Agenda and draft minutes

It was noted that there were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The decisions of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 13 May 2024 numbered CAB 106 to CAB 119 (inclusive) are attached.

It was agreed that the decisions of the meeting held on 13 May 2024, as detailed in decision numbers CAB 106 to CAB 119, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Corporate Services and Democracy.

Responsibility: Leader of the Council

(a)   It was agreed that agendas for Cabinet, Project/Policy Advisory Group and Executive Committee meetings are only made available in electronic format or, if paper copies are required by Members, that these be left at the Council Offices for collection.

(b)   It was agreed that it be recommended to the Governance Committee and Council that the Leader and Executive Procedure Rules be amended to insert a new paragraph 1.6(c), as follows:

‘The Proper Officer will give notice to the public of the time and place of any meeting in accordance with the Access to Information Rules.  At least five clear days before a meeting, the Proper Officer will send a summons signed by him or her to every member of the Council.  All Members serving on a body will receive an electronic copy of the summons and agenda unless they have requested a paper copy which will be made available for collection from the Council Offices.  All Members will receive an electronic notification by e-mail.  The summons will give the date, time and place of each meeting and specify the business to be transacted and will be accompanied by such reports as are available.’

To consider the attached report of the Senior Natural Environment Officer.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment

It was agreed:

(a)   That the Green Infrastructure Strategy, as amended following consultation, and as set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be adopted and published.

(b)   That the Head of Planning and Development be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment, to make minor amendments to the Green Infrastructure Strategy prior to its publication. 

To consider the attached report of the Head of Property Assets.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property

It was agreed:

(a)   That the release of funds from agreed developer contributions, compensation packages and the Medium-Term Capital Plan, for the projects set out in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.3 of the report, be approved.

(b)   That the acceptance of contributions towards the refurbishments from Sandwich Town Council and Walmer Town Council be approved.

(c)   That the Strategic Director (Place and Environment) be authorised to award contract(s) following the tender process.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Place and Environment).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Built Environment

It was agreed:

(a)   That the work being carried out by the Council to comply with the Biodiversity Duty be acknowledged.

(b)   That the Biodiversity Duty Objectives and associated initial actions set out in Appendix 1 to the report, and the proposed reporting timescales, be approved.

(c)   That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (Place and Environment) to progress the delivery of the objectives and initial actions.

To consider the attached report of the Strategic Director (Corporate and Regulatory).

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance, Climate Change and Environment

It was agreed that the Council’s Strategic Performance Dashboard for the Fourth Quarter 2023/24 be noted.

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and the public be excluded during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Housing.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education

It was agreed:

(a)   That a project to acquire the freehold of seven affordable homes, to be developed on land at Sandwich Road, Sholden, and the subsequent sale of shares in those properties designated as Shared Ownership homes, be approved.

(b)   That the Strategic Director (Finance and Housing) be authorised, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Skills and Education, to take the necessary decisions and actions to progress the project and purchase the properties including (but not limited to) agreeing the purchase price, agreeing the tenure of the affordable homes, approving the sale purchase agreements, and appointing any necessary professional advisers.