Agenda and minutes

Members observed a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Robert Plant, Councillor Gill Ferguson and former Chairman’s Consort, Ms Beryl Ralphs.

RESOLVED -             That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 6 December 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

The following declaration was made:

Cabinet – 13 February 2018

(a)       2018/19 Budget & Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 to 2021/22

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, councillors voted as follows:

As an AMENDMENT, it was PROPOSED and SECONDED that all car parking charge increases in Cheadle be suspended until a plan is in place to regenerate the town centre:

The AMENDMENT was declared LOST.

It was PROPOSED and SECONDED that the original recommendations contained within the report be agreed.

The PROPOSAL was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED –

1. That the General Fund Budget for 2018/19 as detailed in Appendix A (section 8) be approved.

2. That the revised Medium-Term Financial Plan (2018/19 to 2021/22) as detailed in Appendix A, including the revised Capital Programme (attached at Annex A) be approved.

3. That the proposed Procurement Forward Plan for 2018/19, providing the authority to procure based on procurement activity detailed in Appendix B be approved.

4. That the proposed Fees and Charges for 2018/19 as detailed in Appendix C be approved.

5. That a Band D Council Tax of £146.30 for 2018/19 (an increase of 2.9% from 2018/19) be approved.

6. That a Band D Council Tax of £50.47 for Leek and £10.15 for Biddulph for 2018/19 (an increase of 2.9% from 2017/18) in respect of Special District Expenses be approved.

7. That the Chief Finance Officer's view that the level of reserves are adequate for the Council based on this budget and the circumstances in place at the time of preparing it (Appendix A section 7) be noted.

(b)       Staffordshire Moorlands Design Guide - Supplementary Planning Document

RESOLVED -            That the amended version of the Staffordshire Moorlands Design Guide be approved and adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document.

Audit and Accounts Committee – 9 February 2018

(a)       Treasury Management Update Report

RESOLVED -            That the treasury management position as at 31December 2017 be noted.

(b)       Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2018/19

RESOLVED -           That the Annual Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2018/19 be approved.

RESOLVED  -  That proposals for setting the Council Tax for 2018/19 be approved and adopted.

The Council considered a report that confirmed the agreed Council policies for remuneration of its officers and sought approval of the Pay Policy Statement 2018 - 2019 in compliance with the provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED -           That the Pay Policy Statement for 2018/2019 be approved.

To review, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the approval of a dispensation to Councillor D. Trigger from attending meetings of the Council and its constituent bodies due to his ongoing treatment for a medical condition until the next meeting of the Council when the situation will be reviewed.

RESOLVED -            That, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, Councillors D. Trigger and D. Grocott be granted a dispensation from attending meetings of the Council and its constituent bodies due to their ongoing treatment for a medical condition until the next meeting of the Council when the situation would be reviewed.

(At least two clear days notice required, in writing, to the Proper Officer in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.3.)

(a)       Question to the Leader of the Council received from Councillor Charlotte Atkins

Q:     “What action is the SMDC taking to fulfil its statutory duty to protect Big Mill, a significant Grade 2 listed building situated on a key town centre gateway site?”

A:      Big Mill is a Grade II listed building prominently located in the Leek Conservation Area on Mill Street which is a key route into Leek from Macclesfield.  It was last used about 10 years ago and has stood empty ever since. It is owned by Green Gold Investments Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle, set up specifically in relation to the delivery of the proposed conversion of The Big Mill building.

A planning approval was granted for conversion of Big Mill in to 44 apartments in 2005, as part of wider development of Big Mill, Shade Mill and the Wardle Davenport Mill. Although the Shade and Wardle Davenport Mills were both converted following the granting of consent, the subsequent economic downturn intervened and the development of Big Mill did not proceed. Discussions with the current owners have continued regarding these plans and pre-application advice is sought for the addition of 10 apartments and car parking provision to the development.

A report was presented to the Council in April (resolution 2015/08E) set out the position regarding the obligations on local planning authorities regarding designated heritage assets in its area. This includes the obligation to consider using powers under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (“the Act”) to try and enforce their reasonable state of repair through the service of an Urgent Works Notice (the “Notice”).

In accordance with the resolution, officers have commissioned a Conservation Accredited Architect to advise on the schedule of works. An approval from the Council is not sought to serve the Urgent Works Notice as the owner is in discussion with the officers regarding doing the work himself and have advised the Council recently of appointment of relevant contractors.

Officers have also been in discussion with Historic England to access grant money to offset some of the irrecoverable costs incurred in the event of the Council having to undertake the repairs to the building. The owner has been kept informed of the work being undertaken by the Council and is aware of the cost of the work that is to be enforced. There have been reports of vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour issues recently. The owner is aware and has taken steps to board up the broken windows, which there are many.

Conversations are ongoing with Homes England for accessing the Home Building Fund to enable the owner to bring forward the delivery of residential development.

In response to supplementary questions the Leader of the Council assured councillors that officers were actively working to address the situation and would issue further information regarding funding opportunities.

(b)       Question to the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development and Property received from Councillor Charlotte Atkins

Q:     “For which Leek car parks, if any, are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

RESOLVED:             That the following amendments to committee membership be noted:

Planning Applications Committee

Delete:            Councillor M.A. Lovatt

Add:                Councillor K. Jackson

Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Delete:            Councillor C. Atkins

Add:                Councillor M.A. Lovatt

Service Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Panel

Delete:            Councillor M.A. Lovatt

Add:                Councillor C. Atkins