Agenda item

To receive written reports from the Lead Members on activities falling within their remit since the last meeting of Full Council.

The Council received the written Lead Member reports and noted the updates provided on activities since the previous meeting of Full Council.

The Leader of the Council introduced his report and highlighted a number of matters relating to planning, local government reform and ongoing strategic projects across the district. Members were advised that the Council continued to face significant challenges arising from national planning reforms and interventions affecting the emerging Local Plan. Reference was made to planning appeals, development pressures and the need to continue representing the interest of Three Rivers residents throughout the planning process. Members noted the importance of maintaining a strong local voice as discussions surrounding future local government structures progressed.

The Lead Member for Sustainability and Climate Change updated Members on the Environmental Champions Awards and congratulated those residents, businesses and organizations who had been recognized for their contributions towards sustainability and environmental improvement. Members were also advised that provisional carbon emissions figures indicated that the Council remained below its forecast target levels and continued to make progress against its climate change objectives. The Lead Member paid tribute to officers and community groups who had supported environmental initiatives throughout the district.

In discussing the reports, Members welcomed the information provided and recognized the considerable volume of work being undertaken across the authority. Particular reference was made to planning matters, environmental initiatives, community engagement projects and work associated with local government reorganization. Members acknowledged that a number of significant projects would continue to require careful monitoring over the coming months.

The reports were noted.

Each political party had been able to ask 2 supplementary questions to the Lead Members either from their report or from their portfolio area.

Councillor Edwards to the Lead Member for Sustainability and Climate Change Councillor Bentley asked a question regarding the Council’s position on a proposed data centre development affecting Abbots Langley. Members expressed concern about the potential environmental impacts of the proposal and questioned whether support for associated infrastructure improvements could be interpreted as support for the development itself. In response, the Lead Member reiterated opposition to the development proposal and advised that previous representations against the scheme had been made. Members were informed that whilst the Council remained opposed to the development, it would continue to seeks the best possible outcomes for residents should the proposal ultimately proceed through decisions taken at a national level.

Councillor Sian to the Leader of the Council Councillor Giles-Medhurst asked a question regarding the future management of asbestos within the Aquadrome and south assurances about the temporary nature of fencing and restricted access arrangements. Questions focused on whether sections of the Aquadrome might be permanently closed and how future management decisions would be communicated to the public. In response, it was confirmed that the Council would continue to follow the established asbestos management plan and that ongoing assessment of risks would determine future actions. While Members were advised that it was not possible at that stage to provide definitive assurances regarding long term arrangements, a written responses would be provided setting out the Council’s position in greater detail.

Councillor Sims to the Lead Member for Leisure, Councillor Lloyd. Concern was raised for the Council’s approach to communications with residents during significant projects. Reference was made to the reopening of Ebury Play Area and the positive feedback received regarding public communications during that project. Members suggested that a similar approach should be adopted for other sensitive schemes, particularly where temporary closures or restrictions affected public access. The Lead Member agreed that effective communication was important and advised that officers would continue to provide information where legally and practically possible, whilst recognizing that some matters could not be publicly disclosed during ongoing investigations or legal processes.

Councillor Cox to the Leader of the Council Councillor Giles-Medhurst asked a question regarding the progress of Green Lane Pavilion and the timescales associated with future use of the site. It was recognized that the matter remained important to local residents and sports organisations. The Leader advised that a written response would be provided.

Councillor Cooper to the Lead Member of Resources, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Price asked a question regarding planning enforcement and the destruction of a listed building known as The Court. Members sought clarification regarding potential enforcement action and referred examples elsewhere in the country where local authorities had pursued restoration or reconstruction of heritage assets following unauthorized demolition. In response, the Deputy Leader advised that investigations by the Police and Fire Service had concluded that responsibility for the incident could not be attributed to a known individual and, as a result, the Council presently had no clear legal basis upon which to pursue certain forms of enforcement action. Members were informed that the Council remained committed to protecting heritage assets and would continue to examine any lawful options available to it. It was also emphasized that each enforcement case depended on its own facts and legal circumstances.

Councillor Mitchell to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Giles-Medhurst regarding the proposed development at Barton Way, Croxley Green and asked whether further discussions could take place with parish councillors and residents regarding potential solutions. It was argued that local representatives should continue to be involved in identifying a mutually acceptable way forward. In response, the Leader confirmed a willingness to meet with interested parties and continue discussions regarding the matter.

Councillor Cox to the Lead Member of Resources, Regeneration and Economic Development, Louise Price, Concerning the timescale for works for Prestwick Road. It was noted that it was not the councils responsibility to solicit leaseholders.

Councillor Sims to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Giles-Medhurst regarding the Mill Stream Motion, Removal of the Weir, it was confirmed that the matter would be further considered at Climate Change and Leisure Committee.