Agenda and minutes
PDF 134 KBVenue: The John Meikle Room - The Deane House. View directions
Contact: Marcus Prouse Email: m.prouse@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk and Clare Rendell Email: c.rendell@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk
Webcast: View the webcast
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Apologies
To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors P Bolton, H Davies, H Farbahi, M Hill, S Lees, C Morgan, S Nicholls, D Perry, P Stone and T Venner. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting of Full Council
To approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: (Minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 8 October 2019 circulated with the agenda)
Resolved that the minutes of Full Council held on 8 October 2019 be confirmed as a correct record. |
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Declarations of Interest
To receive and note any declarations of disclosable pecuniary or prejudicial or personal interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.
(The personal interests of Councillors and Clerks of Somerset County Council, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes.) Additional documents: Minutes: Members present at the meeting declared the following personal interests in their capacity as a Councillor or Clerk of a County, Town or Parish Council or any other Local Authority:-
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Public Participation
The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.
For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue. Additional documents: Minutes: Karuna Tharmananthar (Extinction Rebellion) made the following statement in relation to Agenda Item 11, Garden Town Charter and Checklist:- The Council had declared a climate emergency almost nine months ago and quite a lot had happened since then, but not all was good news. The most significant factor was that the risk of the temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees had increased and the World Meteorological Organisation had published findings that forecast an increase of 3 degrees, which would have a huge impact in terms of security, flooding and wellbeing. However, there was still an opportunity to take action. Dealing with climate not only dealt with the climate disaster effects, but it also brought some co-benefits in terms of health, wellbeing, sustainability and so on. Later on in the agenda, discussions would be had on the Design Guide for Taunton Garden Town, which was one area he would like to focus on, specifically building new homes. New homes had a legacy for carbon footprints, from when they were built, but more importantly throughout their lifespan and it was really important that the Council addressed the standard of homes that were built in the town. He gave an example of some new homes that had been built in Norwich which had met the carbon neutral standards and offered social and community benefits, which showed that it could be achieved. The design and construction techniques were available to deliver that within the area. The Standard that was mentioned in the Guide was adopted in 2012 in collaboration with Government. Since then, over 1.4 million homes had been built and only 104 had met the carbon neutral standards. He asked what the Council hoped to achieve by adopting a Standard that had failed to deliver homes for the future. He asked Councillors to challenge what they were being presented with and asked them to think of their constituents and their future generations to ensure that officers came up with a Standard that delivered carbon neutral homes for the future and gave a clear message to Developers that the Council would not allow homes that did not contribute positively to the Council’s target towards carbon neutrality.
Alan Debenham asked the following questions:- Question 1 It's bad enough calling the new merged council Somerset West and Taunton instead of what was tacitly agreed at a full Council meeting in October 2018 should have been Taunton Deane and West Somerset. Now we have the added stupidity of calling it the awkward to say "SWTC" instead of "SWAT", just as Bath and North East Somerset Council calls itself "BANES". Please could the Council be helpful to everyone in recognising and calling its name by adopting SWAT as it’s easily said and remembered name?? Question 2 Its good news to see the North Taunton Woolaway Project progressed with 86 net gain in rented dwellings. After spending some £45 million of public funds to finance this whole project where do the public stand regarding future tenants' 'Right to Buy' ... view the full minutes text for item 74. |
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To receive any communications or announcements from the Chair of the Council
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair started the meeting with a minutes silence for those affected by the London terror attacks.
She then advised all Councillors about the upcoming Full Council meeting dates and reminded them that the rules of purdah were to be adhered to during this meeting of Full Council. |
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To receive any communications or announcements from the Leader of the Council
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader advised Full Council that Councillor Alan Wedderkopp had resigned from the Executive and thanked him for all his work on his Portfolio.
