Hart Borough Council Cabinet Meeting

The minutes of 05 October 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Apologies had been received from Councillors Quarterman and Radley.

No declarations made.

The Chairman announced that a minute had been received by Cabinet from the Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee of 19 September suggesting that O&S should play a more proactive role in over-seeing projects and that for greater transparency the major projects list should reviewed by Cabinet and not informal Cabinet.

The Cabinet discussed the proposal about the overall governance of the Council and agreed that the current arrangements were appropriate particularly as O&S Service Panels already scrutinises projects when they review progress against service plans.

None.

This item was to provide an update on the draft Viability Appraisals for New Developments Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) following public consultation and seek Cabinet agreement to adopt the SPD.

Councillors heard from the Executive Director – Place that the document was extremely useful for viability discussions with applicants and if necessary for debates in front of a planning inspector.

Councillors queried the landowner premiums in relation to land values and the impact this has on viability assessments. It was agreed that this section should be clarified.

Proposed by Cllr Cockarill; Seconded by Cllr Oliver.

Councillors welcomed the document, acknowledging the positive impact that this policy will have on the building of affordable homes in the area.

DECISION:

Cabinet unanimously agreed to approve the following recommendations:

1. That the Viability Appraisals for New Development Supplementary Planning Document attached at Appendix 1 is adopted for planning and development management purposes.

2. Authorise the Executive Director – Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place, to make minor alterations, clarifications and typographical corrections to the SPD prior to it being published.

The Executive Director – Corporate updated Cabinet on the projected outturn, capital overview, project overview and treasury management position, emphasising that the Council is:

· Projecting a surplus compared to budget on the revenue budget

· Continuing to operate within the Council’s approved prudential indicators.

Members queried what actions were being taken to fill vacancies contributing to the staffing underspend. Members were reassured that vacancy levels are low and that where there are vacancies, agency staff can be used to limit the impact on staff and the customer experience.

The Chief Executive stated that a paper would be taken to the Staffing Committee in mid-November to address some of these issues.

DECISIONS:

1. Cabinet noted the projected Outturn

2. Cabinet noted the Capital Overview

3. Cabinet noted the Project Overview

4. Cabinet noted the Treasury Management position

Cabinet considered the Work Programme as circulated prior to the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Development Management proposed Approval of the new Parking Order be added to the work programme for January 2024. This is to review and approve the new Parking Order which contains several changes to parking provision across Hart.

The Chief Executive proposed that the transfer of ownership of the new community hall at Hareshill to Church Crookham Parish Councill be added to the work programme for January 2024.

The additions were agreed upon, and the Cabinet noted the Work Programme.

The Chairman announced that this month, he had made an Executive Decision on Section106 funding for picnic benches in the Yateley Town area.