Agenda and minutes

Council - Wednesday, 20th October, 2021 6.00 pm

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Venue: Council Chamber. View directions

Contact: Rebecca Brough, Democratic & Corporate Services Manager  Email: democraticservices@dover.gov.uk

Link: 'CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE BROADCAST OF THE MEETING'

Items
No. Item

39.

Apologies pdf icon PDF 52 KB

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D A Hawkes and L A Keen.

40.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 304 KB

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 July 2021 and 15 September 2021 (to follow).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meetings held on 21 July 2021 and 15 September 2021 were approved as a correct record for signing by the Chairman.

41.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 143 KB

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

Minutes:

The Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer provided guidance to Members on the potential for interests relating to ‘associated persons’ under the Code of Conduct to arise in respect of the Licensing Policy.

 

The following Members declared an interest in items of business on the agenda:

 

Councillor M Bates declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his wife’s employment.)

 

Councillor T A Bond declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his son owning 20% of a restaurant.

 

Councillor D G Cronk declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to the Dover Truck Park having a licensed bar on its premises.

 

Councillor D Friend declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his being a personal license holder.

 

Councillor S J Jones declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to her being a license holder.

 

Councillor S C Manion declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in the Minute No. 50 (Motions) due to his company being a supporter of the White Ribbon campaign.

 

Councillor K Mills declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his membership of a rugby club.

 

Councillor O C de R Richardson declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his son owning a pub.

 

42.

Announcements pdf icon PDF 57 KB

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

Minutes:

The Chairman of the Council, Councillor M D Conolly, made the following announcements:

 

(a)  To advise that the Princess Royal had visited Dover Castle to meet with representatives of organisations that had helped residents in the pandemic. He noted that she had taken the time to speak to individuals about their work.

 

(b)  To inform Members of the sad news of the death of former district councillor Ian Killbery. As a district councillor, Councillor Killbery had served on the council for approximately 21 years representing the Middle Deal Ward. Following his departure from the Council he remained a Deal Town Councillor for a number of years subsequently. He had also been a leading exponent of the campaign to ensure that the high-speed train stopped at Deal.

 

The Chairman called upon Members who wished to share their memories of Councillor Killbery.

 

(c)   To note the recent death of Sir David Amess MP, who despite being the member of parliament for Southend West, had been a friend of Dover and who had been a leading figure in the fund-raising efforts for the Vera Lynn memorial.

43.

Leader's Time pdf icon PDF 89 KB

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 of the Main Opposition Group (or their nominee) shall be allowed up to 10 minutes to respond.

(c)  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 Leader(s), whichever is the greatest).

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor T J Bartlett, included the following matters in his report:

 

(a)  That the 149th Open Golf Championship had promoted the district internationally and seen interest in investing in the district increase. The Council was seeing record high planning applications.

 

(b)  The Dover Public Place Plan was being developed and would showcase shared priorities for the district.

 

(c)   That the 3rd Strategic Director post had not been appointed following interviews and the recruitment consultants had been asked to see if any other suitable candidates were available. The Council had appointed a new Head of Investment, Growth and Tourism.

 

(d)  To thank the grants panels for their work and to advise that he had attended a number of events following the summer round of bids.

 

(e)  That he had attended the successful Community Safety All Out Day, led by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership, and thanked everyone who attended. He had asked officers to look at improving the street scene in the district and encourage local people to take pride in the district.

 

(f)    To advised that he had asked for the presentation from WISE to be given to Members at this Council meeting.

 

(g)  That he had attended the Great British Beach Clean in September 2021 and helped collect litter from the beach area.

 

(h)  That he had joined the community team at the recent East Kent Ploughing Match. As part of this he had received a lot of questions over the waste service but was pleased to advise that the service had seen significant improvements and the green waste service had been restored.

 

(i)    To congratulate everyone involved in Kearsney and Russell Gardens being awarded a Green Flag. He had visited the gardens and was pleased with how that they looked. He welcomed that the new café was open.

 

The Leader of the Opposition Labour Group, Councillor K Mills, included the following matters in his report:   

 

(a)  To send his condolences to the family of Sir David Amess.

 

(b)  To emphasise the need for Members to take precautions when undertaking ward work to ensure their personal safety.

 

(c)   The need for the Dover Schematic to be shared with the wider public so that they can see what the Council was doing to generate future growth in the district. He accepted that there were some commercial sensitivities in the Schematic but pointed out that it had now been shown to a considerable number of investors and other parties.

 

(d)  To ask what the timescale was on the Dover Public Place Plan.

 

(e)  That as part of the interview panel for the 3rd Strategic Director post he accepted that there had been issues with recruiting a suitable candidate and suggested that the Council should look at options for developing its own staff.

