To note the intention to revise the timetable for production of a policy framework item; and to provide an overview of the Executive’s activity since the last meeting of Council.

LDF and therefore, parts of the planning application would be post Christmas.  The Leader of the Council, Councillor JG Jarvis, presented his report and apologised to Council for some grammatical errors in the report.  Members made comments on the following items:

·         Page 29 paragraph 1, in appreciating the budget difficulties Councillor Hempton-Smith stated that he had grave concern for the lack of support and only basic provision that was being made for young people.  The Leader stated his support for this area of work but added that it should be looked at in context with all other areas of work in the county.

·         Page 31, Herefordshire’s Economy and Communities Councillor Hubbard congratulated the administration on the improvements made at the Yazor Brook as the recent heavy rain fall had not caused any difficulties for the residents, but added that Tupsley and Three Elms now had some sewage in the brook.  The Leader responded that he would ask for this concern to be checked.

·         In response to the question as to who had paid for the erection of the hoarding around the retail quarter it was the Leader’s understanding that the developers had done so, however, he would inform the Councillor if this was not the case.

·         In response to a question on the timetable of the Local Development Framework (LDF), Council was informed that the timetable that the Cabinet Member Highways, Transportation and Sustainability had given was correct and that parts of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) would need to be separated from the LDF. The Leader added that he would be happy to discuss the matter further outside the meeting and acknowledged the need to keep neighbouring ward Councillors informed.

·         Page 31 paragraph 11 the Leader was asked to confirm that there were no legal or binding agreements with Stanhope and British Land in place.  The Leader referred the Councillor to the answer given previously and stated he would provide a written response.

·         In response to a question as to the financial benefits to the tax payer from the new livestock market, the Cabinet Member Enterprise and Culture reminded Council that agriculture was the biggest industry in the county and that the market was working to capacity.  A market of this quality would enhance the agriculture business in the county.

·         Page 31 paragraph 12 a reference was made to the LDF being moved to the July Cabinet meeting and that there would then be a significant break before the next meeting of Council in November.  A Councillor asked for assurance that the improved consultation process would take place and that consideration would be given to a Council meeting in September to overcome the gap between the July and November Council meetings.  The Leader advised that an extraordinary meeting of Council was being considered.  The Leader added that care was being taken to ensure that further extensive consultation would be carried out and urged all Members to attend the June Member seminar on consultation.

·         Page 31 paragraph 9 a Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10