Agenda and minutes

Venue: Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8GL

Contact: Caroline Lovelock- 01264 368014  Email: clovelock@testvalley.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

171.

Prayers

Minutes:

Prayers were led by Reverend Wharton.

172.

Apologies

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Cross, L Lashbrook, P Lashbrook, Swain, Tasker and Warnes.

173.

Public Participation

Minutes:

In accordance with Council’s Procedure Rules, 2 members of the public were invited to address Council in relation to item 16, Notice of Motion - Rule 12, consideration of a motion in relation to ‘Climate Emergency’ and Ms Vincent and Miss Dovey spoke on the item in that order.

 

174.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

Councillor Cooper and Councillor Burnage wished it to be noted that they were  members of Romsey Extra Parish Council and Romsey Town Council for item 12 – Community Governance Review, Romsey Town Council.

 

Councillor Parker wished it to be noted that he was the Chairman of Romsey Extra Parish Council and a member of Romsey Town Council for item 12 – Community Governance Review, Romsey Town Council.

 

Councillor Baverstock, Councillor Daas and Councillor Gwynne wished it to be noted that they were members of Romsey Town Council for item 12 – Community Governance Review, Romsey Town Council.

175.

Minutes

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

176.

Mayor's Announcements

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that the Red Ensign would be flown at the Guildhall and Beech Hurst in Andover and Crosfield Hall and Former Magistrates Court in Romsey to support sea farers on Merchant Navy Day on 3 September.

 

The Test Valley Showcase will be held on 16 September and all Civic Heads in Hampshire have been invited.  The day will also include a visit to Mottisfont Abbey and a tour of Romsey Abbey.

177.

Presentation of Past Mayor and Mayoress Badge

To present the Past Mayor and Mayoress badges.

Minutes:

Due to restrictions that the Council were working under at the date of Annual Council in May and the requirement to restrict contact, presentation of the Past Mayor and Mayoress’ badges were postponed.

 

As restrictions have now been relaxed Councillor Hatley was presented with his Past Mayor’s badge by Councillor Bailey and also received the Past Mayoress’ badge on behalf of the Past Mayoress.

 

The Mayor gave thanks to Councillor Hatley for his support and contribution to the residents of the Borough. 

 

Councillor Hatley reported that he had presented cheques to the charities that he had supported during his term as Mayor, The BOAZ Project, Jane Scarth House and Romsey Opportunity Group. He would also soon distribute additional funds to the Jumbulance Trust.

 

Councillor Hatley gave thanks to the staff and Councillors for their support during the last 18 months in difficult times and wish the Mayor and Deputy Mayor all the best for the future.

 

 

 

178.

To receive and adopt Committee reports pdf icon PDF 118 KB

To receive and, where necessary, adopt reports of Committees.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Minutes of Meetings:

 

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of the following Committees and Cabinet meetings be received:

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 2 June 2021

 

Northern Area Planning Committee – 3 June 2021

 

Southern Area Planning Committee – 8 June 2021

 

Cabinet – 23 June 2021

 

General Purposes – 24 June 2021

 

Northern Area Planning Committee – 24 June 2021

 

Southern Area Planning Committee – 29 June 2021

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 14 July 2021

 

Northern Area Planning Committee – 15 July 2021

 

Southern Area Planning Committee – 20 July 2021

 

Cabinet – 18 August 2021

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 25 August 2021

 

Northern Area Planning Committee – 26 August 2021

 

Southern Area Planning Committee – 31 August 2021

 

To adopt recommendations from the following:

 

Cabinet – 18 August 2021

 

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – Allocation of CIL Funds

 

Resolved:

 

That the applications for CIL funding set out in the report are determined in accordance with the recommendations contained in paragraph 3 and release of £1,202,808 be authorised.

 

179.

Questions under Rule 11.1

Minutes:

There were no questions under rule 11.1.

180.

Councillor approval under s85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 pdf icon PDF 128 KB

Consideration of the six month attendance rule provided for at Section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Corporate Portfolio Holder which considered approving Councillor Cross’s reason for non-attendance under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 to allow him to continue in his role as a Borough Councillor.

 

Section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 states that “if a member of a local authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his/her last attendance to attend any meeting of the authority, he/she shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a Member of the authority”.

Councillor Cross has been unable to attend meetings since his last attendance at a Council meeting on 11 November 2020.  On 7 April 2021 Council approved the reason for his non-attendance. 

Councillor Cross still remains unable to attend any Council or Committee meeting due to illness and in accordance with the legislation, on 11 October 2021, would cease to be a Member of Test Valley Borough Council if Council does not further approve the reason for his non-attendance.

 

The Mayor ask Councillor C Dowden to convey the Council’s good wishes and hope for a speedy recovery.

 

Resolved:

That Council approves the waiver of the six month attendance rule provided for at section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 to Councillor Cross for the reason set out in the report for a period of six months to the 11 April 2022.

 

 

 

181.

