Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 24 July 2007 and 25 September 2007 (attached).

            RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the meetings held on 24 July 2007 and 25 September 2007 be taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(Chief Executive) To declare interests in any item on the agenda.

(a)            Pursuant to the Council's Code of Member Conduct, Councillor D Kelly declared a personal interest in agenda item 12(c) (Emergency and Urgent Expenditure - Damage to Roadway - North Weald Airfield) by virtue of being a member of the Essex County Scout Council.  The Councillor had determined that his interest was prejudicial and that he would leave the meeting for the consideration of and voting on this matter.

(a)            Apologies for Absence

(b)            Announcements

To consider any announcements by:

(i)         the Chairman of the Council;

(ii)        the Leader of the Council; and

(iii)       any other Cabinet Member.

(c)      Housing Services Charter Mark Award

The Chairman to present a certificate to Councillor David Stallan, the Housing Portfolio Holder and Roger Wilson, Assistant Head of Housing Services.

(d)      Member Computer Training – Award of Certificates

Several members have completed IT training and will receive their certificates from the Chairman of the Council.

(a)            Chairman's Announcements

(i)            Masons Close, Waltham Abbey - Scheme for People with Physical Disabilities

The Chairman reported on her attendance at the official opening of this supported housing scheme on 16 October 2007.

(ii)            Playground, Station Green, Chigwell

The Chairman reported on her attendance at the opening of the refurbished playground on 26 October 2007. She advised that the playground was provided by the Chigwell Parish Council and the refurbishment had been undertaken with the assistance of a contribution from the District Council.

(iii)       Staff - Celebrating Success Event

The Chairman announced that on 19 October 2007 she had presented certificates to staff who had completed qualifications.

(iv)      50 Favourite Trees Exhibition

Members were encouraged to attend an exhibition of the District's 50 Favourite Trees being held at the Epping Forest District Museum from 3 November 2007 until 8 January 2008.

(v)            Chairman's Charity

The Chairman advised that to date approximately £5,500 had been raised for her charity.  She expressed thanks to those involved in the organisation of and those taking part in the recent Business Golf Day.

(vi)            Flowers

The Chairman announced that the floral display from tonight's meeting would be sent to St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood.

(b)            Leader's Announcements

(i)            Meeting with local Members of Parliament and local County Councillors

The Leader reported that a meeting had been held on 26 October 2007 between Cabinet Members, local Members of Parliament and local County Councillors.  She advised that there had been useful discussions on a number of topics including the Essex Strategy and Local Area Agreement 2.  Members noted that as part of the process of developing the LAA it would be necessary to produce a "story of place" for the District.  This would list the most important quality of life issues for the District, problems which needed resolving and which social groups, communities or sectors had particularly strong needs.  Members were advised that the main issue to be raised in respect of this District concerned youth problems and a record of failure among some of the local secondary schools.

(ii)            Loughton Town Council

The Leader advised that she had recently attended a meeting with Loughton Town Councillors in order to discuss matters of mutual concern.

(iii)            Harlow and Uttlesford District Councils

The Leader advised that she would be meeting representatives of Harlow and Uttlesford next month in an attempt to establish a working relationship on matters of interest.

(c)            Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder's Announcement

(i)         The Broadway, Loughton Regeneration

Councillor Mrs A Grigg reported that following the receipt of tenders, Urban Practitioners had been appointed as consultants for this scheme.

(d)            Housing Services Charter Mark Award

The Chairman presented a Charter Mark Award for Customer Service Excellence to Councillor D Stallan, Housing Portfolio Holder, A Hall, Director of Housing, and R Wilson, Assistant Head of Housing Services following the retaining of this award.

The Chairman advised that in order to retain the Charter Mark it had been necessary for Housing Services to meet six main  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 9.3 of the Council Procedure Rules of the Constitution on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District:

(a)           to the Leader of the Council;

(b)           to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; or

(c)          to any Portfolio Holder.

