Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

No declarations of interests were declared.

The Mayor invited Members to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Doreen Dickinson, former councillor and Mayor of Chorley in 2016 to 2017 and Brenda Gee, who was Mayoress in 2004 to 2005. 

The Executive Leader, Alistair Bradley and the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Alan Platt paid tribute and sent their condolences to the families.

Approved.

Resolved (by majority) that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 19 November 2024 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Mayor.

The Mayor updated members on fundraising activities and charity events, including their forthcoming Charity Ball. 

Members of the public who have requested the opportunity to ask question(s) on any item(s) on the agenda will have three minutes to put their question(s) to the relevant Councillor. Members of the public will be allowed to ask one short supplementary question.

To view the procedure for public questions/ speaking click here and scroll to page 119

There were no public questions for consideration.

To consider a general report of the Executive Cabinet held on 10 October, 14 November and 12 December.  The report for the meeting held on 23 January will come to follow.   

Noted.

Members considered a general report of the meeting of the Executive Cabinet meetings held on 10 October, 14 November 12 December and 23 January. 

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the general report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 3 October, the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel meetings held on 24 October, 5 December and 16 January, and Task Group update.

Noted.

Members considered a general report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 October, the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel meetings held on 24 October, 5 December and 16 January, and Task Group update.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Debra Platt proposed the report and the Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Roy Lees seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the general report of the Governance Committee held on 25 September, 27 November.  The report for the meeting held on 22 January will come to follow.  

Noted.

Members considered a general report of the Governance Committee meeting held on 25 September, 27 November and 22 January. 

The Chair of the Governance Committee, Councillor Alan Platt proposed the report and Councillor Julia Berry seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance.

1.         To adopt the Contract Procedure Rules (Appendix 1 attached), to be implemented on the same date that the Procurement Act 2023 goes live.

2.         To grant delegated authority to the Director of Governance/Head of Legal & Procurement to update any minor changes to the Contract Procedure Rules, if any subsequent changes are identified.

The Chair of the Governance Committee, Councillor Alan Platt, presented the report of Director of Governance which set out the amended Contract Procedure Rules (CPR’s) for adoption, to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.

The Act aimed to reduce red tape and to support British business by simplifying public sector procurement, achieving value for money, encouraging innovation and improving transparency.

The changes would enable small businesses and social enterprises to compete and win more public contracts whilst embedding transparency ensuring that the expenditure of taxpayers’ money could be properly scrutinised.

The Chair of the Governance Committee, Councillor Alan Platt proposed the report and Councillor Julia Berry seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.

1.         To adopt the Contract Procedure Rules (Appendix 1 attached), to be implemented on the same date that the Procurement Act 2023 goes live.

2.         To grant delegated authority to the Director of Governance/Head of Legal & Procurement to update any minor changes to the Contract Procedure Rules, if any subsequent changes are identified.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Planning and Development.

1.         To approve the Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023-2041 Publication Version (Regulation 19), as set out at Appendix One to the report, be published for a minimum of six-week period of public consultation, along with the Publication Policies Map Publication Version (appendices ten to thirty-three), the Integrated Assessment (Appendix two, which includes the required Sustainability Appraisal) and the supporting documents as listed in Appendix nine.

2.         To grant delegated approval to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform), to approve the final Regulation 19 Version of the Local Plan including the accompanying Policies Map for public consultation ( minor changes needed for clarification and for consultation purposes), and other supporting material to be produced for consultation purposes, recognising as a joint local plan, collaboration is necessary with the other two Councils.

3.         To grant delegated approval to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform) following the completion of the consultation period, to submit the Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023-2041 Publication Version to the Secretary of State (together with any necessary minor modifications or that are required to ensure legal compliance ‘soundness’) in accordance with Regulation 22 (The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012), for independent Examination. This submission to include the required accompanying supporting documents.

