Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Buckland, Hughes and Mrs Staniforth; and Honorary Aldermen Mrs Goad and Mr Squires.

The Chairman welcomed Councillors, representatives of the public, press and officers to the Council Meeting. 

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

In view of the nature of the issues to be discussed in Minute 68 (The Eighth Review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme), it is recognised that all Members of the Council will have a prejudicial interest. However, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, this does not preclude them from remaining in the meeting and voting on the recommendations.

In view of the nature of the issues to be discussed in Minute 5 (CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Responses), the Council was asked to note from the table below those Members who have made a declaration of their personal interest as a member of a Town or Parish Council, as confirmed in their Register of Interests.

Councillor English declared a personal interest in Minute 5 [CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Responses] as member of Felpham Parish Council.

Councillor Mrs Worne declared a personal interest in Minute 5 [CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Responses] as a member of Yapton Parish Council.   

Councillor Dr Walsh declared a personal interest in Minute 5 [CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Responses] as a member of Littlehampton Town Council.

            Councillor Mrs Erskine declared a personal interest as a member of Bognor Regis Town Council in Minute 5, the Planning Policy Sub-Committee of 18 June 2019 which refers to the CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Response.  She confirmed that whilst she had previously made this declaration to the Monitoring Officer, it was omitted from the published Register.  The Monitoring Officer had confirmed this was now being amended.

            Councillor Coster declared a personal interest in this item 21 [Cabinet – 8 July 2019] as Vice-Chairman of the Bognor Regis Civic Society

            Councillor Dixon declared a personal interest in item 21 [Cabinet – 8 July 2019].

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

            The Chairman announced that two public questions had been received in line with the Council’s Constitution. As the questioners were not present, it was noted that they would receive a written response.

To receive questions from Members with pecuniary/prejudicial interests (for a period of up to 15 minutes)

            There were none.

To consider any petitions received from the public.

            No petitions had been received.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 22 May 2019, which are attached.

            The Minutes from the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2019 were approved by the Council as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to an amendment at Minute 15 (Representation on Outside Bodies) to add Councillor Bennett to the list of Members in the recorded vote, voting for the appointed representative for the South Downs National Park.

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

            The Chairman alerted Members to the list of engagements and events that had been attended since the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 22 May 2019. 

She extended her congratulations to the two residents of the district on receiving honours in the Queen’s birthday Honours list.  Firstly, to Major Brian Hudson who had been awarded a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for recognition of his contribution to voluntary service in Sussex over many years.  Secondly, to Mr Peter Reed who had been awarded an MBE in recognition of his contribution to services to education and voluntary first aid work at the University of Sussex.

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.

The Chairman announced that there was one urgent item to consider. This was identified as item 27 on the second bundle of papers, being the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 25 June 2019. Due to a system error, these Minutes were omitted from the main agenda and needed to be considered at this meeting as there was a recommendation at Minute 54 [Work Programme – 2019/20].

            The Chairman requested that this item be considered after Agenda Item 21 – Cabinet of 8 July 2019, which was duly agreed.

The Chairman proposed a change to the order of business in the agenda to bring forward Agenda Item 17 [Planning Policy Sub-Committee – 18 June 2019] to immediately follow item 10 – Special Audit and Governance Committee meeting of 2 July 2019. This was because the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Councillor Yeates, needed to leave the meeting early.  Councillor Worne then seconded this proposal. 

On putting the proposal to the vote, it was declared CARRIED.

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Erskine, will present the Minutes from the Special Meeting of the Audit & Governance Committee held on 2 July 2019.

The Minutes from this meeting will be circulated seperately and any recommendatios will be presented to the meeting.

            The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Erskine, presented the Minutes from the Special Meeting of the Audit & Governance Committee held on 2 July 2019.

            Councillor Mrs Erskine referred Members to the recommendation at Minute 68 – The Independent Remuneration Panel’s Eighth Review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme which sought approval to changes to the Members Allowances Scheme which had taken account of the Panel’s report.

