Meeting documents

• (Attachment: 1)Minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of Council held on 2nd November 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed

Councillors R.C. Newstead (Mayor), Mrs R. Renton, B.A. Stead, Ms B.J. Thomson and S.T. Walsh

None

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Four questions were asked and responses given in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.15 and the Order paper circulated at the meeting. Details were as follows:

Question by: Councillor J.C.S. Essex

Answered by: Leader of the Council (Councillor V.W. Broad)

Subject: Surrey County Council’s Joint Property Development

Question by: Councillor S. McKenna

Answered by: Executive Member for Community Safety (Councillor G.J. Knight)

Subject: Air Quality Management Areas in Reigate and Banstead

Question by: Councillor M.J. Selby

Answered by: Executive Member for Planning Policy (Councillor K. Foreman)

Subject: Green Environmental Transport Initiatives

Question by: Councillor J.C.S. Essex

Answered by: Executive Member for Planning Policy (Councillor K. Foreman) (Written response)

Subject: Register of Brownfield Sites
 

Note: For more information on responses to Council questions see this page on the Council’s website:

http://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/downloads/download/441/full_council_questions_and_observations

• (Attachment: 2)Item 7: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE (49K/bytes)

The Council received three Recommendations arising from the Executive’s meeting on 9 November 2017.

In relation to the Recommendations on the Development Management Plan the Council was informed that Councillors J.C.S. Essex and S. McKenna had given notice of an Amendment to be moved at the meeting (which had been provided to Members in advance and was tabled at the meeting).

Councillor J.C.S. Essex moved and Councillor S. McKenna seconded the Amendment that proposed the inclusion of three additional paragraphs to the existing three Recommendations that had been submitted by the Executive.

The composite amendment therefore comprised paragraphs (ii), (iii) and (vi) below (with paragraphs (i), (iv) and (v) being those originally proposed by the Executive):

(i) the Draft Reigate and Banstead Development Management Plan (DMP) (Annex A) and Policies Map (Annex B) be endorsed as sound and approved for publication and consultation as the “Regulation 19” submission

(ii) The Council will review any additional brownfield sites promoted via the Regulation 19 consultation and recommend these to the inspector where appropriate. The Council reiterates its commitment to focusing new housing development within our urban areas as a priority. Greenfield urban extensions will only be released if the Council cannot demonstrate a five year housing land supply from other sites.
 

(iii) the Council resolves to make representations to the government to secure a lower overall housing target that enables the Greenbelt to be protected;
 

(iv) the Head of Places and Planning be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Policy, to submit the Draft Development Management Plan and Policies Map to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Section 20;
 

(v) the Head of Places and Planning be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Policy, to submit the representations received and duly made in accordance with Regulations, to the Secretary of State together with a Summary of the Issues; and
 

(vi) the Development Management Plan shall be supported by a clear statement to avoid the 'viability test' being used to avoid providing affordable homes, and set out how we will provide more genuinely affordable (socially rented) housing to meet local housing need.
 

The Amendment was put to the vote and was lost.

Councillor K. Foreman and Councillor V.W. Broad moved a further Amendment to the original Recommendations from the Executive that introduced two new paragraphs (in addition to the existing Recommendations) shown as paragraphs (ii) and (v) below (with paragraphs (i), (iii) and (iv) being those originally proposed by the Executive):

(i) the Draft Reigate and Banstead Development Management Plan (DMP) (Annex A) and Policies Map (Annex B) be endorsed as sound and approved for publication and consultation as the “Regulation 19” submission;
 

(ii) The Council will review any additional brownfield sites promoted via the Regulation 19 consultation and recommend these to the inspector where appropriate. The Council reiterates its commitment to focusing new housing development within our urban areas as a priority. Greenfield urban extensions will only be released if the Council cannot demonstrate a five year housing land supply from other sites;
 

(iii) the Head of Places and Planning be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Policy, to submit the Draft Development Management Plan and Policies Map to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Section 20; and
 

(iv) the Head of Places and Planning be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Policy, to submit the representations received and duly made in accordance with Regulations, to the Secretary of State together with a Summary of the Issues.
 

(v) the Development Management Plan shall be supported by a clear statement to avoid the 'viability test' being used to avoid providing affordable homes, and set out how we will provide more genuinely affordable housing to meet local housing need.”
 

Upon being put to the Council the further Amendment above was carried and formed the substantive proposal which was adopted by Council accordingly.

The Council therefore determined each of the Recommendations from the Executive as set out below.

