Agenda and minutes

These minutes were approved and signed as a correct record.

Civic events

The Chair thanked those who had supported his civic service at All Saints Church, Warlingham on the 18^th July. He also referred to his civic reception to be held at Farleigh Golf Club on Sunday, 29^th August to which all Members would be invited.

Planning Policy Committee

Members were advised that a special Planning Policy Committee meeting had been scheduled for Thursday, 26^th August at 7.30pm to consider a report on the findings of the Planning Advisory Service’s review of the Council’s development management function.

Former Councillor Marian Myland

The Chair was sorry to announce that former Councillor Marian Myland had passed away on the 16th July. She had served from 1998 to 2012, representing the Bletchingley & Nutfield Ward and was Chairman of the Council in 2005/06. She was also a Surrey County Councillor for the Godstone Division from 2001 to 2009.

Members stood for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.

(i) questions from residents and others working or studying in the District; and

(ii) questions from Councillors

Questions were dealt with from Councillors Cooper (3) and Dennis (1). The questions and responses are set out at Appendix A.

The reports of Committee meetings since the 27^th May 2021 were presented for reception and adoption.

   R E S O L V E D – that the reports of the following meetings be received, and       the recommendations therein be adopted:

   Strategy & Resources Committee (27^th May and 8^th June 2021)

   Planning Committee (27^th May and 10^th June 2021)*         

   Community Services Committee (27th May and 22^nd June 2021)

   Planning Policy Committee (27^th May and 24^th June 2021)

   Housing Committee (27^th May and 29^th June 2021)           

   Planning Committee (1^st July 2021)

   Strategy & Resources Committee (6^th July 2021)                                                                            

            Audit & Scrutiny Committee (27^th May and 8^th July 2021)

*In accordance with Standing Order 13(3), the following Members wished it recorded that they abstained from voting regarding the adoption of the recommendation of the Planning Committee (10^th June 2021) to grant planning permission for the installation of a vehicular crossover and hardstanding at 13, Wolf’s Wood, Hurst Green RH8 0HN (Minute 28 – application reference 2021/137):

       Councillors Allen, Cooper, Davies, Duck, Flower, Gillman, Gray, Langton and            Shiner. 

Councillor O’Driscoll had submitted this motion (attached at Appendix B) in support of making care leavers exempt from paying Council tax until their 25^th birthday. The motion acknowledged that a report on this matter was due to be submitted to the Strategy & Resources Committee later in the year. 

            R E S O L V E D – that the motion, as attached at Appendix B, be adopted.   

The Council considered a report regarding the need to review the allocation of committee seats in accordance with Section 15(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This was in light of the fact that Councillor Moore had joined the Independent Group following her election on the 17^th June 2021 (Felbridge by-election) and that the political balance of the Council had changed to:

·           16 Independents and OLRG Alliance

·           14 Conservatives

·           9 Liberal Democrats

·           3 Independent Group.

The report recommended that the Independent Group be allocated a seat on the Planning Committee. Subject to this being agreed, the Independent Group wished that:

·           its seat on the Planning Committee be filled by Councillor Moore, with Councillor Allen as substitute; and

·           Councillor Moore replace Councillor Pursehouse as its substitute member on the Community Services Committee.  

            R E S O L V E D – that:

A.     the Independent Group be allocated a seat on the Planning Committee, thereby increasing the total number of seats on that committee from 12 to 13; and

B.     it be noted that, with effect from the 23^rd July 2021, the Independent Group’s representatives on the following committees be:

Community Services Committee

Councillor Allen (as at present)

substitute - Councillor Moore

Planning Committee

Councillor Moore

substitute – Councillor Allen

On the 16th July 2021, Council Leaders received an invitation from Jonathan Drew, the Chair of Gatwick Airport’s Noise Management Executive Board, to nominate Members to serve on the Board until the end of 2022. Mr. Drew had requested that the nominees be the same Members as those currently serving on the Airport Noise Management Board (NMB). Councillor Lockwood was TDC’s current representative on the NMB and wished to serve on the Executive Board.    

The Chair allowed this matter to be dealt with as urgent business, given that the deadline for nominations was 5pm on the 30th July 2021.

            R E S O L V E D – that Councillor Lockwood be nominated to serve on the Gatwick Airport Noise Management Executive Board until December 2022.

In accordance with Standing Order 13(3), the following Members wished it recorded that they abstained from voting on this matter:

            Councillors Black, Bloore, Connolly, Cooper, Duck, Elias, Flower, Groves, Hammond,      North, O’Driscoll, Prew, Ridge and Steeds.