Agenda and minutes

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Items
No. Item

61.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

An apology for absence was received from Councillor P M Wallace.

62.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To confirm the attached Minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2015.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

63.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 15 KB

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

Minutes:

Councillor S F Bannister declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Minute No.69 (Council Tax Base 2016/17) by reason of his ownership of an empty property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of the item of business.

64.

Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, Members of the Cabinet or Head of Paid Service.

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Council announced that the Vice-Chairman had attended the International Holocaust Memorial Day event held by Deal Town Council on behalf of Dover District Council.

 

The Council stood in silence as a mark of respect for International Holocaust Memorial Day.

65.

Leader's Time

To receive an oral report at the meeting from the Leader (and Cabinet) on the business of the Executive or on any topic or subject that it is felt should be brought to the attention of the Council.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (Leader’s Time):

 

(a)  The Leader (and Cabinet) shall have up to 15 minutes to make within this report any statements that they wish on any topic or subject that they feel should be drawn to the attention of the Council.

(b)  The Leader (or their nominee) of the Major Opposition Group (Labour Group) shall be allowed up to 10 minutes to respond.

(c)  The Leader (or their nominee) of the Other Opposition Group (UKIP Group) shall be allowed up to 5 minutes to respond. 

(d)  The Leader of the Council shall be allowed up to 5 minutes to exercise a right of reply (or 25% of the time given to the Opposition Group Leaders, whichever is the greatest).

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor P A Watkins, included the following matters in his report:

 

(a)  That Option C was his preferred choice in respect of the Operation Stack lorry park as well as the continuation of the Dover Traffic Assessment Project (TAP). He thanked Councillor N J Collor for his hard work in respect of Operation Stack and TAP and also Councillors P M Brivio and M R Eddy for supporting TAP at Kent County Council and Mr Charlie Elphicke MP for supporting it in Parliament and with Central Government.

 

(b)  The importance of ensuring that the Kent road connections for the third Thames Crossing were fit for purpose, with needed improvements undertaken to the M2/A2 and Brenley Corner. He urged Members to respond to the consultation in support of the Highways England preferred option with the A229 variant.

 

(c)  The need to remove the roundabouts at Prince of Wales and Duke of York to create a clearway managed by TAP in advance of the St James’ (DTIZ) Development opening. Traffic projections had shown that there was the potential for gridlock if this was not undertaken.

 

(d)  That the Shakespeare Cliff repairs could be monitored via the Council’s website and that 19,000 tons of rock was being used to prevent further damage. While the repairs were being undertaken South Eastern Trains were making timetable amendments to improve connections via Ramsgate but there were still some problems with return trains at night.

 

(e)  That the Council would be making a response to the rail franchise consultation and the importance of ensuring that the district received the service it needed and deserved. This included the ‘Golden Hour’ for highspeed train journeys to London.

 

(f)   The 5 East Kent authorities met with Kent County Council at the end of December to discuss the Devolution Agenda. It was proposed that a model lining up with the federated Clinical Commissioning Groups would deliver economies of scale through joining up health and social care.

 

(g)  That the Dover District had the third highest apprenticeships take-up in Kent.

 

(h)  That the first meeting of the steering group for the new Dover Leisure Centre was not far off being called.

 

The Leader of the Main Opposition Group, Councillor M R Eddy, included the following matters in his report:

 

(a)  To thank Councillor P A Watkins for his kind words and to thank Councillor Collor for his presentation to Kent County Council on the transport issues facing the district. He advised that the needed dualling of the A2 was included in the final recommendations.

 

(b)  The importance of good transport links for the local economy.

 

(c)  To express concern over proposed reductions in the Kent County Council highways budget given the £250 million backlog in repairs and to emphasise the need to maintain the highways budget in the Dover District due to the damage caused by lorries to roads.

 

(d)  The need for cross-party engagement on the devolution agenda.

 

(e)  To welcome the news in respect of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

66.

Seat Allocation and Group Appointments

To receive from Group Leaders any changes to seat allocations or appointments.

 

(Note:  Any changes must be within the approved allocation of seats to political groups in accordance with the political balance rules (where applicable).)

Minutes:

The Group Leaders advised that there were no seat allocations or group appointments.

67.

Questions from the Public

To receive answers in respect of questions from the public to Members of the Executive asked in accordance with Rule 11 of the Council Procedure Rules.

 

(a)  Questions will be asked in the order in which notice of them was received, except that the Chairman may group together similar questions.

(b)  The period for questions by the public shall be limited so that no further questions shall be put after the elapse of 15 minutes from the commencement of the first question.

(c)  A maximum of three minutes is allowed for the each question to be read.

(d)  A questioner who has put a question in person may also put one supplementary question without notice to the member who has replied to his or her original question. A supplementary question must arise directly out of the original question or the reply.

(e)  Afterwards, any other Member at the Chairman's discretion may speak for up to two minutes on a question or reply.

 

Questions from the Public

 

There were no questions from the public received within the notice period.

Minutes:

There were no questions from members of the public.

68.

