Agenda and minutes

The Chairman opened the meeting and in doing so, advised the Committee that agenda item 8 (c) – Gainsborough Car Parking Update had been withdrawn from the agenda, as circumstances had change since the agenda’s publication.  A revised report would be submitted for consideration at a future date.

Up to 15 minutes are allowed for public participation.  Participants are restricted to 3 minutes each.

There was no public participation.

(a)          Meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee – 31 January 2017

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee held on 31 January 2017 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

(b)          Special Meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee – 28 February 2017 commencing at 6.00 pm

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee held on 28 February 2017 commencing at 6.00 pm be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

(c)          Special Meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee – 28 February 2017 commencing at 6.30 pm

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee held on 28 February 2017 commencing at 6.30 pm be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Setting out current position of previously agreed actions as at 13 March 2017

Members gave consideration to the Matters Arising Schedule which set out the current position of all previously agreed actions as at Monday 13 March 2017.

RESOLVED that progress on the Matters Arising Schedule, as set out in the report be received and noted.

Members may make any declarations at this point but may also make them at any time during the course of the meeting.

Councillor Owen Bierley declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in agenda items 4 (Matters Arising) and 8 (b) (Well-Being Service) as he was West Lindsey’s Representative on Age UK Lindsey, as well as being a trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the organisation.  Councillor Bierley declared a further personal non-pecuniary interest in agenda items 6(b), 6(c) and 6 (d)  (Defibrillator Scheme, Mayflower National Heritage Lottery Funding Bid and Rural Transport Proposals) as a Member of the Grant Funding Panel and Leisure Culture and Events and Tourism Member Working Group.

Councillor Bierley also sought clarity regarding the position of serving Planning Committee Members in relation to agenda item 8 (a) (Gainsborough Marina).

In responding the Chief Operating Officer advised that pre-determination rules had become more liberal in recent years, and as long as Members kept an open mind and stated such when considering any future planning applications which may arise as a result, their position was sound. It was suggested that at any future Planning Committee, affected Members should state that they had debated the matter at the Policy Committee, but still had an open mind and would listen to the debate and make their decision based on this.

Councillor Tom Smith declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in agenda items 6 (b), 6 (e) and 6 (d) (Defibrillator Scheme, Housing White Paper and Rural Transport Proposals) as a Member of Market Rasen Town Council (receiver of a defibrillator), as a member of the Planning Committee, and as the Local Ward Member for Market Rasen and a regular user of the railway, respectively.

Councillor Gillian Bardsley declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6 (a) (Six Month Selective Licensing Progress Update Report) as a private sector landlord within the South West Ward, however the report was for information only and no decision was required.

The Committee gave consideration to a report which sought to provide Elected Members with an update in regards to the Selective Licensing Scheme in the South West Ward of Gainsborough.

In presenting the report, Officers outlined the current position, as detailed in Section 3 of the report, noting that the number of licensable properties in the area was greater than first anticipated.   Members were also provided with an overview of the documentation that had been submitted by landlords during the application phases.  A brief summary of the impact of the Scheme to-date was contained in Section 5 of the report and it was noted that a comprehensive report in regards to its impact would be produced following it having been in operation for a year.  The approach to enforcement, detailed in Section 8 of the report was explained to Members.  The issues identified to-date, through the compliance checks, were summarised to Members, with around 312 category 1 – 2 risks having been identified to date.

Any landlord who hadan issue that was response level 1 (Urgent) or2 (High)was askedto addressthis in line with Scheme’srequirements. Theapproach to non-compliance across the Scheme would be risk based with the Council’s focusbeing onthoselandlords that presented the highestrisk.The Council werecurrentlyworkingwith Homesafeto prioritise the issues anddeal with them accordingly.

In concluding the future Scheme Timescales, as detailed in Section 11 of the report, were highlighted to the Committee.

Debate ensued and Members welcomed the report, commenting on the encouraging position and real improvements seen on the ground to-date as a result.  Members placed on record their thanks to Landlords.  The introduction of the Tenant Passport Scheme to further assist Landlords was also welcomed.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted and a further update report be provided in six months’ time, when the Scheme will have been in operation for one year.

