Havant Borough Council Cabinet Meeting

Councillor Robinson as Deputy Leader chaired the meeting in Councillor Rennie’s absence and confirmed the Leader hoped to join the meeting later.

There were no apologies of absence received for this meeting.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests relating to matters on the agenda.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 7 June 2023 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

Councillor Rennie apologised for being late and thanked Councillor Robinson in chairing this meeting in his absence.

Councillor Rennie highlighted the Council’s successful in achieving Gold award status for the Armed Forces Scheme.  Cabinet thanked officers, in particular to Laura Bevis and former Councillor Thain-Smith, for their work behind the scenes in achieving this success and look forward to attending a ceremony later in the year.

There were no questions from Councillors under the provision of this standing order. 

There were no recommendations referred by Full Council or from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for consideration under the provision of this standing order.

Councillor Rennie, as Leader of the Council introduced a report introducing free parking for 30 minutes at the Wellington Way Car Park in Waterlooville.  The scheme being part of a range of measures the Council is seeking to implement to encourage footfall in Waterlooville Town Centre designed to encourage people to use some of the smaller independent retailers on the High Street.

Councillor Rennie responded to questions raised.

Following debate, a motion proposed by Councillor Rennie to adopt the recommendation set out in the report was seconded by Councillor Robinson.

Following a vote, it was

RESOLVED that the introduction of free parking for a maximum stay of 30 minutes (no return within one hour) in 12 parking bays which will be in force between the hours of 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday at the Wellington Way Car Park in Waterlooville be approved.

Councillor Rennie, as Leader of the Council introduced a report seeking approval of the corporate priorities plan that will help to deliver the ambitions set out in the Corporate Strategy.

Councillor Rennie and supporting officers responded to questions raised.

A motion proposed by Councillor Rennie to adopt the recommendation set out in the report was seconded by Councillor Bowerman.

Following a vote, it was

RESOLVED that the submitted Corporate Priorities Plan be approved.

Councillor Lloyd, as the relevant Cabinet Lead introduced a report seeking approval for Havant Borough to become a member of the Solent Cluster and provided an overview of the benefits to the Council in becoming a member.

Councillor Lloyd responded to questions raised.

Following debate, a motion proposed by Councillor Lloyd to adopt the recommendation set out in the report was seconded by Councillor Bowerman.

Following a vote, it was

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommend to Full Council that Havant Borough Council becomes a member of the Solent Cluster.

(Councillor Rennie did not take in the vote on this item as he was not present for the full debate)

Councillor Lloyd, as the relevant Cabinet Lead introduced a report seeking approval for Havant Borough to enter into a legal agreement for the Warnford Park Estate nutrient mitigation scheme to ensure a continuing supply of nutrient mitigation, as well as approval of delegated authority to enter into further legal agreements with appropriate third-party mitigation schemes as they emerge onto the market. 

Councillor Lloyd informed members that this matter was also considered by the Planning Policy Committee at its meeting held on 30 May 2023 and 04 July 2023 at which there were no amendments made to the recommendations as set out in the report.

Councillor Lloyd and supporting officers responded to questions raised.

Councillor Rennie joined the meeting at 14:54

Following debate, a motion proposed by Councillor Lloyd to adopt the recommendations set out in the report was seconded by Councillor Bowdell.

Following a vote in which there was one abstention, it was

RESOLVED that

(1)      Havant Borough Council enter into a nutrient neutrality mitigation agreement and authority be delegated:

a.         to the Executive Head of Place in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 officer to enter into a legal agreement with the South Downs National Park Authority and the mitigation land owner at Warnford Park, Warnford, Hampshire; and

b.         to the Executive Head of Place in consultation with Cabinet Lead for Planning, Environment and Water Quality to enter into other legal agreements for third party strategic nutrient neutrality mitigation schemes, following agreement of them from Natural England.

(2)        the officers update the Planning Policy Committee annually, or sooner if requested by the Chair, on the planning based measures being put in place to preserve and enhance the Borough’s natural environment. This would include, but not be limited to, nutrient neutrality.

RESOLVED that:

1.                  the Delegated Decision as set out in the agenda be noted; and

2.                  the minutes of meetings as set out in the agenda be noted.

The Deputy Leader informed Cabinet the Leader of the Council wished appoint Councillor Fairhurst as Standing Deputy to represent the Council on the Local Government Association Coastal Issues Special Interest Group (SIG). 

A motion proposed by Councillor Robinson to adopt the recommendations set out in the report was seconded by Councillor Rennie.

Following a vote, it was

RESOLVED that:

1)                  Councillor Fairhurst be appointed as Standing Deputy to represent the Council on the Local Government Association Coastal Issues Special Interest Group (SIG); 

2)                  attendance at the meetings of the organisation set out in 1) above to qualify as an Approved Duty; and

3)                  the appointment to have effect until the first meeting of the Cabinet in the 2024/2025 municipal year.