Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2019.

Minutes of the meeting on the 8 October 2019 subject to the amendment that Councillor Patch attended were approved and signed as a correct record.

None.

To note forthcoming decisions anticipated to be made by the Executive over the next 12 months.

RESOLVED that the Executive Forward Plan be noted.

RESOLVED that the Executive Forward Plan be noted.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)         The approaches as set out within Section 3 of the Appendix report and minutes circulated with the agenda are endorsed, subject to an amendment that when an approach is in conflict with Climate Emergency, the latter takes precedence; and

(2)         Councillor Keeling be invited to be the lead Councillor to Chair the Fairtrade Steering Group.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy & Tourism presented the report which set out how the Council could contribute to the campaign to increase sales of products with the FAIRTRADE Mark, and how it could support the campaign to achieve Fairtrade status for towns in Teignbridge, in line with the Approved Fairtrade Notice of Motion. Local retailers would be encouraged to support the Fairtrade status and it was noted that the café at Forde House promoted the sale of Fairtrade products.

In response to Members, the Leader commented that Fairtrade made careful checks to ensure that producers were legitimate and this status supported local producers as well as those from third world countries.

The Chairman of Overview & Scrutiny Committee confirmed his support for the appointment of Councillor Keeling as the lead Councillor to Chair the Fairtrade Steering Group.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy & Tourism proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)         The approaches as set out within Section 3 of the Appendix of the circulated report and minutes with the agenda were endorsed, subject to an amendment that when an approach is in conflict with Climate Emergency, the latter takes precedence; and

(2)         Councillor Keeling be invited to be the lead Councillor to Chair the Fairtrade Steering Group.

(Councillor Wrigley did not vote on this item as he was not present for the debate)

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the official Fur Free Markets policy be adopted:

Teignbridge District Council recognises that the United Kingdom has     banned the farming of animals for their fur on ethical grounds since 2000 and the use of one of the most common traps used to catch animals for their fur has also been banned for many years.

Recognising that real fur is cruel and unnecessary, this Local Authority prohibits the selling of products containing real animal fur on council owned land, council run markets or council leased markets (including seasonal and Christmas markets).  All products wholly or partially made with real fur are covered by this ban and include for example; fur coats, vintage fur, fur shawls, garments with fur trim, fur pompom hats, and fur accessories and trinkets; and

(2)          the Fur Free Markets campaign of the animal welfare charity, Respect for Animals, the UK’s leading anti-fur organisation be supported by:

Becoming a signatory to the initiative.

Seeking the advice and assistance of the charity in the   enforcement of this ban

The Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture (Councillor MacGregor) was not present during consideration of this item and did not vote.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism presented the report to agree on the ban of real fur sale on Council owned land and at Council run or leased markets, and to sign up to the Fur Free Markets campaign.

A Non-Executive Member commented that they supported the proposals although they raised concerns regarding the charity.

The Portfolio Holder for Waste Management & Environmental Health proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the official Fur Free Markets policy be adopted:

Teignbridge District Council recognises that the United Kingdom has     banned the farming of animals for their fur on ethical grounds since 2000 and the use of one of the most common traps used to catch animals for their fur has also been banned for many years.

Recognising that real fur is cruel and unnecessary, this Local Authority prohibits the selling of products containing real animal fur on council owned land, council run markets or council leased markets (including seasonal and Christmas markets).  All products wholly or partially made with real fur are covered by this ban and include for example; fur coats, vintage fur, fur shawls, garments with fur trim, fur pompom hats, and fur accessories and trinkets; and

(2)          the Fur Free Markets campaign of the animal welfare charity, Respect for Animals, the UK’s leading anti-fur organisation be supported by:

Becoming a signatory to the initiative.

Seeking the advice and assistance of the charity in the enforcement of this ban.

RESOLVED that the Local Development Scheme attached as Appendix A of the circulated report to come into effect on 8 November 2019 be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report to update the Local Development Scheme to take account of the new Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) timetable agreement. The GESP did not increase the number of houses to be built in the district, there were set by Central Government using the ‘standard method’. The GESP enabled a longer term strategic view on where would be the most sustainable places to build houses and to act collectively to help to bring forward major infrastructure projects. The GESP also fulfilled an important requirement under the ‘duty to cooperate’ with neighbouring authorities in the preparation and inspection of Local Plans. 

Non-Executive Members raised concerns regarding the proposed timetable in relation to the 2023 district elections; 40% of the district being in Dartmoor National Park and the implications this had for the housing numbers and their allocation and government guidance stated that an alternative approach could be used in such circumstances; and the need for a risk assessment should there be a delay in the plan and the impact this could have on the Councils Local Plan.

The Business Manager - Spatial Planning commented that the council was not the planning authority for Dartmoor National Park and that they had their own local plan. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was clear on the standard methodology used for housing numbers. If the council prepared its plan using the alternative approached referred to it would almost certainly be asked by the Inspector to prepare its local plan again. GESP recommendations had to be agreed by all the individual councils.

The Leader commented that he has written to two Prime Ministers to challenge the housing numbers for the district.

During discussion Members recognised the importance of cross boundary cooperation to ensure infrastructure provision, sustainability and to protect the environment. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Sport, Culture & Tourism.

RESOLVED that the Local Development Scheme attached as Appendix A of the circulated report to come into effect on 8 November 2019 be approved.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          funding of a £180,000 contribution towards the Ashburton Road strategic cycling and multi-user route delivery: specifically Phase 2 (Greenaway Road to Mile End Road, plus new puffin crossing) be approved; and

(2)          the Business Manager Strategic Place and the Solicitor to the Council be given delegated authority to complete an associated funding agreement with Devon County Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture presented the report to recommend a contribution towards the strategic East-West Cycle Route Delivery. The funding was from available Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that had been earmarked for the delivery of cycle improvements in Teignbridge.

