Agenda and minutes

Councillor Hadland declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 - Position Statement on the adoption of West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan, as a Member of the West Northants Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Hibbert declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Appointments to Outside Bodies - Northampton Partnership Homes, as a Board Member of Northampton Partnership Homes.

Councillor Oldham declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 - Position Statement on the adoption of West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan, as a substitute Member of the West Northants Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Nunn declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 - Position Statement on the adoption of West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan, as a Member of the West Northants Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Bottwood declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 - Position Statement on the adoption of West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan, as a substitute Member of the West Northants Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Mason declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Appointments to Outside Bodies - Northampton Partnership Homes, as a Board Member of Northampton Partnership Homes.

Councillor Golby declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 11 - Position Statement on the adoption of West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan, as a substitute Member of the West Northants Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Beardsworth declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Appointments to Outside Bodies - Northampton Partnership Homes, as a Board Member of Northampton Partnership Homes.

Councillor N Choudary declared a personal, non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 - Appointments to Outside Bodies - Northampton Partnership Homes, as a Board Member of Northampton Partnership Homes.

To approve the minutes of the proceedings of the Meeting of the Council held on 8^th December 2014.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 8^th December 2014 were agreed and signed by the Mayor.

Apologies were received form Councillors Eales, Lane, Duncan and Subbarayan.

The Mayor announced that since the last Council meeting both Honorary Freeman Geoff Howes and Honorary Alderman Stan James has sadly passed away. Members from all parties paid tribute to them, both whom had dedicated their lives to local politics and Northampton.

The Mayor noted that the French Consul had visited on the 13^th January 2015 and awarded 3 medals to ex-servicemen for their services to the French during World War 2 – the highest award that can be given by the French.

Mr Boulter addressed Council and stated that he was in favour of the recommendations in the report - Position Statement on the adoption of West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan and commented that Northampton South was an unsuitable area for a Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) and would exacerbate existing traffic problems and congestion around the East Hunsbury area.

Dr Leads addressed Council and questioned whether it was ethical to develop and sell houses in an area where there are existing problems and stated that Councillors had a duty of care and could not chose to ignore problems. He further stated that the Planning Inspectors report had air-brushed over a number of concerns that had been raised and asked that they consider redistributing the builds in other areas.

Mr Johnson addressed Council and, referring to Item 11 on the agenda, stated that the allocation of the site for 1000 dwellings in Northampton south SUE was inconceivable and would cause traffic chaos. He stated that there had been numerous problems with flooding in Collingtree Park and near-flooding in Hunsbury and the nature of the brook was unknown and therefore dangerous to develop on.

Mr Sellers addressed Council and noted that the Joint Core Strategy needed to be fit for purpose and expressed concern about the current pollution levels in the area and stated that he was unable to find any site more likely to encourage car use an and thus potentially increasing air pollution.

Mr Brice, as the Chair of Collintgtree Parish Council, addressed Council and stated that the Parish Council had been assured that expert advice had been received but noted that the area had been subject to flooding 5 times in 16 years and many residents had been left with flood related issues and insurance concerns.

Mr Cross (Chairman of Whitehills and Spring Park Residents Association – WASPRA) stated that they were not opposed to development but that residents had ongoing problems with traffic and whilst a Relief Road would help alleviate problems in surrounding areas and villages, but have a major impact on Whitehills and Spring Park. He further expressed concern that there was little joined up thinking with regards to modal shifts.

Ms Kelk (Hardingstone Parish Councillor) thanked the Members of the Planning Committee for rejecting the Planning Application and commented that over 1500 letters of objection had been sent. She commented that those she spoke on behalf of were not against development of houses, but that the proposed location was not the correct one.

Mr Pease addressed Council and commented that there had been much involvement form Action Groups who supported the stance of the Council reports recommendations. He noted that there was a 1.3km strech of road between the Queen Eleanor Roundabout and the Newport Pagnell Road that had not been analysed and further reported that the projected figure for that length of road would be an over capacity of 21% by 2026 and that further development would only make the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The Mayor advised that 2 questions had been received from Councillors and that the answers had been tabled in accordance with the Constitution.

Questions and answers had given were as tabled (included in an updated agenda on the website) unless where stated, supplementary questions were asked, detailed below:

In response to a supplementary question asked, Councillor Hallam confirmed that the grass cutting had been carried out quite late in the year due to the weather, but that the same team were also responsible for the leaf collection but urged Councillor Mason to let him know of any specific areas affected by fallen leaves.

