Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Link to further information in the Council’s Constitution

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 8 October 2024 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

To answer questions submitted by citizens on the Council or its services.

There were no citizens’ questions.

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the adoption of the updated Planning Enforcement Policy be approved; and

b)               the Director – Development and Economic Growth be granted delegated authority to make minor updates to the Policy as required.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth outlining proposed amendments to the Planning Enforcement Policy.

Councillor Upton stated that since the adoption of the current Policy in 2021, there had been relevant changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other legislation, and the proposed revisions took into account those changes. The NPPF recommended that local planning authorities should consider publishing a local enforcement policy, to effectively manage enforcement in a way appropriate to their area. Councillor Upton referred to the importance of enforcing planning control to protect the local environment, with a policy that clearly set out the Council’s approach when investigating alleged breaches. Cabinet noted that a failure to deliver an effective service could negatively impact public confidence in the planning regime and the Council’s reputation. The amended Planning Enforcement Policy, attached as Appendix A to the report ensured compliance with legislation and statutory guidance and promoted consistent enforcement decisions.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis endorsed this important Policy and stated that it was important that the Council clearly stated how it would effectively deal with enforcement, as positive action would act as a deterrent. 

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the adoption of the updated Planning Enforcement Policy be approved; and

b)               the Director – Development and Economic Growth be granted delegated authority to make minor updates to the Policy as required.

To move “That under Regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.”

It was resolved that under Regulation 20 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To answer questions submitted by Opposition Group Leaders on items on the agenda.

Questions to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Clarke MBE were submitted by Councillor Thomas, Councillor Jen Walker and Councillor Birch in relation to Exempt Item 8 on the agenda – Rushcliffe Carbon Offsetting Framework – Land Acquisition.

The Leader responded to each question.

Supplementary questions to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Clarke MBE were asked by Councillor Thomas, Councillor Jen Walker and Councillor Birch.

The Leader responded to each supplementary question.

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the acquisition of the land set out in Option 2 in the report be approved, with the Asset Investment Group being granted delegated authority to a maximum bid as set out within the Financial Implications Section 7.1 of the report, plus all costs associated with the acquisition;

b)               opportunities regarding the Council’s own landholdings, as set out at Section 4 and also Option 1 in the report be explored and delivered;

c)                the ring fencing of funds as set out in the Financial Implications Section 7.1 of the report for carbon offsetting for land acquisition and associated costs within the Climate Change Reserve be approved; and

d)               the Asset Investment Group be granted delegated authority regarding future land acquisitions for the purposes of carbon offsetting within the limit of the funds identified in the Financial Implications Section 7.1 of the report.

The Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, which provided an update on land acquisition in respect of Rushcliffe’s Carbon Offsetting Framework. 

The recommendation was proposed by the Leader and seconded by Councillor Brennan.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the acquisition of the land set out in Option 2 in the report be approved, with the Asset Investment Group being granted delegated authority to a maximum bid as set out within the Financial Implications Section 7.1 of the report, plus all costs associated with the acquisition;

b)               opportunities regarding the Council’s own landholdings, as set out at Section 4 and also Option 1 in the report be explored and delivered;

c)                the ring fencing of funds as set out in the Financial Implications Section 7.1 of the report for carbon offsetting for land acquisition and associated costs within the Climate Change Reserve be approved; and

d)               the Asset Investment Group be granted delegated authority regarding future land acquisitions for the purposes of carbon offsetting within the limit of the funds identified in the Financial Implications Section 7.1 of the report.