            Councillor Mrs Erskine introduced the Panel to the Council and thanked them for their time and hard work dedicated to completing this review which had been both complex and challenging in view of the time-constraints put forward for its completion.  It was explained for the benefit of new Members that the Panel’s report had initially been presented to the Audit & Governance Committee on 14 February 2019 and the Committee had deferred this being presented to Council in view of concerns expressed over the Panel’s recommendations on the special responsibility allowances payable to the Licensing Committee; and proposals to change arrangements for the Carers Allowance.   The Panel had presented their revised report to the Committee on 2 July 2019 and the majority of their recommendations had been accepted.  The minutes highlighted where a recommendation had been rejected.

            Councillor Mrs Erskine therefore proposed the recommendation to the Council and highlighted the amendments that had been made at the meeting.  Councillor Mrs Haywood then seconded this recommendation.

            In opening the debate, Councillor Dr Walsh proposed an amendment to reject the Panel’s recommendation (8) which was to decrease to the special responsibility allowance for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Licensing and Enforcement Committee ahead of the potential review of governance arrangements.  Councillor Oppler seconded this proposal.

            With no further debate on the amendment, this was put to the vote and it was declared CARRIED.

            Councillor English then referred to his concerns about the Panel’s recommendation (14) which proposed that the current meeting allowance paid to independent persons on the Standards Committee be replaced with a payment of £1,440 a year shared equally between the independent persons.  He believed this increase was unjustified and felt there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the level of increase being recommended.   He therefore proposed an amendment that this was referred back to the Audit & Governance Committee for re-consideration.  Councillor Cooper seconded this amendment.

            With no further debate on the amendment, it was put to the vote and was declared LOST.

            The Council was then referred to the substantive recommendation as amended and

RESOLVED

That the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on its eighth review of the Members Allowance’s Scheme be approved, subject to the amendments made at the meeting of the Audit & Governance Committee, and subject to rejecting the Panel’s recommendation (8) to decrease the Special Responsibility Allowance for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Licensing and Enforcement Committee ahead of the potential review of governance arrangements.

            The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Erskine then proposed the next recommendation from the Committee at Minute 69 (Chairman’s Annual Report to Council for 2018/19) and advised the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Yeates, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Planning Policy Sub-Committee held on 18 June 2019.  There are recommendations at:

o   Minute 4 [Adoption of Policy in Relation to Surface Water in New Development] - to view the Officer’s report, please click on this link – Report

o   Minute 5 [CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Responses] – to view the Officer’s report and all of the appendices – please click on these links - Report and Appendix 1, Appendix 2 and Appendix 3

            [Councillor Mrs Erskine re-declared her personal interest in this item as a member of Bognor Regis Town Council and Councillor Huntley re-declared his personal interest in this item as a member of Pagham Parish Council.]

            The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Yeates, presented the minutes from the meeting of the Planning Policy Sub-Committee held on 18 June 2019. 

            Councillor Mrs Yeates alerted Members to the first recommendation at Minute 4 [Adoption of Policy in Relation to Surface Water in New Development].  This was seeking the Council’s support to adopting West Sussex County Council’s policy for the management of surface water.  This policy would enable the Council to apply a consistent set of standards for dealing with existing systems and new development.  The Chairman stated that it would be subject to adaptation and review.

            Councillor Mrs Yeates then formally proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Jones.

            Clarification was sought on whether the Council was being asked to adopt the policy as presented and how it could be later adapted or reviewed.   Councillor Mrs Yeates clarified that it was her intention to ask the Council to adopt the policy now, with the view that once it had been embedded, then it could be reviewed.

            Following further discussion, the Council

                        RESOLVED

                        That the West Sussex LLFA (Local Lead Flood Authority) Policy for the Management of Surface Water (November 2018 and as updated from time to time) be adopted, particularly but not exclusively in relation to all new development within the Arun District.

            Councillor Mrs Yeates then alerted Members to the next set of recommendations at Minute 5 [CIL Draft Charging Schedule Consultation Responses]

In proposing this Minute, Councillor Mrs Yeates proposed an amendment to the wording of the recommendations as the minutes had omitted the context as to why a change was being made to the wording of Modification No 21 as set out in recommendation (2).  The amendment read:

1.    In the second line of the recommendation, the word ‘guidance’ is deleted and replaced with the words “clarification in recommendation (2)”

2.    At recommendation (2) the words “the following amendment (shown in underlined) be made to the Proposed Statement – Modification No. 21” are added and then the clarification from “Neither does it include …” onwards is underlined

            Councillor Jones then seconded the original recommendation and amendment.

