Agenda and draft minutes

Link to further information in the Council’s Constitution

There were no declarations of interest made.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on Thursday, 6 March and 20 March 2025.

The minutes of the meetings held on Thursday, 6 March and 20 March 2025 were approved as correct records and signed by the Mayor.

Councillor Brown, Mayor of Rushcliffe for 2024/25, thanked Council for entrusting him with the position of Mayor and stated that he had had a fantastic year, attending over 100 events across the Borough and County. Many of those had been memorable, including closing Proms in the Park, lunch in the historic Palace Garden at Southwell Minster, the Crich Memorial Armed Forces event and serving lunch on Christmas Day at the Friary. He referred to a number of amusing events that had also taken place during his year.

The Mayor thanked the Democratic Services Team, Media Team, former and current Chief Executives, Kath Marriott and Adam Hill, former and current Monitoring Officers, Gemma Dennis and Sara Pregon and the Deputy Monitoring Officer, Rachel Clack for their help and support. He thanked the Deputy Mayor for his help and support and wished him well for the coming year.

Councillor Brown referred to his last duty as Mayor, visiting the RAF Air Cadets training centre at Wilford, where he presented his cadet Sgt Thomas Freeborough with a tankard.

The Mayor concluded by advising that his charity SSAFA would be receiving £8,000 and thanked all those for supporting his charity events throughout the year and the businesses that had provided prizes and advised that he and his wife had been invited to continue to help SSAFA. The Mayor thanked his wife, Sylvia, who had attended the majority of civic events, including one on her own to represent him, stated that she was a great ambassador for Rushcliffe and that he could not have taken on this role without her and presented her with a gift and flowers.     

The Leader, Councillor Clarke, MBE proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Brown, and noted that he had been an extremely good ambassador for the Borough, attending a huge number of events, as detailed in the photograph album, which he would be presenting to him shortly. The Leader referred to the Mayor’s excellent support of his charity, congratulated him on the money raised and was pleased to hear that he and his wife would be continuing to support SSAFA. The Leader highlighted some of the events including D-Day celebrations, Proms in the Park, opening play areas, fetes and carnivals, flag raising events, Armistice and Christmas events, including serving lunch at the Friary, together with his continued charity fund raising events for SSAFA. The Leader noted that despite this busy year, the Mayor had continued with his community work, which was so important to him. The Leader concluded by thanking Councillor Brown for his tireless service during this year and presented him with his photograph album, Mayor’s portrait and past Mayor’s badge.

Councillor J Walker congratulated the Mayor on a very successful year and stated that whilst sharing different political views, she believed that they both shared the same goal to serve residents. She referred to his busy year, and to his dedication towards his chosen charity, which had raised awareness and would have a lasting impact. Councillor Walker stated that the Labour Group would like to thank the Mayor for his service to the community and wished the Deputy Mayor every success in his year ahead.

Councillor Thomas thanked the Mayor on behalf of the Leake Independent Group for his effective chairing of meetings and the thought provoking speakers that he had invited.

Councillor R Mallender thanked the Mayor on behalf of the Green Group for the excellent work that he had done and wished him well in the future.

To consider nominations for the appointment of Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the 2025/26 Civic Year.

After the vote on the election of Mayor has been carried, the new Mayor, upon making the declaration of acceptance of office, will take the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Inglis that Councillor Cottee be elected as Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2025/26.

Councillor Inglis congratulated the Mayor on his successful year and thanked him for his hard work. Councillor Inglis stated that he felt privileged to nominate Councillor Cottee, as he had encouraged him to stand as a Borough Councillor 10 years ago. Councillor Cottee had lived in the Borough since he was five, was first elected as a Borough Councillor in 2007, and had sat on the majority of committees holding most roles since then. Councillor Inglis stated that Councillor Cottee would bring a wide range of qualities to the role, was well known in the community, a great ambassador for Rushcliffe and would be well supported by his family, who were here this evening. Councillor Inglis hoped that everyone would support this nomination, as it was important to recognise and reward Councillor Cottee for his dedication in representing the community over many years.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Edyvean thanked Councillor Cottee for his support and advice over the years and wished him well for the year ahead.

There being no further nominations, it was RESOLVED that Councillor Cottee be elected as Mayor of the Borough  of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2025/26.

Councillor Cottee then read and signed the declaration of acceptance of office and after thanking his proposer, seconder and fellow Councillors, took the Chair and was invested with the Chain of Office.