Questions from Members

Up to 60 minutes is allowed for this part of the meeting unless extended by the Chairman of Council on a motion moved, duly seconded and approved by the Council.  Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

 

(a)        To Chairmen/Vice-Chairmen of Committees

 

            To receive answers in respect of questions from Members of the Council to the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Council or the Chairman of any Committee or Sub-Committee asked in accordance with Rule 12 of the Council Procedure Rules.

 

            (1)        Councillor S F Bannister will ask the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor F J W Scales:

 

“With record breaking amounts of rainfall in Britain over recent years and the likelihood that the consequences of global warming will be a semi-permanent visitor to these shores does the Chair of Planning feel that is it time for this Council to review its policies in regard to building in low lying areas that are prone to flooding?”

 

 

(b)        To the Executive

 

            To receive answers in respect of questions from Members of the Council to a Member of the Executive asked in accordance with Rule 12 of the Council Procedure Rules.

 

            (2)        Councillor P M Wallace will ask the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance, Councillor M D Conolly:

 

What are the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance's views on the Local Government Association's proposal that local councils should be allowed to levy council tax or a similar charge on land which has been given planning permission for development but where development has not been commenced within a set period, in order to encourage developers to create much needed housing rather than allowing the land to lie idle thereby making purely paper profits?”

 

            (3)        Councillor B Gardner will ask the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning, Councillor N S Kenton:

 

Could the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning outline his views on the effectiveness of the current set of procedures and protocols when it comes to this Council agreeing a value for applications for less than 15 properties where a contribution to the Affordable Housing Fund is sought from developers?”

 

            (4)        Councillor P M Brivio will ask the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing, Councillor N J Collor:

 

Could the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing provide an update on what is happening with regard to the derelict property of Bushey Ruff which has become an eyesore in otherwise beautiful surroundings?”

 

            (5)       Councillor D A Sargent will ask the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor P M Beresford:

 

“Is the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Well-being able to provide a revised figure of planned new builds of social housing for the district now that changes to rental income introduced by the government will make it impossible to meet the much publicised target of 500 units?”

 

            (6)       Councillor M R Eddy will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor P A Watkins:

 

“As the town of Sandwich  ...  view the full agenda text for item 68.

Minutes:

In accordance with Rule 12 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Chairman of the Planning Committee responded to the following question:

 

(1)     Councillor S F Bannister asked the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor F J W Scales:

 

        “With record breaking amounts of rainfall in Britain over recent years and the likelihood that the consequences of global warming will be a semi-permanent visitor to these shores does the Chair of Planning feel that is it time for this Council to review its policies in regard to building in low lying areas that are prone to flooding?”

 

In accordance with Rule 12 of the Council Procedure Rules, Members of the Executive responded to the following questions:

 

(2)     Councillor M R Eddy, in the absence of Councillor P M Wallace and with the consent of the Chairman, asked the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance, Councillor M D Conolly:

 

“What are the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance's views on the Local Government Association's proposal that local councils should be allowed to levy council tax or a similar charge on land which has been given planning permission for development but where development has not been commenced within a set period, in order to encourage developers to create much needed housing rather than allowing the land to lie idle thereby making purely paper profits?”

 

(3)     Councillor B Gardner asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning, Councillor N S Kenton:

 

“Could the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning outline his views on the effectiveness of the current set of procedures and protocols when it comes to this Council agreeing a value for applications for less than 15 properties where a contribution to the Affordable Housing Fund is sought from developers?”

 

(4)     Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing, Councillor N J Collor:

 

“Could the Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing provide an update on what is happening with regard to the derelict property of Bushey Ruff which has become an eyesore in otherwise beautiful surroundings?”

 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning, Councillor N S Kenton, answered the question as related to his portfolio.

 

(5)     Councillor D A Sargent asked the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor P M Beresford:

 

 “Is the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Well-being able to provide a revised figure of planned new builds of social housing for the district now that changes to rental income introduced by the government will make it impossible to meet the much publicised target of 500 units?”

 

(6)     Councillor M R Eddy asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor P A Watkins:

 

“As the town of Sandwich has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees which dates back to at least the 16th century, does the Leader agree that Sandwich Town Council should be congratulated on their plans to encourage residents to donate to help support Syrian refugee families coming to the Dover?”

 

(7)     Councillor L A Keen asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

69.

Council Tax Base 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 108 KB

To consider the attached report of the Director of Finance, Housing and Community.

 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.6 a recorded vote will be held in respect of this item.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered the report of the Director of Finance, Housing and Community.

 

Members were advised that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 18.6 this item was considered to be a budget decision within the meaning given to it in the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001 and therefore a recorded vote would be held.

 

It was moved by Councillor M D Conolly, duly seconded and

 

RESOLVED:   (a)   That for the financial year 2016/17, the empty homes discount be reduced to 0% for Class C empty properties, and remove the 2nd homes discount so that Council Tax would be payable in full on those properties.

 

                        (b)   That Council Tax Reduction Scheme be approved and not be revised or replaced by another scheme.