 

(f)    That the grants panel was a great example of cross-party working. However, the demand was greater than the funding available. He highlighted the need to support the voluntary sector  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

44.

Seat Allocation and Group Appointments pdf icon PDF 4 KB

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:

There were no changes to the seat allocations or group appointments advised.

45.

Questions from the Public pdf icon PDF 114 KB

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

 

The questions are set out in the order received in the agenda papers.

Minutes:

(1)

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the Chairman agreed in the absence of the questioner to put a question from Benedict Kempt to the Leader of the Council, Councillor T J Bartlett:

 

 

“Recent polling by various sources suggest the people of Kent are interested

in or serious about an independent jurisdiction being created in Kent. In light

of this, is the leader of the council and the leaders of the council interested in

or serious about the prospects of an independent Kent? First and foremost

would be an independent financial system, which could bring a huge

opportunity for the people of Kent.”

 

 

In response the Leader of the Council stated:

 

 

“I do not believe an independent jurisdiction being created in Kent would be beneficial. However, we remain interested in any devolution and localism conversations to explore greater powers and greater financial freedoms.”

 

 

(2)

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11 a question from Graham Wanstall was put to the Leader of the Council, Councillor T J Bartlett:

 

 

“Regarding H.M The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year having earlier been confronted with a lack of interest for a name change within Dover, I have considered this further and after consulting others propose new namings. The Market Square is to undergo changes so we have an excellent opportunity to mark the Queen’s special jubilee naming it “Queen Elizabeth II Square” which I now propose to you. When we met at the subway earlier this year I proposed we call the subway “Captain Tom Moore” and the steps “Prince Philip Steps” to reflect the fact H.R.H. gave so many youngsters a step up in life. You supported both ideas! Now we know Captain Tom’s family do not want his name to be used I propose we call the subway and steps “Prince Phillip Way” as we did with “Dame Vera Lynn Way” which proved popular. With Queen Elizabeth II Square nearby the Queen and the Duke would be remembered side by side as they were for so long in life. I ask that Dover District Council demonstrate civic leadership by permanently marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as these proposals are appropriate to do and popular with the public for our two much loved and respected royals. God save the Queen!”

 

 

In response the Leader of the Council stated:

 

 

“The Council and I share Mr Wanstall’s respect for the monarchy. Officers explored his suggestions for naming the underpass/steps with both the Moore family and the cabinet office, providing the latter with evidence of HRH the late Duke of Edinburgh’s connection with the port of Dover as evidence to support the proposal. As Mr Wanstall acknowledges in his question, the Moore family did not give permission for Capt. Tom’s named to be used.

 

Similarly, the cabinet office on 29th September notified Dover District Council that:

 

“it would not be possible to make a favourable recommendation to Her Majesty, The Queen in this matter. This decision should not, however, be taken as any reflection  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

46.

WISE Presentation

To receive a presentation from Mr John Dunne of Waste Investigation Support and Enforcement Limited (WISE).

Minutes:

The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services, Councillor M Bates, introduced the presentation from Mr J Dunne, Managing Director of Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE).

 

The Council had agreed a three-year contract with WISE to carry out environmental enforcement activities alongside council officers. WISE would focus on day-to-day littering and dog fouling issues and provide a three-officer team to conduct regular enforcement patrols throughout the district.

 

Following the presentation, the Chairman called upon Members to ask any questions in respect of it.

47.

Review of Statement of Licensing Policy - Licensing Act 2003 pdf icon PDF 218 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) presented the Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003.

 

It was moved by Councillor C A Vinson, duly seconded by Councillor N S Kenton, and

 

RESOLVED:   That the Council approve the draft Statement of Licensing Policy and authorise a period of formal consultation from 1 November until 28 November 2021 in accordance with the statutory requirements.

 

(Councillor M Bates declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his wife’s employment and he withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

 

(Councillor T A Bond declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his son owning 20% of a restaurant and he withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

 

(Councillor D G Cronk declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to the Dover Truck Park having a licensed bar on its premises and he withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

 

(Councillor D Friend declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his being a personal license holder and he withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

 

(Councillor S J Jones declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to her being a license holder and she withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

 

(Councillor K Mills declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his membership of a rugby club and he withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

 

(Councillor O C de R Richardson declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 47 (Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Licensing Act 2003) due to his son’s ownership of a pub and he withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item of business.)

48.

Broadcast of Council Meetings pdf icon PDF 226 KB

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer (to follow).

Minutes:

The Democratic and Corporate Services Manager presented the report on the Broadcast of Council Meetings.

 

It was moved by Councillor M Rose, duly seconded by Councillor M Bates, and

 

RESOLVED:  (a)     That Council authorise an extension of the trial broadcast of Executive, Council and Committee meetings by a period of a further six-months trial period commencing with immediate effect.