4.         To grant delegated approval to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform), to request that the Local Plan Inspector recommends any main modifications to what the submission version of the plan (if necessary) in order for the plan will be to be legally compliant and found sound in accordance with Section 20(7c) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

5.         To agree the adoption and use of the Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023-2041 Publication Version for development management purposes and determining planning applications, with appropriate weight given in accordance with paragraph 49 of the NPPF.

6.         To note the accompanying background evidence and supporting documents to the Plan listed in Appendix Nine (to be published upon commencement of the Regulation 19 Consultation).

7.         To agree that the Central Lancashire Local Plan Local Development Scheme (LDS) as published, has been reviewed and remains valid and therefore does not require updating.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, presented the report of the Director of Planning and Property and thanked the officers involved in its production.

The recommendations should ensure that the new Local Plan for Central Lancashire could be progressed to ensure decisions could be made in accordance with a plan-led system. The plan was sound by being positively prepared, justified, and effective, as well as being consistent with national policy and being legally compliant.

These recommendations were intended to ensure that the Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023-2041 could continue to be prepared in accordance with the December 2023 version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in line with the transitional arrangements set out in the revised NPPF and other changes to the planning system.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Alan Platt, Councillors Craige Southern and Debra Platt welcomed the report.  In response to a query regarding the calculation for school places Councillor Bradley explained this sat with Lancashire County Council as the Education Authority.   

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed, Executive Member Planning and Development, Councillor Alistair Morwood, seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To approve the Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023-2041 Publication Version (Regulation 19), as set out at Appendix One to the report, be published for a minimum of six-week period of public consultation, along with the Publication Policies Map Publication Version (appendices ten to thirty-three), the Integrated Assessment (Appendix two, which includes the required Sustainability Appraisal) and the supporting documents as listed in Appendix nine.

2.         To grant delegated approval to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform), to approve the final Regulation 19 Version of the Local Plan including the accompanying Policies Map for public consultation ( minor changes needed for clarification and for consultation purposes), and other supporting material to be produced for consultation purposes, recognising as a joint local plan, collaboration is necessary with the other two Councils.

3.         To grant delegated approval to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform) following the completion of the consultation period, to submit the Central Lancashire Local Plan 2023-2041 Publication Version to the Secretary of State (together with any necessary minor modifications or that are required to ensure legal compliance ‘soundness’) in accordance with Regulation 22 (The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012), for independent Examination. This submission to include the required accompanying supporting documents.

4.         To grant delegated approval to the Director of Planning and Property in consultation with the Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform), to request that the Local Plan Inspector recommends any main modifications to what the submission version of the plan (if necessary) in order for the plan will be to be legally compliant and found sound in accordance with Section 20(7c) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

5.         To agree the adoption and use of the Central Lancashire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive. 

1.         To adopt the model procedures for dealing with grievance procedures and disciplinary action as set out in the Joint Negotiating Committee for Local Authority Chief Executives Conditions of Service and the Joint Negotiating Committee Chief Officer Conditions of Service.

2.         To approve that the Committees and Panels which are required when dealing with grievance and disciplinary action, be established and appointed as set out in paragraph 8 of the report.

3.         That the Officer Employment Procedure Rules contained in Appendix 3 Part C of the Constitution be amended accordingly to incorporate these changes.

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report set out model procedures to deal with any grievance or disciplinary action in relation to the Chief Executive and Chief Officers of the Council. 

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To adopt the model procedures for dealing with grievance procedures and disciplinary action as set out in the Joint Negotiating Committee for Local Authority Chief Executives Conditions of Service and the Joint Negotiating Committee Chief Officer Conditions of Service.

2.         To approve that the Committees and Panels which are required when dealing with grievance and disciplinary action, be established and appointed as set out in paragraph 8 of the report.

3.         That the Officer Employment Procedure Rules contained in Appendix 3 Part C of the Constitution be amended accordingly to incorporate these changes.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Change and Delivery.

