Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence given for this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 07 December 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 07 December 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Executive Leader announced that the Council has received the proposed hearing timetable and guidance from the Inspector in relation to the Local Plan examination, alongside a series of ‘matters and issues’ questions which provide the Council and representors the opportunity to prepare written statements in advance of the hearing sessions.  The Inspector, Helen Hockenhull, is proposing hearing sessions starting on 8^th March and running into early April.  At the moment, the proposal is that hearings take place virtually, although her guidance states that if COVID-19 restrictions change, it may be possible to hold the hearings face to face.  The programme officer will shortly be writing to those who commented on the Publication Local Plan with a further invite to confirm attendance at the hearings and support for those who wish to produce written statements in advance.  The Council’s website is being kept up to date with examination information and the Planning Strategy team is on hand to support residents who may wish to engage with the examination.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

There were no petitions submitted at this meeting.

To receive any deputations, of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive any references from the committees or panels held.

There were no references from other Committees.

A report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  approves the Fareham Borough Council Interim First Homes Policy, as provided at Appendix A to the report, for publication; and

(b)  grants the Deputy Chief Executive Officer delegated authority to undertake factual updates on the application process as and when further clarity is provided by the government.

A report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  notes the updates relating to the acquisition of properties at Gordon Road and Arundel Drive, including the intended use and works to those properties. Also noting the potential for officers to seek some Homes England grant funding;

(b)  agrees the funding mechanism and costs associated with the works required at 92 Gordon Road; and

(c)  agrees that an appropriate lead contractor be appointed for the works at 92 Gordon Road.  This appointment to be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.

A report by the Director of Leisure and Community.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)  the formal naming of the public open space at Daedalus as ‘Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Park’ in commemoration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee;

(b)  a tree planting scheme to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Abbey Meadows, Titchfield;

(c)  permission for officers to formally approach English Heritage to request that a beacon lighting ceremony is hosted at Portchester Castle;

(d)  that the Council promotes the Big Jubilee Lunch; and

(e)  expenditure of £11,500 to fund the commemorative events and activities.

A report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  approves the annual inspection of the Council’s ash trees;

(b)  agrees that £294,345 is allocated from the General Fund Reserves to cover the costs of the necessary tree works and felling resulting from Ash Dieback Disease;

(c)  notes that Officers will continue to monitor the actions taken by other authorities in respect of Ash Dieback and will continue to explore opportunities with other authorities to manage Ash Dieback, particularly where this would achieve notable cost savings; and

(d)  notes that a report for information will be presented to the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel on an annual basis setting out the number of ash trees which required work/felling in the preceding 12 months and the cost of the associated inspections and works.

A report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

Financial Forecasts (MTFS)

(a)  approves the Medium-Term Finance Strategy for the period 2021/22 to 2025/26, as set out at Appendix C to the report;

(b)  agrees to submit the updated Pay Policy, annexed to the Medium-Term Finance Strategy at Annex C, to Full Council for approval;

Revenue Budgets

(c)  approves the revised 2021/22 general fund revenue budget, amounting to £10,494,800, as set out in Appendices A and B to the report; and

(d)  approves the base 2022/23 general fund revenue budget amounting to £10,744,400, as set out in Appendices A and B to the report.

A report by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the fees and charges for 2022/23 as set out at Appendix A to the report.

A report by the Director of Planning and Regeneration.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration, following consultation with the Executive Member for Policy and Resources, to enter into an Option Agreement with Welborne Land Limited for the disposal of three residential properties at Welborne Garden Village.

A report by the Director of Support Services.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(a)  the committee process becoming paperless in early 2022/23 following a programme of training and support for all Members; and

(b)  up to 31 new laptop devices be purchased at a cost of up to £30,225.