            In introducing the amendment, Councillor Mrs Yeates explained to the Council that student accommodation had been discussed at great lengths and clarification had provided to the Sub-Committee of which they were happy with, hence the modified text.

            Following discussion, Councillor Mrs Yeates confirmed that the CIL would be a major income stream for the Council in future.  The Council therefore

RESOLVED

That, subject to further clarification in recommendation (2) relating to student accommodation and the status of residential accommodation in a holiday environment,

(1)               the Draft Charging Schedule (Submission Version) (the DCS Submission Version) (provided as Background Paper 3 to this report) along with all required supporting documentation, as required, are submitted to the appointed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

The then Vice-Chairman, Councillor English, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 12 March 2019.  There are no recommendations.

            The then Chairman of the Committee, Councillor English, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 12 March 2019.

The then Chairman, Councillor Cooper, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 22 March 2019.  There are three recommendations at:

o   Minute 490 [Amendments to Arun District Council’s Enforcement Policy for Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing Licensing and Cleansing] – to view the Officer’s report – please click on this link: Report and Appendix

            The then Chairman, Councillor Cooper, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 22 March 2019.

            Councillor Cooper then formally proposed the recommendation at Minute 490 [Amendments to Arun District Council’s Enforcement Policy for Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing, Licensing and Cleansing] which sought approval to adopting an amended Enforcement Policy, which was duly seconded by Councillor Clayden.

            The Council

                        RESOLVED – That

(1)           the amended Enforcement Policy for Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing, Licensing and Cleansing be adopted;

(2)          the setting of a Fixed Penalty Notice fine level at £100 for breaches of a Community Protection Notice, as an alternative to prosecution be approved; and

(3)          approval be given to the Group Head of Technical Services, or his nominated representative, to be given delegated authority to make any necessary consequential changes to the amended Enforcement Policy for Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing, Licensing and Cleansing as a result of new legislation or alternative practices.

The then Chairman, Councillor Bower, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 10 April 2019.  There are no recommendations.

            The then Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Bower, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 10 April 2019.

In the absence of the then Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the former Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Charles, will present the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 11 April 2019.  There are no recommendations.

            In the absence of the then Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet, the then Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Councillor Clayden, presented the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 11 April 2019.

The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, will present the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 3 June 2019.  There are recommendations at:

o   Minute 20 [Assets of Community Value – Policy and Procedures] – to view the Officer’s report and the Appendixes, please click on these links: Report and The Policy

o   Minute 22 [Tivoli Group Ltd, Admissions Agreement to Local Government Pensions Scheme] – to view the Officer’s report – please click on this link: Report

o   Minute 24 [Planning Appeal at Land North of Hook Lane, Pagham] – to view the Officer’s report – please click on this link: Report

[Councillor Coster re-declared a personal interest in this item as a member of the Ship Inn.

Councillor Elkins declared a personal interest in this item as a member of West Sussex County Council.

Councillor Dr Walsh declared a personal interest in minute 22 as a member of West Sussex County Council.

Councillor Huntley declared a personal interest in minute 24 as a member of Pagham Parish Council]

Before introducing the Minutes, the Chairman invited Councillor Dendle to make a statement.  His statement referred to the start time of Cabinet meetings of 5.00pm which he felt was not a convenient time for working councillors.  He requested that a start time of 6.00pm be considered by the Cabinet which the Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh agreed to consider.

            The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, then presented the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 3 June 2019.

            Councillor Dr Walsh alerted Members to the first set of recommendations at Minute 20 [Assets of Community Value – Policy and Procedures] which aimed to make it easier for Parish Councils and community groups to understand how they could nominate an asset of community value.             Councillor Dr Walsh then formally proposed the recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Stanley.

            The Council

                        RESOLVED – That

(1)          the assets of Community Value Policy and Guidance Notes for Nominating Bodies and Owners be adopted;

(2)          the Group Head of Technical Services be delegated authority to make any future necessary changes to the Policy as a consequence of new legislation or alternative practices;

(3)          the following additions be made to the Council’s Constitution as Part 4 (Officer Scheme of Delegation):

(a)  Authority be delegated to the Director of Place and Group Head of Technical Services, or their nominated representative, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Technical Services, to validate, consider and determine nominations for property/land to be listed as an asset of community value under the Assets of Community Value Policy.