 

                        (b)     That the Democratic and Corporate Services Manager be authorised to manage all aspects of the broadcast of committee meetings during the trial period.

49.

Questions from Members pdf icon PDF 119 KB

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

 

Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

 

The questions received are set out in the order received in the agenda papers.

Minutes:

In accordance with Rule 12(1) of the Council Procedure Rules, Members of the Cabinet responded to the following questions:

 

(1)

Councillor N J Collor asked the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and

Regulatory Services, Councillor M Bates:

 

 

“As the annual review of parking charges period approaches will the Portfolio Holder kindly advise whether or not suggested car parking charges in rural areas will be included this year?”

 

 

In response the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services stated:

 

 

“Thank you, Councillor Collor for your question and I can assure you that all charges in relation to car parking will be reviewed as part of the annual process and that will include the rural car parks. I have asked Parking Services to ensure that, when undertaking this activity, they take into account, not only the financial considerations but also the viability of any options before them, the extent of the social and economic impact that the introduction of parking charges could have on residents and businesses within each local community and, finally, a comparison of the level of parking facilities that these villages have in relation to the larger urban areas within the District.”

 

(2)

Councillor N J Collor asked the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and

Regulatory Services, Councillor M Bates:

 

 

“A recent press release on the future of the Stembrook area of Dover had, in the final comments, reference to future plans to improve Pencester Gardens. Since the 1920s this green open space in the centre of the town has always been extremely popular with residents, particularly the younger ones, and even more so, since the strategic play area and the skate park have been added.

 

Will the Leader of the Council confirm to me and fellow Dover residents that the play area and the skate park area, especially as the latter is now an Olympic event, will be included within the future plans?”

 

 

In response the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services stated:

 

 

“The Council’s Play strategy now includes skate park’s and both the facilities mentioned will continue to be enhanced as and when funding permits and will be an integral part of any future plans for improvements to this town centre park.”

 

(3)

Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and

Regulatory Services, Councillor M Bates:

 

 

“Have any approaches been made to P and O about the reintroduction of the transport link from the Priory station to the Docks particularly as foot passenger services have been re started?”

 

 

In response the Portfolio Holder for Transport, Licensing and Regulatory Services stated:

 

 

“No, not directly, but according to the P&O website: Passengers need to arrive at the Passenger Handling Building in the port of Dover no later than 90 minutes before sailing time to check in. There is no mention of the bus shuttle service on their webpage.”

 

(4)

Councillor P M Brivio asked the Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property, Councillor O C de R Richardson:

 

 

“Did  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

50.

Motions pdf icon PDF 23 KB

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.

 

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. 

 

The Motions received are set out in the agenda papers.

Minutes:

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor K Mills moved the Motion of which he had given notice as followed:

 

“This Council Meeting notes that

 

·         ONS figures show that almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, that two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a current or former partner, that over half a million women are raped or sexually assaulted each year and that a YouGov poll shows that a third of girls have experienced sexual harassment in schools;

·         the global pandemic has led to more women and girls being vulnerable to domestic abuse and, according to a BBC news report last July, the initial three months of the first national lockdown saw an 80% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline;

·         that, according to crime-survey and other government data, victims disproportionately come from those groups which already experience inequality and additional challenges in our society, including those who are mixed-race, have disabilities, or are transgender; and

·         as we reflect on the end of the delayed EUFA Euro 2020 tournament, previous research by Lancaster University showed that reported domestic abuse incidents increase whenever any of the home nations play in a major tournament, and the effect is particularly large on the days when those teams lose.

 

This Council Meeting further notes that

 

  • White Ribbon UK is the leading charity with a mission to end male violence against women and part of the global White Ribbon movement which arose from a campaign started by men in Canada in 2004;
  • they mark White Ribbon Day annually on 25th November, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women, by encouraging men and boys to pledge never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women and to make this by wearing a white ribbon on the day and a week or two afterwards; and
  • White Ribbon UK operate a system of male Ambassadors, female Champions and Youth Advocates, as well as having specific materials to support primary and secondary schools, all with the aim of encouraging men to take the pledge and help to eradicate male violence against women.
  • This Council Meeting believes male violence against women can never be condoned and Dover District Council should do everything in its power to ensure women are safe.  As part of this, the council should facilitate and encourage participation by councillors, staff and schools in the White Ribbon Campaign.

 

This Council Meeting therefore resolves to

 

  • encourage all male Councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge, never to take part in, condone or stay silent about violence against women;
  • undertake as soon as practicable the steps necessary to achieve White Ribbon accreditation, joining the large number of public sector bodies which have already done so; and
  • as part of this, appoint a male Councillor as an Ambassador; mark White Ribbon Day on 25th November each year with a fundraising event; and encourage participation among council staff and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

51.

Urgent Business Time pdf icon PDF 83 KB

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 for consideration.