Questions, if any, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

No public questions had been received for consideration at the meeting.

To receive reports from the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and members of the Cabinet on matters falling within their area of responsibility.

(a)      Report of the Leader;

(b)   Report of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (attached);

      (c)      Report of Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder;

      (d)      Report of Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder (attached);

      (e)      Report of Environmental Protection Portfolio Holder;

(f)       Report of Finance, Performance Management and Corporate Support

        Services Portfolio Holder;

     (g)       Report of Housing Portfolio Holder (attached);

     (h )       Report of Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder (attached); and

     (i)         Report of Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder.

The Council received reports (circulated) from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, the Environmental Protection Portfolio Holder, the Housing Portfolio Holder, the Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder and the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder.

Council Procedure Rule 10.6 provides for questions by any member of the Council to the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or any Portfolio Holder, without notice on:

(i)   reports under item 5 above; or

(ii) any other matter of a non operational character in relation to the powers and  duties of the Council or which affects all or part of the District or some or all of  its inhabitants.

Council Procedure Rule 10.7 provides that answers to questions without notice may take the form of:

(a)     direct oral answer from the Leader or, at the request of the Leader, from another member of the Cabinet;

(b)     direct oral answer from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or, at their request, from another member dealing with that issue as part of an Overview and Scrutiny review;

(c)     where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication;

(d)     where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner; or

(e)     where the question relates to an operational matter, the Leader, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee  or a member of the Cabinet will request that a response be given direct to the questioner by the relevant Chief Officer.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 10.8, a time limit of twenty minutes is set for questions. Any question not dealt with within the time available will receive a written reply. The Chairman may extend this period by up to a further 10 minutes to ensure that all political groups and independent members may have their questions answered.

(a)        Blunts Farm, Theydon Bois

By Councillor P Turpin to Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

There are signs stating that this site is dangerous.  Can the Portfolio Holder advise if this is correct, and if so, who is liable for any accidents?

Response by Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder.

I think those of you who have visited the site would agree that it is dangerous.  As to liability I will need to take legal advice on that matter and I will reply to you in writing.

(b)            Handyvan Scheme

By Councillor Mrs J H Whitehouse to the Leader of the Council (in the absence of the Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder)

The report of the Portfolio Holder on the Handyvan Scheme suggests that it is only available to Council tenants.  Can the Leader of the Council confirm that this scheme is available to all residents of the District.

Response by Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council

I confirm that the scheme is provided for all residents and that we will be looking to enhance the scheme as part of the current Senior Management Restructuring.

(c)            Fireworks

By Councillor S Murray to Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council (in the absence of the Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder)

Bearing in mind that the ward I represent is currently suffering considerable disruption from fireworks and taking account of the fact that a major outlet for fireworks has recently opened in Loughton, can the Leader of the Council give me an assurance that the steps set out in the report of the Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder are the very least which this Council will be taking in order to curb such disruption.

Response by Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council.

I share your concerns and I shall be raising this issue at a meeting with officers tomorrow.  I am aware that the Council's ASBO Co-ordinator has been particularly proactive in attempting to prevent sales to children and reducing anti-social behaviour associated with fireworks.  We are concerned to do all we can to avoid accidents and it is unfortunate that this year there does not seem to have been so much checking on imported fireworks as has been the case in past years.

(d)            Activities in Forest Car Parks in Theydon Bois

By Councillor T Frankland to Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council (in the absence of the Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder).

What action is the Council taking in order to assist the Corporation of London and the Police to prevent activities in the forest car parks in Theydon Bois which have recently been reported in the local newspaper.

Response by Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council.

This is another matter which I will discuss with officers at the meeting tomorrow. Although the Council has no direct responsibility I will ask officers to liaise with the Police with a view to more action being taken.