(4)          the Group Head of Council Advice & Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any further consequential changes required to the Constitution.

            Councillor Dr Walsh then alerted Members to the next recommendation at Minute 22 [Tivoli Group Ltd – Admissions Agreement to Local Government Pensions Scheme}.  The recommendation was being made to reflect a change in service provider.

            Councillor Dr Walsh then formally proposed the recommendation which was duly seconded by Councillor Purchese.

            Councillor Chapman made a statement that he found it difficult to support this recommendation because it was unclear if this fund was in surplus or benefit.   Councillor Purchese, as Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods responded that he had been advised that two former members of Arun staff were affected, hence why the request was being made.

            Councillor Edwards sought clarification from the Monitoring Officer on whether he needed to declare an interest in this item.  The Monitoring Officer confirmed that there was no requirement based on his declaration in his Register of Interests.

            The Council returned to the recommendation and

                        RESOLVED

            That the Council acts as a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 5 June 2019.  There are no recommendations.

            The Chairman, Councillor Bennett presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 5 June 2019.

The Chairman, Councillor Buckland, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Littlehampton Regeneration Sub-Committee held on 13 June 2019.  There are no recommendations.

            The Vice-Chairman, Councillor C Blanchard-Cooper, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Littlehampton Regeneration Sub-Committee held on 5 June 2019.

The Chairman, Councillor Stanley, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee on 24 June 2019. 

The Minutes from this meeting will be circulated seperately and any recommendations will be reported to the meeting.

            The Chairman, Councillor Stanley, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee held on 24 June 2019.

The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Ms Thurston, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Special Development Control Committee held on 27 June 2019.

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

            The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Ms Thurston, presented the Minutes from the Special Meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 27 June 2019.

            Councillor Gunner made a statement in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 relating to the rejected planning application Y/62/18/OUT. He felt that Members of this Committee were not taking into consideration the importance of future housing for future generations and also felt that this was in direct conflict with one of the Liberal Democrats own campaign promises to end the housing crisis.  

            Councillor Oppler responded to Councillor Gunner and stated that he was aware of this application although had not attended the meeting. He confirmed that this application was not in a strategic site, it was against the Council’s development plan and he agreed with him that the Council needed to build more houses but that these houses needed to be in the right place and built for the right people.

            Councillor Huntley also made a statement that the houses that were built needed to be affordable and the Council should consider modular houses to ensure that it was building the right houses in the right way.

            Councillor Charles made the final statement and confirmed that the price of houses was nothing to do with the Development Control Committee, the price was determined by the market.

            In responding to all the statements, Councillor Thurston advised that the thinking behind the rejected application was that this was not part of the strategic allocation or the Local Plan and it was felt strongly that the local residents were being represented by their ward councillors who were very clear that it was felt to be the last bit of open country/farm land and that open space would be more preferable for the local residents.

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Staniforth, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Environment & Leisure Working Group held on 4 July 2019.

The Minutes of this meeting will be circulated seperately and any  recommendations will be report to the meeting.

            The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Brooks, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Environment & Leisure Working Group held on 4 July 2019.

Councillor Brooks advised the Council that the minutes omitted to include the detail of the recommendation at Minute 54 [Work Programme 2019-2020] and in line with the Constitution, the Council needed to approve the work programme.  He formally approved the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Dixon.

            The Council

RESOLVED

That the Environment & Leisure Working Group’s Work Programme for 2019/2020 be approved 

The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, will present the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 8 July 2019.

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

            [Councillor Coster re-declared a Personal Interest in this item as Vice-Chairman of the Bognor Regis Civic Society.]

            The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 8 July 2019.

            Statements and questions were then made by a number of councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13 in relation to Minute 76 (Pavilion Park Project, Bognor Regis).

            Firstly, Councillor Chapman who wanted clarification that the present Pavilion Park design would be included with the two other future schemes being proposed. Councillor Dr Walsh clarified that this was not the case.

