To receive any apologies for absence.

There were apologies from Councillors Gemma Davies, Diana Toynbee and Ange Tyler.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Schedule 1, Schedule 2 or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

None.

To receive questions from members of the public.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive questions from councillors.

Questions received and responses given are attached as appendix 1 to the minutes.

To consider the updated MWLP and recommend to full Council its submission to the secretary of state for independent examination.

Cabinet member, finance, corporate services and planning introduced the item, details of which can be found in the agenda pack.

It was noted that the list of modifications (appendix 2) had been updated since publication of agenda.  An updated appendix 2 would be attached to the report to Council on 8 October.

It was noted that advice had been sought with regard to requesting more than nutrient neutrality.  The advice had been to request nutrient neutrality as this would mean that developers had to meet this and may also include a buffer as well.   Applicants could only mitigate against their own developments and not historic applications.

Group leaders were supportive of the minerals and waste plan and that considered that the plan should go forward to the council meeting on 8 October.

Resolved that:

(a)             the draft MWLP development plan document (see background papers) and the schedule of suggested main modifications and minor changes (Appendix A) be recommended for approval by Council for submission to the Secretary of State for examination in public;

(b)            to agree that the Planning Inspector be invited to recommend any main modifications necessary to the MWLP in order to find it legally compliant and sound; and

(c)             delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste and to the Lead Development Manager to agree, with the Planning Inspector, any additional modifications to the MWLP, if it is appropriate and necessary to do so, in order to facilitate efficient progress of the Plan through the examination process.            Subsequently, such modifications will be subject to public consultation.

To approve expenditure and deliver activities as detailed in the Leominster Heritage Action Zone Delivery Plan.

Cabinet member, economy and environment introduced the item, full details of which are set out in the agenda pack.

It was confirmed that there were additional resources in place to deliver this project.   It was also suggested that there be co ordination between this project and any public realm activities which may be taking place at the same time.

The group leaders were supportive of the project.

Resolved that

(a)            The Director for economy and place, following consultation with the Section 151 Officer, the Cabinet member for environment and economy and the Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, be authorised to approve expenditure required to deliver the public realm projects which will be procured in line with the council’s contracts procedures rules; 

(b)           The Director for economy and place, following consultation with Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet member for environment and economy and Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, be authorised take all operational decisions necessary to deliver the balance of the programme, including grant schemes and information and engagement projects within the total project budget of £3.6m; and

(c)            The Section 151 Officer be authorised to reduce the grant element of the overall budget to up to £1.8m from the £2m originally estimated and approved at Council so that the overall capital programme budget for this project is £3.6m.