Agenda and draft minutes

To note any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Reena Ranger, with Councillor Reed substituting.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2025.

The minutes of the Policy and Resources Committee held on 17 November 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair of the meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest.

Councillor Nelmes declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 5 (Community and Voluntary Sector Agreements) As a member of a Community Centre management committee which was a tenant and a grant recipient.

Councillor Drury declared a pecuniary interest in Items 5 and 14 due to his wife’s employment with an organisation referenced in the agenda.

Councillor Cooper declared, for transparency, that a site within the Local Plan allocations was owned by a member of the Conservative Group (not a pecuniary or disclosable interest).

Items of other business notified under Council Procedure Rule 30 to be announced, together with the special circumstances that justify their consideration as a matter of urgency. The Chair to rule on the admission of such items.

There were no items of other business.

The Committee agreed to consider late-published papers relating to the Local Plan and HMO Licensing due to their urgency and relevance.

That:

·       P and R Committee entering all contracts and/or grant agreements above £25,000.

·       P and R to delegate authority to the Associate Director of Corporate, Customer and Community for grant extensions of up to 6 months and amendments to grant agreements.

The Committee considered a report seeking approval to enter into grant agreements exceeding £25,000 and to delegate authority for limited extensions and amendments. Officers outlined the proposed three year grant arrangements and highlighted continued match funding for mental health provision, support for youth services, transport, and family support and increased funding for Citizens Advice Service.

Members welcomed the clarity and quality of the report and expressed strong support for the voluntary and community sector.

Officers provided detailed performance information for the CAS, including; 617 residents supported with benefit entitlement in the last quarter (exceeding target), £228,601 secured in financial gains for residents. Over £100,00 of debt written off and the average finance benefit per client of approximately £22,000. Members highlighted the preventative value of early advice, mental health support, and community based services in reducing demand on statutory services.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That:

·         P and R Committee entering all contracts and/or grant agreements above £25,000.

·         P and R to delegate authority to the Associate Director of Corporate, Customer and Community for grant extensions of up to 6 months and amendments to grant agreements.

That:

·       The report is noted.

This item was discussed with item 7 and 8.

RESOLVED:

That:

· The report is noted.

That:

·       The report is noted

This item was discussed with item 6 and 8.

RESOLVED:

That:

·         The report is noted.

That:

·       The Policy and Resources Committee notes that the Administration will publish its final recommendations on Financial Planning 2026/27 to 2028/29 five working days prior to the Council meeting on 24 February 2026 and present them at this meeting.

The Committee considered Items 6-8 together. Officers confirmed that the Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Policy had been considered by Audit Committee. The Council had low external borrowing and no affordability concerns. Cash Balances were being managed effectively, benefiting from higher interest rates. Capital programme monitoring showed savings and additional grant income.

Members explored the adequacy of planning related budgets and reserves, particularly in light of anticipated costs associated with Local Plan examination, potential planning appeals and public inquiries and historic expectations around conservation area appraisals.

Officers advised that a planning reserve had been created to manage variable and unpredictable planning costs. Exact examination costs could not be predicted in advance. Budgets would continue to be monitored, with in-year adjustment made if required. Additional reserves and potential external funding opportunities could be considered if necessary. Members noted the explanation and indicated that budget sufficiency could be revisited during the forthcoming budget process.

The motions for Items 6 and 7 were declared CARRIED by the Chair with the voting being by General Assent.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair with the voting being by General Assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

• The Policy and Resources Committee notes that the Administration will publish its final recommendations on Financial Planning 2026/27 to 2028/29 five working days prior to the Council meeting on 24 February 2026 and present them at this meeting.

That:

·       The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for 2026-30.

·       The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality Objectives for 2026-30.

·       The committee agrees to a public consultation on the draft Policy and Objectives.

·       That public access to the report be immediate

·       That public access to the decision be immediate.

The Committee reviewed the draft policy and objectives. Officers summarised that progress achieved under the existing equality objectives and the rationale for updated objectives focused on trust building, accessibility, inclusive culture, and fair delivery of services. The use of Equality Impact Assessments across council functions and alignment with partnership working and new deprivation data.

Some members debated the inclusion of the term equity alongside equality, diversity and inclusion. Concerns were raised including the potential conflict between equity and statutory equality duties, legal clarity and consistency with the Equality Act 2010.

Officers clarified that equity reflected practical steps already taken by the Council to address differing needs and barriers, examples included accessible venues, Healthy Hubs, targeting funding, and service adaptations.

Councillor Cooper proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Hearn.