The Committee gave consideration to a report which sought to update Members on successes of the Community Defibrillator Scheme and its associated costs.  The report further sought Members agreement for the Scheme to be continued albeit on slightly revised match funding criteria, as detailed in Section 4.1 of the report.

Members wholeheartedly welcomed the report and the intention to continue the Scheme. 

In response to Members questions, Officers confirmed that they were working with both LIVES and EMAS to create an interactive map, which would be available on the West Lindsey Website and would depict all available machines, including the West Lindsey funded ones, across the District.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)     Members note the update;

(b)      the continuation of the Scheme in accordance with Option 1, as detailed within the report, be approved; and

(c)      delegated authority be granted to the Enterprising Communities Team Manager to arrange for the specific details of delivery for this project in partnership with LIVES.

Note:   Councillor Jessie Milne declared a non-pecuniary interest in the above item of             business as a member of the Grant Funding Panel.

Members gave consideration to a report which sought agreement for the Council to adopt a regional approach to the Mayflower 400 initiative as outlined in Section 4 of the report.  If agreeable to the approach Members would need to recommend to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee that appropriate budgets were created both to support a regional Officer and match funding.

The progress to-date and current work being undertaken was shared with the Committee, together with the rationale for recommending a regional approach going forward, as detailed in Section 4

In response to one Member‘s comment, a committee member with an interest in local history outlined how the town of Gainsborough and the Old Hall were linked to the  Mayflower and Pilgrim Fathers.  He referenced a new history book Members may find of interest and in which further information could be found and undertook to provide its details to Members outside of the meeting.   

RESOLVED that:

(a)     the work conducted to-date be acknowledged and the adoption of a regional co-ordinated approach be approved; and

(b)     it be RECOMMENDED to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee that a total budget of £30,000 per year, for a total of 3 years, be set aside to support Mayflower 400.

Consideration was given to a report which sought to update the Committee on the Rural Transport Programme.  The report further proposed a number of projects for delivery, each of which was outlined to Members in detail including any associated costs.

Officers further advised that they were continuing to explore options for further use of the call-connect scheme in the Market Rasen area, looking at peak demand and Market days.  Further reports would be brought to the Committee as the project developed.

The Chairman advised that Councillor Strange had requested to attend as a visiting member to address the Committee in relation to this item.  However Councillor Strange was now unable to attend and with the Chairman’s permission his written comments were shared with the Committee.  In summary Councillor Strange welcomed the proposals and urged greater use of the new call-connect scheme in the Market Rasen and Caistor areas also.  Councillor Strange also wanted to see the provision of a dedicated and timed return bus service on market day, in and out of Market Rasen, as he considered Market Rasen would benefit from the extra footfall.

Debate ensued with the Vice-Chairman indicating that he had recently attended a rural transport conference, where a number of innovative ideas had been discussed.  He undertook to raise these with the Member Working Group.

Other Members supported the comments in relation to Market Rasen, which had earlier been expressed by Councillor Strange.  Members also considered it important that as an authority we communicated what transport options were available as people were not always aware. North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire were important partners in terms of the northern part of the District and Members encouraged greater working with these authorities for greater benefits in this area.

In response to Members comments regarding the Community Rail Partnership, and the need for greater focus on the Barnetby and Market Rasen stations, Officers confirmed that the partnership was at an early stage.  It would help influence and shape services going forward.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)     the Rural Transport Programme update as detailed in the report be noted;

(b)     Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be RECOMMENDED to approve the budget for Rural Transport Project 1.1:- Transport Publicity Programme;

(c)     Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be RECOMMENDED to approve the budget for Rural Transport Project 2.2:- Lincoln Area Dial-a-Ride Car Scheme – Volunteer Co-ordinator;

(d)     Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be RECOMMENDED to approve the budget for Rural Transport Project 3.1: - Call Connect – North of Lincoln expansion pilot;

(e)     Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be RECOMMENDED to approve the budget for Rural Transport Project 3.2: -Access to Transport Fund; and

(f)      Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be RECOMMENDED to amend the Capital Programme 2017/2018 accordingly.

