Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 20 January 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held 20 January 2022 were agreed and signed.

The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on the revised timetable for the emerging Fenland Local Plan. 

Members considered the Local Plan Update report presented by Councillor Mrs Laws.

Councillor Mrs French said she fully supports this but is concerned elements of the timetable clash with Purdah. Councillor Boden agreed it is standard practice not to undertake consultations during Purdah, however the timetable does give a six-week period for the consultation process which would be before Purdah begins. Councillor Boden did acknowledge that it is a tight deadline, and if there is any delay in getting to the stage of being able to get past the first consultation and then the reconsideration of the further draft of the proposed Local Plan, then he fears the timetable will have to be shifted to after the local elections. As it stands, it is just doable but there is no room for any further slippage. Councillor Mrs Laws said it is unfortunate that we have been in the hands of others when we have had to go out to consultation, and it is no fault of officers that there have been delays. It is a tight timeframe, and she hopes it can be done, but all she can do is advise Cabinet as we proceed.

Cabinet AGREED to:

·         Approve the Local Development Scheme (LDS) (Appendix 1) which sets out the revised timetable for production of the Fenland Local Plan.

·         Delegate to Acting Assistant Director the ability to approve any future changes to the Local Plan timetable (and LDS) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

For information purposes.

Councillor Boden presented the draft six-month Cabinet Forward Plan for information and invited comments. Councillor Mrs French said she had previously asked for an update on Civil Parking Enforcement. Councillor Boden said that would be noted and added to the Plan but that the Chief Executive had reminded him that there is reference to an update on 4^th March but it may not be a full report.

To provide Cabinet with an update on progress and issues arising related to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Wisbech High Street Programme and the ongoing projects relating to two properties at 24 Wisbech High Street and 11-12 Wisbech High Street.

This item comprises EXEMPT INFORMATION comprised in a Schedule 3 and Appendix 1 which is not for publication by virtue of Paragraphs 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). 

Members considered the Wisbech High Street Project Review report presented by Councillor Seaton. 

Cabinet AGREED to:

3.1       Note the positive progress that this project has made both on supporting third party owned property improvements as well as the continuing activity programme.

3.2       Note the current position regarding 11/12 High Street and requests an updated option appraisal for consideration.

3.3       Authorise the continued commitment to develop 24 High Street Wisbech in accordance with current proposals and approves the associated budgetary implications.

3.4       Authorise officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Social Mobility and Heritage, to put in place al required financial, legal and governance arrangements as required to facilitate the delivery of the best achievable outcomes for both buildings in line with existing delegations.

(Members resolved to exclude the public from the meeting for this item of business on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).