To consider applications for dispensations received from parish and town councils. 

Wards: County Wide

The Committee considered a report outlining five applications for dispensations which had been received from Parish and Town Councils. 

Members referred to the Relevant Authorities (Standards Committees) (Dispensations) Regulations 2002, which enabled them to grant dispensations in circumstances when the number of councillors that would be prohibited from participating in the business of the Council (due to them having a prejudicial interest) would exceed 50%. 

Bridstow Parish Council: Following the May 2007 elections, one new parish councillor required a dispensation in relation to the Parish Council’s role as custodian trustee of Bridstow Village Hall. 

Colwall Parish Council: All fifteen members of the Parish Council required a dispensation in relation to the Parish Council’s role as trustee of the Walwyn Meadow Trust.  The dispensation would enable them to discuss maintenance and improvements matters pertaining to the Trust land. 

Yarkhill Parish Council: Following the May 2007 elections, one new Parish Councillor required a dispensation in relation to his role as a trustee of Yarkhill Village Hall. 

Brilley Parish Council: Following the May 2007 elections, one new Parish Councillor required a dispensation in relation to his role as a member of Brilley and Michaelchurch Village Hall Committee. 

Ross-on-Wye Town Council: All five members of the Ross-on-Wye Town Council Planning Committee had requested a dispensation for a one-year period, in relation to a planning application at The King’s Head, Ross-on-Wye.  The Town Council owned the building adjacent to the development, and also the access to the site.  The application would enable the Committee to discuss the application as a statutory consultee. 

The Standards Committee granted a dispensation solely in respect of the Town Council’s Planning Committee, in accordance with the Town Council’s request.  It acknowledged, however, that the full Town Council might wish to discuss the planning matter as well.  If this were the case, then all town councillors involved would need to make a written request for a dispensation at a later date, naming all those involved.  Having regard to the fact that the next Standards Committee meeting was not until 18 January 2008, members agreed to deal with such a request, should it become necessary, via email before the meeting. 

RESOLVED: (unanimously) that:

(i)                 the request for a dispensation received from Mr Clive Beddows of Bridstow Parish Council, in relation to Bridstow Village Hall, be granted until 19 October 2011;

(ii)               the request for dispensations received from:

Mrs N. Carless          Mr. N. Bowring

Mr. J. Mills                 Mr. J. Cooney

Mr. P. Browning        Mrs. E. Hayes

Mrs. H. Stace             Dr. T. Hunt

Mr. S. Hockett           Mr. W. Leaper

Mr. N. Abbotts           Mr. J. Morris

Mr B. Ashton             Mrs G. Prideau-Jackson

Mr J. Beard

In relation to the Walwyn Meadow Trust, be granted until 19 October 2011;

(iii)             the request for a dispensation received from Mr Robert Aspey of Yarkhill Parish Council, in relation to Yarkhill Village Hall, be granted until 19 October 2011;

(iv)             the request for a dispensation received from Mr Keith White of Brilley Parish Council, in relation to Brilley and Michaelchurch Village Hall Committee, be granted until 19 October 2011; and

(v)               the request for a dispensation received from Councillors Ravenscroft, Coleman, Lane, Dr. Roberts, and Edwards, in relation to a planning application for the King’s Head, Ross-on-Wye, be granted until 19 October 2008, and if the full town council submits a further written request for a dispensation in relation to the same matter before the Standards Committee’s next meeting on 18 January 2008, the Standards Committee will determine the request by email.