Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Brake (Adults’ Services) and Councillor Andrew Mackness (Children’s Services – Lead Member).

The record of the meeting held on 26 September 2017 was agreed and signed by the Leader as a correct record.

Disclosable pecuniary interests

There were none.

Other interests

There were none.

Background:

This report set out Medway Council’s proposed response to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) consultation “Planning for the right homes in the right places”.

The report articulated the Council’s concerns and foreseeable implications in relation to the proposed changes to the Planning System. In particular, the report drew attention to the suggested introduction of a standard method for calculating Local Authorities’ housing need and a statement of common ground over the housing market area, as well as proposed changes to planning application fees and the approach to viability assessments.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation proposed some amendments to the recommendations, set out in Section 8, of the report to strengthen the Cabinet’s opposition to the proposals from DCLG which would increase the number of houses to be delivered within Medway to unacceptable and undeliverable levels.

Reasons:

Medway Council is concerned about the recommendations contained within the consultation and specifically the standard methodology for calculating housing need.  The consequences of the recommendations within the consultation are set out in the body of the report and in the responses to the questions in Appendix 1 to the report.

The standard methodology recommended produces a housing target for Medway and other Kent Authorities that is not only unachievable but would have serious and unacceptable implications for infrastructure and the valued and nationally and internationally protected landscape within Medway.

Background:

This report presented the draft Interface Land Development Brief for consultation, as set out in Appendix A to the report. The Development Brief would update the Interface Land Development Framework Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) approved by Cabinet on 19 October 2010 (decision no. 174/2010 refers).

The report explained that the draft Development Brief responded to changing economic and planning circumstances and would enable the development of the sites, located in the former Naval Base in Chatham to be brought forward.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been carried out on the proposals, as set out in Appendix B to the report.

Reasons:

The updated Development Brief has been produced in light of the changing economic and planning circumstances and will provide developers and investors with clear guidance in relation to the development potential for the area.

Background:

This report provided details of Medway Commercial Group Limited’s (MCG) achievements and performance over the preceding six months, and its plans for future growth and development.

In particular, the report stated that MCG was on target to achieve its agreed accumulated savings for the next two financial years, with a predicted surplus of £254,000 for this financial year (2017/18). In addition there had been key successes in relation to Telecare Services, business development relationships and the integration of TUPE transfers from Schools Traded Services, Governor Services and the Human Resources Team.

Reasons:

When Cabinet agreed to establish the Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) it was also agreed that regular monitoring reports would be provided to Cabinet.

Background:

This report presented information on vacancies that officers had requested approval to commence recruitment for, following the process agreed by the Cabinet on 7 January 2003 (decision number 9/2003).

Details of the posts were set out within Appendix 1 to the report.

Reasons:

The posts presented to Cabinet would support the efficient running of the Council.