She also reminded Councillors of the upcoming Mayor’s Christmas Carol Service being held in Vivary Park on 16 December 2019 and that the ice rink on Castle Green was due to open on 9 December 2019 and hoped that many people would visit and use the facility over the festive period. |
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To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Marcus Barr asked the following question:- With reference to Wellington Christmas Tree Lights, why was Wellington having to pay £24,000 to put up Christmas tree lights this year. When back in 2015 they were only charged £12,000. The Leader responded with the following:- There were a couple of reasons for the difference in cost, those were:- · The specification between now and 2015 was different. E.g. there were more lights, and more people were required to do the lights. · The Council hadn’t charged what the job actually cost. Last year the Council charged Wellington Town Council £21,000, which still wasn't a true cost. · And finally, although the Council had originally quoted a lower figure, it was not an attempt to make any money and the Clerk had been advised that any underspend would be returned to them. |
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Adoption of the international definition of Anti-Semitism
This matter is the responsibility of Councillor Chris Booth, Portfolio Holder for Community.
This report seeks agreement for the council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, in line with central government’s decision to do so and its encouragement of local authorities to follow suit. This is intended primarily as a clear signal of the council’s intolerance for anti-Semitism and an aid to help our council and our community identify the types of actions that may be anti-Semitic so that these can be robustly challenged. Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved that Full Council adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition on Anti-Semitism, including the examples. |
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Financial Monitoring - 2019/20 as at 30 September 2019
This matter is the responsibility of Councillor Ross Henley, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources.
This report provides an update on the projected outturn financial position of the Council for the financial year 2019/20 (as at 30 September 2019). Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors queried how the figures for Members Allowances had been underestimated. The Section 151 Officer advised that the figures had been set prior to officers knowing how many councillors and executive members there would be. · Councillors requested clarification on the figures reported to Scrutiny and why they differed to the figure within the Full Council report. The Section 151 Officer advised that the figures were often updated between the time they were reported to Scrutiny and Full Council.
The following questions would be provided with a written answer from officers:- · Councillors queried why the East Quay Loan was still included in the Capital Programme. · Councillors queried who was responsible for Operation Clean Sweep. · Councillors requested figures on bed and breakfast/homelessness costs to show how they had exceeded the budget. · Councillors queried who had decided not to have an ‘in-house’ pest control service. · Councillors queried how the Community Grant had been exceeded. · Councillors queried how officers had saved £408,000 on the insurance premiums. · Councillors highlighted that the car park income was under budget and requested a breakdown of the figures for each car park to show a comparison on the income generated by the pay on exit car parks. · Councillors queried what plans had been put in place to direct traffic towards the car parks. · Councillors queried whether there were any health implications with falling behind in the private water sampling.
Resolved that Full Council:- 1) Noted the Council’s forecast financial performance for 2019/20 financial year as at 30 September 2019; 2) Approved a Supplementary Budget of £747,000 in the General Fund Revenue Budget for transitional and service resilience costs in 2019/20, funded from the New Homes Bonus / Growth earmarked reserve; 3) Noted that the Executive approved a virement within the HRA Revenue Budget of £339,000, from in year underspend and managed savings to transitional and service resilience costs in 2019/20; and 4) Noted the risk to funding of future growth programme priorities, and committed to reviewing future options through the budget setting process.
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Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21
This matter is the responsibility of Councillor Ross Henley, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources.
The purpose of the report is to advise and update members on the current CTS scheme. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors queried the score given for the potential growth on the risk matrix and what the driver for that was. Officers advised that it was easier to claim and therefore could lead to an increase in claims submitted. · Councillors queried whether Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment was disregarded in the calculations. Officers confirmed that they were both disregarded. · Councillors requested clarification on whether the Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted in the previous year, would still be valid. Officers confirmed that because there had been no changes to the Scheme, it meant that the EIA could still be used.
Resolved that Full Council approved that the current CTS scheme for working age customers was retained for 2020/21. |
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Garden Town Charter and Checklist
This matter is the responsibility of Councillor Mike Rigby, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation.
The Taunton Garden Town Charter and Checklist extend from the Garden Town Vision adopted by Executive and Full Council in July 2019. They also link to the National Design Guide and the Council district-wide Design Guide that is being produced, to be available in early 2020 which will illustrate the aims and requirements regarding the general quality of design expected across the whole of the new combined area. It is intended that the Design Guide will be a Supplementary Planning Document. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors welcomed the document and it was a useful tool for the Planning Committee to use and suggested some training to be carried out with the Committee Members. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation agreed that a training session would advisable and supported officers in the arrangement of that. · Concern was raised that the document had been pushed through and that it would not carry any weight, especially with the introduction of the full Design Guide. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation advised that this document was only for the Garden Town area and would be used for planning decisions until the Design Guide was brought to Full Council in the New Year. · Councillors queried whether it incorporated zero carbon emissions. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation advised that the Local Plan Options document was due to go out for consultation and would include the priorities for new homes. · Councillors requested a more joined up process to include schools. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation agreed with the inclusion of schools within the document. · Councillors queried the possibility of the introduction of a district heating system. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation agreed and advised if the opportunity arose, he would be happy to investigate. · Councillors requested improved communications between the Planning and Building Regulations Departments. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation agreed and wanted building regulations specifications to be as high as possible.
