Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillor Oli Henman sent his apologies.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest, (as defined in Part 4.4 Appendix B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were none.

There was none.

For the Panel to confirm the Minutes of the previous meetings:

13^th March 2023

3^rd April 2023

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meetings (13^th March 2023

3^rd April 2023) as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson made a statement in support of the Call in of E3453 - Entry Hill Depot Site (a copy of this statement is attached to these minutes).

Councillor Shaun Hughes made a statement in support of the Call in of E3453 - Entry Hill Depot Site (a copy of this statement is attached to these minutes).

A report is attached on ‘Call-in of decision E3453 – Entry Hill Depot Site, Entry Hill, Bath BA2 5NA – Recommendation for Disposal’

The Chair invited Councillor Councillors Heijltjes (Call in Lead Councillor Councillor) and Councillor Roper (Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development) to address the Panel.

Councillor Heijltjes (Call in Lead Councillor – as substitute for Councillor Wright)

Councillor Heijltjes made a statement explaining the reasons for the call in (a copy is attached to these minutes)

Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:

Councillor Blackburn referred to the environmental impact assessment which is requested as part of the Call in. He asked how long this would take and what the cost would be. Councillor Jackson commented that this could take up to a year as species have to be observed, she further explained that a snapshot could be taken which meant that it would not take as long as a year. She was not sure on the costs.

Councillor Hodge asked what the constraints were on the site considering the ash. Councillor Heijltjes stated that she was not an expert but as the company plans include some building on the site, other building work would be possible.

Councillor Jackson stated that contamination is not a deterrent as long as the proper scientific tests are carried out. 

Councillor Halsall stated that the site is allocated for employment in the Local Plan and asked if Councillor Hughes was suggesting that the Council should wait for the Local Plan review. Councillor Hughes stated that he felt that the Council needed to decide on the best use of the site for the Council and community regardless of the timescales. He stated that housing should not be dismissed especially considering the lack of affordable housing in the area. He stated that he struggled to see why the ‘red book’ valuation was taken. He stated that the site is described as rare and desirable which implies it has a worth and we should get the best price.

Councill Blackburn asked how residential use versus industrial use compare regarding biodiversity net gain. Councillor Heijltjes stated that she understood that this was not impossible with residential use.

Councillor Roper – Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development

Councillor Roper made a statement regarding the decision made by former Councillor Richard Samuel (a copy is attached to these minutes).

Panel members asked the following questions and raised the following points:

Councillor Simon stated that the red book valuation for residential use was substantially higher than for industrial use. If asked if this took account of remedial costs. The Cabinet Member stated that the residential valuation excludes any remedial works.

Councillor Simon asked how long the overage liability be would retained. The Cabinet Member stated that draft heads of terms had been agreed and any overage would be in perpetuity.

Councillor Blackburn asked why the site had been empty for so long and not considered in the Local Plan for social housing. The Cabinet Member stated that a feasibility report was carried out in 2017 and ADL rejected the opportunity to bring the site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The covering report on the draft Corporate Strategy 2023-2027 is attached, the draft Corporate Strategy will be available for the Panel to see from Wednesday 5^th July, when the Cabinet agenda is published.

The Chair invited Councillor Dave Wood, Cabinet Member for Council Priorities and Delivery, to introduce the item. Councillor Wood explained that the Corporate Strategy sets out what the administration hopes to achieve and its priorities over the next 4 years. The Chief Executive, Will Godfrey added that it is important for him to have this operational framework so he and officers can translate the political priorities into delivery over the next 4 years.

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hodge asked if another priority could be added regarding the cost of living to give a clear message to residents that the Council will support them. Councillor Simon agreed that the Council need to think about the impact of policies.

The Cabinet Member stated that cost of living issues are a permanent feature in the lives of many residents – inequality is generational. The officer added that ‘prevention’ is important and building on things that are already in place. He explained that the community wellbeing hub has had nearly 2,000 referrals addressing cost of living issues. He also stated that building on the success of the Welfare Support Team is important. The Panel were reassured that cost of living issues will be embedded and are addressed in the priorities such as ‘prevention’ which is crucial in tackling inequality.

Councillor Saini asked what the mechanisms for people to ‘have their say’. The Cabinet Member explained that there are area forums, consultations, parish liaison meetings and other mechanisms for people to engage. He added that we can also engage with the public in new ways and with different community groups and geographical groups which can give people their say on the priorities in their area.

Councillor Saini asked what strategies are in place regarding the delivery of services. The Cabinet Member explained that there are 3-year service and delivery plans that are monitored by a range of methods.

Councillor MacFie stated that big strides had been made in listening but not all forums are well attended. He suggested that we could do something different and more popular such as events where people can vote/interact. After listening, the concerns must be addressed. The Cabinet Member agreed that the interactive approach was a good form of public engagement.

Councillor Treby asked how the priority of ‘good jobs’ will be met. The officer pointed to the economic strategy with regard to the emphasis on good jobs with high skills.

Councillor Hodge commended the officers on the Corporate Strategy. She asked about pages 7-8 (bracketed information on social and economic foundation) and what this adds as a public facing document. The officer explained that this set out the framework (purpose, values, policy, principles) so that our staff understand the purpose. It was suggested that the Panel may wish to look at delivery programmes and mechanisms in their ongoing workplan. It was further explained that Section 5 sets out why those words are used and also explained the ‘decision wheel’ which can  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Update from Cabinet Member/s if there is anything to add.

Councillor Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, gave the following update:

·  There are a number of finance management reports on the agenda for the meeting of the Cabinet on 13^th July 2023

·  He commended that work of his predecessors and officers in managing the budget with a larger than expected pay settlement along with pressure from Children’s Services.

·  The Christmas Market was very successful.

·  The Roman Baths remain busy which is encouraging

·  First Quarter – there are challenges regarding Children’s Services and significant financial pressures across the board.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting officers.

Panel members noted the future workplan and suggestions for future items:

·  Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Councillor Simon) – task and finish group to report back to 19^th September 2023 meeting of the Panel.

·  Planning Enforcement backlog (Councillor MacFie)

·  Property Services – how it is working/how assets are dealt with. Possible supplementary briefing.

·  Highways - benchmarking, cost of infrastructure compared to other authorities

Councillor Simon asked for a list of actions and follow up for each meeting.