Decisions

Neal Barton, Policy and Performance Manager introduced the report, noting the positive performance over the year with 80% of indicators green compared to 67% at the same point last year, and no red performance indicators. He highlighted the improvements in customer service, staff sickness rates and the speed of processing planning applications as well as improvements the Revenues and Benefits service and success with the Council’s own temporary accommodation project.

The positive achievement of 80% green indicators was commended by a number of Members and discussion was held on whether the subject focus and metrics to monitor performance going forward was appropriate. It was noted that no significant change is anticipated to affect how performance is monitored, and that the decision to amend targets falls within the remit of the committee later in the year. In terms of the flagship activities for 2019/20 they pro-actively address a number of current topical issues including sustainability and environmental impact.

Performance at 98% of undisputed invoices paid within 10 days was commended by a Member who noted this was an excellent way to support local businesses. Discussion was also held on the amount of Council Tax collected. It was noted that whist the report provides a snapshot of amounts collected in the past year, the Council also actively promotes the Council Tax Support Scheme to assist residents facing difficulties in this area

It was agreed that a written response would be provided to Members on why there is a downward trend on the return on the tenanted non-residential property portfolio.

The subject of staff turnover was discussed, and it was confirmed that exit interviews take place to establish reasons why staff leave. A written response will be provided on how the Council measures the percentage of full time equivalents that are unoccupied, and any impact this may have. Clarity will also be provided on whether it is appropriate to include Fixed Term Contract numbers in the turnover figures. A Member also suggested that it would be useful to provide in future reports a breakdown of the longevity of legal cases that remain open. The Solicitor to the Council confirmed that most of the open cases relate to SANG and SAMM contributions to the Ashdown Forest.

The topic of recycling and food waste was discussed and the Policy and Performance Manager confirmed that the figures provided for recycling take in to account levels of contamination that results in recycling going to landfill. A Member expressed a wish for the Council to consider the overall environmental impact of waste disposal, including mileage if items are recycled abroad.  The Leader provided an update on discussions with West Sussex County Council regarding domestic food waste collection, noting that Mid Sussex District Council has the decision to make as the collection authority once implications on cost and methods of collection have been considered. A business case will be presented for scrutiny later in the year.

The Committee discussed the figures presented on the Early Intervention Family Project with a preference expressed for a qualitative rather than quantitative update.

A Member commended the Council on raising awareness of the disabled facilities grants available and it was confirmed that the Council made use of a discretionary policy as well as the statutory requirement, utilising additional central government funding for more grants.

The Policy and Performance Manager introduced the Flagship Activities update, noting that the September meeting will provide the first quarter update on the 2019/20 Activities. Members discussed the project to deliver full fibre broadband, seeking clarity that rural areas will benefit and seeking approximate time-frames for roll out. A Member requested that the Council measures the benefit of the connectivity to local residents, once it had been instigated. The Leader provided an update on a recent meeting with the Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries to discuss a project working with Parishes to connect the rural communities. He also confirmed that the funds generated by the Business Rates Retention Pilot are now available to enable the full fibre project to move forward and joint working with fibre providers is proceeding as a high priority.

A Member noted the inclusion of additional CCTV being installed in Clair Park and urged that this was acted on as a priority to increase the safety of those who visit the park.

Discussion was held around the Council’s asset acquisitions, and the release of Council owned land for housing. It was commended that the Council released land (such as the Bolnore Land Depot and Imberhorne Lane Car Park) in order to deliver a higher percentage of affordable homes than the 30% requirement. The Leader confirmed that any land release or investment is made with scrutiny and due diligence and reported through Cabinet and Council in relation to finance for decision by Members. 

The Chairman took Members to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i)            noted the Council’s performance and progress with flagship activities in 2018/19 and identified any areas where it was required to have further reporting or information and

(ii)           agreed to advise the Cabinet of any issues that should be given particular consideration when it considers the report at its meeting on 8th July 2019.

Tom Clark, Solicitor to the Council introduced the report, and noted the significance of the January meeting for discussing the draft Corporate Plan and Budget for 2020/21.

RESOLVED

The Committee agreed the work programme as set out in paragraph 5 of the report.

Nick Rogers, Business Unit Leader for Development Management introduced the report to consider whether or not to confirm a new Tree Preservation Order (TPO) TP/19/0007 on a woodland known as Butchers Shaw in Street Lane, Ardingly. He noted that the site currently as a TPO in place and the Council has 6 months to confirm the order or it will lapse.

He confirmed that the site is in a conservation area and designated as Ancient Woodland. The Conservation status allows protection to larger trees but not ones of less than 75mm diameter and concerns have been raised about the removal of smaller trees and continued erosion of the understorey. The Ancient Woodland designation does not afford direct protection to the trees but the NPPF describes it as ‘irreplaceable habitat’ therefore indicating the importance the Government places on such an area.  In summary, the Tree Officer has concerns that the incremental removal of smaller trees has harmed the understory and the TPO would allow for protection of these younger trees and allow for some natural regeneration. It would not preclude maintenance work but these would need to be justified in the interests of beneficial woodland management through an application.

The Chairman spoke as Ward Member, noting that the Forestry Commission has granted a felling licence on the site for 30% thinning of the trees. The Business Unit Leader confirmed that this overrides the TPO. The Chairman noted that past and present Chairman of the Parish Council’s Planning Committee are against the TPO as they feel the woods are managed correctly, however he acknowledged that there is a benefit to the TPO protecting the smaller trees.

Councillor MacNaughton also spoke as Ward Member highlighting that as the Local Planning Authority, the Council is required to protect Ancient Woodland, and not just the trees, but the ground around it. Having the TPO in place would allow the Council to retain control of what happens on site, and approval to remove trees could still be granted if appropriate.

Members acknowledged that this is a difficult decision as there are pros and cons to both sides of the decision. In response to questions from a member, the Business Unit Leader clarified that a partial order could not be made as a woodland order  is designed to cover the whole site. He also confirmed that should there be damage caused as a result of the implementation of the Felling Licence, the Council would only prosecute if it was deemed to be deliberate. He clarified that the TPO was put in place following concerns raised by a local resident and the Tree Officer following a site visit. It was originally planned to be put before the Committee earlier in the year, but inaccuracies in the extent of the previous TPO plan needed to be resolved.

In response to a Member’s query, it was advised that there would be no cost to the applicant or the Council in setting up or ongoing maintenance of the woodland as a result of a TPO. There is no fee for an application for works to trees subject of TPO’s.

A Member queried what controls would remain in place if the TPO was not confirmed.  As the site is a conservation area, it is covered by conservation legislation but this does not protect the smaller trees. If the TPO is confirmed, the applicant can still manage the understory, with the involvement of the Council’s Tree Officer and an appropriate application.

Councillor MacNaughton moved that the order be confirmed and this was seconded by Councillor Walker.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation which was agreed 8 in favour and 3 against.

RESOLVED

That the order be confirmed.

Caroline Grist, Planning Officer introduced the application for the removal of the existing conservatory with replacement double storey rear extension. She noted that although there would be some views of the extension from the street, the size and scale of the extension was deemed proportionate. The nearest property is 3 Wyngates which is separated by a fence and detached garage and it is the Officers recommendation that the overall design and separation distance will have no harm to the neighbouring amenity.

The Chairman noted that there were no public speakers and took Members to the recommendation to approve which was moved by Councillor Coote and agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A of the Officer Report.

(Councillor Budgen returned to the Chamber at 7.09.)

The Minutes of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on 22 May 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.