• “Delete paragraph 2.2
• In paragraph 3.2, in the sixth bullet, delete ‘equity’
• In paragraph 5.2, in the fourth bullet, replace ‘inclusion and equity’ with ‘and inclusion’.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared be LOST by the Chair, the voting being For 4 and 9 Against.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For 9, Against 0, Abstentions 4.

RESOLVED:

That:

• The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for 2026-30.
• The committee review, and if required amend the draft Equality Objectives for 2026-30.
• The committee agrees to a public consultation on the draft Policy and Objectives.
• That public access to the report be immediate
• That public access to the decision be immediate.

That:

·         Committee to approve the progression of the proposed Council Plan 2026-2029 to Full Council on 24 February 2026 for adoption.

The Committee considered the proposed Council Plan. Officers outlined the engagement undertaken, including over 600 consultation responses, and explained that the plan was intended to be strategic, supported by service plans and KPIs.

Members welcomed the engagement and ambition of the plan but queried whether the plan was sufficiently specific and deliverable and discussed historic challenges in delivering previous Council Plans.

Officers advised that delivery would be monitored through quarterly performance reporting. The service plans and committee scrutiny would provide operational detail. A mid term review of the Council Plan would take place.

The motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For 9, Against 0, Abstentions 4.

RESOLVED:

That:

·       Committee to approve the progression of the proposed Council Plan 2026-2029 to Full Council on 24 February 2026 for adoption.

That:

·         Committee approve the launch of the SME Solar PV and Battery Grant, using £50,000 of existing climate change budgets across the financial years 25/26 and 26/27.

The Committee considered a proposal to launch a £50,000 grant scheme for SMEs. Members supported the scheme, noting the environmental benefits, support for local businesses and leveraging private investment into the district. Clarification was provided that carbon offsetting benefits were not a legal requirement, decisions on reinvestment would be for the Council. Alternative mechanisms such as business rates relief were outside the scope of this report.

The motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For 9, Against 4.

RESOLVED:

That:

• Committee approve the launch of the SME Solar PV and Battery Grant, using £50,000 of existing climate change budgets across the financial years 25/26 and 26/27.

That the Policy & Resources Committee recommend Full Council;

·       Note the content of the report, updated policy and Strengthened Biodiversity Duty Report

·       Approve the updated Three Rivers Biodiversity Policy

·       Approve the reporting cycle of Biodiversity Duty to be every 5 years and for the Council Biodiversity Policy to be reviewed on the same timeline.

The Committee considered the updated Biodiversity Policy and reporting framework. Members supported the biodiversity net gain principles, emphasised the importance of securing meaningful local environmental benefits and raised caution against approaches that prioritised lowest cost over community value. Officers confirmed statutory compliance and developer responsibilities under biodiversity legislation.

The motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

• To note the report.
• To approve the updated Biodiversity Policy.
• To adopt a five-year reporting cycle.

That:

·       Policy and Resources Committee approve a 22 kWp solar array and a 10.36kWh battery to Batchworth depot offices, requiring investment of £20,708 excluding VAT with a capital payback period of 5.5 years.

The Committee considered a proposal for an expanded solar array and battery installation. Members welcomed the strong payback period, the environmental benefits and the contribution of the decarbonisation of the Council estate.

The motion was put to the vote and was declared CARRIED by the Chair with the voting being by General Assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

·       Policy and Resources Committee approve a 22 kWp solar array and a 10.36kWh battery to Batchworth depot offices, requiring investment of £20,708 excluding VAT with a capital payback period of 5.5 years.

That:

·         Based on evidence at this time, additional licensing for HMOs is not progressed, however, this will be reviewed in 12 months’ time.

·         Based on evidence at this time, that an Article 4 direction is not progressed. However, Officers agree to keep this under review and if circumstances change, Officers will consider the position.

·         Resident input into HMO licence applications to be included as part of the forthcoming HMO Licensing Policy that will be presented to Committee later this year.

·         The address of any property subject to an application for a HMO licence to be added to the council’s HMO Register.

·         Ward Councillors, County Councillors and Parish Councillors (if applicable) are advised if a HMO licence application is received for their area.

·         Neighbours of a property that has applied for an HMO licence application will be notified by Officers upon receipt of that application. (pending approval of the council’s Data Protection and Resilience Manager)

The Committee considered a report reviewing the Council’s additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing scheme and the potential introduction of an Article 4 Direction.

