Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Graham and Councillor de Burle.

To confirm the minutes of meeting held on 011117.

The minutes of the meeting held on 011117 were confirmed and authorised to be signed by the chair.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Councillor Rhodes and Councillor Orson declared a personal interest in any matter relating to Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor Orson also declared a personal interest with regards to the urgent item on the grounds that he shares a solicitor with the involved party.

There were no recommendations from other committees.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods to submit an update on decisions report.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating members on decisions taken at previous Committees.

The report confirmed that the Pest Control service has been withdrawn. With the exception of vulnerable council tenants, residents are now signposted to a number of local service providers.

Item number two of the report, Car Parking Analysis, is an item number six on this meeting’s agenda.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods noted that item three, the Draft Economic Development Strategy Refresh will be deferred until later in 2018, however is also an item on this agenda, now referred to as Growth and Prosperity Plan to emphasise the growth agenda.

Item four, the Town Centre Audit Report updated members that the priorities action plan is in development; as per committee resolution ‘quick wins’ tasks are being implemented and carried out. A report on update to action plan is to be brought back to this committee in March 2018.

RESOLVED that the update on decisions be noted.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods to submit a report to provide members with an update on car park usage after 5.00pm to seek member guidance on whether to introduce free car parking from 5.00pm from the current 6.00pm.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to provide members with an update on car park usage after 5.00pm from the current 6.00pm.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods advised members that, as per 5.1 of the report, the financial impact of changing the free car park usage to 5.00pm would be approximately £11,000. However, this would also affect a behaviour change after 3.00pm due to customers anticipating the earlier time for free car parking. As a result, the loss of income could be estimated at £15,000 - £17,000. Therefore, the evidence does not suggest a significant economic benefit.

A member noted their agreement with this report.

The Chair sought a proposer and seconder to move the recommendations. All Members were in favour.

RESOLVED that

(i)            Members note the car park usage after 5.00pm attached as appendix A.

(ii)          Members provide guidance on whether to introduce a new cut off time of 5.00pm taking into account the financial implications and economic impact on the evening economy.

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods to submit a report for members to comment on and approve the new Melton Growth and Prosperity Plan (2018-2022).

The Head of Communities and Neighbourhoods submitted a report for members to comment and approve the draft Melton Growth and Prosperity Plan (2018 – 2022) for consultation.

The Economic Development Officer advised members that the Growth and Prosperity Plan (Appendix A) is a re-fresh of the Economic Development Strategy and projects the initiatives for the period 2018 – 2022.

The plan provides a framework and highlights four priorities as defined in 3.5 of the report:

1.    Promoting Innovation, Enterprise and Growth in Key Sectors.

2.    Enhancing Aspirations, Skills and Economic Activity in the Borough.

3.    Improving the Vitality of the Town and Surrounding Villages.

4.    Maximising Inward Investment Opportunities.

The Economic Development Officer noted that the plan is a has incorporated the comments received from an eight week public consultation period and once approved by members a comprehensive supporting Action Plan will be devised (3.7).

As requested, Members will be updated bi-annually on the progress in relation to each strategic priority.

Councillor Higgins advised that page 35 of the Grown and Prosperity Plan, Melton: A Portrait should identify unemployment levels as low, rather than employment levels.

The Economic Development Officer noted this amendment.

The Chair sought a proposer and seconder to move the recommendations. All Members were in favour.

RESOLVED that members comment and approve the draft Melton Growth and Prosperity Plan (Appendix A) for consultation.

The Head of Regulatory and Strategic Planning to submit a report confirming the new Planning Fees.

The Head of Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services submitted a report to advise the Committee of the Government’s intended increase in fees for planning applications and to advise how the associated expenditure will be determined.

The Head of Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services advised members that the 20% increase for Planning Applications and similar comes into effect on 17^th January 2018 (3.4 of the report).

Councillor Higgins asked if this would apply to retrospective planning fees.

It was confirmed that the increase applies ‘across the board’ and should prohibit retrospective planning applications.

The Chair sought a proposer and seconder to move the recommendations. All Members were in favour.

RESOLVED that the Committee note the content of the report.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

Head of Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services to submit a report to inform Members of the current situation with regard to external support for the new Waste Collection & Street Cleaning Contract and request a supplementary estimate to cover the additional costs.