Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Eugenie Harvey, Eddie Johnson, Sue Livings and John Strachan.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any items on the agenda.

None.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2021 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chair advised that he had attended a number of events including visiting Raised Roof with Councillor Maggie Hulcoop, meeting with the Mayor of Chelmsford and attending the Rugby Club.

None.

The questions, together with the answers, are appended to the minutes.

The questions, together with the answers, are appended to the minutes.

Proposed by Chris Vince (seconded by Councillor Mike Danvers):

This Council notes:

     i)        Harlow's green spaces are incredibly important to people in our town and in particular Harlow's playing fields owned by Harlow Council are utilised by families of all ages.

    ii)        During the pandemic the importance of Harlow's playing fields has increased with families who do not have their own gardens finding them the only source of entertainment for their children.

   iii)        The previous Labour administration worked hard to ensure that Harlow's playing fields were protected and ensured that they were not earmarked for development on the local plan.

   iv)        The decision taken at the development management committee on the 8^th of June to allow building on the Purford green site sets a dangerous precedent for future development.

    v)        Furthermore it was decided that compensation for this development would not be spent in the local vicinity but on the other side of Harlow.

This Council resolves that:

     i)        It implements as strong a protection as possible for Harlow playing fields within the emerging Open Space Strategy.

    ii)        Compensation for developments will be spent locally for the benefit of Harlow residents.

   iii)        The Local Plan should be respected by all councillors and officers.

Proposed by Councillor Chris Vince (seconded by Councillor Mike Danvers):

This Council notes:

i)              Harlow's green spaces are incredibly important to people in our town and in particular Harlow's playing fields owned by Harlow Council are utilised by families of all ages.

ii)             During the pandemic the importance of Harlow's playing fields has increased with families who do not have their own gardens finding them the only source of entertainment for their children.

iii)            The previous Labour administration worked hard to ensure that Harlow's playing fields were protected and ensured that they were not earmarked for development on the local plan.

iv)           The decision taken at the development management committee on the 8th of June to allow building on the Purford green site sets a dangerous precedent for future development.

v)            Furthermore it was decided that compensation for this development would not be spent in the local vicinity but on the other side of Harlow.

This Council resolves that:

i)              It implements as strong a protection as possible for Harlow playing fields within the emerging Open Space Strategy.

ii)             Compensation for developments will be spent locally for the benefit of Harlow residents.

iii)            The Local Plan should be respected by all councillors and officers.

Councillor Michael Hardware (seconded by Councillor David Carter) proposed that the motion was amended as follows:

The council notes that:

              i)        There is cross-party agreement that Harlow's green spaces, including playing fields, are incredibly important to people in our town and are utilised by families of all ages.

             ii)        During the pandemic the importance of Harlow's green spaces and playing fields has increased with families who do not have their own gardens finding them the only source of entertainment for their children.

            iii)        Current and previous local plans ensure that Harlow's green spaces and playing fields were protected and not earmarked for development.

           iv)        The Development Management Committee consent on 8th June included compensation for the loss of the playing field going to Church Langley.

This Council resolves that:

i)              It implements protection for Harlow’s open spaces and playing fields within the emerging Open Space Strategy, Town Plan and Local Plan review when it happens.

ii)             Where possible, that compensation for developments will be spent as locally as possible for the benefit of Harlow residents most affected by that development.

iii)            The Local Plan should be respected by all councillors and officers.

The amended motion was agreed by the consent of the meeting and became the substantive motion.

RESOLVED that the substantive motion was carried.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17.3, the Chair will call on the Leader of the Council to introduce the debate on the work undertaken by the Council on 2020/21 municipal year together with any highlights, pressures and potential issues for the coming year.

It was agreed to suspend Council Procedure Rule 17.2 f) to allow one hour for the Main Debate.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 17.3, the Chair called on the Leader of the Council to introduce the debate on the work undertaken by the Council in 2020/21 municipal year together with any highlights, pressures and potential issues for the coming year. The Leader of the Opposition was given the opportunity to respond to the debate. The Leader of the Council outlined the Council’s continued approach in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Council’s plans for meeting with challenges so as to provide services to the Town for the benefit of its residents.

The Audit and Standards Committee recommended to Full Council that the Annual Report for the Audit and Standards Committee for 2020/21 be agreed.

Full Council considered a referral from the Audit and Standards Committee to note its annual report.

RESOLVED that the Audit and Standards Committee’s annual report for 2020/21 be noted.

The Scrutiny Committee recommended to Full Council that it notes the report.

Full Council considered a referral from the Scrutiny Committee to note its annual report.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee’s annual report for 2020/21 be noted.

The Scrutiny Committee recommended to Full Council that the procedure for modifying or withdrawing a call in (attached as Appendix A to the report) be adopted and included in the Constitution.

Full Council considered a referral from the Scrutiny Committee on the Call In Sub Committee Procedures.

RESOLVED that the procedure for modifying or withdrawing a call in (attached as Appendix A to the report) be adopted and included in the Constitution

None.

To note the following Cabinet and Committee minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following meetings are noted.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.