(e)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To consider the following motion, notice of which has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11:

(i)  Portfolios – Responsibility for ICT

"That this Council:

(a)        notes that with effect from the 2007/8 Council year responsibility of ICT issues was transferred to the Finance, Performance Management and Corporate Support Services Portfolio;

(b)        notes that this additional set of duties has made the new Portfolio very time consuming and unwieldy;

(c)            resolves to transfer the ICT responsibilities of the Finance, Performance Management and Corporate Support Services Portfolio to the Leader’s Portfolio; and

(d)        further resolves to formalise this change in the Constitution and the budget with effect from the 2008/9 Council year."

Mover: Councillor Mrs D Collins

Seconder: Councillor C Whitbread

(ii)  Post Offices – Proposed Closures

“That this Council –

(a)        notes that under the Post Office’s recently-announced network change programme, the following post offices in this District are proposed for closure:

            Moreton

            Willingale

            Allnutts Road, Epping

            Station Way, Buckhurst Hill

            Manor Road, Chigwell

            Lindsey Street, Epping

(b)        notes that the alternatives listed in the Post Office’s consultation are as follows:

            Moreton (Alternatives:  Fyfield or High Road, North Weald)

Willingale (Alternatives:  Fyfield or High Street, Ongar)

Allnutts Road, Epping (Alternatives: High Street, Epping or Coppice Row, Theydon Bois)

Station Way, Buckhurst Hill (Alternatives:  Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill or Broadway, Woodford Green)

Manor Road, Chigwell (Alternatives:  Manford Way, Chigwell or Brook Parade, Chigwell)

Lindsey Street, Epping (Alternatives:  High Street, Epping or High Road, North Weald)

(c)        notes that the closing date for responses to the consultation is 19 November 2007; and

(d)            resolves to inform the Post Office that the Council is totally opposed to the proposed closures on the following grounds:

            (i)            the adverse effect on local communities of reduced access to Post Office services, particularly in rural areas;

            (ii)            the failure to take account of the needs of disabled, elderly and other similar people;

            (iii)            the detrimental effect on local retailing in villages and in town shopping centres, which are already under threat from out of town retailing centres;

            (iv)            the absence of public transport links which makes many of the alternative facilities specified in the consultation document impracticable;

            (v)            the proposed closures are based on the achievement of financial economies which take no account of the Post Office’s responsibilities for providing a public service;

            (vi)            the promotion of greater car use as alternative post offices will in most cases not be accessible by foot;

            (vii)            the current round of closures will reinforce the solution of small communities from services which is already well established from earlier re-organisations;  and

            (viii)            the current proposals take no account of the role of such post offices in defining cohesive local communities and a sense of identity;

(e)            resolves to send copies of the Council’s objection to the local members of Parliament involved.”

Mover: Councillor Mrs D Collins

Seconder: tba

Motions, if any, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

(a)            Portfolios - Responsibility for ICT

By leave of the Council, Councillor Mrs D Collins, mover of the motion, withdrew this motion.

(b)       Post Offices - Proposed Closures

By leave of the Council, Councillor Mrs D Collins, mover of this motion amended the wording of the motion set out on the agenda.

Revised motion by Councillor Mrs D Collins and seconded by Councillor C Whitbread

"That this Council –

(a)    notes that under the Post Office’s recently announced network change programme the following Post Offices in this District are proposed for closure:

Moreton

Willingale

Allnutts Road, Epping

Station Way, Buckhurst Hill

Manor Road, Chigwell

Lindsey Street, Epping

(b)      notes that the alternatives listed in the Post Office's consultation are as follows:

Moreton           (alternatives: Fyfield or High Road, North Weald)

Willingale                                 (alternatives: Fyfield or High Street, Ongar)

Allnutts Road, Epping(alternatives: High Street, Epping or Coppice Row, Theydon Bois)

Station Way, Buckhurst Hill(alternatives: Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill or Broadway, Woodford Green)

Manor Road, Chigwell(alternatives: Manford Way, Chigwell or Brook Parade, Chigwell)

Lindsey Street, Epping(alternatives: High Street, Epping or High Road, North Weald)

(c)        notes that the closing date for responses to the consultation is 19 November 2007;