Resolved that Full Council:- 1) Formally adopted the Taunton Garden Town Charter and Checklist as Council policy and technical guidance for development control purposes to help the Local Planning Authority assess the quality of proposed developments and to clearly set out the standard expected for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods in the Garden Town area; and 2) Authorised the Head of Strategy in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder to make any necessary minor editorial corrections and minor amendments to the document, and to agree the final publication style. |
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Creech St. Michael Neighbourhood Development Plan
This matter is the responsibility of Councillor Mike Rigby, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation.
Creech St Michael Neighbourhood Development Plan (CSM NDP) is a community led planning document which has been produced by Creech St Michael Parish Council. The document and its evidence base passed an Independent Examination and was put to a local referendum. 95.51% of those voting, voted in support of the Plan and the Plan is now proposed for adoption. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · The Ward Councillors for Creech St Michael both supported the document and thanked everyone that had been involved in the work. · Concern was raised that in other areas that had adopted a Neighbourhood Plan, attention was not given to Section 106 part of the plan. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation agreed with the point made and advised that Planning would need to pay attention and give weight to the Neighbourhood Plan especially the Section 106 part.
Resolved that Full Council considered the Creech St Michael Neighbourhood Development Plan and that it be formally made as a Somerset West and Taunton Development Plan Document. |
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North Taunton Woolaway Project - Phase A Update and Home Owner Acquisition Budget
This matter is the responsibility of Councillor Member Francesca Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing.
The regeneration of the North Taunton Woolaway Project is an essential part of the Council’s commitment to offer a choice of good quality homes for our residents, whatever their age and income, in communities where support is available for those in need. The proposals identified in this Report will assist the progression of vacant possession of Phases B – E n a timely manner. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Concern was raised on the stress and disruption to the community caused by the Project. · Councillors agreed with the delegation of decisions to the Director of Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to speed up the process, but wanted assurance that the decisions would be communicated to the Ward Councillors so they could assist with any queries raised by residents in the North Taunton area. The Portfolio Holder for Housing advised that she could be contacted at any time and was happy to arrange update meetings with the Ward Councillors prior to any decisions coming to Full Council. · The Shadow Portfolio Holder for Housing supported the recommendations and advised that the North Taunton units were in a worse state than those in the original report in 2013. · Councillors commended the officers for all their hard work carried out in the community and the high level of communication maintained throughout the progression of the Project. · Councillors queried whether the project would include passive housing. The Portfolio Holder for Housing advised that they had not intended to include any passive housing but hoped to be as close to carbon neutral as possible. Once the contract had been assigned, officers would ensure that carbon neutrality was included in the build specifications. · Councillors queried the quality of insulation used and didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to build award winning housing with the area. · Councillors queried whether the private home owners within the North Taunton area had been given the option to swap to other properties. The Portfolio Holder for Housing would check and provide a written answer.
Resolved that Full Council:- 1) Delegated the decisions to progress the enabling works for the remaining Phases to the Director of Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing; 2) Delegated authority to the Director of Housing to negotiate and agree the purchase of the 19 private owned homes within Phases B – E of the North Taunton Woolaway Project area; 3) Approved a supplementary budget of £5.7 million for Phases B – E of the North Taunton Woolaway Project; 4) Approved an additional supplementary budget of £1.5 million for Phase A of the North Taunton Woolaway Project increasing the budget for Phase A from £7.2 million to £8.7 million; and 5) The budgets would be funded utilising a combination of capital receipts, Social Housing Development Fund revenue contribution, and capital borrowing. Council delegated the final funding arrangement to be determined by the S151 Officer in line with the Council’s capital and treasury strategies, prioritising affordability for the Housing Revenue Account set out in Table 2 in the report. |