Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2024

The Minutes of the Executive held on 7 October 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

The Leader reported that an Executive and Strategic Leadership Team joint away day had been held. The event was a success and provided a productive opportunity to discuss future decisions.

The Leader also reported that Cllr John Parrott had been appointed Executive Member for Finance.

None.

To note forthcoming decisions anticipated on the Executive Forward Plan

RESOLVED

The forward plan be noted.

Members of the Public may ask questions of the Leader or an Executive Member. A maximum period of 15 minutes will be allowed with a maximum of period of three minutes per questioner.

None.

The Executive Member for Planning advised the Committee on this item including the following:

·       The amendments from paragraph 2.2 had been included as a result of consultation response and consideration of legal requirements.

·       Social media will be used as part of consultations.

·       Consultations will be undertaken for at least the minumum statutory period.

The Deputy Leader advised that the consultation was welcome and that the proposals would provide greater involvement from Town and Parish Councils.

RESOLVED

That the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) November 2024 (Appendix 1) be adopted for the purposes of carrying out planning policy consultations and consulting on planning applications.

The Executive Member for Homes, Communities and Human Resources proposed the recommendation as set out in the agenda report.

It was noted that undertaking DBS checks of Councillors would contribute to an improved Safeguarding Policy.

The Leader thanked the Executive Member and Community Safety & Safeguarding Manager for their work on the review. He considered that the review would aid in protecting vulnerable people from harm, including women and girls.

RESOLVED

1.     The Safeguarding Policy in Appendix 1 be adopted.

2.     A member working group is established to review the inclusion of DBS  checks for members within the Council Safeguarding Policy and DBS  policy, and consider safeguarding training becoming mandatory.

The Executive Member for Finance introduced the item and advised:

·       The draft accounts 2023/24 had been published.

·       The 2023-24 external audit had commenced.

·       There is a forecast surplus of just over £1,000,000 resulting from variations to the original budget. This included income shortfall of £120,000 from Development Management, extra income of £652,000 from investments, £153,000 extra income from car parking charges, decrease in fuel cost of 140,000, recycling income increase of £223,000 resulting from increase price for glass, plastic and cardboard. Leisure Membership growth also provided an additional £158,000.

Revenue reserves are considered sufficient for the current financial year but there is a budget shortfall of 2.2 million for the next financial year.

The Executive Member for Finance thanked staff for their work.

RESOLVED

1.     The revenue budget variations for 2024/25 as shown at appendix 1 be approved

2.     Approve the updated capital programme as shown at appendix 2

3.     Note the updated lending list as shown at appendix 3

4.     Note the mid year review of Treasury Management shown at appendix 4

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Estates, Assets and Parking provided the following update to the Executive:

Queen Street Enhancements

·       Progress: Major construction work at Courtenay Street is substantially complete, with finishing touches underway. Focus has now shifted to the stretch from Albany Street to the War Memorial.

·       Festive Preparations: Access to install Christmas lights along Queen Street is being facilitated, supporting a festive atmosphere for local businesses.

·       Greening Update: Double-headed hanging basket posts are installed, and trees will be planted in early 2025 in surface planters, due to challenges with tree pits from undocumented underground services.

·       Traffic and Access: Queen Street is open to restricted traffic as per the traffic order, with clear access for residents and visitors, crucial for local businesses during the festive season.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF)

• Collaboration Success: The UKSPF for towns initiative has reached a milestone with NATC, (pending NATC full council approval), agreeing to act as the conduit for funding. This collaboration between business representatives, NATC, TDC officers, councillors, and the Chamber of Commerce will support local businesses across Newton Abbot.

Market Hall and Market Square

• Mini Market Hall Opening: The mini market hall has officially opened in Newton Abbot’s Market Square.
• Planning Approvals: Permissions for the Market Hall (application 24/01142/MAJ) and the listed building status (application 24/01143/LBC) have been granted, allowing the Market Hall and Market Square project to advance.
• Project Timeline: Construction is set to progress through 2025, with an anticipated completion by early 2026, aiming to enhance public space, amenities, and Newton Abbot’s commercial profile.

Bradley Lane Development

• Conservation Compliance: A protected species license (2024-69597-EPS-MIT) for horseshoe bats has been obtained, valid from October 2024 to October 2029, under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
• Demolition Preparations: Site work is being planned carefully to comply with conservation and legal requirements, with no demolition decision yet. Officers are also exploring material reuse, although risks regarding contamination and quality assurance will be thoroughly assessed.

The Leader thanked the Deputy Leader and Officers for their work on the project.

The Executive Member for Planning spoke positively on the opening of the mini market and the new Government’s continuation of support for the Future High Street Fund.

The Executive noted the update.

The Executive Member for Teignbridge 100 advised on the following:

·       There was local demand for single bedroom properties.

·       Families that downsize to one- or two-bedroom properties would then free up larger houses for other families.

·       The Lead Officer on this project was considering new names for Teignbridge 100.

·       The development included 25 properties with social rent that was below market price.

The Leader thanked the Executive Member and Lead Officer for their work on the project.

RESOLVED

To allocate capital budget of £142,455 to progress the site at Sherborne House, Car Park, Newton Abbot to a stage where the proposed development can be put out to tender to locate a suitable development partner to deliver 23 truly affordable council homes.

Executive Member Decisions

The Executive Member Decisions were noted.