(d)            resolves to inform the Post Office that the Council is totally opposed to the proposed closures on the following grounds:

(i)         the adverse effect on local communities of reduced access to Post Office services, particularly in the rural areas which exacerbates a problem created by previous rounds of Post Office closures;

(ii)        the failure to take account of the needs of disabled, elderly and other similar people;

(iii)       the detrimental effect on local retailing in villages and in town shopping centres which are already under threat from out of town retailing centres;

(iv)       the absence of public transport links which makes many of the alternative facilities specified in the consultation document impracticable particularly when earlier village and local closures are borne in mind;  

(v)        the proposed closures are based on the achievement of financial economies which take no account of the Post Office’s responsibilities for providing a public service;

(vi)       the promotion of greater car use as alternative Post Offices will in most cases not be accessible by foot;

(vii)      the current round of closures will re-enforce the solution of small communities from services which is already well established from earlier reorganisations;

(viii)      the current proposals take no account the role of such Post Offices in helping to define cohesive local communities and a sense of community and which contradict the Government's aim of achieving sustainable communities;

(e)            resolves to send copies of the Council's objection to the local Members of Parliament involved; and

(f)         calls on the public of the District to protect their village or local Post Offices by using them to best advantage because not to do so will run the risk that they will be lost altogether for financial reasons"

First amendment moved by Councillor J Knapman and seconded by Councillor K Chana

"That paragraph (e)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

To answer questions asked after notice in accordance with the provisions contained in paragraph 10.3 of the Council Procedure Rules of the Constitution on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District:

(a)               to the Chairman of the Council;

(b)               to the Leader of the Council;

(c)               to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or

(d)               to any Member of the Cabinet:

(i)  Question by Councillor J Markham to Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development

"At full Council on 28 June 2007, Councillor Cohen moved an amendment to a motion which was adopted about the removal of three trees from Centric Parade during the enhancement of Loughton High Road Town Centre Enhancement stating that the current administration was working tirelessly to resolve problems associated with the replacement of those trees; can the Portfolio Holder advise what progress has been made?"

(ii) Question by Councillor K Angold-Stephens to Councillor A Green, Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder

“Residents will be pleased to hear that the beat surveys for the

long-awaited Loughton parking review have been completed; can the Portfolio

Holder explain what measures will be taken to implement and prioritise the

results of the parking review?”

(iii) Question by Councillor K Angold-Stephens to Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

“In view of the very substantial consequential costs and delays this

Council has had to bear as a result of the mis-information provided by the

gas supplier about the positioning of the gas main in The Broadway, Loughton, can the Portfolio Holder advise what response the Council has received following making representations about this mis-information and what further action she is proposing?”

Council Procedure rule 10.4 provides that answers to questions under notice may take the form of:

(a)       direct oral answer;

(b)       where the desired information is in a publication of the Council or other published work, a reference to that publication; or

(c)       where the reply cannot conveniently be given orally, a written answer circulated later to the questioner.

Answers to questions falling within (a) and (b) above will be made available to the member asking the question one hour before the meeting. Answers to questions falling within (c) above will be circulated to all councillors.

Questions, if any, will follow if not received in time to be incorporated into the agenda.

(a)        To Any Member of the Cabinet

(i)            Loughton Town Centre Enhancement - Replacement of Trees

By Councillor J Markham to Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development

"At full Council on 26 June 2007, Councillor Cohen moved an amendment to a motion which was adopted about the removal of three trees from Centric Parade during the enhancement of Loughton High Road Town Centre stating that the current administration was working tirelessly to resolve problems associated with the replacement of those trees; can the Portfolio Holder advise what progress has been made?"

Response read by Councillor Mrs A Grigg, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

"The original concept of the enhancement scheme always had within it the provision of new or additional street trees.  Therefore, whilst the loss of these particular trees was regrettable, it was always the intention that other trees would be provided to take their place, albeit in a different location.  However, this has proven to be difficult to achieve for the following reasons:

(a)            establishing the ownership of the land which provides the best opportunity to re-provide the trees; and

(b)        the proximity of statutory undertakers equipment under the paved surface.