Draft Calendar of Meetings June 2022 to December 2023 pdf icon PDF 129 KB

To approve the Calendar of Meetings from June 2022 to December 2023.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Corporate Portfolio Holder which requested the Council to approve the draft Calendar of Meetings for June to December 2022 and January to December 2023.

 

The report also requested approval to move General Purposes Committee to a 5.30pm start time in line with all other committees and the addition of a Southern Area Planning Committee on Monday 16 May 2021.

 

Resolved:

1.  That the draft Calendar of Meetings for June to December 2022 and January to December 2023, as set out in the Annex to the report, be approved.

2.  That the standard General Purposes Committee start time is moved from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

3.  That the current Calendar of Meetings for 2022 is amended to include an additional Southern Area Planning Committee on Monday 16 May.

 

182.

Community Governance Review - Romsey Town Council pdf icon PDF 241 KB

To consider a request received by Romsey Town Council for a Community Governance Review.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Corporate Portfolio Holder to consider undertaking a Community Governance Review (CGR) of the boundaries of Romsey Town, following a request from Romsey Town Council to extend the existing boundaries, so that the new boundary is coterminous with the existing Borough Ward boundaries.

 

Although a CGR process was carried out in 2018, the conclusion of that review in respect of the Romsey area was essentially no change in governance arrangements. However, since that review, working arrangements between Romsey Town and Romsey Extra Parish have changed, leading to joint working between the two councils. In addition, a formal request has now been received from Romsey Town Council, seeking to extend the boundaries of Romsey Town to be coterminous with the three Borough Wards.

 

Such changes can only take place following a CGR process. Agreeing to carry out a CGR does not pre-judge the outcome of the process, which would involve full public consultation before a decision is made.

 

Resolved:

 

1.  Council agrees to carry out a Community Governance Review to consider the request from Romsey Town Council to extend its boundaries; and

 

2.  a further report be brought to Council on 10 November 2021 to agree the process for undertaking the Review and its terms of reference.

 

 

183.

Nitrate Mitigation pdf icon PDF 178 KB

To consider an approach to nitrate mitigation.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Planning Portfolio Holder which requested the Council to consider purchasing an additional 250 nitrate credits.

 

In order to satisfy the Habitat Regulations certain types of development are required to be nutrient neutral in order to have no adverse impact on The Solent. The absence of mitigation is an impediment to housing delivery. 

 

In line with the adopted Nitrate Mitigation Framework it is proposed that the Council purchase nitrate credits from Roke Manor Farm. Applicants would be able to purchase these credits.

In April 2021 Council agreed to the purchase of 250 credits. The Council has reached the stage where it needs to consider whether to purchase an additional 250 credits.

 

The challenge of finding nitrate mitigation is one that many Hampshire authorities are facing. In the absence of alternative mitigation measures to unblock current and future housing delivery the Council has needed to explore land based solutions. This is in line with the Council’s adopted Nitrate Mitigation Framework. The option of buying further credits from Roke Manor Farm represents an opportunity to unlock existing planning permissions and achieve wider environmental benefits.

 

Resolved:

 

1.  That the purchase of 250 nitrate credits from land shown in Annexes 1 & 2 to the report be approved.

 

2.  That the Council releases funding from the unallocated New Homes Bonus Reserve, up to the amount described in section 8 for the purpose of purchasing nitrate credits from the land shown in Annexes 1 & 2 to the report.

 

3.  That authority is delegated to the Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development in consultation with the Head of Finance and Revenues, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, the Finance Portfolio Holder and the Planning Portfolio Holder to enter into the appropriate Agreement/s securing the purchase and delivery of the nitrate credits from the land shown in Annexes 1 & 2 to the report.

184.

Procurement of Andover Masterplan Services pdf icon PDF 144 KB

To consider procurement for Andover Masterplan Services.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader which sought approval for expenditure in relation to two elements of the Andover Masterplan delivery project, to be funded from the Regeneration Reserve in accordance with the delegations in the resolution of Council of 27 January 2021.

The feasibility study will ensure this is progressed in a commercially informed way that will allow the Council to make decisions that protect both its strategic and financial interests.

The Urban Design Strategies will provide tools that will allow Development management to safeguard the quality of the Town Centre built environment. This will create a place that is attractive to residents, visitors and investors, protecting the economic prosperity of the Town.

The recommended approval to spend will allow officers to deliver this work in a timely and efficient way providing the high standard of professional advice and guidance that will help the Council in its decision making process.

 

Resolved:

 

That the budget and funding, as set out in paragraph 9.1, for the projects described in this report and confidential annex relating to the delivery of the Andover Town Centre Masterplan be approved.

 

185.

Questions under Rule 11.2

Minutes:

Councillor Ecclestone withdrew the three questions he had submitted as set out in the agenda.

 

1.  Councillor A Dowden submitted a question asking ‘After receiving numerous complaints last winter from different areas of Southern Test Valley, about the state of footpaths where leaves had fallen and later the footpaths became muddy and slippery for pedestrians and cyclists. Would the Executive Member for Environmental Services consider the hiring this Autumn of a few small sweeping machines to help to prevent these unnecessary Health & Safety hazards?’

