

(2)  Councillor Chapman to replace Councillor Bicknell as a named substitute of the Development Control Committee;

(3)  Councillors Clayden to become a named substitute of the Development Control Committee;

(4)  Councillor Bower to replace Councillor Mrs Stainton as a Member of the Standards Committee;

(5)  Councillor Chapman to replace Councillor Mrs Madeley as a Member of the Audit & Governance Committee;

(6)  Councillor Charles to replace Councillor Dendle as a Member of the Members’ IT Working Party;

(7)  Councillor Charles to replace Councillor Roberts as a Member of the Chief Executive’s (CEO) Remuneration Committee;

(8)  Councillor Bicknell to now become a Member of the Housing & Customer Services and Environment & Leisure Working Groups;

(9)  Councillor B Blanchard-Cooper to replace Councillor C Blanchard- Cooper as the Vice-Chairman of the Littlehampton Regeneration Sub-Committee

(10)       Councillor Ms Thurston to now become a Member of the Housing & Customer Services and Environment & Leisure Working Group; and

(11)       The Assets of Community Value Appeals Panel is no longer required.  The appeals process against a decision made under The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012 is to the First Tier Tribunal, not a Council body.

 

Having received permission from the Chairman, Councillor Dixon made a statement in relation to Councillor Bower’s membership on the Standards Committee.  

 

225.

Representation on Outside Bodies

The Council is asked to approve any changes to its representation on Outside Bodies.  Any changes can be reported verbally to the meeting by the Leader of the Council for approval.

Minutes:

No changes to representation to Outside Bodies were reported to this meeting.