A Land Registry Search has shown the land as unregistered.  The land also falls outside of that currently designed in the public record as adopted highway, and there is therefore a risk of challenge to the Council should it simply proceed to re-provide trees in this location.

It must be recognised that, despite the clearly expressed wish of the Council to re-provide trees, it may not be possible, even if the land ownership issues can be fully resolved.  Trees can only be located where there is no statutory undertakers' equipment within the span of the roots.  Whilst it is possible to restrict root growth within a containment system, great care has still to be exercised.  Problems caused by statutory undertakers' equipment (e.g. cables, pipework) are many.  The TCE Scheme itself had sometimes to be redesigned as it progressed, as cables and pipework prevented the original design detail from being implemented.

Discussions have commenced with the County Council as to whether the land should be considered as, and adopted as, public highway, since it was clearly considered as such when this Council operated as agents to the County Council for the Highways Service.  The West Essex Manager has therefore agreed to investigate the history of the land with a view to adopting it as public highway.  Adoption does not confer ownership but highway rights do take precedence over all others and this would enable the Council, subject to a technical appraisal in relation to underground equipment, to re-provide trees. I have raised this issue with the relevant County Council Portfolio Holder and gained his support.

A report on this issue will be considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 12 November."

(ii)            Loughton Parking Review

By Councillor K Angold-Stephens to Councillor A Green, Civil Engineering and Maintenance Portfolio Holder

"Residents will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To consider the following reports of the Cabinet:

(a)            Supplementary Estimates

Councillor Mrs D Collins, Leader of the Council and Chairman of the Cabinet, invited the Finance, Performance Management and Corporate Support Services Portfolio Holder to present this report of the Cabinet.

(Mover: Councillor C Whitbread - Finance, Performance Management and Corporate Support Services Portfolio Holder)

The Portfolio Holder submitted requests for supplementary estimates.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

            (1)            That a revenue DDF supplementary estimate in the sum of £4400 be approved to cover the costs incurred in relation to the District Council Bye-Election for the Loughton Alderton Ward held on 30 August 2007; and

            (2)            That a supplementary capital estimate in the sum of £270,000 be approved in order to provide sufficient funding for completion of the Bobbingworth Tip Remediation Project.

(Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee) To consider the attached report.

(a)        Terms of Reference

(Mover: Councillor J Knapman, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee)

Councillor Knapman presented a report proposing that non-elected members of the Committee be permitted to vote on matters coming before the Committee.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

            That Section (11) of the terms of reference of the Audit and Governance Committee, "Decision Making", be amended to read as:

            "Only the Councillors and Co-opted Members serving on the Committee shall be entitled to vote.

            All Members of the Committee shall be entitled to all documents, advice and facilities relevant to their membership of the Committee regardless of their status as either a Councillor or Co-opted Member."

(Chairman of the Constitution and Members’ Services Standing Scrutiny Panel) To consider the attached report.

(a)            Review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations

(Mover: Councillor R Church, Chairman of the Constitution and Members' Services Standing Scrutiny Panel)

Councillor Church presented a report of the Scrutiny Panel which had been authorised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to report direct to Council on this matter.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

            (1)            That the proposals for polling districts and places as set out in the Appendix to the report to the Council be approved;

            (2)            That the proposals be published and copies made available for inspection by the public at the Civic Offices, in at least one place in each Parliamentary Constitutuency covering the District and on the Council's website.

Reports of the Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder on (a) Roding Valley Lake; (b) Ongar Leisure Centre and Leisure Services Office; and (c) Damage to Roadway – North Weald Airfield (attached).