 

The Environmental Portfolio Holder thanked him you for his question. I am aware that there were some issues relating to the quality of leaf removal at specific locations in southern Test Valley last year. In short, the answer is yes, we will ensure that we hire in the appropriate vehicle to assist with the removal of leaves and detritus during autumn leaf fall.

 

2.  Councillor Daas submitted a question asking ‘Could the Planning Portfolio holder update the Council on any progress made in bringing the Romsey Brewery Site forward for completion of the extant Planning?’

 

The Planning Portfolio Holder thanked Cllr Daas for his question

 

Resolving the immensely frustrating problem of the Brewery Site has been my top priority since becoming Portfolio Holder for Planning.  Our Planning and Legal teams have been working assiduously to find a solution including considerable liaison with Government agencies.  That process is detailed, sensitive and commercially confidential.  Providing a public update could at this point prejudice both the options available to the Council and the significant progress we have made in investigating and advancing those options.

 

I have been happy to provide updates and answer questions from Romsey Members about the Brewery Site in our monthly Romsey Future Members Briefings.  It is a shame that you, Cllr Daas, have failed to attend any of the 21 meetings of the group held since you were elected in 2019.  Had you done so you would be better briefed about our progress.  Our next Romsey Future Member Briefing is on Monday 13th September, where I would be happy to provide you with a detailed, confidential, update should you wish."

 

Councillor Daas requested an update as he was unable to attend the meeting on 13 September.

 

3.  Councillor A Dowden submitted a question asking ‘Would the Leader of Test Valley Borough Council notify the Full Council how many Afghan refugees has he agreed to accept under the new Government resettlement scheme?

 

The Leader thanked Cllr A Dowden for his question on this hugely important issue. “Like you all, I have watched in horror the unfolding situation in Afghanistan. It is a humanitarian disaster which requires us to help in any way we can. Officers have been in daily contact with County Council colleagues who are co-ordinating the response in Hampshire, in conjunction with the Home Office. Officers know that we want to do as much as we can and have fed this message back in their meetings. To date the only official request  ...  view the full minutes text for item 185.

186.

Notice of Motion - Rule 12 pdf icon PDF 247 KB

To consider a motion proposed by Councillor Gwynne.

 

Minutes:

Council considered the following motion moved by Councillor Gwynne and seconded by Councillor C Dowden.

 

Humans have already caused irreversible climate change, the impacts of which are being felt in the UK and around the world.  Global temperatures have increased by 1.2°C from pre-industrial levels and the natural world has reached crisis point, with 28% of plants and animals currently threatened with extinction.

 

Unless we drastically change course, the world is set to exceed the Paris Agreement’s safe 1.5°C limit. Pledges like the Paris Agreement and updated emissions targets are not legally binding.  The gap between pledges and policies leaves the world on course for catastrophic warming of near 3%(or more).  As the 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) made clear, every half a degree makes a world of difference: severe climate impacts with 1.5°C of warming, such as extreme weather patterns causing flooding and heat waves, get significantly worse with 2°C.  According to the IPCC’s 2021 report, limiting heating to 1.5°C may still just be possible with ambitious action from national and sub-national authorities, civil society, the private sector and local communities. 

 

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and more than one in seven of our plants and animals face extinction and more than 40% are in decline.  As an example, we have lost 95% of our hedgehog population.  The UK needs a legally-enforceable nature target so that by 2030 nature is visibly and measurably on the path of recovery, in line with the Global Goal for Nature and the Leaders' Pledge for Nature .

Council notes that:

  I.  Many local authorities are playing an important role in the UK taking action to achieve net zero carbon emissions, and to protect and revitalise local wildlife and natural habitats.

  II.  Parliament in May 2019 declared an Environment and Climate Emergency. This Council declared a Climate Emergency in the same year and has had a Biodiversity Action Plan in place since 2008.

  III.  There is a Bill before Parliament—the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill (published as the “Climate and Ecology Bill”), which, if it became law, would require the government to develop a strategy to address the emergency that would ensure:

A.  the ecological emergency is tackled shoulder to shoulder with the climate crisis in a joined-up approach;

B.  the Paris Agreement is enshrined into law to ensure that UK does its real fair share to limit global temperature rise to the most stringent end of the Paris agreement -1.5°C.

C.  the Leaders Pledge for Nature is enshrined into law to ensure that the UK’s ecosystems are protected and restored with a focus on biodiversity, soils and natural carbon sinks;

D.  the UK takes full responsibility for our entire greenhouse gas footprint (ie consumption emissions plus shipping, flights and land-based transport) by accounting for all of the emissions that take place overseas to manufacture, transport and dispose of the goods and services we import and consume;

 

E.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 186.

187.

Exclusion of the Public pdf icon PDF 6 KB

The following Annex is confidential.

Minutes:

No confidential information was discussed on item 14 therefore the public were not required to leave the meeting.

188.

Procurement of Andover Masterplan Services Annex

Confidential Annex in relation to agenda item 14.

Minutes:

No confidential information from the annex to item 14 was discussed.