 
RESOLVED that:

(i) the Recommendation of the Executive (Minute 34) from its meeting on 9 November 2017 ‘Half Year Treasury Management Performance Report’ be adopted;
 

(ii) the Recommendation of the Executive (Minute 39) from its meeting on 9 November 2017 ‘Local Council Tax Support Scheme’ be adopted; and
 

(iii) the Recommendations of the Executive (Minute 49) from its meeting on 9 November 2017 ‘Development Management Plan Pre-Submission “Regulation 19” Consultation and Submission’ be adopted as follows:
 

(i) the Draft Reigate and Banstead Development Management Plan (DMP) (Annex A) and Policies Map (Annex B) be endorsed as sound and approved for publication and consultation as the “Regulation 19” submission;
 

(ii) The Council will review any additional brownfield sites promoted via the Regulation 19 consultation and recommend these to the inspector where appropriate. The Council reiterates its commitment to focusing new housing development within our urban areas as a priority. Greenfield urban extensions will only be released if the Council cannot demonstrate a five year housing land supply from other sites;
 

(iii) the Head of Places and Planning be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Policy, to submit the Draft Development Management Plan and Policies Map to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Section 20;
 

(iv) the Head of Places and Planning be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning Policy,

to submit the representations received and duly made in accordance with Regulations, to the Secretary of State together with a Summary of the Issues; and
 

(v) the Development Management Plan shall be supported by a clear statement to avoid the 'viability test' being used to avoid providing affordable homes, and set out how we will provide more genuinely affordable housing to meet local housing need.

The Deputy Mayor informed Council that Councillor Simon Rickman, Member for the Southpark and Woodhatch ward had resigned from the Council on 1 December 2017.

As Councillor S. Rickman’s period of office expired in May 2018 it was noted that the election would take place as part of the local elections on 3 May 2018 and the outcome reported to the Annual Council meeting on 24 May 2018.

The Council placed on record its thanks to Councillor S. Rickman for the work that he had undertaken during his period of office.

RESOLVED that the report be noted

Leader: Councillor V.W. Broad

1. Development Management Plan
Councillor V.W. Broad, Leader of the Council made a statement to Council on the landmark decision made by the Council (above) to agree the Development Management Plan for consultation and submission to the Government for formal examination.

2. Syrian Refugees
Councillor V.W. Broad, Leader of the Council informed Council that he had recently visited the Syrian refugees that the Council had assisted to settle in our area and relayed to Council their gratitude for the safe haven in which they now reside. The Leader paid tribute to ward member Councillor Mrs A. Tarrant who had worked tirelessly to assist the refugees to settle into the area.

Executive Member for Leisure and Wellbeing: Councillor Mrs R. Mill

3. Harlequin
Councillor Mrs R. Mill, Executive Member for Leisure and Wellbeing made a statement to Council on the continued success of the Harlequin which had recently been recognised in a recent report on the state of theatre access by the national disability charity ‘Vocal Eyes’. The Executive Member noted that the Harlequin had received very positive comments in this report particularly in relation to its accessibly and inclusivity of its operations.
 

Executive Member for Community Safety: Councillor G.J. Knight

4. White Ribbon Campaign
Councillor G.J. Knight, Executive Member for Community Safety made a statement in relation to the support that the Council was providing towards the White Ribbon campaign that formed part of a global movement to put a stop to male violence against women and girls. The Executive Member indicated that there would be event, early in the new year, for Members of the Council to mark this campaign

• (Attachment: 3)Item 10: COUNCIL TAX BASE FOR 2018/19 (81K/bytes)

Council received a report on the Council Tax base for 2018/19.

The Council Tax base was the measure of the relative taxable capacity of each of the three different tax-raising areas of the Borough (the Borough as a whole, the Parish Council area and the Town Council area). It had to be determined before 31st January each year and reported to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The report set out relevant statutory powers, background, information on the Council Tax base calculation, and the collection rate. The report also set out options, legal, financial and equalities implications, risk management considerations, the position on consultation and policy framework factors.

The report was introduced by the Executive Member for Finance (Councillor T. Schofield) who moved the Recommendation set out. This was seconded by Councillor K. Foreman whereupon it was

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the Council Tax base for 2018/19 for each of the Council’s areas shall be as follows:

Reigate & Banstead Council as a whole: 59,780.8
Horley Town Council area: 9,522.4
Salfords & Sidlow Parish Council area: 1,386.3
 

• (Attachment: 4)Item 11: BOUNDARY REVIEW SUBMISSION (368K/bytes)

Councillor Dr L.R. Hack, Deputy Leader of the Council informed the Council that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England had, earlier in the year, indicated that they would be undertaking a review of Reigate and Banstead’s council size, electoral arrangements and ward boundaries.

This had been triggered for two reasons:

• Firstly, it was nearly two decades since the last review in 1998
• Secondly, some of the wards had significant variations in population, creating electoral inequality for the Borough’s residents

The process for undertaking a boundary review had been led by the Commission and, as noted, this was the first stage of the process that allowed the Council to submit its proposals to the Commission.

