Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Khiroya, I Morris, Price, Davies, Stungo, Hearn, Hudson, Scarth, Hussain.

Apologies for lateness were received for Councillor Edwards and Campbell.

There were no declarations of interest.

This Council agree:

·         The unparished area of Heronsgate join Chorleywood Parish Council.

·         The unparished area of Loudwater join Chorleywood Parish Council

·         The number of Councillors for Chorleywood Parish Council to rise from 17 to 19.

·         Chorleywood Parish Council’s election cycle be delayed a year to fall in line with the 2027 parish elections.

The Council received a report setting out proposals following a Community Governance Review, including the incorporation of Heronsgate and Loudwater into Chorleywood Parish Council, an increase in the number of parish councillors from 17 to 19, and the deferral of parish elections to 2027.

The Chair permitted Jon Bishop, representing Chorleywood Parish Council and the Chorleywood Residents’ Association, to address the Council. Mr Bishop spoke in support of the proposals and the progression of the Review, highlighting the work undertaken locally and the importance of providing clarity and certainty for residents.

Councillor Giles-Medhurst introduced the report and moved the recommendations. The proposals reflected a request from Chorleywood Parish Council and consultation responses which supported the changes, including alignment of parish elections with the wider electoral cycle. Councillor Nelmes seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

During the debate, Councillor Cooper proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Reed, seeking to provide assurance that Heronsgate would have its own ward. In doing so, Councillor Cooper highlighted that consultation responses from Heronsgate residents strongly favoured joining Chorleywood only if a separate ward was established.

Advice was provided by the Monitoring Officer that, whilst the Council could extend existing parish wards, it could not create a new parish ward without undertaking a further Community Governance Review covering the whole parish area. It was confirmed that the current review had not included the necessary level of consultation to lawfully introduce new warding arrangements.

Members discussed the implications of this advice, including the need to ensure any decision was legally robust and not open to challenge. Concerns were raised regarding the expectations of Heronsgate residents and how these could be addressed within the statutory framework.

Following further discussion, Councillor Cooper withdrew his amendment.

Councillor Giles-Medhurst then moved a revised amendment to the substantive motion, incorporating a commitment to undertake a further Community Governance Review in advance of the 2027 elections and noting the aspiration for a single member ward for Heronsgate. The amendment also reflected the interim position regarding representation. This amendment was seconded by Councillor Mitchell.

On being put to the vote, the amendment was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

On being put to the vote, the substantive motion as amended by Councillor Giles-Medhurst was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

RESOLVED:

This Council agree:

·         The unparished area of Heronsgate join Chorleywood Parish Council.

·         The unparished area of Loudwater join Chorleywood Parish Council

·         The number of Councillors for Chorleywood Parish Council to rise from 17 to 19.

·         Chorleywood Parish Council’s election cycle be delayed a year to fall in line with the 2027 parish elections.

·         A new CGR to take place in 2027.

NOTE: Councillor Ranger entered the Chamber at 7:33pm

NOTE: Councillor Alley entered the Chamber at 7.33pm

NOTE: Councillor Edwards entered the Chamber at 7.37pm

NOTE: Councillor Campbell entered the Chamber at 7.37pm