1.         To note that the production of a Destination Management Plan is a project within the Corporate Strategy 2024-2025.  The DMP is an ambitious framework to support the council in working with stakeholders and local businesses to put Chorley on the map as a premier visitor destination and inspire pride in those who call Chorley home.

2.         To approve the recommended actions ensure a clear path towards achieving the plan objectives.

The Executive Member (Resources), Councillor Peter Wilson presented the report of the Director of Change and Delivery which sought approval of the Destination Management Plan. 

The plan set out an ambitious framework to drive forward Chorley’s vision of enabling strong communities, a resilient economy, excellent services, a greener future and successful people.

In response to a query from the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Alan Platt, the Councillor Wilson noted there was plentiful parking in the town centre and public transport options.  Parking was a challenge, but not a restriction. 

Councillor Kim Snape spoke in favour of the report, particularly with regards to promoting the lovely area of Rivington.

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson proposed and the Deputy Portfolio Holder, Councillor Arjun Singh seconded and it was Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To note that the production of a Destination Management Plan is a project within the Corporate Strategy 2024-2025.  The DMP is an ambitious framework to support the council in working with stakeholders and local businesses to put Chorley on the map as a premier visitor destination and inspire pride in those who call Chorley home.

2.         To approve the recommended actions ensure a clear path towards achieving the plan objectives.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance.

1.         To note the review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme be.

2.         That Member Support Working Group be requested to produce information for members, including tips on work / life balance and dealing with social media. This could then be shared on the members portal.

3.         That information about the Dependant carers allowance and expenses and how to claim them to be highlighted via the members portal on a quarterly basis.

4.         That an explanatory note be added to the annual notice moving forward, setting out information about the role of a Councillor, that some members live in rural areas, use public transport or have disabilities meaning they require assistance with travel. The allowance also renumerated for wear and tear on vehicles.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, presented the report which set out the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel to the Council in relation to Members’ Allowances.

The current Members’ allowance Scheme was agreed in 2021 and the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 state that schemes should be reviewed as a minimum every four years.

33 out of 42 Councillors had completed a survey about the scheme. The overall

impression was that members were content with the scheme.  The Panel had also considered comparative information with other Lancashire authorities and had feedback sessions with the Executive Leader, the Leader of the Opposition and a back bencher.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed, the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To note the review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme be.

2.         That Member Support Working Group be requested to produce information for members, including tips on work / life balance and dealing with social media. This could then be shared on the members portal.

3.         That information about the Dependant carers allowance and expenses and how to claim them to be highlighted via the members portal on a quarterly basis.

4.         That an explanatory note be added to the annual notice moving forward, setting out information about the role of a Councillor, that some members live in rural areas, use public transport or have disabilities meaning they require assistance with travel. The allowance also renumerated for wear and tear on vehicles.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Planning and Development.

To approve, adopt and publish the Chorley Borough Council Biodiversity Duty First Considerations Report (Appendix 1) and implement the Key Actions and Objectives set out in the report.

The Executive Member (Customer, Streetscene and Environment), Councillor Adrian Lowe, presented the report of the Director of Planning and Property.

The purpose of the report was to demonstrate that the council was complying with the Biodiversity Duty imposed by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 (as amended).  This involved the completion of its first considerations in line with the Biodiversity Duty and adoption of Key Actions and Objectives to achieve and demonstrate compliance as set out in the report.

A typographical error was noted at 1.3 of the First Considerations Report as the council declared a climate emergency in 2019, rather than 2021. 

The Executive Member (Customer, Streetscene and Environment), Councillor Adrian Lowe, proposed and the Deputy Portfolio Holder, Councillor Jean Sherwood seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously)

To approve, adopt and publish the Chorley Borough Council Biodiversity Duty First Considerations Report (Appendix 1) and implement the Key Actions and Objectives set out in the report.

No questions were asked.

No Notices of Motion were received.