Members welcomed the delivery of this route which was already in use and provided a link which provided much improved cycle and pedestrian links noting the further element for the need for a toucan crossing at the western end of the new route.

The Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency & Housing.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          funding of a £180,000 contribution towards the Ashburton Road strategic cycling and multi-user route delivery: specifically Phase 2 (Greenaway Road to Mile End Road, plus new puffin crossing) be approved; and

(2)          the Business Manager Strategic Place and the Solicitor to the Council be given delegated authority to complete an associated funding agreement with Devon County Council.

RECOMMENDED to Council subject to satisfactory assurances being received from Connecting Devon & Somerset about this council's investment in rural broadband achieving enhanced provision and support in this district, that Teignbridge continues to invest the currently identified £250,000. That the matter is delegated to the Managing Director, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to conclude an agreement.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism presented the report to decide if Teignbridge District Council should continue to commit £250,000 to the Connecting Devon and Somerset rural broadband rollout programme, following the cancellation of the original contract and proposal to go back out to tender. Following the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 15 October 2019, Connecting Devon and Somerset had confirmed that all the funds invested in the project would be invested in the district. The recommendation from Executive to Full Council was that Council should continue invest £250,000 in the Connecting Devon and Somerset rural broadband project.

The Chairman of Overview & Scrutiny welcomed the recommendation of Executive to support the continuation of the support for this project.

In response to Members, the Economy Manager commented that he would clarify the position with regards to the investment of the match funding monies and that there would be an annual update to Members on how and where the funds were being spent.

The Leader clarified that the Council had a seat on the board and its representative was Councillor Nuttall.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency & Housing.

RECOMMENDED to Councilthat subject to satisfactory assurances being received from Connecting Devon & Somerset about this Council's investment in rural broadband achieving enhanced provision and support in this district, that Teignbridge District Council continues to invest the currently identified £250,000. The matter be delegated to the Managing Director, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to conclude an agreement.

RECOMMENDED to Council that a Shared Equity Scheme is set up in Chudleigh using £667,265.69 of capital receipts received by way of offsite affordable housing contributions to assist up to 13 local purchasers.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency & Housing presented the report to seek Member approval for Section 106 offsite affordable housing contributions of £667,559 generated within the Parish of Chudleigh to be used for a Shared Equity Scheme within the Parish.

Non-Executive Members commented on the need to balance support for affordable housing and the broader council policies on affordable housing.

The Housing Enabling and Development Manager clarified that all these off site Section 106 contributions were ring fenced for affordable housing in perpetuity and any funds received as part of the scheme would be reinvested in affordable housing.

The Leader commented that this was a great scheme and that it was important that the Council looked across the district at all potential brownfield sites that could be developed.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency & Housing proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Waste Management & Environmental Health.

RECOMMENDED to Council that a Shared Equity Scheme be set up in Chudleigh using £667,265.69 of capital receipts received by way of offsite affordable housing contributions to assist up to 13 local purchasers.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the Housing Enabling and Development Manager be authorised to make applications in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Housing, when necessary, to Homes England to waive Designated Protected Area status in towns and villages with a population of above 3,000 in Teignbridge; and

(2)          where waivers were required in towns and villages with less than 3,000 population, a report shall be brought to Executive for consideration.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency and Housing presented the report to seek approval for the Housing Service to request waivers from Homes England regarding the lifting of Designated Protected Area status in urban areas of Teignbridge in respect of Shared Ownership housing. This would enable 100% of the equity, rather than the 80% restricted limit to be made available for purchase, where appropriate for qualifying households.

The flexibility with these waivers would support affordability, choice and opportunity for prospective buyers of shared ownership properties and would help to overcome mortgage provider limitations.

The Leader proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change Emergency & Housing.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the Housing Enabling and Development Manager be authorised to make applications in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Housing, when necessary, to Homes England to waive Designated Protected Area status in towns and villages with a population of above 3,000 in Teignbridge; and

(2)          where waivers were required in towns and villages with less than 3,000 population, a report shall be brought to Executive for consideration.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          a Youth Network be launched between Teignbridge District Council (members and officers) and youth groups; and

(2)          a report be taken through the existing Council meeting cycle twice a     year to update Members on progress and issues to date.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and IT presented the report to outline options for developing a formal process to consult with and develop channels for engagement with young people. This would include developing a network though schools and in the community which would also ensure engagement with young people who were hard to reach. It was important that there was a structure in place and updates would be brought back to Members through the Committee process.

Members welcomed the way forward.

The Leader proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Communities & IT.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          a Youth Network be launched between Teignbridge District Council (members and officers) and youth groups; and

(2)          a report be taken through the existing Council meeting cycle twice a     year to update Members on progress and issues to date.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:-

(1)          the draft Polling District Places Order be approved; and

(2)          a full review of polling districts be conducted ahead of the next full district council elections with a view to addressing the anomalies created within certain parishes by the 2016/17 review of Teignbridge Council’s ward boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).

The Leader presented the report to ensure that all electors had reasonable voting facilities and that polling places were accessible to electors, including those with disabilities. This was a legal requirement and the report was solely to approve the wards polling stations across the district.

In response to Members, the Electoral Services Manager clarified the position with regards to the location of polling stations and the difficulties and the financial viability of mobile polling stations.

The Managing Director commented that the polling stations were constantly assessed and alternative options were reviewed.

Members thanked the Elections Team for their professional and efficient service.

The Leader proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture.

RECOMMENDED to Council that:-

(1)          the draft Polling District Places Order be approved; and

(2)          a full review of polling districts be conducted ahead of the next full district council elections with a view to addressing the anomalies created within certain parishes by the 2016/17 review of Teignbridge Council’s ward boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).