Members gave consideration to a report which outlined the purpose of the forthcoming Housing Strategy and how this would align to the recent Housing White Paper “Fixing our broken Housing Market”.  The report further summarised the content of the White Paper for Members.

West Lindsey District Council had commissioned Arc 4 to provide the framework for its housing strategy and were working closely with officers to ensure it could deliver the corporate aspirations in regards to housing and growth. The strategy would set out the vision across a variety of areas and provide a local context alongside the relevant national legislative and policy areas. It would also enable the Council to identify its key priorities and understand how best to position itself to develop, deliver and influence to best meet the needs and aspirations of our communities.

The strategy would broadly focus on the following areas:  increasing housing supply and quality across all tenures; ensuring existing stock was safe, desirable and promoted health, wellbeing and independence; ensuring appropriate housing options and support for households in need to prevent homelessness and promote health, wellbeing and independence. Within each area the key challenges and barriers would be identified and following the completion of the strategy an action plan would be developed to enable the delivery of the strategy.

The strategy was currently in draft format and a tour of the district had been undertaken with Arc 4 alongside a number of progress meetings. Officers had provided information which would inform the evidence base and were liaising with Arc 4 to finalise the consultation process that would be carried out as part of the strategy development. The consultation would seek opinion on the key aspects of the strategy. As part of the work the Council was also exploring an option to carry out a district wide housing needs survey to inform future affordable housing provision.

An overview of the main themes within the recent Housing White Paper, as detailed in Sections 3 to 7 of the report was shared with Members. 

Debate ensued and Members, particularly those who currently served on the Planning Committee commented on several aspects of the White Paper.  There were concerns regarding definitions of low and high density and how the perception of such would differ from community to community depending upon its setting.  Members commented that the Housing Delivery Test would need to include an end date to protect the local authority from been penalised.  Regional Planning Policy documents would be more welcome than National Planning Policy documents as they simply could not suit all situations appropriately.

It was noted that consultation on the Paper ended on 2 May. Officers were formulating a formal response and welcomed Members comments.

Members were asked to make any detailed comments they had to the Director of Commercial and Economic Growth and / or the Chairman of the Committee for further consideration.

Reference was made to some pending CIL consultation and training and the Committee were of the view that Parish Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.

Consideration was given to a report which provided Members with a proposal to run a survey and on-line speed test to gather information on the current position with regard to Broadband provision across the District.

In December 2016 the Committee had requested that a survey be undertaken to assess the extent of any issues regarding broadband throughout West Lindsey.  It was being proposed that a dual process was run to gain the maximum information possible and to include those with and without broadband.  This would be through an online speed test and a hard copy survey using in-house resources within the Business Improvement Team.

It was also noted that during January 2017 the Authority received a copy of a letter (appendix B) of the report sent by Onlincolnshire to BDUK seeking a reversal of the current embargo on BDUK funding of Broadband activity in West Lindsey. This approach was welcomed by all.

It was further noted that local schools and community groups had been contacted asking if they could promote the survey’s existence across their networks.

Members acknowledged that market forces played a part, with broadband simply being too expensive in some communities.

RESOLVED that Officers be requested to set up and run the survey and speed test to identify the current position of superfast broadband services within the District and submit a further report to the Committee in June 2017 outlining the results.

Consideration was given to a report which sought to brief Members on the development of a Heritage Masterplan for Gainsborough Town Centre and support the additional heritage element of the Gainsborough Growth Fund.

The report outlined the contents of the Plan, how the Plan would be used and the next steps.  It was being proposed that the current Gainsborough Growth Fund be extended to include a Heritage element, In light of guidance provided by both HLF and Historic England that the Council would need to demonstrate its commitment to heritage regeneration through both policy and practice in order to secure any future external funding.

By expanding the remit of the GGF it would mean that in specific cases the Funding Group would also be able to consider providing grant assistance to tenanted shops located within the eligible area that may be in need of renewal and physical repair and that may have a historic and conservation interest and value. 