The Mayor thanked Councillors for entrusting him with the office of Mayor, referred to his chosen charity, the Richard Whitehead Foundation, and asked its founder, Mr Richard Whitehead MBE to say a few words about the charity.

Mr Whitehead mentioned that he had previously lived in Rushcliffe, and still spent time in the area, including today, when he had been running a ‘paint run’ in a local school. He referred to the importance of promoting the power of sport and engaging with future leaders, by implementing sustainability within the inclusion spectrum. The Foundation did not just support disabled people, it advocated for the leaders of tomorrow within the disability community, together with the wider impact of disability communities. Mr Whithead stated that he was proud of his disability and promoted this wherever he went, together with understanding the resourcefulness of being different. Mr Whitehead stated that he was proud of being from Nottingham and receiving his MBE in 2013 from the future King, and one of his promises had been to uphold the values of inclusion, and he felt that the support from the Mayor during the year would impact all communities across the region and he hoped that it would lead to sustainable changes.

To consider nominations for the appointment of Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the 2025/26 Civic Year.

It was proposed by Councillor Barney that Councillor Butler be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2025/26.

Councillor Barney congratulated the Mayor on his appointment, passed on his thanks to the outgoing Mayor and stated that he was pleased to nominate Councillor Butler, who had always lived in Nottinghamshire, first moving to the Borough aged four, moving to Cotgrave in 1990. Councillor Butler was first elected to Rushcliffe Borough Council in 2003 and had sat on the majority of committees holding most roles since then, including most recently being Chair of the Planning Committee. Councillor Barney stated that Councillor Butler was very principled, kind and decent and the respect felt for him by so many came from that. Councillor Butler had been a member of Cotgrave Town Council since 1999 and Nottinghamshire County Council since 2001 and he was previously employed in retail, advertising and also edited a magazine. Councillor Barney referred to Councillor Butler’s commitment to the electorate and fellow Councillors and thanked him for his hard work.   

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Mason congratulated the Mayor and added her support to the nomination of Councillor Butler as Deputy Mayor. Councillor Mason referred to Councillor Butler’s commitment and hard work since he first joined the Council and wished him well for the forthcoming year.

There being no further nominations, it was RESOLVED that Councillor Butler be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Rushcliffe for the civic year 2025/26.

Councillor Butler then read and signed the declaration of acceptance of office and after thanking his proposer, seconder, and fellow Councillors, was invested with his Chain of Office by the Mayor. 

Councillor Butler congratulated the Mayor on his appointment, thanked Councillors for supporting him with the position of Deputy Mayor and thanked Councillor Barney and Councillor Mason. He stated that it was a great honour to be Deputy Mayor and he would do his upmost to support the Mayor and uphold the reputation of Rushcliffe Borough Council.

The Leader, Councillor Clarke MBE congratulated the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their appointments.

He went on to inform Council that earlier today the County Council had met for its Annual Council meeting, where a new Chairman and Leader of the Council had been elected. The Leader confirmed that he had congratulated the new Leader on behalf of the Borough and it had been agreed that talks would take place to work together on behalf of residents in Nottinghamshire and Rushcliffe.

In respect of Local Government Reorganisation, the Leader advised that work was continuing and meetings were being arranged with other local authorities to look at options going forward. 

The Leader advised Council that he had spent the last three days in Leeds at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), which was an international event showcasing regions. The Leader stated that he had been there representing both Rushcliffe and in his role as Director of the Freeport. The Forum provided opportunities to promote investment in the East Midlands, and Rushcliffe, with the Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station site featuring prominently.    

There were no Chief Executive’s announcements.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke MBE presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, outlining the nominations for the appointment of committees and member groups for 2025/26. The Leader advised that there was an alteration proposed on behalf of the Labour Group to the Barton-in- Fabis Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group, that Councillor Plant should replace Councillor Calvert.