Councillor Mackintosh submitted his Cabinet Member report and explained that there had been an incident on Bridge Street and gave thanks to the Licensing Officers for their dedication and hard work. He noted that on the 12^th January 2015 the new Railway Station had been opened and that it was a great facility for the Town Centre and had been completed and part of the Northampton Alive project. He further noted that the recent Cities Outlook report had rated Northampton as one of the best places for creating jobs and noted that 80% of homes and businesses in Northampton had access to superfast broadband. He explained that the French Consul had visited which had been successful and seen 3 people awarded medals, and the opportunity was given for condolences to be given with regards to the recent events in France.

In response to questions asked Councillor Mackintosh confirmed that he had continued to have regular meetings with the Volunteers of Delapre Abbey (VODA). In response to question asked by Councillor Ashraf, it was explained that domestic violence rates had not been included in his report as they were released quarterly, but that any information that he had relating to the issue would be circulated to Members. In response to further questions, the Leader explained that marshals had been used when Abington Street was opened up to traffic as a precautionary measure and were afforded as the whole Abington Street project had come in under budget. Responding to a further question, he reported that he would look into the signage issues with regards to the free 2 hour parking on Abington Street and confirmed that it was always intended to have barriers. The Leader confirmed that bollards heading into shop frontages would be installed and expressed his appreciation of the work that had been carried out with the Northampton Association for the Blind.

Councillor Markham submitted her Cabinet Member report and explained that Northampton Partnership Homes had come into effect on the 5^th January 2015 and would operate as an Arms Length Management Association; changes to Council housing belonging to the Council and tenants. In response to questions asked, Councillor Markham explained that the service would continue to function as it was and that she was not aware of any acute increases in private-rented sector evictions. She noted that there was continued work with the Fraud department as she had been made aware that some tenants had been requesting a ‘Section 21’ for eviction purposes as a means of getting on or prioritised on the Council House waiting list, and remarked that specific incidents should be shared with her in order to address the issue with expedience. In response to further questions, it was noted that the number of people living in Bed and Breakfast accommodation was 22, 3 of which had made themselves intentionally homeless.

Councillor Hallam submitted his Cabinet Member report and explained that

The new service for clearing up fly-tipping from shared alleyways had been successful.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Councillor Beardsworth to make a statement on “Local Government must completely rethink the way they deliver services, organise themselves and otherwise serve local residents”.

Councillor Beardsworth stated that in Northamptonshire there were 123 seats and that elections were held for 8 Councils and argued that the Liberal Democrats would like to see 3 unitary Councils. She explained that Oxfordshire were considering unitary status and noted that this could lead to less bureaucracy with services being better run and more joined up in its functions. She further stated that they would support a move back to the Committee System and that they would like to do so as a means of preserving front line services.  

Councillor Mackintosh commented that he and his party were already delivering services and serving local residents and would continue to do so after the General Election.

Councillor Beardsworth commented that she and the Liberal Democrats would continue to work had within their communities and with residents regardless of the forthcoming election.

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report which sought the approval to facilitate the replacement of Councillor Beardsworth as a Council nominated Director of Northampton Partnership Homes, to be replaced by Councillor Lane and that Councillor Ford be replaced as a council nominated Member of Northampton Town Supporters Football Club by Councillor Eldred

Councillor Markham seconded the report.

Councillor Beardsworth commented that she had always put the needs of the tenants first and that she had contributed a lot as a member of Northampton Partnership Homes. Councillor Marriott suggested that an independent person sit on the Board to ensure its non-political status and it was further commented that failure to declare an interest had contravened the Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Councillor Beardsworth be replaced as a Council-nominated Director of Northampton Partnership Homes by Councillor Lane

2.    Councillor Ford be replaced as a Council nominated Member of Northampton Town Football Supporters Club by Councillor Eldred

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Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that sought approval to make changes to the Constitution to enable the Council to implements various aspects of the Anti- Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Councillor Markham seconded the report.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Borough Secretary be authorised, in consultation with the Constitutional Review Working Party to amend part 8 of the Constitutional  Scheme of Delegations to include provisions contained within the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and any subsequent amendments or statutory implementation of the Act and to enable appropriate delegations to be exercised  by  Northampton Partnership Homes in consideration of its housing management function.

2.    That power be delegated to the Chief Executive to designate an Officer of the Council to issue Community Protection Notices where appropriate

3.    That the Borough Secretary be authorised, in consultation with the Constitutional review Working Party, to make any other changes to the constitution to enable the implementation of the new powers.