            Councillor Gunner, following on from Councillor Chaman’s question, asked how much money did this administration intend on spending on seeing this reach fruition? A second question put forward to Councillor Oppler asked whether he would be sharing the results of the Liberal Democrat survey that was completed on the Pavilion Park scheme.   Councillor Oppler responded that on 2 May 2019 at the District elections, a clear choice was presented to the electors in Bognor Regis regarding Pavilion Park and the Sunken Garden site that by voting Liberal Democrat that the much-loved garden would be saved. It was an election promise that was made and one that had now been kept.  He confirmed that the Council would continue to go out to consultation to ensure that the public were able to have a meaningful say regarding future plans for the Sunken Gardens. He also stated that in response to Councillor Gunner’s other question, the survey he was referring to was a hugely successful Liberal Democrat survey on which he had no plans of sharing with the opposition.

            Councillor Dendle stated that in his view Councillor Oppler did not know what the public in the District thought and a survey might not have been the best way to have come to a definitive conclusion on this project anyway, as having done some research on social media he found that people were generally happy for the work to have continued on this project. He confirmed that he felt more consultation was absolutely needed to understand exactly what people thought on the matter.

            Councillor Charles stated that he had always worked on evidence and he had not seen any evidence from Councillor Oppler. The work and progress on Pavilion Park Project had been stopped by the new administration within days of the election result, the money had already been spent, the consultation had already taken place.  He asked how had the new administration had been allowed to stop the project given that the money had already been spent?

            Councillor Coster stated that he did not feel that any meaningful consultation had taken place previously and he was in support of what people were being offered now for the site as it was a true reflection of the meaning of consultation as it gave people options to choose what people would like to see happen to this site.

            In responding, Councillor Dr Walsh advised Members to refer to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

The Chairman, Councillor Coster, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 25 June 2019, these Minutes were omitted from the main agenda in error.  There is a recommendation at:

o   Minute 54 [Work Programme – 2019/2020] – the Officer’s report is attached.

The Chairman, Councillor Coster, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 25 June 2019.

            In proposing the recommendation at Minute 54 [Work Programme – 2019/20]. Councillor Coster confirmed that he needed to make an amendment to replace the wording in the minutes with the following: “That the Committee’s Work Programme for 2019/20 be approved”.  Councillor Clayden then seconded the original recommendation and amendment.

            In considering the work programme, a request was made for the Arundel Chord to be added as it was a project that was economically important for the whole District and would give substantial resilience for the London to Brighton route.  He suggested that this would provide an opportunity to discuss this with Network Rail.  Councillor Walsh gave his support to Councillor Dendle’s request, as a supporter of the Arundel Chord for many years.  There was general support for this proposal which Councillor Coster agreed to take forward.

            Having noted that the work programme could be subject to further review, the Council

RESOLVED

That the Committee’s Work Programme for 2019/2020 be approved

A Motion has been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.1. and 14.2 from the Conservative Group, the detail of which is set out below:

            This Council supports the principle of developing supplementary planning guidance to improve the level of sustainability of new residential developments in comparison to the current position.

Officers are asked to prepare a report for the consideration of the Planning Policy Sub Committee on how this might be achieved including reference to the following, and the likely costs of doing so.

1) Guidance on renewable energy (both passive & active) for individual homes.

2) Improved standards for insulation and water usage.

3) Guidance for community renewable energy schemes

4) Guidance on designs for waste/recycling storage facilities

            The Chairman announced that a Motion had been received from Councillor Dendle in accordance with Council Procedure Rules 14.1 and 14.2.

            Councillor Dendle then proposed the following Motion:

“This Council supports the principle of developing supplementary planning guidance to improve the level of sustainability of new residential developments in comparison to the current position.

Officers are asked to prepare a report for the consideration of the Planning Policy Sub-Committee on how this might be achieved including reference to the following, and likely costs of doing so.

(1)   Guidance on renewable energy (both passive & active) for individual homes

(2)  Improved standards for insulation and water usage.

(3)  Guidance for community renewable energy schemes.

(4)  Guidance on designs for waste/recycling storage facilities.”

            Councillor Dendle in formally proposing his Motion stated that the Council needed to provide better guidance on renewable energy sources that should be considered and used when residential developments were being built. He specifically touched on the following points:

·         Giving supplementary planning advice to developers

·         A focus on Senior Citizen housing, referencing a renewable energy scheme used by the Dutch which provides their Senior Citizens with free electricity throughout the day.

·         Horticultural hubs

·         Greenhouses linked to housing

·         Waste and recycling storage facilities

            He explained that it was imperative for the Council to be taking practical steps to ensure its residential developments were providing sustainable housing for the District’s younger generation.