With that alteration, it was proposed by Councillor Clarke MBE and seconded by Councillor Brennan and RESOLVED that the nominations to committees and member groups for 2025/26 be approved as follows:

A. Scrutiny Committees

Corporate Overview Group

Councillors Williams (Chair), Combellack, Gaunt, Parekh, Plant, Simms and Way

Governance Scrutiny Group

Councillors Simms (Chair), Gaunt (Vice Chair), Chewings, Gowland, Om, Regan, Thomas, Wells and G Wheeler

Growth and Development Scrutiny Group

Councillors Combellack (Chair), Way (Vice Chair), Brown, Calvert, Chaplain, Ellis, Georgiou, Mason and R Walker

Communities Scrutiny Group

Councillor Parekh (Chair), Plant (Vice Chair), Barney, Billin, Butler, Grocock, R Mallender, Matthews and Soloman

B. Regulatory Committees

Licensing Committee

Councillors Regan (Chair), Billin, Chaplain, Chewings, Cottee, Fletcher, Grocock, R Mallender, Mason, Om, Phillips, Simms, Soloman, G Wheeler and Williams

Planning Committee

Councillors R Walker (Chair), Edyvean (Vice Chair), Birch, Brown, Calvert, Chaplain, Ellis, S Mallender, Mason, Thomas, Wells

Employment Appeals Committee

Councillors Clarke MBE (Chair), Dellar, Georgiou, J Walker and J Wheeler

Interviewing Committee

Councillors Clarke MBE (Chair), Brennan, Dellar, J Walker and J Wheeler

Standards Committee

Councillors Brown (Chair), Bird, Matthews, Plant, Phillips, Simms, A Wood (Parish Member) and K White (Independent Member), H Richardson and C Richards (Independent Persons)

C. Member Groups

Local Development Framework Group

Councillors Upton (Chair), R Walker (Vice Chair), Bird, Brown, Butler, Calvert, Chewings, Edyvean, Ellis, Gowland, S Mallender, Mason, Plant, Thomas and Wells

Member Development Group

Councillors Matthews (Chair), Birch, Butler, Combellack, Cottee, Gaunt, Plant, Way and Williams

Rushcliffe Strategic Growth Board

Councillors Clarke MBE (Chair), Brennan, Grocock, Phillips, Upton, Virdi, Way, J Walker and J Wheeler

Civic Hospitality Panel

Councillor Cottee (Chair), Billin, Butler, Clarke MBE, Fletcher and Georgiou

West Bridgford Special Expenses and Community Infrastructure Levy Advisory Group

Councillor Virdi (Chair), Chaplain, Calvert, Dellar, R Mallender, Matthews, Om, Parekh and J Wheeler

Barton-in-Fabis Community Governance Review Task and Finish Group

Councillor Brennan (Chair), Bird, Brown, Edyvean, Gowland, Plant, Soloman, Thomas and R Walker.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke MBE presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, setting out the timetable of meetings for the municipal year 2025/26.

It was proposed by Councillor Clarke MBE and seconded by Councillor Brennan and RESOLVED that the timetable of meetings for the municipal year 2025/26, as attached at the Appendix to the officer’s report, be approved.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Clarke MBE presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services setting out the appointments to Outside Bodies for the municipal year 2025/26.

The Leader noted that there were three contested positions and moved that Council accept the nominations of the uncontested positions as one vote before moving on to consider the three contested positions.

The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Brennan.

Following the voting for the three contested positions, it was RESOLVED that the appointments to Outside Bodies for the municipal year 2025/26 be as follows:

City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee Leader/Deputy Leader (Substitute)

East Midlands Councils (including other representative roles within this appointment) Leader/Deputy Leader (Substitute)

Greater Nottingham Joint Planning Advisory Board

Appropriate Cabinet Portfolio Holder

Local Government Association – General Assembly (including other representative roles within this appointment)

Leader/Deputy Leader (Substitute)

Nottinghamshire East Midlands Airport Independent Consultative Committee

Councillor Brown

Health and Well Being Board

Appropriate Cabinet Portfolio Holder

D2N2 Joint Leaders Board

Leader/Deputy Leader (Substitute)

Nottinghamshire Joint Leaders Board

Leader/Deputy Leader (Substitute)

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel

Appropriate Cabinet Portfolio Holder

Development Corporation Board

Leader/Deputy Leader (Substitute)

Nottinghamshire Waste Management Board

Appropriate Cabinet Portfolio Holder

Freeport Board

Leader and Deputy Leader (Alternate Board Member)

Rural Community Action for Nottinghamshire

Councillor Inglis

Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park

Councillor Wells

Local Area Forum – West Bridgford

Councillors Calvert (Abbey ward), Om (Compton Acres ward), Parekh (Edwalton ward), J Wheeler (Gamston ward), R Mallender (Lady Bay ward), Matthews (Lutterell ward), Polenta (Musters ward) and Plant (Trent Bridge ward)

Trent Valley Internal Drainage Board

Councillors Billin, Combellack, Fletcher and Wells