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Councillor Hadland submitted a report which sought to clarify Northampton Borough Council’s position in relation to the adoption of the Joint Core Strategy Part 1 Local Plan, specifically in relation to Policies N5 and N6 and the strategic highways infrastructure which the council’s Mmebers on the West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee (WNJSPC) did not feel were adequately addressed in the Joint Core Strategy. He explained that the many people who had expressed their view were not NIMBY’s and not fundamentally against development and the building of homes, but that they would like it to be sustainable. He further commented that Collingtree was not sustainable as an area for a SUE due to flooding, transport and infrastructure, which were the reasons for rejecting the Joint Core Strategy’s recommendations. He further explained that the building of homes for both the Northampton South SUE and the Northampton South of Brackmills SUE may not happen for a number of years and this would not be funded or developed at the same time as infrastructure and questioned whether it was the right time for such developments. He stated that there was a commitment to improving the Town for its current residents and for future residents of Northampton and further questioned the validity of the democratic voting system of the West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee.

Councillor Mackintosh seconded the report and explained that the WNJSPC was inherited and was conscious that people were not against development but that there was a need for the infrastructure to be in place as the same time as the home-building.

Councillor Beardsworth commented that she hoped that everyone supported the recommendations within the report and exclaimed her unhappiness that people had not felt listened to by the Joint Planning Unit. She further noted that the New Homes Bonus financially benefited the Council but suggested that there was a feeling that developments were being ‘dumped’ on certain areas, Northampton being one of them.

Councillor Larratt explained that the needs of Northampton had largely been ignored and that the A45 could not currently cope with the capacity and was heavily congested and that any potential developments on the site could have further ramifications on traffic on the roads, including the Newport Pagnell Road.

Councillor Marriott thanked all the members of their public for speaking and stated that there was a need for control over the development within the boundaries of Northampton.

Councillor Hill commented that he could not support an extra 1000 homes being built due to the traffic impact on the Roadtree Road and that any additional traffic would only make the situation worse.

Councillor Hadland thanked members and the public for their comments and noted they had produced a large amount of evidence which they had gathered, and expressed his appreciation at the work that they had done.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council confirms an objection to the allocation of the site for 1000 dwellings in Policy N5 ‘Northampton South SUE’ and makes this known to the decision maker  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that sought Council’s approval of the tax base for 2015/2016 and associated parish tax bases, included within the report.

RESOLVED:

That the tax base for 2015/16 at 61,926.81 Band D equivalent properties and associated parish tax bases within this report be approved.

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report that sought Council’s approval of the proposed amendment to the local Council tax Scheme.

Councillor Bottwood seconded the report.

Councillor Mason commented that she was opposed to the recommendations which she considered would affect the poorest people and would like it kept at 15%. Councillor Beardsworth echoed the concerns of Councillor Mason and said that the most vulnerable would be affected and urged the Conservative to reconsider.

RESOLVED:

That Council endorse the recommendation contained in the Cabinet report no later than the 31^st January 2015.

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report which provided a mid-year update on the Treasury Management Strategy 2014-15, approved buy Council in February 2014.

Councillor Bottwood seconded the report.

RESOLVED:

That Council note the treasury management activities and performance for the period 1 April to 30 November 2014.

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Mackintosh submitted a report which sought approval for the changes of Committee places as required following changes to the composition of Political Groups.

Councillor Markham seconded the report.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the number of Committee places on Planning be reduced by one, from 12 to 11, and that the Borough Secretary be authorised to amend the Constitution to reflect the change.

2.    That the number of seats on each Committee as set out in the report be approved.

3.    That the representation of the political groups be as set out in this report

4.    That Groups notify this Meeting of Council as to the changes in their nominations to Committee as follows:

Labour –

Councillor Strachan is removed from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillors Marriott and Stone will sit on General Purposes Committee

Councillor Marriott is removed from the Standards Committee

Conservative –

Councillor Duncan is appointed to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Aziz is appointed to the Planning Committee

Councillor Duncan is removed off the Licensing Committee and replaced by Councillors Ansell and King.

Councillor Patel is appointed Deputy Chair of the Standards Committee following the removal of Councillor Capstick

Councillor Oldham replaces Councillor Duncan on the General Purposes.

Liberal Democrats -  

Councillor Meredith be removed from Planning Committee and appointed to the Standards Committee

5.    That the allocation of political assistants to Groups remains the same.

6.    That following the removal of Joy Capstick from the Labour Group that the Conservative Group gain an extra seat on Licensing Committee and Labour Group lose one in order to reflect changes to proportionality.

i)             Councillor Larratt to propose and Councillor Hill to second:

‘This Council notes, welcomes and supports the position of Northamptonshire County Council with regard to a North West bypass for Northampton as expressed in a motion to that Council that was approved at a meeting held on 25th September 2014 calling for the building of a north west bypass to dual carriageway standard, thus completing the Northampton ring road.