Officers advised that HMOs formed a recognised part of the housing mix and were already regulated through the Council’s additional licensing scheme. It was explained that the introduction of an Article 4 Direction would remove permitted development rights and require planning permission for changes of use, but that such an approach would need to be supported by clear and proportionate evidence of harm. Officers advised that there was currently insufficient evidence to justify an immediate Article 4 Direction and highlighted the potential financial risks involved, including the possibility of compensation claims if action were taken without adequate justification.

Members discussed the impact of HMOs on local communities. Some Members raised concerns about concentrations of HMOs in certain areas and the associated effects on parking, residential amenity and community cohesion. Others emphasised that HMOs should not be stigmatised, noting that many operated without issue and provided necessary accommodation, and that problems such as parking pressures were not unique to HMOs. Members agreed on the importance of basing decisions on evidence rather than perception and of using existing licensing and enforcement powers to address individual problem properties.

Councillor Cooper proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Edwards

• “In paragraph 2.2, replace 'is not progressed' with 'is progressed', and remove everything after 'progressed'.
• In paragraph 2.3, ?replace 'is not progressed' with 'is progressed', and remove everything after 'progressed'.
• Add new paragraph 2.4 that reads: "As soon as the draft Local Plan has been adopted, Supplementary Planning Guidance is developed prescribing standards that HMOs would have to meet before receiving planning permission.

So that the amended recommendations read:

That:

1. Based on evidence at this time, additional licensing for HMOs is progressed.
2. Based on evidence at this time, that an Article 4 direction is progressed.
3. After the draft Local Plan has been adopted, Supplementary Planning Guidance be adopted prescribing standards that HMOs would have to meet before receiving planning permission.
4. Resident input into HMO licence applications to be included as part of the forthcoming HMO Licensing Policy that will be presented to Committee later this year.
5. The address of any property subject to an application for a HMO licence to be

added to the council’s HMO Register.

6. Ward Councillors, County Councillors and Parish Councillors (if applicable) are

advised if a HMO licence application is received for their area.

7. Neighbours of a property that has applied for an HMO licence application will be

notified by Officers upon receipt of that application. (pending approval of the

council’s Data Protection and Resilience Manager)”

The amendment was put to the vote and declared LOST by the Chair, the voting being For 4, Against 8, Abstention 1.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

·       Based on evidence at this time, additional licensing for HMOs is not progressed, however, this will  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR1424

That Members of the Policy & Resources Committee:

·         Approve and recommend to Full Council the Local Plan Regulation 19 Part 1: Policies document as set out in Appendix 1 for public consultation in accordance with the regulations and the Local Development Scheme

·         Grant delegated authority to the Head of Planning Policy & Conservation and the Director of Finance in consultation with the Lead Member for the Local Plan to make any subsequent changes that are required before the documents are published for consultation

·         Grant delegated authority to the Head of Planning Policy & Conservation and the Director of Finance in consultation with the Lead Member for the Local Plan to propose minor modifications to the Local Plan and submit the plan to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in public.

·         Agree significant proposed modifications to the Local Plan be agreed by Urgent Decision under the council’s constitution prior to submission to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in public.

The Committee considered the Regulation 19 Part 2 Site Allocations document for the Local Plan, which sets out the proposed allocation of sites for development and protection prior to submission for examination.

Jon Bishop of Three Rivers Joint Residents Association addressed the committee and thanked Officers and Members for the extensive work undertaken on the local plan, nothing that the proposed policies represented a significant improvement on the current plan and reflected resident engagement, even where not all points had been accepted. He acknowledged the proposed level of housing growth as a pragmatic balance between meeting housing need and protecting the green belt.

Mr Bishop drew attention to a numerical inconsistency within Policy SP1, which he believed to be a typographical error, and raised concerns about the use of the term “overdevelopment” in relation to areas of fundamental importance, suggesting that clearer and more prescriptive wording would provide greater certainty. He also highlighted a technical issue relating to the 45 degree splay line in the appendices.

Mr Bishop further explained that the Association had submitted written suggestions seeking stronger policy wording, particularly where “should” was used instead of “must”, and emphasised the importance of clear, enforceable policies in light of potential changes to the planning system. He concluded by encouraging the Committee to progress the Local Plan to Regulation 19 without delay.

Officers introduced the report and explained that this represented the final stage of plan preparation before submission to the Planning Inspectorate, with the forthcoming Regulation 19 consultation focused on matters of legal compliance and soundness. Officers advised that the Site Allocations document had been developed alongside the Part 1 Policies document and reflected the outcomes of extensive evidence gathering, sustainability appraisal and engagement through the Local Plan Sub-Committee process. It was emphasised that the allocations sought to balance identified development needs with environmental constraints, including Green Belt considerations.