The Deputy Leader moved the Recommendation as set out in the report which were seconded by Councillor T. Schofield. Councillor Dr L.R. Hack made reference to the work that had been undertaken by a cross party Member Working Group, established by Council, in accordance with the detailed guidance set by the Commission.

The Deputy Leader informed Council that the proposals recommend retaining elections by thirds with a reduction in Council size from 51 to 45 Councillors that would be elected in 3 Member wards. The report included the supporting assessment that had recognised the changes that had taken place within the organisation since the last review in 1998 which made the case for the recommendations.

Councillor N.D. Harrison spoke on behalf of the Resident’s Association Group indicating the reasons why their Group could not support the Recommendations countering the proposals in the report by making the case for why the Council should retain 51 Councillors and not reduce the number of wards.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.21.3, at the request of Councillors N.D. Harrison, Mrs J. Bray, R. Harper, M.J. Selby, C.T.H. Whinney and J. White, voting on the Recommendation was recorded as follows:

For (31): Councillors Mrs R.H. Absalom, D. Allcard, R. Ashford, Mrs N.J. Bramhall, V.W. Broad, M.A. Brunt, G.P. Crome, G. Curry, J. Durrant, J.M. Ellacott, K. Foreman, J.S. Godden, Dr Z. Grant-Duff, Dr L.R. Hack, A.C.J. Horwood, E. Humphreys, D.G. Jackson, J. King, G.J. Knight, S.A. Kulka, A.M. Lynch, Mrs R. Mill, S. Parnall, J. Paul, D.J. Pay, Mrs D.A. Ross-Tomlin, T. Schofield, J.M. Stephenson, C. Stevens, Mrs A. Tarrant, and Mrs R.S. Turner.

Against (10): Councillor L. Ascough, J.S. Bray, R.W. Coad, J.C.S. Essex, R. Harper, N.D. Harrison, S. McKenna, M.J. Selby, C.T.H. Whinney and J. White.

Abstained (3): Councillor M. Blacker, F. Kelly and R.S. Mantle.

RESOLVED that the boundary review proposal regarding council size and electoral arrangements, as set out in Annex 1 to the report presented and as recommended by the Member Working Group, be approved for submission to the Local Authority Boundary Commission for England.

• (Attachment: 5)Item 12: Report on Members Allowances (2M/bytes)

The Chief Executive introduced a report on a review of Members’ Allowances by the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

The report set out the relevant statutory powers and background. Appended to the report was the IRPs eighteenth report on Members’ Allowances including its recommendations together with the financial implications.

In relation to the Panel’s report Councillor M.A. Brunt moved and Councillor D. Allcard seconded their proposals based on the Panel’s recommendations.

The following points were made during the debate:

• A request to include an increase in the Special Responsibility Allowance for Members of the Planning Committee to £2000 (which did not receive the support of the mover of the recommendations);
 

• Questions about whether the Champion and Assistant Portfolio Holder roles were documented in the Council’s Constitution (which it was confirmed were not);
 

• Whether the Panel should move to reporting once every three years instead of annually. The advantages and disadvantages were noted between the reduction of workloads set against the advantages of an annual analysis of current issues and to reflect on the prevailing economic climate.

The Council noted the above points and

RESOLVED that:
 

(i) Recommendations (i) to (xix) of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) be adopted for the 2018/19 financial year;
 

(ii) with regard to Recommendation (xx) from the Panel the Council concluded that it had no further work for the Panel’s 2018/19 review;
 

(iii) the Chief Executive be authorised to make the necessary changes to the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2018/19 (approved under Recommendation (i) above);
 

(iv) the financial implications arising from the adoption of the Panel’s recommendations be noted and built into the Council’s 2018/19 Budget proposal and future years projections; and
 

(v) the IRP be thanked for its report.

The Leader (Councillor V.W. Broad) reported on the following:

• That the Mayor Elect for 2018/19 would be Councillor Mrs D.A. Ross-Tomlin.

• The Leader offered seasonal greetings and his best wishes for Members and Officers wishing them all a very happy New Year.

The Deputy Mayor reported on the following:

• The Holocaust Memorial Evening to take place at Reigate School on 23 January 2018;
• The Mayoress’s Ladies Lunch taking place on Wednesday, 14th February 2018 at the Kingswood Golf Club;
• The Grenadier Guards military band performance to take place on Sunday, 18 March 2018 at the Harlequin; and
• The St Georges Day Dinner being held at Reigate Manor Hotel on Friday, 20 April 2018.

The Deputy Mayor closed the meeting by offering his best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone present and invited Members and guests to join him for Councillor S. Parnall’s carol concert and the refreshments in the Old Council Chamber after the meeting