Agenda item

Members considered the reports outlined in the District Executive agenda for 6 November 2014. It was agreed that the following comments would be taken forward to District Executive for consideration:

Further Main Modifications to the South Somerset Local Plan (2006 – 2028) – item 6

·         Members noted that some major applications had gone to appeal, and we had stated we had a 5 year land supply – some members queried that if the Inspector allowed the appeals where it would leave us with regard to the Local Plan and 5 year land supply.

·         A member queried where we would be with the Local Plan if it was found that land claimed to be contaminated was found to be so.

·         It is suggested, for clarity, that the words ‘and statutory consultation’ are added to the end of recommendation 2.

·         Members noted the timetable for the next steps and future adoption of the Local Plan was very tight, especially in light of elections in May 2015.

Report of Joint Scrutiny Task and Finish Group – Broadband – item 7

·         Members noted the report had been considered and endorsed by Scrutiny at the October meeting.

Non Domestic Rates (NDR) – Discretionary Rate Relief Policy – item 8

·         Members were content that the report and recommendations reflected issues raised during the Task and Finish review.

Superfast Broadband Extension Programme – Interim Report on Option and Requirements – item 9

·         Scrutiny commented that whilst conducting the Broadband Scrutiny Task and Review, there had been resistance from the CDS to provide information which was fundamental in moving the project forward. It was queried how officers would obtain the necessary information.

·         With regard to the comment at the bottom of page 25, regarding priority to businesses, Scrutiny sought clarification that this would not be to the detriment of rural premises, including farms.

Adoption of Housing Strategy Implementation Plan – item 10

·         Scrutiny noted that the matter had been subject of a Task and Finish group. Members were content that the recommendations go forward.

Upgrade of E5 Financial System – item 11

·         Scrutiny did not raise any comments and were content that the recommendations go forward.

2014/15 Capital Budget Monitoring Report for the Quarter ending 30^th September 2014 – item 12

·         Scrutiny did not raise any comments.

2014/15 Revenue Budget Monitoring Report for the Quarter ending 30^th September 2014 – item 13

·         One member commented it would be useful to have an executive summary with the reports as it would be an easy way to see the overall financial position without having to drill down into the detailed reports.

·         At Scrutiny there was a brief discussion as to whether the format of financial reports and the possibility of linking to performance management could be the subject of a Task and Finish Review in the new year.

Wyndham Park Community Facilities – item 14

·         Members commented it was important that the scheme was progressed.

·         Scrutiny were content to support the recommendations going forward.

Draft proposals of the Community Governance Review of Lopen Parish Council – item 15

·         Scrutiny did not raise any comments

District Executive Forward Plan – item 16

·         Scrutiny did not raise any comments

Monthly Performance Snapshot – item 17

·         Members welcomed the new report but questioned who decided the content each month.

CONFIDENTIAL - Exclusion of the Public

In accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the Committee resolved that the press and public be excluded from the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, i.e. “Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Delivery of the Car Parking Strategy (Confidential) – item 20

·         Members made comments in closed session.