‘Furthermore this Council notes, welcomes and supports the strong desire of local residents in and to the north of Northampton for the construction of this road as expressed at a meeting of Northampton Residents Forum held on 4^th November 2014 .

This Council deeply regrets that the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy fails to support and provide for the development of this vital road infrastructure that will greatly assist in relieving the high level of traffic congestion and air pollution that exists in the north of the Borough and beyond.

‘This Council therefore requires the provision of a North West bypass for Northampton to be a major feature of Planning Strategy and Policy for the area, and for it to be delivered to the standard expressed by the County Council within the time span of current development strategies and plans for the area.’

ii)            Councillor Marriott to propose and Councillor Mason to second that:

This Council notes that the Conservative Administration opposed the Labour Group amendment to the “Council Wide General Fund Revenue Budget 2013-16” which would have implemented a living wage for council staff from April 2013. This Council welcomes the recent Conservative Administration ‘U-turn’ by now implementing the living wage for Northampton Borough Council staff.

The Living Wage Foundation says its “good for business, good for the individual and good for society”.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, says “paying the Living Wage is not only morally right, but makes good business sense too. There are now over 2,200 employees working for companies with contracts from the GLA who are benefitting from the London Living Wage.”

Local Authorities that have adopted the Living Wage include the Greater London Authority, Ashfield District Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Cherwell District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Oxford City Council, Thurrock Council and Winchester City Council.

This Council is also a major supplier/contractor of public services. Therefore it resolves for 1st April 2015 to:-

1.    Supports the introduction of a Living Wage to all contracted and sub-contracted staff.

2.    Adopt a policy of supporting the Living Wage in procurement on a case by case basis.

3.    Seek accreditation as a Living Wage employer through the Living Wage Foundation.

4.    Use our influence as a major local employer and provider of services to urge other local employers to pay the Living Wage.

Mr Newbury addressed Motion i) and commented that there was a great need for a better road system and stated that he considered the completion of the ring road of utmost importance and noted that it needed to be extended further out past Bucton Fields.

Mr Croucher addressed Motion i) and commented that a North-West bypass would only be beneficial to the West and with an increase in traffic the roads were crumbling as a result. He stated that a bypass would be beneficial for future developments; specifically of a waste to energy plant was created in the St James’ area.

i)             Councillor Larratt proposed and Councillor Hill seconded that:

This Council notes, welcomes and supports the position of Northamptonshire County Council with regard to a North West bypass for Northampton as expressed in a motion to that Council that was approved at a meeting held on 25th September 2014 calling for the building of a north west bypass to dual carriageway standard, thus completing the Northampton ring road.

‘Furthermore this Council notes, welcomes and supports the strong desire of local residents in and to the north of Northampton for the construction of this road as expressed at a meeting of Northampton Residents Forum held on 4^th November 2014 .

This Council deeply regrets that the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy fails to support and provide for the development of this vital road infrastructure that will greatly assist in relieving the high level of traffic congestion and air pollution that exists in the north of the Borough and beyond.

‘This Council therefore requires the provision of a North West bypass for Northampton to be a major feature of Planning Strategy and Policy for the area, and for it to be delivered to the standard expressed by the County Council within the time span of current development strategies and plans for the area’.

Council debated the motion

Upon a vote, the Motion was carried.

Mr Croucher addressed Motion ii) and commented that people needed an increase in wages in order to increase spending and therefore improving the economy and the Living Wage would be more fair and equal for those at the bottom of the economic ladder.

ii)            Councillor Marriott to propose and Councillor Mason to second that:

This Council notes that the Conservative Administration opposed the Labour Group amendment to the “Council Wide General Fund Revenue Budget 2013-16” which would have implemented a living wage for council staff from April 2013. This Council welcomes the recent Conservative Administration ‘U-turn’ by now implementing the living wage for Northampton Borough Council staff.

The Living Wage Foundation says its “good for business, good for the individual and good for society”.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, says “paying the Living Wage is not only morally right, but makes good business sense too. There are now over 2,200 employees working for companies with contracts from the GLA who are benefitting from the London Living Wage.”

Local Authorities that have adopted the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The Mayor, following a request by the Leader of the Council, has agreed an urgent item to consider the attendance of Cllrs Subbarayan, Eales, Palethorpe and Davies at Council meetings

The Item was withdrawn.