Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Eric Bell, Magda Cullens, Keith Iddon and Rosemary Russell.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the Special Council meeting held on 28 February 2013 be confirmed as a correct record for signature by the Mayor.

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.

Councillor Ralph Snape declared a personal interest in relation to agenda items on the Armed Forces Community Covenant and the Petition Relating to a Residential Property in Haigh Close.

The Mayor reminded Members about the Falklands Parade and Service at the Cenotaph on 21 April which would be followed by refreshments at the TA Centre. On 23 April, the Mayor would be joining members of the Royal Society of St George handing out red roses to shoppers to commemorate St George’s Day.

The Mayor informed Members about forthcoming fundraising events which they were welcome to attend including a Charity Lunch on 29 May and a Charity Evening Meal on 8 May. The Easter Raffle and Sponsored Slim had raised a combined total of £225 and the Mayor thanked all who had taken part.

Members of the public who have requested the opportunity to ask question(s) on any item(s) on the agenda will be asked to put their question(s) to the Council. Members of the public will be allowed to ask one supplementary question within their allocated 3 minutes.

Mr Rouse of 6 Nightingale Way, Gillibrand South, Chorley would like to ask a question about the pond in Nightingale Way.

Mr Rouse of Nightingale Way, Gillibrand South attended the meeting to ask a question regarding the pond in Nightingale Way and responsibility for displaying sufficient warning signs at the pond. His supplementary question related to the length of time it was taking to adopt the Gillibrand Estate and the concern this was continuing to cause amongst residents.

In response, Councillor Terry Brown, Executive Member for Places thanked Mr Rouse for raising this important neighbourhood issue. The pond was in the ownership of the developer Taylor Wimpey and it was therefore their responsibility to risk assess the pond and, if appropriate, display signage warning of the dangers of the pond. This issue had been raised with them on previous occasions and they would be contacted once more as a result of Mr Rouse’s question. If the developer didn’t respond then the Council would seek to erect signs as long as it didn’t impact on the Council’s liability. The adoption of this open space would take place later this year when it would transfer to the Council who would assess the risks and erect suitable signage. He acknowledged that the adoption of the Gillibrand Estate had taken much longer than originally envisaged due to a range of factors, and informed Mr Rouse that Chorley Council would continue to try and influence the developers, Lancashire County Council and United Utilities to use their best endeavours to complete the highway and drainage adoptions as quickly as possible.

To consider a report of the Director of People and Places (to follow).

The Leader of the Council presented a proposal for the Council to sign up to an Armed Forces Community Covenant for the Borough and to play a leading role in encouraging others to sign up and support the aims of the Covenant. In signing up to the Community Covenant it was proposed initially to include the following measures as a statement of commitment:

The draft Covenant was appended to the report indicating who the signatories and participants would be and the key principles of the Covenant. It was a national initiative and one which all Members supported as a starting point for improved local support for military and ex-military personnel. One Member indicated concern that signing up to the Community Covenant did not go far enough in supporting armed forces personnel and their families. The Leader reiterated that it was a starting point on which the Council would build, working with key partners.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Bev Murray Executive Member for People seconded, and it was RESOLVED – that Chorley Council sign up to an Armed Forces Community Covenant for the Borough and play a leading role in encouraging others to sign up and support the aims of the Covenant.

To consider the attached general report of Executive Cabinet meetings held on 17 January, 21 February and 21 March 2013.

Members considered a general report of Executive Cabinet meetings held on 17 January, 21 February and 21 March 2013.

Members raised concerns regarding the provisions of the Exceptional Hardship Policy for Council Tax; the aims of the Chorley Business Investment for Growth capital grant scheme; and the refurbishment proposals for 98 – 102 Market Street.

The Market St scheme would convert the premises into three retail units and create a car park to the rear of the premises.  Members queried why the scheme had been agreed in advance of the outcome of the town centre masterplan which was due out shortly. The Executive Leader advised that commercial viability was crucial to the future of the town centre and the development would be taken into account in the masterplan.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader, seconded and it was RESOLVED – that the report be noted.

Members considered a general report of Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 22 January and 8 April 2103, including meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel and the Adoption of Estates Task Group.

Councillor Steve Holgate, Chair of the Committee referred to the work of the Adoption of Estates Scrutiny Task Group which had been a long and complex review but which had resulted in some very good recommendations which he hoped the Executive would adopt when they considered the final report in June. He thanked Councillor Matt Crow for chairing the Task Group and Members, officers and developers for their contributions. 

Councillor Steve Holgate, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee proposed, Councillor Roy Lees, Vice Chair seconded and it was

RESOLVED – that the report be noted.

To consider the attached general report of Governance Committee meetings held on 17 January and 14 March 2013.

Members considered a general report of meetings of the Governance Committee held on 17 January and 14 March 2013.

Councillor Paul Leadbetter, Chair of the Committee proposed, Councillor Alison Hansford Vice Chair of the Committee seconded, and it was RESOLVED – that the report be noted.

There were no questions under Procedure Rule 8.

There were no motions under Procedure Rule 10.

The Director of People and Places submitted a report on the response to a petition which had been received calling for the removal of fencing which prevented the use of the car park at the former pub in Clayton Brook. The leaseholders of the pub took the car park out of use on the grounds of health and safety.

The Council had negotiated an early surrender of the lease of the pub and car park and temporary repairs had been undertaken to the car park. The pub was being demolished and on completion, more permanent repairs would be undertaken to the car park.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources, Policy and Performance proposed, Councillor Terry Brown, Executive Member for Places seconded, and it was RESOLVED – that the report be noted.

The Director of People and Places submitted a report on the response to a petition which had been received regarding the condition of a residential property at Haigh Close, Chorley.

Council officers had investigated the issues and were taking appropriate action to ensure no statutory nuisance arose due to the property or its occupants. The Executive Leader took on board Member comments regarding the need to ensure confidentiality but also have transparency in dealing with such matters.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Terry Brown, Executive Member for Places seconded, and it was RESOLVED – that the report be noted and the Leader review the approach to petitions of this nature to ensure Members receive sufficient information.