RESOLVED that: -

(a)       the development of a Heritage Masterplan for Gainsborough Town Centre be endorsed; and

(b)       a heritage element, as detailed on Section 3.5 of the report be incorporated into the existing Gainsborough Growth Fund.

Members gave consideration to the Committee work plan.

RESOLVED that the Work Plan as presented be received and noted.

To resolve that under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Consideration was given to a report which advised Members on work being undertaken to progress the development of a marina in Gainsborough. West Lindsey District Council had worked in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council to undertake technical feasibility work and develop a business case for a marina in Gainsborough.  The report also sought release for further funds from the allocated reserve for the project (subject to receiving match funding from Lincolnshire County Council) in order to progress with a planning application and associated technical work, in order to have the ability to potentially access EU Funding which was time limited.

Mr Gee of Lincolnshire County Council addressed the Committee advising in detail of the work undertaken to-date, the next steps required in order to be able make a planning application and the importance of acquiring planning permission in order to target funding.

Debate ensued and Members welcomed the exciting opportunity and cited a number of additional benefits the town would be afforded if the project was successful.  Officers advised caution reminding Members of the time-limited funding opportunity and current land ownership issues that needed to be resolved.

Officers advised of the steps they had taken to date regarding the land issues and of other avenues they could explore if necessary. In responding to Members, Officers outlined the reasons why the work undertaken to-date would be of value in the future, even if EU funding was not forthcoming.

Officers advised that they were now in receipt of the full Business Case and Members of the Committee wishing to peruse this should make arrangements to visit the Office, in light of its commercially sensitive nature.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)       the content of the draft Waterspace Study which supports the business case for a marina in Gainsborough be noted;

(b)       subject to continued support from Lincolnshire County Council, progress continue with the Gainsborough Marina project; and

(c)       it be RECOMMENDED to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee that £100,000 be released for the preparation of a planning application for a marina development at Carr Lane Gainsborough, subject to Lincolnshire County Council’s match funding.

Consideration was given to a report which sought a steer from Members in respect of Lincolnshire County Council’s recommissioning of the Lincolnshire Wellbeing Service and the opportunity for West Lindsey District Council to join a district council consortia to bid to deliver the service.

Officers had earlier been to a Market Engagement event and as such circulated an update regarding the procurement process and associated timeline.  In light of this information, Officers proposed an additional recommendation be considered, namely: -

“Subject to being shortlisted, following the outline solution stage, a further report be submitted to the Prosperous Communities Committee in July 2017 for approval to progress formally to the competitive dialogue stage.”

In presenting the report the current service delivery models were shared with the Committee, together with information received to date on changes to future service provision.  The rationale for the District Council model being proposed was shared with Members.  Early intervention could help reduce pressure on statutory services.  The ethos of the consortium would be one of community as opposed to profit driven. 

Members concurred that our vulnerable people should expect the best service and support that could be delivered.  The NKDC/ELDC partnership arrangement had proven success.

In responding to Members comments, it was confirmed that the statutory responsibility for the service did and would remain with Lincolnshire County Council.  Officers would continue to take legal advice throughout the process and to-date the work being undertaken was being incorporated within a current Officer’s role.

RESOLVED that: -

(a)       WLDC’s participation as partner in a district council consortia to progress a collaborative bid to deliver the Lincolnshire Wellbeing Service from 1^st April 2018, be approved;

(b)       delegated authority be granted to the Home Choices Team Manager (in consultation with the chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee) to progress the work required throughout the procurement process and oversee the activity in relation to this project, ensuring that risks and implications are being mitigated properly;

(c)       a report on the final arrangements be submitted to the Prosperous Communities Committee for approval prior to implementation;

(d)       the Health Commission continue to provide guidance to Officers in respect of this programme of work;

(e)       an update report be submitted to Prosperous Communities Committee at the end of the PQQ phase and at key milestones thereafter, agreed in consultation with the chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee; and

(f)        Subject to being shortlisted, following the outline solution stage, a further report be submitted to the Prosperous Communities Committee in July 2017 for approval to progress formally to the competitive dialogue stage.