Members discussed the report and acknowledged the significant amount of work undertaken by officers and the Local Plan Sub-Committee. Some Members reiterated concerns raised previously about individual sites, particularly in relation to deliverability, infrastructure capacity and consistency with the Council’s wider spatial strategy. Other Members noted that while individual site concerns remained, the Regulation 19 stage was necessarily narrow in scope and that unresolved objections would be tested through the independent examination process.

Members also discussed the importance of ensuring that the Site Allocations document was robustly evidenced, internally consistent with the Part 1 Policies, and capable of being defended at examination. Officers confirmed that minor factual or typographical corrections could be made prior to publication under delegated authority, but that the Council must be satisfied that the document was sound in principle before proceeding to consultation.

The Committee recognised that delaying progression at this stage would risk undermining the overall Local Plan timetable and agreed that the appropriate mechanism for resolving outstanding objections would be through representations to the Planning Inspector.

An amendment was raised by Councillor Edwards and seconded by Councillor Reed.

“Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling  ...  view the full minutes text for item PR1524

To approve the work programme.

The Work Programme was noted.

           If the Committee wishes to consider the remaining item in private, it will be appropriate for a resolution to be passed in the following terms:-

            “that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act. It has been decided by the Council that in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

            (Note:  If other confidential business is approved under item 3, it will also be necessary to specify the class of exempt or confidential information in the additional items.)

The Chair moved, duly seconded, the following motion:

“that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under paragraph (X) of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act. It has been decided by the Council that in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

That Members of the Policy & Resources Committee:

·         Approve and recommend to Full Council the Local Plan Regulation 19 Part 2: Site Allocations document as set out in Appendix 1 for public consultation in accordance with the regulations and the Local Development Scheme

·         Grant delegated authority to the Head of Planning Policy & Conservation and the Director of Finance in consultation with the Lead Member for the Local Plan to make any subsequent changes that are required before the documents are published for consultation

·         Grant delegated authority to the Head of Planning Policy & Conservation and the Director of Finance in consultation with the Lead Member for the Local Plan to propose minor modifications to the Local Plan and submit the plan to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in public.

·          Agree significant proposed modifications to the Local Plan be agreed by Urgent Decision under the council’s constitution prior to submission to the Planning Inspectorate for examination in public.

Officers introduced the report and explained that the Site Allocations document formed the second part of the Regulation 19 Local Plan, identifying specific sites for development and protection in accordance with the spatial strategy set out in Part 1. It was explained that this stage represented the final opportunity for the Council to approve the document for consultation prior to submission to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination. Officers reiterated that the Regulation 19 consultation was narrowly focused on matters of legal compliance and soundness, and that representations would be considered by the Inspector rather than revisited by the Council.

Members acknowledged the extensive work undertaken by officers and the Local Plan Sub-Committee in developing the Site Allocations, including consideration of sustainability appraisal, deliverability, infrastructure capacity and environmental constraints. Some Members reiterated concerns previously raised about individual site allocations, particularly in relation to local impacts, infrastructure provision and consistency with settlement character. It was noted, however, that these matters had been considered through earlier stages of the plan-making process and that outstanding objections would be tested through the examination process.

Members discussed the importance of ensuring that the Site Allocations document was internally consistent with the Part 1 Policies document and supported by robust evidence. Officers confirmed that minor factual or typographical corrections could be made prior to publication under delegated authority, but emphasised that the Council must be satisfied that the document was sound in principle before proceeding.

The Committee recognised that delaying progression of the Site Allocations at this stage would risk undermining the overall Local Plan timetable and increase exposure to speculative development. Members agreed that the appropriate mechanism for resolving remaining disagreements was through the independent examination process.

Councillor Cooper proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Edwards,

“Remove the allocation of the following sites:

• H5 (ACFS9b, Little How Croft)
• H12 (CFS56, Church Hill Road, Bedmond)
• H15 (CFS13, land at Oxhey Lane, Watford Heath)
• H16 (CFS14, land north of Oxhey Lane, Carpenders Park)
• H17 (NCFS11, Grange Wood, Carpenders Park)
• H20 (CFS16, Chorleywood station car park)
• H32 (CFS65, Bucknalls Lane)
• H36 (CFS26c, west of Kings Langley estate)
• H37 (NSS20, land adjacent to the RES site, Egg Farm Lane)
• H41 (EOS7.0, land to the south of Shepherds Lane and east of M25)
• H53 (CFS47c, Adams Nurseries, Sarratt)”

The amendment was put to the vote and declared LOST by the Chair, with the voting being For 4, Against 9.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, with the voting being For 9, Against 0, Absentions 4.