            Councillor Gunner then seconded the Motion.

            The Chairman then invited Members to debate the Motion.  The first to speak was Councillor Lury who stated that he welcomed the motion from Councillor Dendle but confirmed that he felt it was imperative that the scope be widened on the planning supplementary guidance and therefore wanted to propose an amendment, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.7, to add the following words to the Motion [as set out below – the added words are shown in bold and to remove words – as shown using strikethrough]:

“That this Council supports the principle of developing supplementary planning guidance to improve the level of sustainability of all new residential developments in comparison to the current position.

Officers are asked to prepare a report for the consideration of the Planning Policy Sub Committee on how this might be achieved including reference to the following, and the likely costs of doing so thereof.

1) Guidance on renewable energy (both passive & active) for individual homes.

2) Improved standards for insulation, heat recovery and water usage.

3)Guidance for community renewable energy schemes

4) Guidance on designs for waste/recycling storage facilities

5) Guidance on the planting of woodland which can be both a mitigating and resilience action in terms of carbon sequestration and reducing the rate of surface water run - off and thereby reducing the flooding impact of severe rainfall.

6)Improved and more rigorous standards for the prevention of flooding

The Sub Committee is also asked to make recommendations as to whether Arun DC should declare a Climate Change Emergency and the implications of creating a framework  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

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

            The Chairman confirmed that eleven questions had been submitted for this meeting.  The details of the questions and answers and any supplementary questions is attached to these minutes.  

This report seeks formal approval from Full Council for Arun District Council (ADC) to become a member of the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB).

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented this report to Members which sought formal approval to the Council becoming a member of the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB).  Councillor Dr Walsh referred to a meeting he had already attended of the Board, ahead of this report being presented and that he strongly supported the Council taking up this membership.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Oppler. 

            In considering the proposal, a number of points and questions were raised.  Firstly, whether Bonds were going to be issued for the Council’s contribution or was this a private business.  The Chief Executive advised that “Bonds” were not issued and it would be about working in partnership with the other members and that the estimated annual figure of £23k was a maximum figure as the Council had not yet been officially accepted.  As the Council was joining part way through the year, it was possible that this figure would be reduced.  In terms of governance, the question was asked of whether this would be by a majority vote in terms of the decision-making process.  He confirmed that there was a voting process and only members could vote.  If the Council approved this membership, then the Council would be one of 16 members with voting rights.

Having responded to further questions posed, it was agreed that a copy of the Greater Brighton Economic Board’s Annual report would be made available to Members.  The Council then

RESOLVED – That

(1)          agreement be given to Arun District Council becoming a constituent member of the Greater Brighton Economic Board (‘’the Board’’) and joining the Greater Brighton Economic Joint Committee (GBEJC);

(2)          the Leader of the Council be appointed to represent the Council on the Board or a substitute will be appointed on the Leader’s behalf;

(3)          it be noted that Arun District Council’s membership, by agreeing to join the GBEB, is also subject to approval by all the local authorities represented on the Board in addition to a formal decision by the Board; and

(4)          the cost of membership which is approximately £23,000 per annum be noted.

The following changes to Committee Memberships need to be noted by the Council as set out below – any further changes can be reported verbally at the meeting:

·         Councillor Mrs Worne will replace Councillor Mrs Baker on the Development Control Committee

·         Councillors Brooks, Mrs Haywood, Oppler and Tilbrook to be added to the list of named Substitutes for the Development Control Committee

·         Councillor Mrs Worne will replace Councillor Mrs Baker on the Licensing Committee

·         Councillor Bennett will become Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee

·         Councillor Dr Walsh will fill the Lib Dem vacancy on the Littlehampton Regeneration Sub-Committee

·         Councillor Bennett will become the Chairman of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group and Councillor Coster will become Vice-Chairman

·         Councillors Mrs Cooper, Charles, Hughes, Mrs Haywood and Mrs Pendleton will become Members of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group

·         Councillors Chapman, Clayden, Gunner and Kelly will become Members of the Environment & Leisure Working Group

·         Councillor Mrs Catterson will fill the Arundel & Walberton seat allocated to the Green Party on the Joint Western Arun Area Committee

            The Chairman referred Members to the report that had been circulated at the start of the meeting which replaced the proposals set out in the agenda.