(a)            Roding Valley Lake

(Mover: Councillor M Cohen - Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder)

Councillor Cohen presented a report on the final cost of expenditure incurred to mitigate the impact of adverse environmental conditions experienced at the Roding Valley Lake.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

            (1)            The final cost of expenditure amounting to £7,295 outside of the Budgeting Framework, as advised by the Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder, with respect to urgent measures taken to reduce the impact of adverse environmental conditions experienced at the Roding Valley Lake be noted; and

            (2)            That a supplementary District Development Fund estimate in the sum of £7,295 be approved.

(b)       Ongar Leisure Centre and Leisure Services Offices

(Mover: Councillor M Cohen, Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder)

Councillor Cohen submitted a report in accordance with Paragraph 2.63 of Appendix B to Financial Regulations advising of the need to incur expenditure outside of the Budgeting Framework, on grounds of urgency.

Members noted that on 29 August 2007 a substantial amount of lead flashing had been stolen from the roof of Ongar Leisure Centre.  As there had been a risk of water ingress to the building and interference to users, urgent work had been undertaken to repair the roof, with a non-lead alternative.  Similarly on 8 October 2007 it had been established that some lead flashings had been stolen from the roof of the Leisure Services Offices, Hemnall Street, Epping.

Councillor Cohen advised that the Council's insurance policy did not cover thefts in these circumstances and that the costs had been met from the Council's Insurance Fund.

Report as first moved ADOPTED.

            RESOLVED:

            That the need to incur expenditure amounted to £7,188 outside of the Budgeting Framework, as advised by the Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder, with respect to urgent measures taken to repair the roofs of Ongar Leisure Centre and Leisure Services Offices, Hemnall Street, Epping be noted.

(c)            Damage to Roadway - North Weald Airfield

(Mover: Councillor M Cohen - Leisure and Young People Portfolio Holder)

Councillor Cohen submitted a report in accordance with Paragraph 2.63 of Appendix B to Financial Regulations advising of the need to incur expenditure outside of the Budgeting Framework, on grounds of urgency.

Members noted that during the period 17 July and 15 August 2007, North Weald Airfield had played an important role in supporting the World Scout Jamboree in particular as a transport and logistic hub.  As part of the transport plan, some 250 coaches per day had transferred participants and visitors to both the main site in Chelmsford and other satellite venues.  The coaches had been parked at the Airfield overnight.  Despite pre-event inspections to access suitability of the infrastructure, it had become apparent that the main internal roadway, several hundred metres long, over the period of the hire, had become untenable and had broken up in many places.  As the roadway was the main exit route for the market operation, was used by other hirers for driver training and was a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

To receive any reports, ask questions and receive answers on the business of joint arrangements and external organisations.

There were no reports for consideration under this heading.

Recommendation:

That Councillor T Frankland be appointed as a substitute member on the Housing Appeals and Review Panel for the remainder of the current municipal year

(Assistant to the Chief Executive) As a result of the resignation of former Councillor T Farr there is a vacancy for a substitute member on the Housing Appeals and Review Panel to be appointed on the nomination of the BNP Group.

Councillor Mrs P Richardson, Leader of the BNP Group, has nominated Councillor T Frankland to fill this vacancy.

In accordance with Section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with Paragraphs 6 and 25 of the Council's Procedure Rules, the Chairman has permitted on grounds of urgency, consideration of this matter in order to avoid a delay in Councillor Frankland being able to determine appeals and reviews.

The Council noted that as a result of the resignation of ex-councillor T Farr there was a vacancy for a substitute member on the Housing Appeals and Review Panel to be appointed on the nomination of the BNP Group.

Councillor Mrs P Richardson, Leader of the BNP Group, nominated Councillor T Frankland to fill this vacancy.

In accordance with Section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, together with paragraphs 6 and 25 of the Council's Procedure Rules, the Chairman had permitted on grounds of urgency, consideration of this matter in order to avoid a delay in Councillor Frankland being able to determine appeals and reviews.

            RESOLVED:

            That Councillor T Frankland be appointed as a substitute member on the Housing Appeals and Review Panel for the remainder of the current municipal year.