Agenda and minutes

An apology was received from Councillor Mrs Neal.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on 3 August 2009.

                                                                                                            (Enclosure)

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 August 2009 were approved as a correct record.

No declarations of interest were made.

Report number CHSC0017 by the Economic Portfolio Holder.

                                                                                                (Enclosure)

DECISION:

To approve the expenditure outlined in report CHSC0017 by the Porftfolio Holder for Economic Development.

Considerations/Reasons for decision:

(1)  Report number CHSC0017 by the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development.

(2)  Comments made by the Corporate Head for Sustainable Communities in introducing the report.

(3)  Noting that funding two policy officer posts was necessary as the Council did not presently employ staff with the necessary expertise.

(4)  Consideration of the fact that the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant was not ring fenced, but that the Council had traditionally used the funds for housing delivery, plan making and e-planning.

(5)  Consideration that ongoing costs for the Development Control software would be met through future budget arrangements.

Other options considered and assessed:

A number of alternative proposals were considered for the use of HPDG, which could contribute to further improvements in the Council’s performance around development control, such as increasing e-consultation with non-statutory consultees. 

Having regard to the Council’s priorities, the requirements in relation to the delivery of the LDF have been considered as most urgent and the proposals within this report mirror that already agreed for inclusion within the HPDG expenditure plan through report CHFCS15. 

Other related expenditure around commissioning development briefs for Grantham Growth sites have been considered, however these can be funded through the available LABGI funding. 

Report number PLA781 by the Economic Development Portfolio Holder.

                                                                                                (Enclosure)

DECISION:

To approve the statutory consultation necessary for the  Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for: Grantham Area Action Plan and Site Specific Allocations and Policies Development Plan Document.

Considerations/Reasons for decision:

(1)  Report number PLA781 by the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development.

(2)  A statutory requirement to undertake a Sustainability Appraisal and that there was a requirement to consult with stakeholders with an interest in the development of the Local Development Framework.

(3)  Comments made by members of the Cabinet with regard to the need to ensure that the timetable for producing the Development Plan Document were accurate and realistic.

Other options considered and assessed:

Consultation on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for: Grantham Area Action Plan and Site Specific Allocations and Policies DPD is a regulatory requirement of the planning making process, not consulting on the report is not an option, as doing so would not only holt progress on the two development plans covered but also limit progress on the South Kesteven District Council Local Development Scheme. Therefore, supporting consultation on the scoping report will ensure that preparation of each DPD continues as timetabled.

Report number PLA780 by the Economic Portfolio Holder.  (Enclosure)

DECISION:

To approve the draft Station Approach Development Brief and that it is published for consultation.

Considerations/Reasons for decision:

(1)  Report number PLA780 by the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development.

(2)  Consideration that the Grantham Development Brief had been approved by the Grantham Growth Strategic Board.

(3)  Noting that the Grantham Growth Point team was currently evaluating the acquisition of sites and working with potential partners.

(4)  Noting the need for there to be a quality development on the site.

(5)  Comments from members of the Cabinet with regard to the need for transport interchange facilities at the station.

Other options considered and assessed:

(1)  Do not adopt as SPG - for the reasons set out in section 3.9 of the report, this is not considered to be an appropriate course of action.

(2)  Do not undertake consultation – the Council is bound by its adopted SCI to undertake consultation on planning policy documents prior to their adoption.  Undertaking public consultation will also minimise the risk of legal challenge to the revised SPG.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) it was resolved that the public be excluded from the meeting because of the likelihood that otherwise exempt information, as described in paragraphs 3 and 5 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended) would be disclosed to the public.

Report by the Healthy Environment Portfolio Holder.

                                                          (Exempt enclosure) TO FOLLOW

DECISION:

(1)That the District Council enters into an initial short term interim Leisure   Management agreement for the provision of its leisure services at Bourne, Deepings, Grantham and Stamford centres commencing on 1^st October 2009 for a minimum period of 12 months,  (i.e. until 30 September 2010), with Leisure Connection Ltd.

(2)The Council engages proactively with Leisure Connection Ltd regarding the potential to introduce an Industrial Provident Society (IPS) management structure within South Kesteven.

(3)The Council, in entering into an interim management agreement, is not aware of any outstanding claims in respect of the non-establishment of South Kesteven Community Leisure Trust.

Considerations/Reasons for decision:

(1)  Exempt report number AFM0108 by the Portfolio Holder for Healthy Environment.

(2)  Comments made by the Monitoring Officer at the meeting.

(3)  Comments made by the S151 Officer with regard to budget uncertainty.

(4)  Comments made by the Corporate Head for Resources and Organisational Development.

(5)  Comments made by members of the Cabinet at the meeting.

(6)  Comments made by other Councillor Thompson regarding services at the Leisure Centres.

Other options considered and assessed:

In order to provide uninterrupted provision of leisure services, an interim management agreed with the current provider allows the Council the opportunity to consider options.

DATE DECISIONS ARE EFFECTIVE

Decisions CO35, CO36, CO37 and CO38 as made on 7 September 2009 can be implemented on 16 September 2009 unless subject to call-in by the Scrutiny Committee Chairman or any five members of the Council from any political groups.