            Councillor Dr Walsh asked the Council to note the following changes to Committee Memberships in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 26.2:

            Councillor Dr Walsh also proposed the following appointments to vacant chairmanships:

a.    Councillor Miss Seex be appointed as Chairman of the Littlehampton Regeneration Sub-Committee to replace Councillor Buckland

b.    Councillor Bennett fills the vacant Vice-Chairman seat on the Standards Committee

c.    Councillor Bennett will become Chairman of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group and Councillor Coster will become the Vice-Chairman.

Councillor Oppler seconded the appointments.

The Council

RESOLVED - That

(1)   the changes to Committee Memberships, as circulated at the meeting, be noted; and

(2)  the following appointments to chairmanships be agreed:

a.    Councillor Ms Seex to replace Councillor Buckland as Chairman of the Littlehampton Regeneration Sub-Committee;

b.    Councillor Bennett to become Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee;

c.    Councillor Bennett to become Chairman of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group; and

d.    Councillor Coster to become Vice-Chairman of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group.

The Council is asked to approve the following changes to its representation on Outside Bodies as set out below – further changes can be reported verbally at the meeting: 

(1)   West Sussex Health and Adult Social Care Committee (HASC) – Councillor Bennett has replaced Councillor Mrs Worne

(2)  Age UK West Sussex -  This will no longer be an Outside Body of the Council

(3)  LGA People and Places Board – This Council no longer has an appointed Member and so this Board will no longer be an Outside body of the Council

(4)  LGA Councillors’ Forum – This Council no longer has an appointed Member and so this Forum will no longer be an Outside Body

(5)  North Littlehampton Advisory Group – Councillor Mrs Caffyn is no longer a Member

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dr Walsh, stated that there were several changes to representation to Outside Bodies that needed to be reported to this meeting and approved by the Council, as set out below:

(1)      West Sussex Health and Adult Social Care Committee (HASC) – Councillor Bennett has replaced Councillor Mrs Worne

(2)      Age UK West Sussex - This will no longer be an Outside Body of the Council

(3)      LGA People and Places Board – that this Council no longer has an appointed Member

(4)      LGA Councillors’ Forum – that this Council no longer has an appointed Member

(5)      North Littlehampton Advisory Group – Councillor Mrs Caffyn is no longer a Member

(6)      Littlehampton Harbour Board – Councillor Buckland to be removed as this Council’s representative and Councillor Mrs Haywood will fill this vacancy

(7)      Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Adjudication Joint Committee (PATRPLAJC – Councillor Buckland is no longer the Substitute Member and new member still to be confirmed

(8)      Safer Arun Partnership – Councillor Mrs Worne will replace Cllr Buckland

(9)      Civil Military Engagement Events Group and Military Champion – Councillor Buckland is no longer the Council’s representative and Councillor Chapman will temporarily fill this vacancy

(10)   Armed Forces Champion – Councillor Buckland is no longer the Council’s representative and Councillor Chapman will temporarily fill this vacancy

Councillor Oppler seconded the proposals.

The Council then

            RESOLVED

That the following changes to representation on Outside Bodies be approved:

(1)         West Sussex Health and Adult Social Care Committee (HASC) - Councillor Bennett was now the nominated representative replacing Councillor Mrs Worne

(2)         Age UK West Sussex - This would no longer be an Outside Body of the Council

(3)         LGA People and Places Board – this Council no longer had an appointed Member

(4)         LGA Councillors’ Forum – this Council no longer had an appointed Member

(5)         North Littlehampton Advisory Group – Councillor Mrs Caffyn was no longer a Member

(6)         Littlehampton Harbour Board – Councillor Mrs Hayward was now the Council’s representative replacing Councillor Buckland

(7)         Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Adjudication Joint Committee (PATRPLAJC – Councillor Buckland was no longer the Substitute Member and new member was still to be confirmed

(8)         Safer Arun Partnership – Councillor Mrs Worne was now the Council’s representative replacing Councillor Buckland

(9)         Civil Military Engagement Events Group and Military Champion – Councillor Chapman was now the Council’s temporary representative, replacing Councillor Buckland.

(10)      Armed Forces Champion – Councillor Chapman was now the Council’s temporary representative, replacing Councillor Buckland.