 

                        (c)   That the District’s Council Tax Base for 2016/17 be approved as 36,251.91 and that the tax base for the towns and parishes in the Council’s administrative area be approved as set out in the table at Appendix 2 as follows:

 

 

Parish

2015/16TaxBase usingcollectionrate

2016/17TaxBase usingcollectionrate

 

Alkham

 

295.37

 

298.68

Ash

1,088.34

1,095.02

Aylesham

862.66

1,024.03

Capel-Le-Ferne

616.81

617.71

Deal

6,344.48

6,477.35

Denton-with-Wootton

168.76

167.40

Dover

7,514.01

7,679.07

Eastry

752.72

754.48

Eythorne

765.70

771.20

Goodnestone

172.38

166.59

GreatMongeham

263.00

264.10

Guston

383.17

379.08

Hougham-Without

182.26

179.88

Langdon

224.80

226.57

Lydden

244.11

247.63

Nonington

295.31

293.91

Northbourne

265.29

264.67

Preston

258.52

257.35

Ringwould-with-Kingsdown

1,011.53

1,018.35

Ripple

145.75

149.51

River

1,478.45

1,481.45

StMargarets-at-Cliffe

1,241.27

1,256.81

Sandwich

1,884.80

1,875.75  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

70.

2016-19 REVISED STATEMENT OF POLICY AND PRINCIPLES ISSUED UNDER THE GAMBLING ACT 2005 pdf icon PDF 71 KB

To consider the attached report of the Head of Regulatory Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Access and Licensing, Councillor N J Collor, introduced the report on the Revised Statement of Policy and Principles issued under the Gambling Act 2005.

 

It was moved by Councillor N J Collor and duly seconded:

 

RESOLVED: That the Statement of Policy and Principles issued under the Gambling Act 2005 be adopted.

 

71.

Draft Calendar of Meetings 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 49 KB

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered the Draft Calendar of Meetings 2016/17.

 

Councillor M I Cosin advised that the proposed Council date for 28 September 2016 conflicted with the Labour Party Conference and requested that the date be changed.

 

It was moved by Councillor P A Watkins and duly seconded

 

RESOLVED: That the Draft Calendar of Meetings 2016/17 be approved in principle subject to the deletion of the Council date scheduled for 28 September 2016.

72.

Motions

Motions for which notice has been given are listed on the agenda in the order in which notice was received, unless the Member giving notice states, in writing, that they propose to move it at a later meeting or withdraw it.

 

If a Motion set out in the agenda is not moved by the Member who gave notice thereof it shall, unless postponed by consent of the Council, be treated as withdrawn and shall not be moved without fresh notice.

 

A Motion must be about matters for which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District.

 

(1)       In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor P Walker will move:

 

"In order to deliver Dover District Council's objectives for housing and economic regeneration, this Council will, with effect from 1 February 2016, instigate an addition to its Housing Policies that housing developments, be they for purchase or rent, must include a minimum of 40% affordable housing and a minimum of 10% of high-end housing.”

Minutes:

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor P Walker gave notice of his intention to move the following Motion:

 

"In order to deliver Dover District Council's objectives for housing and economic regeneration, this Council will, with effect from 1 February 2016, instigate an addition to its Housing Policies that housing developments, be they for purchase or rent, must include a minimum of 40% affordable housing and a minimum of 10% of high-end housing.”

 

The Motion was duly seconded by Councillor M R Eddy.

 

Councillor P A Watkins proposed that the Motion be withdrawn and that instead he would make the necessary arrangements for the Cabinet Project Advisory Group (the former LDF Group) to conduct a strategic housing market assessment.

 

Councillor P Walker accepted Councillor P A Watkins’s proposal and, with the consent of his seconder, withdrew his Motion.

73.

Urgent Business Time

To consider any other items deemed by the Chairman of the Council to be urgent in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972.

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business.

    Broadcast and Recording of Council Meetings

    1. (a) Where a meeting has been broadcast via the Council’s website a recording of that broadcast will generally be available for viewing on-line for a period of 30 days from the close of the meeting. In normal circumstances this would be within 2 working days of the meeting. However, there may be circumstances where it will take longer.

      (b) The broadcasts and recordings are the copyright of the Council and may not be copied, displayed or published to the public, adapted or dealt with in any other way restricted by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

      (c) The Council will not make available copies of the recordings either in whole or in part other than in compliance with a legal requirement arising under The Freedom of Information Act 2000, UK GDPR, The Data Protection Act 2018 or some other enactment, rule of law or direction of a court or tribunal which is binding on it.

      (d) Dover District Council is a Data Controller under GDPR. During this live broadcast, if you are participating in the meeting your personal data will be processed. Some of the meetings will be recorded and retained for viewing for 30 days on the Council's YouTube channel. Your information will be handled securely and confidentially in compliance with data protection legislation. For more information on your privacy and how your personal data may be processed during a live broadcasting of a Council meeting, please visit our website and view our Broadcasting of Meetings and Corporate Privacy Notice at www.dover.gov.uk/privacy